If Your Hands And Nails Are Looking A Little Rough Lately, These 27 Products Will Get Them Looking Fresh And Fabulous
1. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream capable of repairing dry, cracked hands while locking in moisture with a protective layer, leaving your hands silky smooth. Reviewers with eczema say it’s also highly effective for flareups on your hands!
If your hands are severely dry and cracked, some mild stinging is normal when you first apply this cream as it penetrates your skin, but this should subside shortly. (Don’t keep using if it continues!)
Promising review: “I have used countless hand creams. I keep cream in my hand bag, in my car, in my coat pocket and in nearly every room in the house. Since moving to Chicago, my hands have been suffering severely from dry, cracked skin to the point of bleeding. I’m in my 30s with the hands of an 80-year-old! THIS HAND CREAM IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER USED AND THE ONLY HAND CREAM ANYONE NEEDS FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE!!! One application alone gives tremendous relief, two applications, and you forget your hands were ever dry. A small amount goes a long way. It absorbs immediately. It’s light and nongreasy.” —RS
Get it from Amazon for $8.19.
2. Hard As Hoof nail-strengthening cream to reinvigorate your thin, brittle nails that are just cracking and peeling to no end, especially after years of nail biting or peeling off acrylics. Enriched with all sorts of good stuff like coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and vitamins, this magic cream will have your nails growing long and strong in no time.
Promising review: “This is amazing! I went from super brittle nails that I could never grow out. I had acrylic nails for two years and wanted a break; they were so thin and damaged from the acrylics. Now, only after a few weeks, my nails are completely healed and grown and will not break! I wish I found this sooner; I wouldn’t have wasted my time and money on nail maintenance! Try it!” —Chelsea Lauren Hill
Get it from Amazon for $8.88.
3. CND SolarOil, which not only strengthens nails but also heals and smoothens dry, cracked cuticles. This conditioning treatment contains jojoba oil, almond oil, and vitamin E.
Each day, work the oil into your nails and cuticles, and they will begin to grow and strengthen so you don’t have to worry about weak nails anymore!
Promising review: “I had peeling, weak nails for years. Tried everything. I bought this in February. This size bottle lasted a bit more than a month, religiously applying it two to three times a day. I was really seeing great improvement so I bought another bottle in late March. By May, all the peeling had grown out, and my nails were getting stronger every day. I then bought the big 4-ounce refill bottle because I never want to run out of it again! Cannot recommend this stuff enough!” —Diana
Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in three sizes).
4. Or a gorgeous flower-infused option to help soothe and repair your dry cuticles — reviewers love using this on their hands in between manicures to keep things looking fresh, and the luxe packaging + lovely floral scent is just the cherry on top!
Promising review: “I bought this cuticle oil in rose scent [a year and a half ago]. I am still using it! The smell has not faded nor gone rancid. I always make sure to use it after doing my own manicures. One bottle will last forever it seems. I have sensitive skin, and it doesn’t irritate me at all. Can’t recommend it enough.” —MauiGirl22
“I was having issues with my cuticles as they were very dry. I began using this oil and in a week, my cuticles have healed and are looking healthy. The natural botanical smell is amazing, and I have also been using it on my feet.” —sit
Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in 31 scents).
5. A retinol hand cream that can help turn back the clock a little on your hands, reducing the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and rough texture. Our hands really go *through* it with years of hard use, but this vitamin A-enriched formula may have them looking and feeling a little more youthful with consistent use.
As with any retinol product, ease into using this and work your way up to more frequent use to test your skin’s tolerance and avoid irritation.
Promising review: “I’m in my mid-40s and have using this product for two weeks now. I am thrilled with the results I see so far! When you first apply, it feels a little greasy, but spend an extra 15 seconds running it in, and it will soak all the way in. In less than a minute, they will feel soft and not greasy at all. The picture I posted shows the difference after only one week of use. While yes, the lighting is off because one was outside and one inside, I bent my hand to the same angle, and you can clearly see a difference in discoloration and wrinkles. I’m excited to see more improvement with longer usage. I have only been using it at night, but the bottle says you can use it twice a day. I’ve tried many expensive hand creams before without any results, so you can’t beat this price or these results!” —J. Collier
Get it from Amazon for $18.99.
