Having beautiful, soft hands is as easy as selecting the right product for your skin type.
But what if you are the type of person who is also concerned about the ethical practices that companies take when creating their products?
So, is it possible to find something that’s Vegan and works?
Of course!
There are some cruelty-free hand creams and lotions on the market that can transform the driest of skin to silky and smooth.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you and reviewed the ten best, and we think you’re going to love them!
Read on to discover the best solutions to suit the needs of you and your skin.
Short List of Vegan Lotions & Creams
For those of you who are impatient like me, I put together a quick list of vegan cream & lotion brands that I recommend. I also go into much greater detail on each product if you scroll down the page, or you can use the quick navigation table of contents that I’ve listed above, for your convenience.
|
Brand |
Type |
Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| AHAVA |
Cream |
For men |
| Peter Lamas |
Cream |
Best All-Around Cream |
| Thesis |
Cream |
Anti-Aging |
| AYA Natural |
Cream |
For Dry. Cracked Hands |
| Hawaii Bubble Shack |
Lotion |
For Irritation & Inflamation |
| Beauty Without Cruelty |
Lotion |
For Dry, Cracked Hands |
| Avalon Organics |
Lotion |
Best All-Around Lotion |
VEGAN HAND CREAMS
AHAVA Time to Energize Mineral Hand Cream
Our Top Choice for Men
The Time to Energize hand cream from AHAVA is the perfect solution for men with dry, cracked hands. It also does wonders on rough elbows.
If you, or your beau, are the type of man who’s afraid of girly smelling hand creams, you shouldn’t have any problems using this product.
It gets our “safe for men” scent approval. Another good thing about this AHAVA cream is that it absorbs quickly into the skin, without leaving any greasy residue, and helps to soothe and repair rough hands.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA; features PETA logo
Product Highlights
- Quickly improves moisture in skin
- Smooths rough, dry skin
- Restores suppleness
- No harsh synthetics, no petroleum, and no GMOs.
- Paraben free, SLS/SLES free
- 100% vegan & free from animal testing
What We Like
- Great at repairing and protecting skin
- Perfect scent for men
- Absorbs quickly
What We Didn’t Like
- It doesn’t last as long as some of the thicker creams
Peter Lamas Spa Sensuals Hand Cream
Best All-Around Vegan Hand Cream
This Peter Lamas hand cream is truly a great all-around cream.
The three oils: almond, lavender, and grape seed penetrate the skin to help dry, rough hands.
Shea butter provides the skin with rich moisture without the greasy feeling and vitamins A, C and E help repair damaged skin.
Compared to other creams, this one is a little bit thicker, but it does absorb quickly.
According to some users, this cream is even robust enough to last through three or more hand washes.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA
- Signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics
Product Highlights
- Quickly improves moisture in skin
- Up to 24-hour hydration
- Absorbs quickly
- 100% vegan and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free and petrochemical-free
- Certified organic ingredients
What We Like
- Doesn’t make your hands greasy
- Practical packaging that easily fits into your purse
- Repairs and rejuvenates skin
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit thicker than other creams
Thesis Organic Hand & Body Cream
Best for Wrinkles & Anti-Aging
This organic hand and body cream from Thesis is the perfect solution for anyone who has sensitive skin. It is safe for mothers-to-be, new moms, and babies.
But what we loved is its anti-aging properties. While most other creams and lotions contain high amounts of water, preservatives, fillers, emulsifiers and other substitutes, Thesis organic cream is made from pure oils and 100% organic ingredients.
It is rich in vitamin E which makes it perfect for preventing wrinkles and reducing signs of aging.
This product also contains organic jojoba oil, which is a great deep moisturizer, and rice bran oil which adds antioxidants.
As if the fact that this product has the highest percentage of organic ingredients on the market wasn’t enough, this hand cream has another fantastic feature- you can use it all over your body, and enjoy amazing results.
100% Organic Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil; Organic Raw Shea Butter; Organic Rosemary Extract; Organic Jojoba Oil; Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny
- Rated a “1” by the Environmental Working Group’s SkinDeep Database
Product Highlights
• Moisturizes and protects• Economical since you only need a small amount• Ideal for pregnancy, new moms, and babies• 100% natural, organic, and vegan• No added scents, chemicals or preservatives
What We Like
- Reduces signs of aging
- Some users reported great results with stretch mark prevention
- Long lasting
What We Didn’t Like
- The packaging, a 4oz jar, is a bit impractical to carry
AYA Natural Moisturizing Hand Cream
Our Top Choice for Dry Hands
If you’re looking for the best hand cream option for your dry hands, AYA Natural Hand Cream is a great choice and works well for both men and women.
It is approved for all skin types and works wonders for dry, cracked skin.
