[Cosmetics Review] Hands Cracking in Midwinter... Living with Hand Cream Always

Absorbs instantly upon application, leaving skin moist
No stickiness, does not transfer easily
Forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. Photo by L'Occitane

When the cold wind starts to blow, I place hand cream wherever I can reach?whether in my bag, on my desk, or by my bedside. In the biting cold of winter, my entire body feels dry and parched, and my hands often crack and become chapped. While it’s easy to moisturize the face since it’s always visible, hands tend to be neglected because they are usually covered by coat pockets or gloves. However, if neglected, hands can dry out easily, leading to wrinkles or wounds. This is especially true nowadays when frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers cause moisture to evaporate quickly, worsening the condition.

During my university days, I started using L’Occitane’s “Shea Butter Hand Cream” after receiving it as a gift from an acquaintance, and it has since become my favorite product that I have used continuously for over 10 years. This bestseller, which helped make L’Occitane a globally renowned brand, is said to sell one unit every 4 seconds due to its popularity.

This hand cream has a soft white texture and spreads smoothly, leaving a coating-like feeling on the skin once applied.

Its absorption is excellent. The moment it is applied to the hands, it is absorbed instantly, leaving the skin immediately moisturized. It does not feel greasy or sticky on the surface, so it does not transfer when touching other objects. Because there is no worry about smudging, it is convenient to reapply frequently.

The main ingredient, shea butter, is a plant-based fat extracted from the seeds of the shea tree and is known for its outstanding moisturizing effects. This ingredient, which is recorded to have been used by Cleopatra in ancient Egypt, not only melts well at body temperature but also forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.

The scent is subtle, reminiscent of baby powder or almonds. It is almost fragrance-free, which means it has very little chance of causing dislike. The compact size and light weight make it easy to carry in a bag without any burden when going out.