6. A Gold Bond hand cream sporting the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval, so for my fellow eczema girlies (and guys) out there who deal with those annoying red, scaly patches on your hands, you can trust in this stuff. It contains 2% colloidal oatmeal along with vitamin E and aloe to bring sweet, sweet relief.
Promising review: “I get eczema patches on my fingers and arms when I’m stressed out, so I don’t need to use this lotion every day, but I find myself reaching for it anyway because it’s moisturizing and absorbs nicely. It’s a thicker lotion, but it still sinks into the skin quickly. It helps my skin to feel less itchy, and the eczema patches ‘heal’ faster (until I get stressed out and they come back, but you get what I mean). It doesn’t smell good or bad; the scent it does have fades when applied, so even though it’s not a pretty perfume smell, it doesn’t affect the smell of my perfume (if I apply any).” —Jacqueline R.
Get it from Amazon for $4.97.
7. A wooden fingernail-cleaning brush in case dirt has taken up permanent residence under your fingernails. Designed especially for folks who do manual labor with their hands (like mechanics, farmers, and cleaners), this handy tool has narrow bristles that’ll get right under your nails to gently remove that built-up grime that’s turning them black. Flip it over to the other side (which has wide bristles) to scrub larger areas like your toenails and feet!
Promising review: “What an incredible brush that makes hand washing easier when oil, grease, or paint is present. I like that the bristles are very firm but soft, which helps to get the dirt out of your nails without hurting you. The handle is made of wood, and after use, I recommend letting it dry to avoid damage, but it is very resistant.” —Frida Lopez
Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in two colors).
8. A fungal nail renewal formula because those thick, discolored, painful spots on your nails are getting hard to ignore. You won’t have to wait around long for improvement, either — reviewers started noticing a visible difference within days.
To use, you just apply a thin layer twice a day (morning and night) to the affected area and under the edge of the nail for a week — after that, switch to applying once per day at night.
Promising review: “I tried EVERYTHING! I tried tree tea oil for years and various different products. Nothing worked. The reviews were so great on this that I decided to try to cure it one more time. But when you have had a condition for 35 years, you aren’t too hopeful! I followed the suggestions of some of the reviewers and cut my toenails (I only had it on my big toes) everywhere that the fungus was present. Even below the quick. I started applying this gel, which is super easy to use. I swear to you that I noticed a difference after one application.” —WIAPilot
Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (also available with a file).
9. A liquid cuticle remover to clean up those nail beds and leave them looking neat and moisturized. The professional formula softens that thick, tough excess skin so it comes right off, and it’ll work magic on those annoying hangnails too. Honestly, you might as well lose your nail salon’s number after you see the manicures you can pull off with this stuff.
To use, just saturate a cotton pad or ball with the solution, apply liberally to your cuticles and nails, let it sit for 30 seconds, then gently push back cuticles before rinsing off with warm water.
Promising review: “I work in a deli/kitchen, and between the frequent handwashing for food safety, hands being submerged in soapy water and sanitizer when cleaning, and then the beating my hands take from the scrubbing of dishes and surfaces, my cuticles are usually a wreck of hangnails, stiff/scratchy excess skin, and just nasty looking. My cuticles come in thick and stiff and it makes removing or pushing them up super difficult. I impulse bought this, figuring it couldn’t possibly make things any worse, and I have been blown away. A single drop or two is enough for each nail to soften up my stubborn cuticles so I can push them back. Within about 2–3 days of using this after work, my nails look as pretty and well-maintained as they did before I hurled them into the hurricane of abuse at my job. It’s hydrating, softening, gentle, and man, does it go a really long way.” —Audrey
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in three sizes).
10. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish because sure, you’d *like* to paint your nails on a regular basis, but sitting still and waiting for it to dry for what feels like HOURS is a no-go with your busy schedule. No more smudges or fiddling with a base and top coat — this 3-in-1 formula will dry within 60 seconds to a gorgeous shade so you can go about your day.
Promising review: “I love having my nails painted but always end up with fingerprints or some kind of defect in the polish because it takes too long to dry. This product has made it so that I can paint my nails and have them look like this [above] — the color was spot on and SO pretty. This is two coats, and anything that got on my skin was super easy to buff out in the shower with an exfoliating glove. Color: Time to Indi-go.” —Supriya Chittajallu
Get it from Amazon for $7.49 (available in many colors).
11. A beginner-friendly gel nail polish kit if you can’t deal with the kind of nail polish that inevitably chips in two days. Reviewers say these last around 2–3 weeks on your hands, and even longer on your toes (one reviewer said their toe polish lasted 1.5 months)! The kit comes with 32 gorgeous colors and everything you need to get the job done, including a UV light that allows the gel to harden.
The kit comes with 32 bottles of gel nail polish, a base coat, a regular top coat, a glitter top coat, a matte top coat, the UV lamp, and a ton of other nail accessories like nail removable wipes and clips, a nail file, a nail buff sponge, and more.
Promising review: “I have been thoroughly impressed at my ability to do this on my own without assistance and the tiniest ounce of research! The nails last on average of 10–14 days. By 14 days, I usually still have no chipping/peeling, but I remove them since the nail grows out a bit too long and needs reshaping. These help my nails grow long fast since they are harder to chip! The colors in this pack are very vibrant. The bottles are a little smaller than expected, but there are so many that I’m not complaining lol. I love this!” —Lillian Cook
Get it from Amazon for $32.89 (available in eight different sets).
12. If you prefer to keep things simple but neat: Some nail concealer designed to conceal any yellowing or staining, coating them in a milky shade that looks natural and gorgeous. Yeah, it costs more than cheaper nail polish, but it gives a professional look without the hefty price tag, and reviewers say it lasts up to two weeks!
BTW, Londontown is a small biz!
Promising review: “As a 62-year-old woman who gardens, cleans house, etc., I needed something that improved the look of my nails without looking cheap or crappy. This was more than I wanted to spend on nail polish…but totally worth it. Two coats showed NO ridges and looked better than natural without looking fake or cheap. Totally worth it!” —Unbiased Independent Reviewer
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in five shades).
Check out our Londontown Illuminating Nail Concealer review for more deets!
13. Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion, which works by forming a protective layer (a pair of ‘invisible gloves,’ if you will) around your hands to shield them against frequent hand washing, wearing *real* gloves, and other common irritants.
One application lasts for around four hours.
Promising review: “MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE!!!! This product is absolutely amazing. My husband is a hard-working man. His hands have always been peeling and cracked to the point where they split so badly and bleed, and his hands constantly hurt — to the point where he would always say he just wanted to cut his hand off. His skin would be so rough it would scratch you if he touched you. He’s been using this for about three weeks (maybe). And we have seen a drastic change in his skin. His cracks are actually healing. His skin is softer to the touch. This is honestly a lifesaver for him. I am going to continue to buy this product for as long as I possibly can. Thank you so much to this company!” —MjD
Get it from Amazon for $21.95.
14. The infamous Weleda Skin Food cream, an ultra-rich plant-based moisturizer your dry skin will drink up, leaving your hands hydrated and ~luminous~.
It’s super popular as a face moisturizer too! Reviewers and MUAs alike love it as a makeup primer.
Promising review: “Seriously, the best hand cream. I have tried SO many, and nothing compares to how healing/moisturizing this is. I am a mom to young children and wash my hands way too many times a day to count. This frequent hand washing, coupled with harsh winter and drying indoor heating, had my hands painfully dry and cracking. I looked like I had tiny paper cuts on my knuckles. This cream, applied 2–3 times a day, has transformed my hands. That sounds very dramatic, but it is totally true. They are smooth and soft and anything but dry! It has a slightly medicinal smell but I don’t find it bothersome or very noticeable. This product is a steal for how well it works. I have never found anything that works so well, so quickly. Within a day my hands were in the best shape they’ve been in in months. If you have dry skin just buy it. I never write reviews but felt compelled to write this one because the product is so amazing!” —Katy W.
