Work-Safe Hand Cream: What to Use Under Nitrile Gloves

Short answer: Under gloves, use a lotion that absorbs fully and won’t break down latex gloves. In ESD, cleanroom and food areas, pick one made without silicones, lanolin or mineral oil. Petroleum- and oil-heavy creams can soften latex and leave residue where you don’t want it.

Why work hands crack

Frequent washing and sanitizing strips the skin’s oils. Hours in gloves trap sweat, and cold, dry air finishes the job. The result is chapped, split skin that hurts and can let germs in.

What to look for

• Won’t break down latex gloves, and it absorbs fully before you glove up.
• Fast absorbing and non-greasy, so your grip stays sure.
• Fragrance-free where your area requires it.
• NSF E4 if you work in a food plant.
• A skin-protectant active, such as dimethicone, for skin that’s already cracked.

When to put it on

Before you glove up (rub it in fully), at breaks, and at the end of the shift. The end of the shift is the most important, because it gives skin all night to recover.

Healthcare

CDC hand-hygiene guidance supports giving staff lotion to cut down on dermatitis from frequent hand hygiene. Check that the lotion is compatible with CHG and with your gloves.

R&R options

• I.C. Hand Lotion, fragrance-free/cleanroom or blue. It won’t break down latex gloves, and it’s CHG compatible, NSF E4 and dermatologist tested.
• I.C. Hand Cream: dimethicone 4% skin protectant for chafed, chapped or cracked skin. Non-greasy and dermatologist tested. Use it at the end of the shift and off the clock. For under gloves, use I.C. Hand Lotion, which won’t break down latex gloves.