If your hands are dry, rough, or starting to crack, you’ve probably Googled CeraVe hand cream or Aveeno hand cream. They’re big pharmacy names for a reason. But are they the best choice when you need fast repair without a greasy feel? In this comparison, we stack up DU’IT, CeraVe and Aveeno on the things that matter most – so you can pick with confidence.
Spoiler: for hard-working, very dry hands, DU’IT is tough to beat.
What actually matters in a hand cream (beyond “feels nice”)
- Repair power: Can it soften roughness and help improve cracks quickly?
- Barrier support: Does it include proven moisturisers (e.g., glycerin, urea, ceramides) that keep moisture in?
- Absorption & residue: Will it sink in fast, or leave a slippery film that makes phones/keyboards annoying?
- Irritation risk: Is there a fragrance-free option? Is it gentle enough for frequent reapplication?
- Longevity: How long do your hands feel comfortable between washes?
- Value in use: Not just RRP – how far does a pea-sized amount go and will you happily reapply it?
Brand Snapshot
DU’IT hand care (e.g., Tough Hands)
Positioned as heavy-duty repair for very dry, rough, work-worn hands. The rich, fast-absorbing formula helps relieve dry, cracked and irritated hands, leaving skin feeling smoother, softer and more comfortable. Designed for results you can feel quickly with consistent use.
(Notes are based on commonly listed pack/brand positioning. Always check your specific product’s label.)Hydration is the foundation of healthy, supple skin. Regular moisturising helps maintain elasticity, soften texture, and prevent transepidermal water loss.
CeraVe hand cream
Known for ceramides and barrier care, often fragrance-free. Texture is typically on the richer side with a protective feel. Solid for everyday dryness and sensitive skin routines.
Aveeno hand cream
Leans on colloidal oatmeal to soothe and moisturise. Usually comfortable for regular, daily hydration with a soft finish. Good for mild-to-moderate dryness and calmer skin days.
DU’IT vs CeraVe vs Aveeno
| DU’IT | CeraVe | Aveeno | |
| Primary positioning | Heavy-duty repair for very dry, rough, cracked hands | Ceramides + barrier care | Colloidal oatmeal + soothing daily moisture |
| Key moisturising agents (as typically listed) | Urea, glycerin, Vitamin E, natural AHAs, dimethicone | Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Oat/colloidal oatmeal, emollients, glycerin |
| Fragrance-free option | Available | Commonly available | Available |
| Texture & feel | Fast-absorbing, rich protective feel | Rich, protective | Soft, comfortable daily feel |
| Residue on hands | Leaves a light protective film; non-slip once absorbed | Can feel more occlusive | Light residue; generally comfortable |
| Best for | Severe dryness, roughness, frequent hand-washing, tradies/healthcare | Daily barrier support, sensitive routines | Daily comfort, mild-to-moderate dryness |
| Reapply willingness | High (because it absorbs quickly and feels protective, not greasy) | Good if you like richer textures | Good for everyday top-ups |
Takeaway: All three are reputable and have their own strengths.
If your hands are very dry, rough or starting to crack, DU’IT is clinically proven to repair very dry, rough and cracked hands with visible results in 1 day – delivering strong repair power with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish you can trust.
For daily maintenance of normal–dry skin, CeraVe and Aveeno offer familiar, comfortable hydration, while DU’IT still suits if you prefer faster, non-greasy results.
Build your routine: Hand care routine for working hands
Why these ingredients matter
- Humectants (urea, glycerin): Pull water into the skin to rehydrate thick, dry areas and keep hands from feeling tight or scratchy.
- Exfoliating and renewing agents (urea, natural AHAs): Gently break down built-up dead skin, helping to smooth hard, rough patches so fresher skin can come through and other moisturising ingredients work better.
- Occlusives/emollients (dimethicone): Help lock in moisture and smooth the surface with a light protective film and a non-greasy feel once absorbed.
- Barrier and comfort supporters (vitamin E + moisturising base): Support the skin’s natural barrier, help reduce dryness flare-ups and keep hands more comfortable between washes.
Within this landscape of hand creams that combine humectants, exfoliants, occlusives and barrier-supporting ingredients, DU’IT focuses on targeted solutions for different hand concerns. Tough Hands is formulated with clinically proven actives to address very dry, rough, cracked skin and can also be used as an intensive hand mask. Tough Hands for Her adds a focus on visible signs of ageing, with several fragrance options (rose, cherry blossom and green tea). Tough Scrub pairs exfoliation with moisturising ingredients to help remove built-up roughness, while Tough Shield is designed to hydrate and help protect hands exposed to frequent washing and everyday irritants.
Real-world scenarios (pick what fits your life)
- “My hands crack from frequent washing/sanitisers.”
- You need strong rehydration + quick sink-in. DU’IT is purpose-built for this kind of heavy-duty repair without greasy downtime.