Get it from Amazon for $15.29.
15. A gorgeous set of nail wraps to spice up your at-home manis. You just peel, stick, and file them for a look that’s both fresh and natural-looking, and reviewers say they stick on for weeks at a time! No more painstakingly painting your nails with basic polish that starts chipping within days.
This darling small biz is based in Florida and sells a variety of nail wrap designs, stickers, and nail tools and accessories. Check out their store page to see the full offering of cute designs!
Promising review: “I wanted to wait to review these nail wraps as they just kept going! I bought these thinking I would be happy if they lasted the weekend… I finally removed them last night after 26 days! I followed the application instructions (swipe nail with nail polish remover beforehand) and finished with a top coat, making sure to cap the tip of the nail too. When wearing these nails, I bathed, I swam, and they still lasted! One set will be enough for two applications for short nails. I would definitely purchase these again!” —Charlotte
Get a set from Pretty Fab Nails on Etsy for $8.99, including the pastel floral and midnight marble designs shown above.
16. Supergoop Handscreen with SPF 40 because your hands are exposed to the sun more than almost any other part of your body (think: on your car’s steering wheel, while walking the dog, etc.), and this lightweight, non-greasy formula will protect them against those harmful UV rays while also nourishing the skin with natural oils and antioxidants. A little goes a long way, and the travel size is perfect for keeping in your bag!
Promising review: “A high-SPF moisturizer that isn’t chalky and isn’t full of questionable ingredients — what could be better? I’ve been using this stuff for years and give it full credit for keeping my hands as soft and spot-free as they are. (Also use their CC Cream and love it, too!)” —KHW
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).
17. A six-pack of intensive repairing hand masks here to rescue your rough, dry hands that are in dire need of some TLC. Just slide your hands into these deeply moisturizing gloves, which contain coconut oil, milk extract, and hyaluronic acid, and once the 20 minutes are up, it’ll be like you just unearthed a new pair of silky smooth hands. Bonus: They’re touchscreen-compatible so you can still scroll TikTok while the treatment’s working!
A secure tab prevents these gloves from sliding off while they’re working their magic, so it’s totally mess free.
Promising reviews: “The gloves are great for dry, cracked winter hands. I left mine on a little longer, and my skin was very moisturized. I also like that they work with touchscreen phones, so I didn’t have to sit there all awkward for the duration.” —Bonnie Reddig
“I am absolutely delighted! This pack of six gloves has been a true savior for my dry hands, providing a luxurious spa-like experience right in the comfort of my home. The application process is incredibly easy and mess-free, and the results are simply phenomenal. After just one use, my hands felt incredibly soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. The dryness and rough patches were noticeably reduced, and my skin looked and felt more hydrated and plump.” —LDM
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $13.60 (also available in a sock version for feet, and a combo pack with both styles).
18. A set of Glamnetic’s press-on nails in case you don’t have the time or money to invest in regular salon visits but still want that polished look. Whether you’re going for chic subtlety or cute designs, these make it ridiculously easy, *plus* they’re reusable for up to two weeks per wear!
Promising review: “I am a very happy customer. After trying so many different brands (including the cheapest ones from other sites), no other press-ons have lasted over two weeks! I love how they conform to my nails and make it look natural. You can tell in my pictures that there’s growth just as I would have from getting my nails done at the salon. I’ll definitely order these again and I highly recommend them to anyone. They’re super easy to put on. I also type all day for my job and they’ve held up. I’m impressed!!” —steph
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in many styles).
