The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream promises to be the “ultimate handbag must have, perfect for on-the-go hydration.”
That’s music to my ears. My hands are so dry, I could do with a top up of moisture when I’m out and about. But most hand creams I’ve tried take ages to sink in or leave a greasy mess all over the place. Ugh.
This cream doesn’t do that. But does that compromise its moisturising properties somehow? I’ve put it to the test to find out:
What’s In The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream?
COCONUT OIL (AND DERIVATIVES)
The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream contains two types of coconut oil:
- Coconut oil: The pure kind. Super moisturising but highly comedogenic. This hand cream only has a few drops of it.
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it’s loaded with fatty acids that moisturise skin, leaving it softer and suppler. Lighter in texture, it basically has all the moisturising properties of coconut oil without its comedogenic potential. It has 3rd place on the ingredient list.
Related: The Complete Guide To Coconut Oil: What Is It, What Does It Do, And Should You Use It?
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Yep, there’s more sweet almond oil than pure coconut oil in here. It’s not a bad choice for most skin types.
Sweet almond oil is not as moisturising as coconut oil, but it can still soften and moisturise skin. It works by creating a protective barrier on the skin that slows down water loss.
Plus, it has a lightweight texture for an oil. It sinks in fairly quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind.
P.S. You’ll find it on the label hiding under the name Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil.
Texture
Lightweight. Fast-absorbing. Non-greasy.
Fragrance
A divine mix of coconut and vanilla. Delicious. It lingers on the skin for a few hours.
How To Use It
Massage it onto your hands every time you feel them getting dry.
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Performance & Personal Opinion
FYI, The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream has a strong scent. I dig it, but if you have a sensitive nose or can’t stand the smell of coconut, it’ll make you gag. Don’t say I haven’t warned you.
If you’re into all things coconutty, you’ll love this. It has a lightweight texture that sinks in quickly, leaving absolutely no residue behind. I can literally put it on and start typing away at my laptop immediately without leaving greasy fingerprints all over my keyboard.
But how moisturising it is? Well, it leaves my skin softer and smoother… for 3 or 4 hours. This is what I call a maintenance cream.
If your hands are already in good condition and you only need to keep them that way, that’ll do. But if you have seriously dry hands from all the hand washing we’re doing these days, this just doesn’t cut it.
Who Is This For?
Someone with already moisturised hands who needs a maintenance cream.
Who Is This NOT For?
Dry skin.
Packaging
A brown and silver tube. Pretty, practical, and travel-friendly.
Does The Body Shop Coconut Hand Cream Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Infused with the scent of fresh coconuts, the light, gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, helping to soften and protect the hands. | True. |
| The ultimate handbag must have, this daily hand cream is perfect for on-the-go hydration. | It’ll do on-the-go, but it’s not moisturising enough for dry skin. |
Price & Availability
$8.00/£5.00 at The Body Shop
Do You Need It?
Mmmm…. It’s not a must-have. But if you need a maintenance cream and dig the scent of coconut, you’ll like this.
Dupes & Availability
- Palmer’s Coconut Oil Hand Cream (£3.04)
Ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Parfum, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Caramel, CI 14700.
