Working Hands Hand Cream
Working Hands Hand Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A concentrated, non-greasy hand cream that heals, relieves, and repairs extremely dry, cracked hands. Formulated with high-concentration glycerin and a protective barrier system, it instantly boosts moisture levels and locks in hydration — with visible results within days.
Instant Moisture Boost
High-concentration glycerin draws moisture deep into the skin, instantly increasing hydration levels in even the driest hands.
Texture & feel
SENSORYInstant Moisture Boost
High-concentration glycerin draws moisture deep into the skin, instantly increasing hydration levels in even the driest hands.
Protective Barrier
Creates a long-lasting protective layer on the skin's surface with paraffin and dimethicone, locking in moisture and preventing further water loss.
Crack Repair
Allantoin actively promotes skin cell regeneration and soothes irritation, helping painful cracks and splits heal faster.
Fast-Acting Formula
Clinically proven to make a visible and noticeable difference within days of daily use. Results you can feel, not just see.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Polysorbate 85 and Octyldodecyl Stearate, which may feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne–prone areas.
Unlikely to clog pores. Key ingredients like glycerin (0) and mineral oil (0–1) score very low on comedogenicity scales.
Unscented and tested for sensitive skin. Safe for people with diabetes. No dyes or fragrances added.
Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate are preservatives that release trace amounts of formaldehyde. Generally safe at low concentrations, but may cause sensitivity in rare cases.
While formulated to be gentle, the brand recommends a patch test for people with particularly sensitive or reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin High %Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. The second-listed ingredient, indicating a high concentration — the engine behind this cream's effectiveness.
- Function: Humectant — draws and retains moisture in the skin
- Research: Extensively studied; proven to improve skin hydration, barrier function, and wound healing
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 — will not clog pores
Allantoin 0.5–2%Proven
Derived from comfrey root, allantoin is a well-established skin protectant and soothing agent. It promotes cell regeneration and helps heal cracked, irritated skin.
- Function: Skin protectant, anti-irritant, and cell proliferant
- Research: FDA-recognized skin protectant at concentrations of 0.5–2%
- Benefit: Accelerates healing of cracks and splits while soothing discomfort
Paraffin & Mineral Oil Moderate %Proven
Petroleum-derived occlusive agents that form a breathable protective barrier on the skin's surface. They seal in the moisture drawn in by glycerin, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Function: Occlusive — locks in moisture by forming a physical barrier
- Research: Cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic (rating 0–1) and well-tolerated by most skin types
- Benefit: Prevents up to 98% of transepidermal water loss when applied to damp skin
Stearic AcidEmollient
A naturally occurring fatty acid that acts as both an emollient and emulsifier. It smooths the skin's surface, gives the cream its thick texture, and helps stabilize the formula.
- Function: Emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer
- Comedogenic Rating: 2 — low risk of pore-clogging
DimethiconeProtective
A silicone-based ingredient that adds a silky, non-greasy feel while further reinforcing the protective moisture barrier. Helps the cream spread evenly and absorb smoothly.
- Function: Skin protectant, emollient, and anti-foaming agent
- Research: FDA-recognized skin protectant; widely used in dermatological products
- Comedogenic Rating: 1 — very low pore-clogging risk
13 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Paraffin, Acrylates/Acrylamide Copolymer, Allantoin, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Polysorbate 85, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Dimethicone, Ceteth-10, Laureth-4
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after every hand wash, after bathing, and before bed for best results. A little goes a long way — start with a small amount to avoid stickiness.
How to use
HOW TO USEStart Small
Scoop a small, pea-sized amount from the jar (or squeeze from tube). Over-application can lead to a sticky feel — less is more with this concentrated formula.
Rub Into Problem Areas
Focus on cracked fingertips, knuckles, cuticles, and the backs of hands. Massage thoroughly until the cream is fully absorbed.
Reapply Throughout the Day
Apply after every hand wash and whenever hands feel dry. The most effective times are after bathing and before bed.
Night Treatment (Optional)
For severely cracked hands, apply a generous layer before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight. This intensifies the healing and repair process.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your hands are extremely dry, cracked, or bleeding
- You work with your hands (construction, healthcare, mechanics, farming)
- You wash your hands frequently throughout the day
- You need a non-greasy cream you can use while working
- Cold weather causes painful cracks on your knuckles and fingertips
- You prefer fragrance-free, no-nonsense skincare
- You have diabetes and need a safe hand moisturizer
Consider alternatives if:
- You want a luxurious, spa-like hand cream experience
- You prefer natural or organic-only ingredients
- You have a known sensitivity to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- You need a fungal acne–safe product for your hands
- You want anti-aging benefits (retinol, peptides)
- You prefer a scented hand cream
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is what the product was built for. Concentrated glycerin and occlusive barrier provide maximum healing for severely damaged skin.
Works brilliantly as daily maintenance. Keeps hands soft and prevents dryness from developing even in harsh weather.
Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Contains formaldehyde-releasing preservatives which may irritate very reactive skin — patch test first.
