10 Best Korean Hand Creams of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
The Korean wave (also known as the Hallyu wave) is now a global phenomenon! We see it everywhere - Korean dramas, K-pop, and even in cosmetics and skincare. One of the most loved Korean products is hand creams! Just like our face, our hands need moisture and nourishment too. You use your hands every day for all kinds of activities, so why not pamper them?
That's what inspired us to do our research and find the top 10 Korean hand creams beloved by many. Scroll down and check what hand creams made it on the list. While you’re at it, read our buying guide to help you decide which one to choose!
Quick List - Top Korean Hand Creams
TONYMOLY
Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream with a Delightful Banana Scent for Smooth, Hydrated Hands
Skybottle
Indulge in the essence of Spring with a floral-infused hand cream, delivering deep hydration and a lasting, delicate fragrance.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose a Korean Hand Cream - Buying Guide
There are a lot of Korean hand creams available in the market, but how do you know which one's for you? Here are three things to keep in mind when choosing a Korean hand cream!
Keep in Mind Your Skin Type
Choosing the right products for your hands is much like choosing the right products for your face. Everyone has unique skincare needs, so some products might work well with certain skin types more than others. So, it's important to know your skin and what it needs!
Glycerin Helps Hydrate Dry and Rough Hands
The main factors that can affect the dryness of our hands are our everyday activities. Our hands are constantly exposed to chemicals and the sun, which can cause damage. Water is known to be naturally drying, so even the simple activity of washing the dishes can cause hand dryness.
Another factor that affects the dryness of our hands is our environment, which includes the climate and temperature. For example, people living in dry climates may need a hand cream that's deeply moisturizing.
If your hands are in a good condition and you don't deal with activities that can be harsh on the hands, you can go for a lightweight formula. These will nourish and hydrate your hands without feeling overly greasy. If you need more moisture, go for a thicker hand cream!
To hydrate your hands, you should increase their moisture content. Look for ingredients like glycerin, urea, or hyaluronic acid. Make sure to apply hand cream on your hands regularly to hydrate and rejuvenate your dry hands!
For calluses, look for a cream with urea. Urea will help thin out the keratin build-up and the rough skin. Hyaluronic acid is great for immediate hydration and can be used liberally throughout the day after washing.
It will also help keep the skin looking young since it has a plumping effect. For hands affected by dermatitis, look for ceramides in your cream. The ceramides will help repair the skin barrier and prevent water loss through the skin
Fatty Substances Restore and Soothe Chapped Hands
The skin on our hands is thin and fragile, so it can get damaged easily when exposed to harmful chemicals, detergents, or soaps. Sometimes these substances cannot be avoided, which causes our hands to get chapped.
If you deal with hands that are cracked, it is important to look for a product that can repair your skin. Opt for hand creams with fatty substances that will help you restore your skin and soothe any discomfort.
Some ingredients to look for are ceramides, shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and other vegetable oils. These ingredients can help heal your hands! Also, look out for healing and soothing aloe vera if you are dealing with cracks and wounds.
If your hands are chapped, then choose a greasy, oil-based product. Chapped hands with fissures on the fingers (deep painful linear cuts) can become very painful when in contact with certain products.
Ointments or oil-based products are not as irritating to open skin or skin with an active rash. Once the rash improves, you can go back to a cream or lotion.
Choose a Gentle, Fragrance-Free Hand Cream for Sensitive Hands
The skin on our hands is naturally sensitive and thin, but some of us have extra sensitive skin. People with sensitive skin have a delicate skin barrier that easily allows irritants to absorb into the skin. This often results in redness, itching, or stinging.
If you are prone to this, it might be better to go for hand creams without fragrance, artificial ingredients, and strong essential oils. Finding a hand cream that's gentle enough for your sensitive skin will lessen any redness and discomfort. It can even prevent issues like psoriasis and eczema from being aggravated.
If you know what causes your skin to react, make sure to read the ingredient list carefully and pay close attention to how the product was made. Go for products that are dermatologist-tested, allergy-free, and natural! It's always a good idea to do a patch test, too.
If you have eczema, then choosing a fragrance-free product is a must. Look for creams with the least amount of preservatives or additives as these can flare eczema.
Fragrance and scents are a big cause of contact dermatitis, a red, itchy, and burning rash that occurs when your skin comes in contact with a material that you are allergic to.
Having eczema is a risk factor for developing skin allergies, so to be safe choose something gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free.
