EltaMD

EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème

Name: EltaMD - So Silky Hand Crème
Brand: EltaMD

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

Caprooyl sphingosine, Ceramide ap + 15 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Powerful ceramides, gentle emollients and antioxidant vitamin E nourish and revive dry, rough hands.”

Source: Bluemercury

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: caprooyl phytosphingosine, caprooyl sphingosine, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide eos, ceramide np, ceramide ns

Hydrolyzed jojoba estersKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.75–1.1%

Caprooyl sphingosineHeroEffect: HighA component of ceramides. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.1–0.2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~6.7–8.2%

Ceramide apHeroEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

Ceramide eopHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.2–0.4%

Ceramide eosHeroEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.15–0.3%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.25–0.5%

Ceramide nsHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.25–0.5%

Caprooyl phytosphingosineHero· EmollientEffect: HighA component of ceramides. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.2–0.35%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.5%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.5–3.1%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~0.45–0.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.2–5.2%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.6–3.2%

Hydrogenated palm glycerides· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~1.5–1.8%

Ethylhexyl isononanoate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency~2–2.5%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.1–0.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Sclareolide

Medium risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

SclareolideDerived from clary sage. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.65%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~6.7–8.2%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.75–1.1%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.55–0.8%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.3–0.55%est.

Ceteareth-25Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Behenic acidHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

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Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Gold Bond Cracked Skin Relief Hand And Body Lotions

Cheaper59% match

$13.95

REVOLUTION SKINCARE Ceramides Moisture Cream

Cheaper59% match

$11.95

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.7–8.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Glycerin~4.2–5.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Cetyl alcohol~2.6–3.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Dimethicone~2.5–3.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Ethylhexyl isononanoate~2–2.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product consistency

More about Ethylhexyl isononanoate

Potassium cetyl phosphate~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Hydrogenated palm glycerides~1.5–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Hydrogenated palm glycerides

1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Silica~1.3–1.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Hydrolyzed jojoba esters~0.75–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed jojoba esters

Sodium polyacrylate~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.55–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Sclareolide~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Derived from clary sage. Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Sclareolide

Xanthan gum~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Titanium dioxide~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide

Jojoba esters~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters

Mica~0.4–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica

Disodium edta~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Tocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Ceteareth-25~0.4–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Ceteareth-25

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Behenic acid~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Behenic acid

Ceramide np~0.25–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Cholesterol~0.3–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Ceramide ns~0.25–0.5%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ns

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ceramide ap~0.2–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ap

Ceramide eop~0.2–0.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eop

Ceramide eos~0.15–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eos

Caprooyl phytosphingosine~0.2–0.35%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A component of ceramides. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Caprooyl phytosphingosine

Caprooyl sphingosine~0.1–0.2%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A component of ceramides. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Caprooyl sphingosine

Ascorbyl palmitate~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl isononanoate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Hydrogenated palm glycerides, 1,2-hexanediol, Silica, Hydrolyzed jojoba esters, Sodium polyacrylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sclareolide, Xanthan gum, Titanium dioxide, Jojoba esters, Mica, Disodium edta, Tocopheryl acetate, Ceteareth-25, Phenoxyethanol, Behenic acid, Ceramide np, Cholesterol, Ceramide ns, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Ceramide eos, Caprooyl phytosphingosine, Caprooyl sphingosine, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tocopherol

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Bluemercury

$32.00

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/29/2026 09:25 GMT

$36.00

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	EltaMDSo Silky Hand CrèmeYOUR PRODUCT	Gold BondCracked Skin Relief Hand And Body Lotions	REVOLUTION SKINCARECeramides Moisture Cream	RevolutionCeramides Moisture Cream
Match	—	59%	59%	59%
Price	$32.00	$13.95−$18.05	$11.95−$20.05	$11.97−$20.03
Shared key ingredients	—	12 of 15	11 of 15	11 of 15
Key difference	—	3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Sodium Hyaluronate	Sodium Hyaluronate
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"EltaMD - So Silky Hand Crème" has a good moisturizing formula. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. EltaMD - So Silky Hand Crème ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (caprooyl phytosphingosine, ceramide eop, ceramide np, ceramide ns and cholesterol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (caprooyl sphingosine 0.10% - 0.20%, caprooyl phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide eos 0.15% - 0.30%, ceramide eop 0.20% - 0.40%, ceramide ap 0.20% - 0.35%, ceramide ns 0.25% - 0.50% and ceramide np 0.25% - 0.50%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e and titanium dioxide

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.