This product is made from all-natural ingredients with extra virgin olive oil being the main ingredient.
The blend combines ancient recipes passed down through generations as well as modern scientific techniques to produce a high-quality cream that’s purely plant based.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants which are all crucial for healthy skin protection.
One highlight of this product is that it doesn’t burn dry, cracked skin like a lot of other creams on the market.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA; features PETA logo
Product Highlights
• Moisturizes dry skin• Protects hands from harsh conditions• Calms redness and itching• No sulfates, SLS, alcohol, artificial colors or fragrances• 100% vegan, biodegradable, environment-friendly, and cruelty-free
What We Like
- Rich moisturizing effect
- Economical as a little goes a long way
- Quickly restores softness to hands
What We Didn’t Like
- It’s oil based so it might make your hands more oily than other creams
- Didn’t absorb as quickly as regular hand creams
AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream
This hand cream from Ahava is incredibly rich and provides deep nourishment and hydration, instantly soothing dry or chapped skin.
It contains hydrating minerals infused with aromatic green plum and sandalwood which helps to soften rough skin.
One thing to note is that this cream absorbs quickly and is not greasy like other brands. This hand cream has a great fragrance to it; some people compare it to the smell of walking into an upper-class spa or body works studio.
The bottle itself is a perfect size and will fit into any purse or backpack so you can take it with you wherever you go.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA; features PETA logo
Product Highlights
• Protects, smooths and moisturizes• Approved for sensitive skin• Perfect for cracked and dry skin• Paraben free, SLS/SLES free, 100% vegan & free from animal testing• No harsh synthetics, no petroleum, and no GMOs
What We Like
- Great absorption
- Practical packaging
- Soothes and softens hands instantly
What We Didn’t Like
- It has a really strong scent that some people may find unpleasant
VEGAN HAND LOTIONS
Hawaii Bubble Shack Kukui and Shea Silky Hand & Body Lotion
Best for Irritation & Inflammation
The carefully chosen natural ingredients in this vegan hand lotion make it perfect for people with eczema.
It combines organic shea butter, soothing Hawaiian oils, and organic green tea extract to help calm irritated, dry, and inflamed skin.
Organic ingredients and the exotic tropical scent of Hawaiian jasmine makes this hand lotion a must-have for people who love natural products.
Bubble Shack Hawaii is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable, chemical-free, and ocean-friendly.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA
Product Highlights
• Sulfate, Paraben and Phthalate free• Great for eczema or sunburns• 100% Vegan and cruelty-free• Lightweight, non-greasy formula• Up to 70% organic ingredients• All natural, chemicals-free
What We Like
- Great moisturizer
- Easily absorbed
- Soothes skin
What We Didn’t Like
- The flowery scent might be strong for some people
Beauty Without Cruelty Hand & Body Lotion
Great for Dry, Cracked Hands
Perfect for hands and body, Beauty Without Cruelty lotion is fragrance-free and 100% vegan, and is the best choice if you have dry skin.
This product is derived from a plant-based formula and absorbs quickly into the skin.
Replenishing pro-vitamins, shea butter, and jojoba oils soothe and soften the skin.
If you suffer from dry hands in the winter months, you might want to check this product out because it works wonders and doesn’t create a burning sensation upon application.
While this product is fragrance-free, you can customize it by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny; features the Leaping Bunny logo
- Signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics
- Certified Champion by Safe Cosmetics
Product Highlights
• Fragrance Free• Perfect for hands and body• Organic ingredients• pH Balanced• 100% vegan and cruelty-free
What We Like
- Creamy and rich but absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free but customizable by adding essential oil
- Soothes irritated skin- Amazing moisturizing properties
What We Didn’t Like
- You need to reapply a couple of times a day to achieve the best results
Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion
Best All-Around Vegan Hand Lotion
Up next is a product from Avalon Organics, which stole our top pick for Best All-Around Vegan Hand Lotion.
It contains aloe, lavender essential oil, plant lipids, and Beta-Glucan, which all work together to restore and repair the skin.
Not only will it have an amazing effect on your hands, but you can also freely use this lotion on your body and face, too.
If you’re wondering about the fragrance, It’s got a great lavender scent with a hint of cinnamon – it does smell great.
It’s safe to use on your face, and you can even wear it under sunscreen and makeup.
Just a little bit is all you need to see results and a bottle can last as long as 4-5 months (great for saving money).