Non-greasy finish absorbs well. Use a smaller amount to avoid any heaviness. Ideal for hands even if your face is oily.
May provide relief for dry eczema patches, but preservatives could irritate active flares. O'Keeffe's offers a dedicated Skin Repair Eczema Relief formula as an alternative.
Results timeline
1 MONTH+Instant Moisture Boost
Skin feels softer and more hydrated right after application. The protective barrier starts forming on the skin's surface immediately.
95% noticed immediate softnessVisible Improvement
Noticeable reduction in dryness and roughness. Shallow cracks begin to close. Skin feels less tight and painful throughout the day.
80% saw improvement within daysSignificant Healing
Deep cracks and splits start healing. Skin texture dramatically improves. Hands look and feel healthier, smoother, and more comfortable.
90% reported significant healingFull Restoration
With consistent daily use, even the most severe cases of dry, cracked hands are fully repaired. Ongoing use prevents dryness from returning.
85% achieved full restorationRatings by platform
126K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely effective for severely cracked, bleeding hands
- Non-greasy — can use while working with hands
- Completely unscented, no chemical smell
- Affordable — under $10 for a jar that lasts months
- Concentrated formula means a little goes a long way
- Noticeable results within days, not weeks
- Safe for diabetic skin
- 100% money-back guarantee from the brand
Criticized
- Jar version can feel slightly gritty or chalky
- Sticky if over-applied — requires learning the right amount
- Contains formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
- Not a luxury or spa-like experience
- Jar format is not the most hygienic for shared use
- Some users report formula inconsistency between batches
- Not suitable for fungal acne–prone skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESWalmart's store brand explicitly formulated to match O'Keeffe's Working Hands. Nearly identical ingredients and performance at roughly half the price. Slightly less refined texture.
Contains aloe and vitamins for added soothing. Slightly more emollient texture. Great for moderate dryness but may not match O'Keeffe's for severely cracked hands.
Classic glycerin-based hand lotion with an oil-free formula. Thinner consistency and faster absorption, but less protective barrier action for severely damaged hands.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat or cold which may alter the texture.
Available in screw-top jar (2.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5.4 oz, 6.8 oz) or squeeze tube (3 oz, 7 oz). Jar offers easy scooping; tube is more hygienic and portable.
Yes — the 3.4 oz jar and 3 oz tube are both under the 3.4 oz / 100ml TSA carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. O'Keeffe's Working Hands does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All of its active ingredients (glycerin, allantoin, paraffin) have a long history of safe topical use. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. The formula contains Polysorbate 85 and Octyldodecyl Stearate, both of which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. However, since this is a hand cream (not a facial product), fungal acne safety is typically less of a concern for most users. If you are prone to fungal acne on your hands or body, consider a simpler petrolatum-based alternative like Aquaphor.
Yes. O'Keeffe's Working Hands is a simple moisturizing and barrier-building cream with no active exfoliating or treatment ingredients. It can be safely layered over or used alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs on your hands without any interaction issues. Wait a few minutes after applying actives before applying the hand cream.
This product is specifically designed for extremely dry, cracked, and damaged hand skin. It is ideal for people who work with their hands (construction, healthcare, farming, mechanics), wash their hands frequently, or are exposed to harsh weather. It works well on all skin types but truly shines for those with severely dry hands that other lotions cannot fix.
Most users report feeling an immediate difference in softness after the first application. Visible improvement in dryness and cracking typically occurs within 2–3 days of consistent use. For severely damaged hands with deep cracks, full healing may take 1–2 weeks. The brand's before-and-after photos show dramatic improvement after a two-week usage period with 3x daily application.
Apply O'Keeffe's Working Hands after washing and drying your hands. For maximum benefit, use it after every hand wash, after bathing, and before bed. If you use other hand treatments or active ingredients, apply those first and follow with Working Hands as the final moisture-sealing step. For nighttime repair, apply generously and wear cotton gloves.
O'Keeffe's Working Hands has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. Its key ingredients — glycerin (0), mineral oil (0–1), and dimethicone (1) — are all low on the comedogenicity scale. While it is primarily designed for hands rather than the face, it is unlikely to cause breakouts even with regular use.
O'Keeffe's Working Hands has a shelf life of approximately 12 months after opening. The concentrated formula means a single 3.4 oz jar typically lasts several months with daily use, as only a small amount is needed per application. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the lid tightly sealed to preserve freshness.
Verdict: O'Keeffe's Working Hands has earned its status as America's #1 hand cream for good reason. It delivers fast, no-nonsense relief for severely dry and cracked hands at a price point that's hard to beat. The concentrated glycerin formula backed by an occlusive barrier system genuinely works — most users see dramatic improvement within days, not weeks. It's not glamorous, it won't smell like a spa, and the jar can be a bit clunky, but when your hands are cracked and bleeding, this is the cream that actually fixes the problem. With a 100% money-back guarantee, there's zero risk in trying it. An essential for anyone who works with their hands.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|
|
| 1 |
Paraffin
Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
|