Consumer champion Which? has named Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream the best budget buy in its winter hand cream test, scoring 83 percent and beating luxury brands that cost significantly more.
The cream, available exclusively at Boots for £6.39 per 125ml, topped the results of 11 branded creams tested over a six-week period. The testing panel "unanimously agreed that the cream was exceptionally easy to apply and work into the skin", and it was found to "instantly" hydrate the skin and keep it smooth for "a long period of time, even after washing your hands".
How the test was conducted
Which? tested 11 different branded creams over six weeks, assessing factors such as moisturisation, consistency and absorption. Soap & Glory's Hand Food, recognisable for its pink packaging, was praised for its "lightweight" consistency, making it suitable for those who prefer lighter creams. While some testers found it slightly greasy upon application, the majority found it absorbed quickly.
The cream's trademark pink rose and bergamot fragrance was "favoured" by most of the panel, though it was noted that it might not appeal to everyone.
Luxury brands beaten by budget options
Despite its low price, the Soap & Glory cream was crowned 'better' than several pricier brands. Clarins' Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, costing £29 for 100ml and the most expensive in the test, came sixth with a score of 72 percent. It was praised for its consistency and ease of application, with some saying it was "pleasant" to work into the skin, but it fell short on how long it kept hands moisturised, with some needing re-applications.
L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream ranked fifth with 73 percent. Costing £27 for 150ml, it is over £20 more expensive than the budget winner. While it provided "initial hydration", the thicker consistency was an issue for some panellists, and the shea butter scent was described as "the most polarising feature". However, it was noted that it left hands "soft and smooth", with aluminium packaging that eliminates waste.
Other budget favourites
Nivea's Soft Moisturising Cream for Face, Hand & Body ranked fourth with 75 percent, taking the 'Great Value' title. Costing £2 for 75ml, it was noted for its versatility and ability to quickly hydrate upon application. A few issues included the "signature" fragrance that some found "unpleasant", some panellists found it "too watery", and others found the hydration didn't last long and needed frequent re-applications.
The full results and analysis of each product can be found on the Which? website. The complete ranking is as follows: Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream - 83% (Best Buy), Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream - 80%, Caudelie Vinotherpaist Hand & Nail cream - 80%, O'Keefe's Working Hand Cream - 78%, The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - 78%, Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream for Face, Hand & Body - 75%, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream - 73%, Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment - 72%, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Cocoa Butter Softens Hand Cream - 69%, Nursem Caring Cream - 59%, and Neutrogena Norwegian formula Hand Cream Concentrated - 55%.
