Comparisons
Dry hands: glycerin, urea or petroleum jelly?
Not all hand creams are the same. Some draw water into the skin, some soften thick skin, and some seal moisture in. If you know what your hands need, you'll choose right the first time.
The difference at a glance
| Type | What it does | Suits | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concentrated glycerin | Draws water into the skin | Everyday dryness from washing and cold | Throughout the day, after every wash |
| Urea | Moisturises and softens rough skin | Thick, flaky or cracked skin | Twice a day |
| Ceramide | Repairs the skin barrier | Sensitive hands irritated by detergents | After washing and before bed |
| Petroleum jelly or ointment | Forms a layer that locks in moisture | Severe cracking | At night with cotton gloves |
Quick reviews of well-known creams
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Hand cream with concentrated glycerin
- Suits
- Hands dried out by washing and cold
- Texture
- A little thick; a small amount goes a long way
- Stands out for
- One of the best-known hand creams, with a fragrance-free version
- Watch out for
- Can feel sticky for the first minute, so use a small amount
Eucerin UreaRepair Plus Hand Cream
Hand cream with 5% urea
- Suits
- Very rough and cracked hands
- Texture
- Medium and absorbs well
- Stands out for
- Urea softens and moisturises thick skin
- Watch out for
- May sting a little on open cuts
CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream
Hand cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Suits
- Sensitive hands irritated by detergents
- Texture
- Light and doesn't leave a greasy feel
- Stands out for
- Suitable for frequent use through the day
- Watch out for
- For severe cracking you may need something richer at night
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains
Protective and repairing hand cream
- Suits
- People whose hands are often in water and detergents
- Texture
- Light and quickly absorbed
- Stands out for
- Forms a protective layer without making hands greasy
- Watch out for
- Reapply after every wash to keep it working
Petroleum jelly
Ointment that seals in moisture
- Suits
- Severe cracking and heels
- Texture
- Thick and greasy
- Stands out for
- Inexpensive and very effective as a protective layer at night
- Watch out for
- Doesn't add water to the skin on its own, so apply it over a moisturising cream
Availability varies between branches. Send the product name on WhatsApp before you come, and the pharmacist will tell you what's in stock and a suitable alternative.
Which one should you choose?
- Just dry hands: a glycerin or ceramide cream after every wash.
- Rough, flaky hands: a urea cream twice a day.
- Cracks: cream during the day, and at night a layer of petroleum jelly with cotton gloves.
- Hands in water and detergents all day: wear gloves for washing up, and a protective cream afterwards.
When should you see a doctor?
- The cracks bleed, or there is redness, swelling or pus.
- Severe itching or small blisters on the hands.
- The dryness hasn't improved after two weeks of regular moisturising, because it may be eczema.
Need a pharmacist's opinion? Call us or send a WhatsApp message. Our branches in Tanta and Kafr El-Zayat are open 24 hours.
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