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I'm a travel expert, and this derm-approved $4 hand cream is my go-to for flights
If there's one thing I've learned from traveling the world, it's the importance of protecting my hands from the elements — they're easier to neglect than, say, my face. To that end, I now keep two things in my bag at all times: hand sunscreen (it's a thing) and Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream, the best moisturizer I've yet to find for my mitts. This formula is so good, even Dr. Fatima Fahs — a Michigan-based, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermy Doc Box — 'loves' the stuff, as she told Yahoo Life. Right now, a TSA-friendly, three-ounce tube is down to just $4 on Amazon. Trust me, this stuff is a carry-on essential.
This lightweight cream lasts through hand-washing, which is another in-flight must.
Why is this a good deal? 💰
Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream rarely goes on sale. It's already very affordable, but at just $4 a pop, it would be downright silly to pass up. Dr. Fahs points out that this healing hand cream "even holds up with hand washing." The less you have to reapply, the longer your tube lasts — and the longer your (four) dollars stretch. Now, that's a frugal travel hack!
Why do I need this? 🤔
If you're going to be flying in the foreseeable future, a good hand cream is a non-negotiable (just ask our pilot friend, who includes it in his 'comfort kit'). "Your skin is exposed to so much both during travel and on the airplane," said Dr. Fahs. "I'm constantly sanitizing or washing my hands to avoid getting sick. Coupled with the dry cabin air, our hands can take a beating during travel, so having a travel- and budget-friendly hand cream is really convenient on the go."
Even when you're not flying, Gold Bond cream is a handy purse staple. Cold winds when you're out and about, dry air in the office, chores like dishwashing and laundry — all these things take a toll on your hands and age them prematurely. Consistent TLC makes a big difference. The right ingredients are essential, and Gold Bond cream nails it.
"The [active ingredient] dimethicone creates a smooth, protective layer over irritated and cracked skin," Dr Fahs said. "I love that [this hand cream] is fragrance free and dries quickly, without a sticky residue or film."
What reviewers say 💬
Don't just take it from Dr. Fahs and me, though. More than 26,000 Amazon customers have given Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream a perfect rating, and the reviews cement its status as a trusted household name that delivers.
Pros 👍
Gold Bond cream is an intensive treatment; it's made for dry to very dry to outright chapped skin. "In the winter months the skin on my knuckles and backs of my hands can get dry, red, and cracked. I started using this hand cream and not only did it relieve and heal but it also prevents. Now I use this every night at bedtime from September through April and have no problems," one shopper raved.
"Was on vacation and realized once on the plane that I had forgotten hand cream. So we added this product to our Amazon delivery at the hotel. IT IS GREAT LOTION! I will use this kind forever as it is not greasy at all — soaks right in and immediately came to the aid of my very dry travel-day hands. Totally glad I had forgotten mine at home — this is my new lotion for good!" a happy jet-setter wrote.
Reviewers are also reporting that the Gold Bond's hand-washing claim checks out. "You can literally wash your hands like three times before you have to reapply it. It’s also very concentrated, so you only need a tiny amount. It’s my new favorite," one fan said.
"I have a job that requires frequent hand washing and would give me very dry skin that would crack and bleed all winter long. I started using this lotion this year and so far, soft hands, no cracking, no bleeding! I also started using it on my feet with the same results," another customer attested.
And this shopper highlighted another important feature: "Makes my hands look younger instantly," they wrote.
Cons 👎
Because Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream is an intensive treatment, it can be a bit heavy for some. "This stuff works, but it's a bit on the greasy side. I'm sure that's part of why the packaging says it will last through a hand washing. Not a huge problem, but things can be a little slippery for a few minutes after application," one person wrote.
Despite being technically 'fragrance-free,' some customers say it has a subtle scent, and not all of them are into it. One described it objectively as "citrusy and clean. It's subtly fragrant, not overwhelming, and lingers for 15-20 minutes."
Keep your dry winter hands the hydration they deserve.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