Collagen and Retinol Revitalize Mature Skin
Our hands might show signs of aging before other parts of our body, which is why it is important to moisturize. Using the correct hand cream regularly is the best way to ensure that your hands stay healthy and youthful!
When choosing a cream for mature hands, go for ones that will hydrate them thoroughly. Opt for products with ingredients such as shea butter, collagen, retinol, or niacinamide. These will help keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Another important ingredient to look for is adenosine. Adenosine is proven to have the ability to rejuvenate the surface of the skin to make it look smoother and younger. It is known to have anti-wrinkle benefits, too!
The sun is another thing that speeds up the aging of our hands, so consider a product with SPF as well.
The skin on the back of the hand is very thin and exposed to a lot of sun. This is why the hands age quickly with wrinkles and sunspots.
You should always use SPF on your hands to protect your hands from sun damage. Especially look for a cream with SPF if you also use a retinol product on your hands since these make you more likely to burn.
Find a Hand Cream Consistency That Will Fit Your Lifestyle
Hand creams come in either lightweight or heavy consistencies. Choose a product with a formula that fits your lifestyle and preferences! If you don't have super dry hands and just want to maintain smooth, hydrated hands, it might be better to go for a lightweight cream that you can reapply throughout the day.
If you have hands that are very dry and damaged, go for a thicker, heavier cream. Thicker creams often have more nourishing ingredients and can provide moisture throughout the day. They make feel a little greasy or take time to absorb, however.
You can also choose a product based on the season. Heavier hand creams are great for people who live in cold or dry places since thicker products will prevent your hands from getting dry due to the cold. However, people who live in hot and humid places might want to go for lighter creams since they can absorb into the skin quickly!
Consider the Different Types of Packaging
Korean hand creams are known to work well and smell great! Not only that, but they also use quality packaging, ranging from adorable animal containers to minimalist tubes.
Choose a Size and Shape That Suits Your Needs
Hand creams can vary in size. Do you only need to use hand cream at home, or do you like to carry it with you?
If you want to bring your hand cream on the go, it might be better to go for a small product that can fit in your bag. If you plan to use it at home, go for a bigger container - that way, you won’t have to worry about it running out for a while.
Korean hand creams also come in different types of packaging. Some come in minimalist tubes, while others have fun shapes or feature a character. The choice is up to you - keep it classic with a simple tube or bring some cheer to your day with a colorful animal design!
Reapplication is the name of the game when it comes to keeping your hands hydrated. With washing, sanitizing, and constantly coming into contact with everything, your hand cream wears off quickly.
If you have dry skin, you should ideally be applying the cream after every time you wash your hands to restore hydration to the skin that the water removes. Using a greasier, oil-based product will allow for it to stay on longer.
Pick Packaging That's Easy to Use
When it comes to caps, most Korean hand creams use twist-off caps or flip-top caps. Twist-off caps are easy to use, however, you might lose them since they are completely detached from the tube itself. If you're always losing or dropping small things, it might be better to go for one with a flip-top cap!
There are two main ways to apply hand cream - using a squeeze bottle or scooping it out of a jar. Pots or jars with a screw-top lid require you to scoop out the amount of cream you need with your hands. A squeeze bottle might be better if you are on the go since using hand creams in this type of packaging will be easier and mess-free.
Try a Hand Cream That Does More
There are Korean hand creams that do more than just moisturize and rejuvenate your hands. To properly care for our hands and nails, choose a hand cream that can do nourish both!
If you deal with thin and brittle nails, you might want to go for a hand cream with ingredients that are good for strengthening nails such as shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, and almond oil!
Just like our face, our hands need protection from the sun. Opt for a hand cream that has SPF to prevent premature aging, sunburn, and damaged skin!