19. Or some glamorous bedazzled acrylic press-ons that’ll have you feeling bougie on a budget, since this 24-piece kit costs just $10 bucks (!) but the luxe designs look like you paid way more. These’ll have you skipping down the street singing, “Best believe I’m still bejeweled.” 🎶
You’ll get 24 pieces in 12 different sizes, a mini file, a glass nail file, a wooden stick, a tutorial card and a sheet of glue stickers. You can use a top coat to seal rhinestones so they don’t fall off as easily! Reviewers suggest using nail glue to apply them.
Promising reviews: “Very durable and so pretty! I got a lot of compliments. Get it, you won’t regret it. Be a baddie on a budget. 👌🏼👌🏼” —Kathie
“Love these nails, very sturdy and elegant for the price. Looks just like you walked out of a salon for 10% of the price. I will buy again.” —NisaSimone
Get a set of 24 pieces from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 16 designs).
20. The cult-favorite Bio-Oil here to rescue your hands from dryness and cracking, especially with cooler weather on the way. Packed with vitamins A and E, chamomile, lavender, and other nourishing natural oils, it’s also a pro at fading scars, burns, and stretch marks (as shown below)!
Promising reviews: “I’ve used this stuff for a few years, and I have to tell you it’s pretty much replaced lotion for me. I don’t put it on thick, though. It makes my legs and feet silky smooth. Even putting it on the bottoms of my feet, they don’t get greasy or slippery. I put a dab on my lips to avoid chapping and lines. I dab some on the outside of my eyes to counter the crow’s feet that are trying to form. Dry ankles, knees, knuckles, or elbows? Saturate them. Chapped nipples from running in the cold (or whatever you’re doing to make them chapped)? Dab some on. I’ve used it on my face as a moisturizer in a pinch.” —Rebecca Blake
“I love this oil. I use it instead of face moisturizer — it keeps my face hydrated without becoming oily. I used it when my hands were cracked from washing in the winter, and it helped soothe and heal them.” —Anderson
Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in two sizes).
21. A Dove hypoallergenic body wash if your skin (especially on your hands) is dry and sensitive and doesn’t play well with fragrances. This gentle, scent-free body wash nourishes your skin while it cleanses, leaving you feeling fresh and moisturized after showering. I’ve been buying this for years and swear by it! And some reviewers even fill their hand soap containers up with it as well.
After I started getting eczema flare-ups on my hands a few years back, I started looking for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash for sensitive skin and stumbled upon this. I’ve been using it ever since. You get a big tub of it that lasts a long time (aka plenty of bang for your buck), and I love how it makes my skin feel! BTW, it’s also cruelty-free, sulfate-free, pH-balanced, and made in 100% recycled bottles.
Promising review: “This is pretty much the only product I can wash my hands with due to some weird dermatitis I’ve developed in my late 30s. I think it was from using harsh soaps and chemicals over the years, plus cold NY weather. Other normal hand soaps cause a rash — this does not! I refill all my sink soap bottles with this body wash. Hands are clean even after prepping dinners, putting makeup on, or painting the house. It does actually remove dirt/whatever.” —Faith Love
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
22. Also from Dove: A macadamia and rice milk scrub to address the rough, flaking skin on your hands and anywhere else on your body. It contains their signature one-quarter moisturizing cream, which also softens and hydrates while exfoliating. Reviewers say it’s not *too* abrasive, but just the right amount to make a difference — plus, you can’t beat the price at under $10.
Promising review: “I work in two hotels, at night in the laundry room, and I constantly wash my hands, and they started cracking so bad. So once I got home, I would shower, then scrub my hands to loosen up the dead skin that was flaking. Hands look GREAT now; I scrub them three times a week now instead of every night. They look human again.” —Lorri Jackson Betts
Get it from Amazon for $6.97.
23. Some Burt’s Bees hand salve made with natural ingredients like shea butter, honey, beeswax, and oils to soften and nourish your hands. Reviewers with dry, sensitive skin and eczema swear by it, and the compact tin is perfect for slipping into your pocket or bag — it’s sure to come in ~handy~ when you need on-the-go relief.
