Choosing the right cruelty-free hand cream is about more than the effects it has on the skin. By opting for cruelty-free products, consumers are actively aligning their skincare choice with their personal values. In recent years there has been a growing awareness of ethical beauty. With so many options now available on the market, it can be hard for consumers to know where to turn.
Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right cruelty-free hand cream.
Table of Contents
Global market value of hand cream
What does cruelty-free mean?
Types of cruelty-free hand cream
Conclusion
Global market value of hand cream
Over the past decade, the market growth of hand cream has largely been driven by an increase in consumer awareness surrounding moisturizing benefits and hand hygiene. Natural hand creams and organic products are leading the way in sales, as people turn to more eco-friendly and ethical beauty products. Additional features such as aromatherapy or SPF factors are also highly sought after.
At the end of 2023, the global market value of hand cream reached USD 779.9 million. This number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 6.3% between 2024 and 2030. During this period of growth, the market is expecting a higher demand for hand cream that includes active ingredients such as retinol, as well as multifunctional skincare solutions.
What does cruelty-free mean?
Cruelty-free is a label that’s given to products that haven’t been tested on animals, during any stages of the product’s development. It’s an important label that signifies the company also hasn’t sourced ingredients from supplies who test on animals either. Cruelty-free ensures the ethical treatment of animals, but it doesn’t mean that the product is vegan, which can often confuse buyers.
Hand creams that are cruelty-free will often use plant-based ingredients and dermatologically-tested formulas in order to generate hydration and protection for the skin. Consumers who buy this type of hand cream are contributing to a more ethical approach to the beauty industry.
Types of cruelty-free hand cream
Hand creams are predominantly manufactured to bring moisture to the skin and to protect the hands from damage. There are a lot of hand creams on the market today that claim to do everything from sun protection to improving the skin’s appearance. However, some cruelty-free hand creams are more in demand than others.
According to Google Ads, “hand cream” has an average monthly search volume of 135,000. From this number, the most searches appear in January which accounts for 12% of annual searches. This is followed by February and December when searches reach 165,000 each month.
Google Ads also shows that the most searched for types of hand cream are “hand cream for dry skin” with 12,100 monthly searches followed by “hand cream with SPF” and “retinol hand cream” with 8100 searches each on a monthly basis. Keep reading to find out more about each of these cruelty-free hand creams.
Hand cream for dry skin
Hand cream for dry skin is among the most popular on the market. This cream is formulated to provide intense hydration while at the same time ensuring ethical practices. Ingredients such as coconut oil, glycerin, and shea butter will help to deeply nourish the skin and soothe the dryness. Some consumers will also be looking for additional calming ingredients such as aloe vera that can help with irritation and promote active healing, both day and night.
This type of hand cream is ideal for people with chapped or cracked hands. Some of the most popular skincare brands have adopted a cruelty-free approach to hand cream and are using plant-based alternatives as well as dermatologically tested methods to ensure effectiveness. This greatly appeals to consumers who are ethically conscious about the products they’re buying.
Hand cream with SPF
Consumers who are spending a lot of time outdoors will want to use hand cream with SPF. This unique version of traditional hand cream not only nourishes the skin, it also provides essential sun protection that other creams don’t incorporate into their formulas. Hand cream with SPF is designed to protect the hands from harmful UVB and UVA rays. This means that it will also help to ward off signs of premature aging, dryness, and sunspots.
SPF hand cream will have an ingredients list that includes titanium oxide or zinc oxide which are both effective for sun protection. Moisturizing components like natural oils, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid are also key for keeping the hands hydrated. Cruelty-free options of hand cream with SPF are growing more popular as people look to support ethical practices that are better for the environment.
Retinol hand cream
Choosing the right cruelty-free hand cream depends on the individual and what type of results they’re hoping to get. Retinol hand cream is a great option for individuals who want to restore and rejuvenate their hands. The cruelty-free label on products will help people choose a product that aligns with their ethical standards. People will want a fragrance-free product, especially for the driest hands that can easily become irritated.
Retinol is a powerful derivative of vitamin A that can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines on the skin. It helps to promote softness and a more youthful appearance, and these creams often include additional hydrating ingredients. These ingredients can help to counter the dryness caused by retinol, so consumers will look for ingredients such as shea butter, natural oils, and hyaluronic acid.
Conclusion
The cruelty-free label is appearing on a lot of products throughout the beauty industry, particularly on makeup and skincare products. When choosing the right cruelty-free hand cream, consumers will look at what active ingredients and essential oils are included in the hand care formula, as well as the purpose of the hand cream. Some creams are designed for dry hands whereas others focus on protection from the sun during the day or reducing the look of aging skin without the use of artificial fragrances
In the coming years, the skincare industry is expecting more cruelty-free products to hit the shelves to keep up with consumer demand and changing buying habits that support ethical practices.