10 Best Korean Hand Creams
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Fragrance | Key Ingredients | Benefits | |||||
1 | The Crème Shop My Melody Handy Dandy Cream - Strawberry Cake | | Sweet Sanrio Hydration | 1.69 oz | Shea Butter, Vitamin E | Hydration | ||||
2 | TONYMOLY Magic Food Banana Hand Milk | | Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream with a Delightful Banana Scent for Smooth, Hydrated Hands | 2.6 oz | Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter | Hydration | ||||
3 | Skybottle Spring Fever Perfumed Hand Cream | | Indulge in the essence of Spring with a floral-infused hand cream, delivering deep hydration and a lasting, delicate fragrance. | 1.7 oz | Hyaluronic Acid | Intense Hydration | ||||
4 | Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream | | Invisible Care, Visible Comfort | 3.38 oz | 4% Glycerin, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol | Hydration for Dry Hands | ||||
5 | The Body Shop Hand Balm | | Calm Hands, Kind Ingredients | 1 oz | Glycerin, Shea Butter | Hydration | ||||
6 | esfolio Pure Skin Pure Snail Hand Cream | | Snail-Based Hand Cream | 3.38 oz | unknown | Glycerin, Snail Extract | Hydration | |||
7 | esfolio Fresh Pink Peach Hand Cream | | Peach-Perfect Hydration | 3.38 oz | Glycerin, Peach Extract | Hydration | ||||
8 | W.Dressroom New York Moisturizing Perfume Hand Cream | | Silky Hands, Uplifting Scent | 1.69 oz | Vitamin E, Ceramide, Madecassoside, Shea Butter, Argan Oil | Balance Skin Oils, Hydration | ||||
9 | The Crème Shop Chococat Handy Dandy Cream - Cocoa Butter | | Sweet Hand Cream for Sanrio Lovers | 4 oz | Cocoa Butter | Hydration | ||||
10 | IBI Olive Hand & Body Lotion | | Luminous Hydration Inspired by Nature | 2 oz | Glycerin, Green Tea | Hydration | ||||
The Crème ShopMy Melody Handy Dandy Cream - Strawberry Cake
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Sweet Sanrio Hydration
Pamper your hands with The Crème Shop x Sanrio My Melody Hand Cream, a nourishing formula infused with shea butter and vitamin E to soothe and hydrate even the driest skin. Its delightful strawberry scent adds a sweet touch to your skincare routine, making it a perfect blend of function and charm.
Designed for everyone—adults, kids, women, and men—this cruelty-free hand cream provides deep hydration in a compact, travel-friendly size. Its collaboration with Sanrio adds a playful aesthetic, perfect for gifting or personal use.
| Amount | 1.69 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
TONYMOLY Magic Food Banana Hand Milk
| Key Ingredients | Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream with a Delightful Banana Scent for Smooth, Hydrated Hands
TONYMOLY Magic Food Banana Hand Milk offers a deeply moisturizing experience with its blend of Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Macadamia Oil. Infused with 10,000 ppm of Banana Extract, rich in potassium and Vitamin A, this hand milk nourishes dry skin while Milk Proteins replenish moisture. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving hands silky and sweet-smelling without a greasy residue. Ideal for those seeking intense hydration, it combines nutrient-rich ingredients to protect and soften hands effectively. Suitable for adult use, this product provides a pleasant sensory experience with its subtle fragrance, promoting skin health with every application.
| Amount | 2.6 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
Skybottle Spring Fever Perfumed Hand Cream
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Intense Hydration |
Indulge in the essence of Spring with a floral-infused hand cream, delivering deep hydration and a lasting, delicate fragrance.
Skybottle's Spring Fever Perfumed Hand Cream combines the refreshing scents of tulip and rose flower extracts with nourishing ingredients like Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil. Designed to evoke the feeling of a Spring day, this hand cream not only moisturizes deeply but also enhances skin softness and resilience. Its fast-absorbing formula ensures hands feel silky and protected without any greasy residue, making it suitable for everyday use. Crafted with clean, green ingredients and free from parabens, gluten, and cruelty, it aligns with environmentally conscious skincare choices. Ideal for those seeking a luxurious sensory experience with effective hydration, this hand cream transforms routine skincare into a moment of indulgence, leaving hands delicately scented and beautifully moisturized throughout the day.
| Amount | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
Dr.Jart+Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream
| Key Ingredients | 4% Glycerin, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration for Dry Hands |
Invisible Care, Visible Comfort
Nourish and protect your hands with Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Hand Cream, a rich yet fast-absorbing formula powered by 4% Glycerin, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol. This dermatologist-tested cream instantly softens, moisturizes, and relieves dry tightness, creating a second-skin moisture barrier without leaving a sticky residue.
Ideal for everyday use, this non-slip, non-greasy hand cream strengthens the skin barrier while locking in hydration. Free from animal-derived ingredients, gluten, and harsh additives, it’s a perfect companion for hydrated, comfortable hands.
| Amount | 3.38 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
The Body ShopHand Balm
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Shea Butter |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Calm Hands, Kind Ingredients
Soothe and protect dry, sensitive hands with The Body Shop’s Hand Balm. Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, this hand cream is enriched with organic almond milk from Spain and honey from Ethiopia to deliver deep hydration and a natural glow. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go use.
