Are you a nurse looking for the best hand lotion to soothe and protect your hands? Do you know a nurse dealing with hand dryness or other skin issues on their hands?

Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare, and their hands take a beating every day. That’s why it’s important to find the best hand lotion for nurses to keep their hands soft and smooth. The best hand lotion should be gentle enough to use every day, but powerful enough to protect your hands from the harsh conditions they experience in a hospital environment.

Look for a lotion that is specifically designed for nurses, with ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E to nourish and protect your hands. It should also be fast-absorbing and non-greasy so you can get back to work quickly.

How We Choose The Best For You

Our team of skincare experts has personally read thousands of product reviews to find the best hand lotion for nurses.

A nurse knows how important it is to keep their hands healthy and moisturized. But with so many different lotions on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.

Nurses are exposed to harsh chemicals and bacteria on a regular basis. They're required to wash their hands so frequently that they can easily become raw and sore, so it's important to find a hand lotion that is strong enough to protect and nourish your skin. But with so many options available, how do you know which one will really provide protection and keep your hands healthy?

Our team of skincare experts has personally reviewed thousands of products or tested these products to find the best hand lotion for nurses. We've done all the hard work so that you can easily find and purchase the perfect lotion for your hands.

We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — LucksList may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next favorite thing!

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

Best Over All Hand Lotion for Nurses

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Why We Love It

Nurses are on their feet all day and their hands take a beating. O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream is the perfect solution to remedy. Your hands will thank you for using this product. It keeps the skin hydrated until you have to wash again, but you notice the smoothness and irritation-free feeling even after you wash.

It's highly concentrated and moisturizing, and it's clinically proven to create a protective layer on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and keeps your hands hydrated. Plus, it's unscented, non-greasy, and hypoallergenic, so it's safe for even the most sensitive skin.

The author has personally tested this product and agrees with the comments of the highly-rated reviews. You can count on this product to work.

What You Should Know

For best results, apply O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream after hand washing, after bathing, and at bedtime. Reapply as needed. It's safe for people with diabetes, and a small amount of the product is all you need - over-application can lead to stickiness, but a paper towel will quickly correct an over-application issue.

With its great reviews and proven results, O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream is the perfect solution for nurses who need to keep their hands healthy and hydrated and to deal with painful and irritated skin.

Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion

Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion

Best Budget Hand Lotion for Nurses

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Why We Love It

Nurses need a hand lotion that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion is the perfect solution! Even as a budget product, Gold Bond has been dealing with painful skin issues for many years. They know what they're doing.

This lotion is formulated with aloe and seven intensive moisturizers to give your hands the deep moisture they need. Plus, it lasts through handwashing, so you don't have to worry about reapplying it.

What You Should Know

Gold Bond Healing Skin Therapy Lotion is enriched with a triple vitamin blend, including vitamin B to improve the appearance of skin, vitamin C to protect against environmental stressors, and vitamin E to minimize moisture loss. Plus, it's designed for sensitive, distressed, dry skin and is clinically proven to be effective on the skin of adult oncology patients. It's also formulated without parabens, fragrances, phthalates, and soaps, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

Neutrogena Unscented Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Neutrogena Unscented Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Best Fragrance-Free Hand Lotion for Nurses

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Why We Love It

Neutrogena's Unscented Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is perfect for nurses who work long hours in a hospital setting. This hand cream is specially formulated to provide intense and lasting relief for dry, rough hands.

It's rich in glycerin, which helps improve the look and feel of dry skin, leaving it noticeably softer and smoother. Plus, it's fragrance-free, so it won't interfere with any medical treatments or procedures.

What You Should Know

This hand cream is concentrated, so a little goes a long way. When used daily, it helps prevent dry skin, and when used overnight, it helps soothe and soften rough skin. It's also non-greasy and fast-absorbing, so you won't have to worry about it leaving behind a greasy residue. Plus, it's dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

Eucerin Original Healing Emollient Enriched Lotion

Eucerin Original Healing Emollient Enriched Lotion

Best Sensitive Skin Hand Lotion for Nurses

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Why We Love It

Nurses know that their hands take a beating throughout their shift, and Eucerin Original Healing Emollient Enriched Lotion is the perfect solution for soothing and protecting them.

This rich, thick formula helps prevent moisture loss and provides intensive moisture replacement for even the driest skin. It's fragrance and dye free, so it's suitable for sensitive skin and safe for everyday use.


What You Should Know

This Eucerin product is available in 6 packs of 1 oz tubes. They are easy to carry in pockets on the job, so it's always ready for you when you need it.

For over 100 years, Eucerin has pioneered skincare innovation, and today is recognized and trusted by dermatologists as one of the leading and most recommended brands. This time-tested formula helps heal and protect extremely dry, sensitive, and compromised skin.


Gloves In A Bottle – Shielding Lotion for Dry Skin

Gloves In A Bottle – Shielding Lotion for Dry Skin

Best Extended Protection While On Shift

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Why We Love It

If you're fed up with your hands feeling dry and itchy and trying to treat them with standard lotions, then look no further than Gloves In A Bottle! This shielding lotion is a deep moisturizer that lasts between 4-12 hours, even when you regularly wash your hands.

Prescribed by dermatologists all over the world, our lotion provides unparalleled relief for dry and cracked hands. So ditch those old, ineffective methods and switch to a bottle shielding lotion – the smarter protection method!