Promising review: “Let me start by saying I have terribly sensitive skin. Quite literally every lotion and hand cream I have ever used has aggravated my skin to some degree, often with harsh rashes, pain, and/or swelling. So, as you can imagine, my hands were dry, cracked, and often bleeding from daily work in a winter-temp warehouse…UNTIL I found this stuff! Never bothered my skin even a smidge, and within a week of nightly uses, my hands were pretty well healed! It’s greasy, but only for a few minutes, and it doesn’t take much to do the trick! As some have mentioned, the smell is a bit strong, but honestly it’s just lavender and eucalyptus, I like it. Give this stuff a try! I know my hands will be eternally thankful.” —Clark
Get it from Amazon for $8.32.
24. A Korean microdermabrasion mitt to experience the full-body exfoliating treatment of your *life* without a trip to a pricey spa. It’ll buff away dry, dead skin (on your hands, legs, and elsewhere) to reveal the smooth skin underneath, and it’ll help your hand creams and other moisturizers sink in better for long-lasting softness.
Note: It shouldn’t be used on your face, but your arms, legs, and the rest of your body are fair game!
Promising review: “I was happy and disgusted by the amount of dead dry skin these rolled off of my body. My only concern was whether I was going to clog the drain. Zero discomfort during or after. I thought the dry scaly look of my legs, arms, and hands was just turning 50. My arms, legs, and hands now look like they did when I was 30. It wiped off the rough bumps I had on my upper arms, too. So, I’ll be ordering sets for my hubby and teen son, who also have the issue with bumps on their upper arms.” —DotingMom
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as a pair).
25. A professional grooming kit if you want to get into doing your own manicures but have never done much more than clip your own nails. This has all the tools you need to groom your hands to perfection, like trimming off hangnails, pushing cuticles, and filing your nails into that perfect rounded shape.
It also contains tools for foot and facial care too, so it’s more of an all-in-one grooming kit! And it folds up into a compact case for storage.
Promising review: “As someone who loves DIY projects and attention to detail, having a reliable nail grooming kit is essential. This set has exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and functionality. The variety of tools included in this set is impressive, covering everything from basic nail clipping to more detailed manicure and pedicure tasks. I particularly appreciate is the sharpness and precision of the clippers. Both the fingernail and toenail clippers are sturdy and cut cleanly without any splitting or tearing of the nails. The stainless steel construction feels durable and hygienic, and I love the sleek design. The cuticle trimmer and pusher are very effective, and the nail file smooths edges beautifully. I’ve also used the tweezers for various small tasks, and they’re precise and easy to handle.” —dragonlord
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in five colors).
26. A glass nail file made of Czech etched glass, which gives a smoother finish and helps prevent peeling and chipping. They’re also easy to sanitize and last way longer than typical nail files!
Promising review: “Possibly the best nail file I’ve ever had. Better than metal or emery boards. Love the colors. Highly recommend. About to order more — one for my bathroom, one beside my bed, one in my vehicle, one in my purse, one at work, one where I watch TV…what’s worse than chipping a nail???” —Katherine McKeithen
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $9.92.
27. Fake Halo holographic nail polish from Mooncat because it’s glittery, magical, and your nails deserve to look ✨ radiant ✨.
Mooncat is a woman-owned, vegan, and cruelty-free small business founded by Michelle Lin. Get a closer look at some of the shades in this TikTok from Michelle herself, who shares that she wasn’t allowed to wear nail polish growing up and that she started planning Mooncat when she was 20 years old.
Promising review: “I had been debating buying this polish for a good while. I caved finally and am so glad I bought Fake Halo. In indirect light it’s a rose gold shimmer, still beautiful. But you step into the sun with this bad boy and it is stunning! I’ve never seen any kind of nail polish have the absolutely gorgeous effect that Fake Halo does. It shines, and the way sunlight reflects off of it will have you staring at your nails each time you step outside. I had to share it with my mom, who was also taken with the color. I think I could wear this everyday and honestly not get sick of looking at it.” —Natalie A.
Get it from Mooncat for $15.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
