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When caring for aging skin, the best retinol hand creams are must-haves. We tend to focus on our faces, but our hands are just as quick to develop wrinkles, sun spots, and a crepey texture. And while hand creams in general are nice, they're not exactly formulated to take these on. “Hands, neck, and décolleté are often what give away someone’s age,” says Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA.
It makes sense—our hands endure sun, wind, harsh soaps, and environmental damage daily, yet they rarely get the love they deserve. “Retinol cream is a great option for hands,” says Dr. Khalifian. By promoting cell turnover and increasing collagen production, retinol helps smooth wrinkles, fade brown spots, and improve skin texture and tone, giving hands a firmer, more youthful look.
Our Top Retinol Hand Creams
- Best Overall: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62
- Best for Uneven Tone: Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream, $33
- Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex, $64
- Best for Age Spots: Nécessaire The Hand Retinol, $38
- Best for Body: Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream, $24
- Best Retinol Alternative: Paume Renewing Hand Serum, $43
- Best Budget: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Nourishing Hand & Nail Treatment, $25
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Is retinol cream good for your hands?
- Where shouldn’t you apply retinol?
- Can you put retinol on dry hands?
- Is it better to put retinol on damp or dry skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
But don’t dive in too quickly. “The skin on the back of the hands is thinner and less tolerant of high-percentage retinol,” says Dr. Khalifian. Start with a low concentration, pair it with a rich hand cream for hydration, and always follow up with sunscreen since retinol can increase sun sensitivity. Now, you're in the clear to give your hands the glow-up they deserve with these dermatologist- and editor-approved retinol hand creams.
Best Overall: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
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Soft Services
Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Dry, rough, scaly hands? Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment is made for that—and more. It targets common hand concerns like flakiness, tightness, uneven texture, and early signs of aging while also helping stressed cuticles and brittle nails feel healthier over time. “The formula combines retinol and colloidal oatmeal to soothe and restore moisture while smoothing skin,” says Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago and New York City. Panthenol adds an extra layer of hydration, keeping skin feeling calm and supported. The texture hits that just-right middle ground—neither too thick nor too thin—wrapping hands in a soft, cushiony layer that absorbs seamlessly. Bonus: It comes in a decorative, refillable pot that actually looks good sitting out on your nightstand.
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have hand cream everywhere—my car, my desk, my purse—but this is my ride or die. Everything about it is perfect, from the beautiful, sculptural tub to the soft scent. I also appreciate the addition of retinol for my rapidly aging hands. It’s enough to keep them smooth, but not so much that I’ve ever experienced irritation.” —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: 0.05%
- Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, panthenol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Tone: Beauty Pie Super Retinol Hands+ Moisture Cream
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Beauty Pie
Super Retinol Hands+ Moisture Cream
Amazon
Beauty Pie
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Beauty Pie Super Retinol Hands+ Moisture Cream
Sarah Han
Why we love it: When your hands feel like they’ve been through the wringer, reach for the Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream to tackle everything from fine lines to wrinkles to stubborn pigmentation—which New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, uses every time in her own skin-care routine. Its formula includes shea butter, bio-tech collagen, and a 1% slow-release retinol complex that works tirelessly while you sleep—boosting cell turnover and rejuvenating your hands for a refreshed, revitalized look. It takes around six months of consistent use to see noticeable results, but patience pays off.
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I know I don't give my hands enough love as is, so an overnight hand cream is super appealing to me, since I won't be washing it off in an hour like I would be during the day. Beauty Pie's instantly softens and smooths my hands and I appreciate the slow-release-ness of the retinol, which means it's working all throughout the night and a bit less irritating than regular retinol. Compared to a non-retinol hand cream, I feel the slightest tinge of tingling upon applicaiton, but it's negligible for me, so I might not recommend it for particularly sensitive skin.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: 1%
- Key ingredients: plant-based collagen, shea butter, bio-sugar
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Wrinkles: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex
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SkinMedica
Retinol 0.25 Complex
Dermstore
Why we love it: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex is marketed for the face, but it’s also a go-to for hands among dermatologists. With its gentle 0.25% retinol concentration, “it’s an excellent choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin, as it minimizes the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Khalifian. “It features a calming bisabolol and antioxidant-rich formula, which helps soothe the skin while protecting against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. I like how it absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave your hands greasy and pairs beautifully with a rich hand cream if you want to lock in hydration,” he says.