- You need strong rehydration + quick sink-in. DU’IT is purpose-built for this kind of heavy-duty repair without greasy downtime.
- “I type a lot and can’t stand slippery creams.”
- Look for fast-absorbing, low-residue. DU’IT is designed to be phone/keyboard friendly; if you like richer protection, CeraVe’s feel may appeal—just allow more settling time.
- Look for fast-absorbing, low-residue. DU’IT is designed to be phone/keyboard friendly; if you like richer protection, CeraVe’s feel may appeal—just allow more settling time.
- “I want a soothing everyday cream for mild dryness.”
- Aveeno is a comforting daily option thanks to oatmeal. CeraVe is also a strong daily pick with barrier lipids. If dryness worsens, step up to DU’IT.
Verdicts by need
- Best for very dry, rough, work-worn hands: DU’IT – heavy-duty repair, non-greasy, easy to reapply through the day.
- Best for daily maintenance (normal-dry, sensitive routines): CeraVe or Aveeno – pick the texture you prefer; both are solid for everyday upkeep.
- Best for frequent handwashing jobs (healthcare, hospitality, tradies): DU’IT – fast relief and low residue between tasks.
How to get faster results
1. Exfoliate gently
Regular exfoliation, once or twice per week, removes dead skin cells, improves texture, and enhances product absorption.
Try this: Use a gentle exfoliant designed for hardworking hands, promoting smooth, refreshed skin. Our hand scrub is a 3-in-1 hand cleaner, exfoliator and moisturiser.
2. Apply sunscreen to hands
UV exposure is one of the primary causes of premature ageing, yet hands are often neglected when it comes to sun protection. Daily SPF application helps prevent pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and visible age spots.
Tip: Choose a sunscreen with a high % of SPF for seamless protection. We recommend Cancer Council SPF Everyday Sunscreen.
3. Moisturise daily (whichever you choose)
- Apply to slightly damp hands (after washing) to trap extra moisture.
- Use a pea-sized amount and work into knuckles, sides of fingers and cuticles.
- Reapply after washing and before bed.
- For stubborn rough spots, consistent use for 7–14 days is your secret weapon.
Learn more: Simple & effective tips for smoother, softer hands
4. Professional treatments (optional)
If irritation occurs, stop and check with a pharmacist or GP – especially for deep, persistent cracks.
FAQs — DU’IT vs CeraVe vs Aveeno
Which is best for cracked, work-worn hands?
When you need heavy-duty repair without greasiness, DU’IT is the standout choice. It’s built for very dry, rough hands and sinks fast so you can keep working.
I need fragrance-free. What should I choose?
All three brands offer fragrance-free options depending on the SKU. Check your exact pack; DU’IT includes fragrance-free variants suited to frequent reapplication.
Does a greasier cream moisturise better?
Greasy ≠ better. Rich occlusion can help, but if it’s too slick you’ll avoid reapplying. DU’IT’s non-greasy finish makes regular use (and real-world results) more likely.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
That depends on how dry your hands are and how consistently you apply. Many users feel softer, more comfortable hands within days when they apply after each wash and at bedtime.
Will hand cream interfere with phones, tools, or keyboards?
Choose fast-absorbing, low-residue formulas for safety and convenience. DU’IT is designed to minimise slip so you can reapply and get straight back to it.
The Bottom Line
CeraVe and Aveeno are trusted names for everyday moisture and barrier care. But if your hands are seriously dry, rough or starting to crack, you’ll likely get quicker, more practical relief with DU’IT – thanks to repair-focused actives and a non-greasy finish you’ll actually want to use all day.
Ready to put it to the test? Choose DU’IT, apply consistently for a week, and feel the difference.
DU’IT Tough Hands 150g
DU’IT Tough Hands is a clinically proven, intensive hand cream for very dry, rough hands. It helps seal cracks, replenish lost oils, condition the skin and form a protective barrier to keep hands in top condition.
It’s Australia’s no.1 hand cream* (Circana data, AU grocery & pharmacy, data on file).
Repairs dry, rough, cracked, irritated and calloused hands with visible results in 1 day. Non-greasy, made in Australia and contains no nasties.
DU’IT Tough Scrub 150g
DU’IT Tough Scrub is a 3-in-1 moisturising hand scrub that works as hard as your hands. This hand scrub cleans, exfoliates and moisturises the skin and contains no harsh chemicals or irritants that dry out the skin.
It cleans stubborn dirt, removes odour, grease and grime, whilst leaving your hands silky smooth.
DU’IT Tough Hands for Her 75g
DU’IT Tough Hands for Her hand cream and moisturiser is a clinically tested anti-aging dry skin hand cream for tired, overworked hands. Repairs, brightens and softens dry hands with visible effects in 1 day. It contains a powerful peptide complex that supports natural collagen and softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, panthenol for firming and improving skin elasticity and niacinamide for increased skin radiance.
