L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Review

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
8.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.

Key Benefits of L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream:
 

Very Rich Moisturizer Well-Suited for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a high humectancy of 7.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈20.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a significant concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

Based on our analysis, L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream contains a significant concentration of humectants, but people with very dry skin would likely benefit from adding additional humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product provides.

If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Beta-Glucan, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Beta-Glucan provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Beta-Glucan may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-packed

Cons: 

  • May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
20
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-33
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Coumarin
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.2
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
24.1
20.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 24.1 20
10.0
20.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
All humectants
7.2
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
20
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
All occlusives 24.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
24.1
20.0
1.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
1.5
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %20
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) SterolsBrassica campestris sterols are a mixture of sterols (fat-like compounds) obtained from rapeseed oil. They are used as an emollient additive to the oil base of a cosmetic product. Read more about rapeseed oil here: Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Ceteareth-33
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-33
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Coumarin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coumarin

A plant-based fragrant compound that occurs in sweet-smelling grass, sweet woodruff, and sweet clover. It has a sweet and vanilla-like scent in high concentrations and a similar scent to freshly mowed grass in low concentrations.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.