What You Should Know

Gloves In A Bottle is a shielding lotion that helps to protect dry skin.

This vegan and cruelty-free product is perfect for sensitive skin types and skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

The barrier cream for hands acts like an invisible pair of moisturizing gloves, creating a hydrated skin layer and supporting a healthy healing process.

The bonding ingredient in Gloves In A Bottle helps to form an invisible protective glove-like layer while giving the skin a shielded environment that encourages healing and natural moisturizing.

L'Occitane Nourishing & Intensive Hand Balm

L'Occitane Nourishing & Intensive Hand Balm

Best Shea Butter Hand Lotion for Nurses

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Why We Love It

Nurses often find themselves with dry, cracked hands due to frequent hand washing and sanitizing. L'Occitane Nourishing & Intensive Hand Balm is the perfect solution for nurses looking for a hand lotion that is not only effective but also luxurious.

This hand balm is made with 25% shea butter, which is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties and is an ideal fit for dry hands that result from multiple hand-washings. The balm also contains allantoin, which helps to soothe and protect the skin from environmental factors.

What You Should Know

L'Occitane's Nourishing & Intensive Hand Balm is a unique product that is made with the freshest ingredients of each season's harvest. The ingredients list is extensive starting with Shea Butter and Glycerin, and includes seed oils like coconut oil, the recipe is amazing in its clearly understandable item. The balm provides intense nourishment and forms a protective film on the skin to keep it hydrated.

The balm is also free of parabens, preservatives, and animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegans. It is also hypoallergenic and has been tested for safety and efficacy to ensure that it is suitable for all skin types.

Hand Lotions for Hard Working Nurses FAQs


Nurses are always on the go and need a hand lotion that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.

With so many different types of hand lotions on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for nurses. It's important to find a lotion that is long-lasting and won't leave hands feeling greasy or sticky.

We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about hand lotions for nurses so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Why is it important for nurses to moisturize their hands?

After washing your hands and removing the natural oils, skin irritation problems can worsen if not properly managed. It’s important to re-apply moisture to your skin to prevent agitation, pain, cracking, and bacterial infections.

Investing in a good bottle of hand lotion is vital for nurses to keep their skin healthy from shift to shift and free. Important ingredients to have in your lotion are a combination of humectants, emollients, occlusives, and ceramides.

Additionally, moisturizing can help to protect the skin from the harsh chemicals found in some soaps and sanitizers.

How do nurses keep hands moisturized?

Nurses can keep their hands moisturized by using skin protectants such as lotions and creams that contain ingredients such as glycerin, petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, and dimethicone. 

These ingredients help to form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and preventing the skin from drying out. Additionally, nurses can use hand sanitizers that contain moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin. 

They should also avoid harsh soaps and detergents and use lukewarm water to wash their hands. Finally, nurses should apply hand cream after each handwashing and wear gloves when necessary.

Can nurses wear lotion?

Yes, nurses can wear lotion. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for cross-contamination when wearing lotion in a healthcare setting. 

It is best to use a lotion that is free of fragrances, dyes, and other allergens, and to apply it before putting on gloves. 

Additionally, it is important to wash hands thoroughly after applying lotion to avoid any potential for cross-contamination.

How do nurses take care of their hands?

Nurses take care of their hands by practicing good hand hygiene. This includes washing their hands with warm water and soap before and after each patient contact, as well as wearing gloves when necessary. 

They should also avoid contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.

 Additionally, nurses should use moisturizers to prevent dryness and cracking of the skin, as well as wear protective gloves when handling hazardous materials.

What's good for extremely dry hands?

Extremely dry hands can benefit from using a heavy-duty moisturizer. Look for creams and lotions that contain ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax, as these are all excellent moisturizers. 

For even more hydration, try using a thick, oil-based balm or salve. You can also try soaking your hands in a warm bath with a few tablespoons of olive oil to help lock in moisture. 

Additionally, make sure to wear gloves when doing chores that involve water or harsh chemicals, as this will help protect your skin from further damage.

What do dermatologists recommend for extremely dry skin on hands?

Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizing cream or ointment that contains ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage. 

It is also important to use a gentle cleanser and avoid hot water, which can strip away natural oils from the skin. For more severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend a topical steroid cream or an oral medication to reduce inflammation and to deal with cracked skin.

What deficiencies can be a cause of dry hands?

Dry hands can be caused by a variety of deficiencies, including a lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and zinc. 

Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are necessary for skin health and hydration. 

Vitamin A is essential for cell growth and repair, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from damage. Zinc is also important for skin health, as it helps with the production of collagen and elastin, which are necessary for healthy skin.

How To Show A Nurse You Love Them, (That Means Yourself Too)!

Nurses are a hard-working group of people and should be cared for too. Their health needs are important so they can accomplish their work.

Their hands are subject to washing with soaps that are designed to remove contaminants, but these soaps also remove the oils that prevent damage to the skin on the hands.

These regenerative handcare products can help keep nurses happy, safe, pain-free, and disease free by maintaining the integrity of the skin on their hands.

If you know a nurse, make sure to share this blog post! It is full of the best hand creams for nurses that will keep their hands healthy and strong.

With so many different lotions on the market, it can be hard to choose just one. That is why we have given you five great options to try out. Whether you prefer unscented or lightly scented lotion, there is an option for you on this list. So go ahead, love yourself, and try out a couple of these lotions until you find your perfect fit! Click on the button to check the current pricing.