Editor's tip
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SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex comes in different retinol concentrations. “I recommend starting with the lowest concentration, 0.25%, and gradually working up to 1%. Use it two to three times per week at first, then increase to nightly use—always in the evening,” says Dara Spearman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: 0.25%
- Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Nécessaire The Hand Retinol
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Nécessaire
The Hand Retinol
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Despite its potent concentration of actives, Nécessaire The Hand Retinol is gentle enough for daily use. While you might notice a subtle scent upon application, the infusion of natural, soothing rosewater balances it beautifully, creating a calming and pleasant experience. The formula is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and hypoallergenic, leaving your hands soft and smooth without residue. Plus, just a pea-sized amount is all it takes to moisturize your hands for hours, and the flexible aluminum tube ensures you can squeeze out every last drop.
Editor’s tip
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The formula naturally includes rosewater byproducts like citronellol and geraniol, but there are no added essential oils or synthetic fragrances—so it’s great for sensitive skin.
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: 0.05%
- Key ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acid, peptides, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
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Kopari
Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: By using encapsulated retinol that releases gradually, Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream offers a gentler, more sensitive-skin-friendly way to address signs of aging—without the usual irritation. The formula goes beyond retinol with aminobutyric acid, which supports skin’s natural hyaluronic acid and collagen production, plus pomegranate extract for antioxidant benefits that help even tone. “Deeply hydrating, skin-conditioning actives like glycerin, acai fruit oil, and sunflower seed oil give it a truly luxurious feel while supporting the skin barrier,” says Dr. Cheung, adding that the rich yet fast-absorbing texture makes it easy to apply generously over the entire body, not just your hands.
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: not disclosed
- Key ingredients: aminobutyric acid, pomegranate extract, acai, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Retinol Alternative: Paume Renewing Hand Serum
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Paume
Renewing Hand Serum
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: It may not be a retinol-based hand cream, but the TikTok-famous Paume Renewing Hand Serum uses the power of bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that’s as gentle as it is effective. Packed with face-serum-worthy ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it targets stubborn brown spots, deeply hydrates, and restores elasticity for smoother, youthful-looking hands. Despite its rich blend of nourishing oils—safflower, jojoba seed, lavender, and rosemary, to name a few—this lightweight serum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin moisturized without a hint of greasiness.
Tester feedback from Allure deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel
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“Tons of oils (safflower, jojoba seed, lavender, rosemary, and more) make the blend extra moisturizing, and the light serum texture sinks in quickly so your hands don’t feel slippery as you move onto the next thing. I like to keep the tube in my purse, or next to my sink, where it sits pretty, so I can treat my hands after washing them.” —Elizabeth Siegel, Allure deputy beauty director
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: none (bakuchiol)
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, vitamin C
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Nourishing Hand & Nail Treatment
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No7
Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Nourishing Hand & Nail Treatment
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If both your hands and nails are starting to show signs of aging—like thinning, crepey skin, fine lines, dark spots, dryness, or brittle, peeling nails—No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Nourishing Hand & Nail Treatment is a beginner- and budget-friendly way to ease into retinol territory. “The formula uses retinyl palmitate, a gentler vitamin A derivative, alongside glycerin, shea butter, panthenol, and peptides to help smooth texture and support stronger-looking nails while minimizing the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Reszko. It also layers in antioxidants like vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), vitamin E, and plant extracts for added protection.
Editor’s tip
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If you’re used to reapplying hand cream every hour, this one gives you a break—hydration lasts up to 24 hours, so your hands actually stay soft instead of immediately asking for more.
More to know
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- Retinol concentration: not disclosed
- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, panthenol, peptides
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Is retinol cream good for your hands?
“Yes, retinol cream can be beneficial for the hands,” says Dr. Spearman. “Many people with mature skin focus on the face with treatments to look younger than their age there, but the hands can expose the truth.” Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, fade dark spots, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great addition to your hand care routine.
However, proceed with caution, as “the skin on the back of the hand can be more sensitive to the side effects of retinol, like irritation, redness, and peeling,” she says. To avoid these issues, she recommends starting with one or two applications per week, working up to daily use. Always pair retinol with a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, and don’t skip daily sunscreen, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
Where shouldn’t you apply retinol?
When applying retinol, it’s important to avoid certain areas to prevent irritation. “Steer clear of fingers and knuckles, as these areas experience more friction and are prone to increased sensitivity. Additionally, avoid applying retinol on broken or compromised skin, such as cuts or extremely dry patches, as it can exacerbate irritation,” says Dr. Spearman.
Can you put retinol on dry hands?
Yes, but, according to Dr. Spearman, you should not apply retinol to cracked or irritated areas, as it can worsen dryness or cause discomfort.
Is it better to put retinol on damp or dry skin?
“To minimize sensitivity, always ensure your skin is completely dry before application, as damp skin can enhance retinol’s potency and increase the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Spearman.
Meet the experts
- Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness based in Chicago and New York City
- Saami Khalifian, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego, CA
- Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Dara Spearman, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best retinol hand creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