- Certified cruelty-free by PETA
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny; features the Leaping Bunny logo
- Certified by NFS
- Signed the Compact for Safe Cosmetics
- Certified Innovator by Safe Cosmetics
- Certified Champion by Safe Cosmetics
Product Highlights
• Long-lasting hydration• Excellent for extremely dry skin• Instantly replenishes, rebalances and softens skin• No GMOs, vegan & biodegradable• NSF/ANSI 305 certified – contains natural and organic ingredients• NO parabens, synthetic colors or fragrance, harsh preservatives, phthalates or harmful sulfates
What We Like
- Safe to use on your face, body and hands
- Great for moisturizing and skin repair
- Economical and cost-effective
What We Didn’t Like
- Doesn’t absorb very quickly
Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion
Puracy Organic Hand & Body Lotion is an all purpose moisturizer that’s lightweight and nourishes all day long.
It’s comprised of clinical grade vitamins and rich hydrating minerals to help your skin feel soft and smooth.
Your body and hands will feel great with this lotion on.
While other lotions make you feel heavy and sweaty when you perspire, this lotion is great because you will still feel light yet thoroughly moisturized.
If you have sensitive skin, you will love this product – no redness or irritation!
- Certified cruelty-free and vegan by PETA
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny
- Rated a “2” by Environmental Working Group’s SkinDeep
Product Highlights
• Contains vitamins E and B5 plus Shea Butter for deep hydration• Organic Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil & Sunflower Oil revives and soothes dry skin• Formulate by doctors and chemists• All natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic• 100% Vegan, gluten-free, and certified Cruelty-Free
What We Like
- Easily absorbed
- No greasy residue
- Visible results after the first use
What We Didn’t Like
- For very dry skin, this lotion will be too light for you
Desert Essence Organics Hand & Body Lotion
Our Top Choice for Dry, Cracked Hands
This hand and body lotion from Desert Essence is organic and uses Bulgarian lavender to calm not only your skin but your senses as well.
Bulgarian Lavender is different than traditional lavender and is well-known in Eastern Europe for its ability to soothe the senses.
This product contains organic shea butter and jojoba oil which nourishes the skin leaving it feeling silky and smooth.
This lotion has a non-greasy shine to it that does a good job at making wrinkles and age spots less noticeable.
- Certified cruelty-free by PETA
- Certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny; features the Leaping Bunny logo
- Certified for renewability by EPA Green Power
- Certified sustainable by GRI
Product Highlights
• Nurtures and Soothes dry and stressed skin• Hydrates Skin without an oily residue• Certified to NSF Organic Standard• 100% vegan, gluten & wheat Free• Biodegradable• No phosphates, artificial colors or fragrances
What We Like
- Light and pleasant scent
- Can be used for both hands and body
- Leaves skin silky and smooth feeling
- Practical packaging and portable
What We Didn’t Like
- Needs some time to be fully absorbed
Should I Use a Daily Hand Moisturizer?
It might seem that caring for your hands isn’t as important as caring for your face, but it’s quite the opposite.
It’s important to keep your hands moisturized not only during the winter months but throughout the whole year.
To protect your skin and slow down the aging process, hydration is crucial. Since hands have fewer oil glands than the rest of our body, they are more susceptible to dryness.
Additionally, the skin on the back of your hands is much thinner than anywhere else on your body and where you’ll first start noticing signs of aging.
Daily use of quality hand lotion or hand cream can significantly improve the state of the skin on your hands, make your hands feel soft and silky, and reduce the appearance of age-related wrinkles and spots.
How to Choose a Vegan Hand Moisturizer That’s Right For You
You should choose a hand cream or lotion that’s right for your skin.
If you don’t have dry hands, choose a lightweight cream or lotion that will maintain the optimal moisture of your skin and protect your hands from external influences.
In case you are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, choose a natural moisturizer and avoid creams and lotions that contain chemicals or artificial fragrances, since they can irritate your skin and make matters worse.
For dry, chapped hands go for creams and lotions that are thick, and contain natural oils or vegan butter (shea, cocoa, etc,) which will soften your skin immediately and prevent future drying out.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients in Hand Creams and Lotions
If you have found a cruelty-free hand moisturizer, but you’re not sure if it’s also vegan, check if it has one of these sneaky, non-vegan ingredients listed:
- Lanolin (greasy byproduct of wool)
- Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea or Uric Acid (comes from animal urine)
- Arachidonic Acid (derived from animal liver)
- Estrogen or Estradiol (derived from pregnant mare’s urine)
- Retinol (sourced from fish liver oil)
- Hyaluronic Acid (commonly animal-based, but can also be plant-based, so do a double check)
There are much more non-vegan ingredients that could be used for hand creams and lotions, but most of them are easily recognizable (e.g. beeswax).
If you’re not sure what the origin of a particular ingredient is, just be sure to look it up before purchase.
Also, being Vegan and living a cruelty-free lifestyle is all about making the best choices with the information you have at hand, so if you do buy a product and find out later that it isn’t vegan, don’t freak out about it.
Use it as a learning experience to make a better decision next time.
Just remember, Veganism is a life long journey!