Crafted with a focus on ethical beauty, this cream uses high-quality, skin-loving ingredients while supporting sustainability. A product of The Body Shop’s longstanding commitment to cruelty-free and vegetarian beauty since 1976, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking both care and conscience.
| Amount | 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
esfolioPure Skin Pure Snail Hand Cream
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Snail Extract |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Snail-Based Hand Cream
This hand cream by Esfolio combines 26 carefully selected ingredients to hydrate, brighten, and soothe dry or sensitive skin. Its lightweight, cruelty-free formula absorbs easily, offering long-lasting moisture without harsh alcohols, common allergens, or sulfates.
Esfolio, a South Korean brand known for its skin-loving formulas, crafts this hand cream to meet the needs of sensitive skin while enhancing radiance. Perfect for daily use, it provides gentle nourishment while reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and care.
| Amount | 3.38 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance | unknown |
esfolioFresh Pink Peach Hand Cream
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Peach Extract |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Peach-Perfect Hydration
Experience the fruity delight of the Esfolio Fresh Pink Peach Hand Cream. Made in Korea, this travel-friendly hand cream pampers your hands with a luscious peach scent while providing long-lasting hydration. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Packaged in a convenient 3.38 fl. oz. size, it’s perfect for keeping hands moisturized on the go. Enjoy a touch of sweetness with every use as this hand cream transforms dry, tired hands into peachy perfection.
| Amount | 3.38 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
W.Dressroom New YorkMoisturizing Perfume Hand Cream
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, Ceramide, Madecassoside, Shea Butter, Argan Oil |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Balance Skin Oils, Hydration |
Silky Hands, Uplifting Scent
Indulge your senses with W.Dressroom's No.97 April Cotton hand cream, featuring a unique fragrance blend of fresh cotton and soft floral notes for a long-lasting, uplifting scent. This lightweight cream absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration without greasiness, making it perfect for daily use on dry or cracked hands.
Enriched with Vitamin E, Ceramide, Madecassoside, and natural oils like Shea Butter and Argan Oil, this hand cream soothes, moisturizes, and balances the skin's oil-moisture levels for soft, healthy hands. Its travel-friendly size and festive scent make it an excellent stocking stuffer or thoughtful gift.
| Amount | 1.69 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
The Crème ShopChococat Handy Dandy Cream - Cocoa Butter
| Key Ingredients | Cocoa Butter |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Sweet Hand Cream for Sanrio Lovers
The Crème Shop's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream provides a rich, soothing experience in a lightweight formula. Infused with nourishing cocoa butter, it hydrates and softens dry skin while absorbing quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind. Perfect for adults seeking everyday hand care with a touch of indulgence.
Packaged in a convenient 4 fl. oz. size, this hand cream is ideal for keeping your hands smooth and moisturized throughout the day. Embrace the silky, comforting benefits of cocoa butter wherever you go!
| Amount | 4 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
IBIOlive Hand & Body Lotion
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Green Tea |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Hydration |
Luminous Hydration Inspired by Nature
The IBI Hand Cream is specially crafted to care for dry, sensitive skin on hands, elbows, knees, and heels. Enriched with glycerin, green tea, and panthenol, it deeply hydrates while leaving your skin soft, luminous, and perfectly moisturized. Its silky, creamy formula offers a luxurious experience without parabens, dyes, mineral oils, or benzophenone.
Infused with refreshing notes of zesty lemon and mint, this Korean-made hand cream revitalizes your senses as it pampers your skin. Perfect for daily use, it transforms dry, rough areas into smooth, glowing skin effortlessly.
| Amount | 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Fragrance |
More Expert Tips for Applying Hand Cream
Want your give your hands an extra boost of moisture? Dr. Levy says, "For extra dry skin or extra hydration, apply your cream at night and wear under cotton gloves. This will allow the product to seep into the skin for maximal hydration and benefit.
This is something you could do one to three times a week when your hands are very dry or during the winter months when the skin tends to be drier."
Check Out Other Korean Skincare Products!
It's always good to invest in quality skincare products. If you are looking to try something new, why not explore Korean skincare? Korean brands are known to produce some of the best skincare products on the market!
Top 5 Korean Hand Creams
No. 1: The Crème Shop｜My Melody Handy Dandy Cream - Strawberry Cake
No. 2: TONYMOLY ｜Magic Food Banana Hand Milk
No. 3: Skybottle ｜Spring Fever Perfumed Hand Cream
No. 4: Dr.Jart+｜Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream
No. 5: The Body Shop｜Hand Balm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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