What’s best for your dry, irritated hands?

DR STEFANIE WILLIAMS, of European Dermatology London, gives her verdict on whether these creams can help dry skin, particularly eczema.

E45 Moisturising Hand Cream

£3.60/50ml

CLAIM: ‘ Perfume-free and allergy screened, this soothes, softens and relieves dryness.’

VERDICT: Keeps skin moisturised with ‘occlusive’ ingredients such as liquid paraffin and coconut oil, which form a film, stopping evaporation. Good for eczema.

Defensil Rescue Serum

£9.95/50ml

CLAIMS: ‘ Contains plant extracts that stabilise and regenerate the skin barrier and help itchy skin.’

VERDICT: Its oils will nourish skin. But plant extracts, such as calendula, carry a risk of causing allergies, especially in eczema sufferers.

Aveeno Cream

£5.10/75ml

CLAIM: ‘Contains oatmeal to restore skin’s natural barrier. moisturises for 24 hours.’

VERDICT: Popular with eczema sufferers because it is light and absorbs quickly. Contains glycerin, liquid paraffin and dimethicone, so moisturises well. oatmeal has anti-inflammatory benefits, soothing irritation.

Bodyshop Hemp Hand Protector

£5/30ml

CLAIM: ‘Softens and protects hands. dermatologically tested for very dry skin.’

VERDICT: Hemp oil is moisturising and anti-inflammatory, but it’s the glycerin that provides most of the moisturising. The plant extracts (carnauba wax, ricinus seed oil and hemp seed oil) may cause allergies.

Neutrogena Unscented Hand Cream

£4.73/50ml

CLAIM: ‘relieves skin dryness in harsh conditions.’

VERDICT: Contains glycerin, which is hygroscopic: it draws moisture from atmosphere and deep skin layers into the upper layers.

Care Aqueous Emollient

£2.99/100g

CLAIM: ‘A two-in-one, SLS-free emollient and soap substitute.’

VERDICT: Aqueous cream is a rinse- off cleanser for dry skin and usually contains SLS ( sodium lauryl sulphate), which irritates sensitive skin, but this one is SLS-free and works as a basic moisturiser.

Vaseline 2-in-1

£3.29/75ml

CLAIM: ‘unique, non-greasy, alchol-free formulation with germ protection.’

VERDICT: Effective moisturisers but anti-bacterial elements and natural fragrances could cause allergies.