Best Overnight Hand Masks & Gloves for Cracked Skin

If your hands sting after washing dishes or split open in cold weather, the right overnight mask or glove can be the difference between waking up sore and waking up comfortable. Below, we compare the top single-use masks and reusable gloves so you can pick a practical solution that seals in moisture, repairs cracks, and fits your nightly routine.

Cracked, painful hands are more than a cosmetic problem. They can snag on fabric, sting with hand sanitizer, and make everyday tasks uncomfortable. Overnight masks and gloves work by sealing in moisture for hours, giving healing ingredients time to soak in and protecting splits from more friction. This guide breaks down the best single-use hand masks and reusable gloves for real relief, explains how to use them without mess, and helps you choose based on your skin type, budget, and schedule.

Who this is for: anyone dealing with rough patches, split knuckles, or hands made raw by frequent washing, winter air, or jobs that are tough on skin. If lotions seem to disappear in minutes, an overnight mask or glove can give you the longer window your skin needs to repair.

Quick picks

• NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves — Best reusable pick for deep, sustained softening
• Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask — Best fragrance-free mask for sensitive, overwashed skin
• Bodipure Keratin Gloves — Best for rough, callused hands that need big overnight softening
• EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves — Best budget occlusion over your favorite ointment
• Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask — Best for very dry, tight skin that needs a heavy hit of moisture

In-depth reviews

NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves review

Who it is for: You want a reusable option that feels spa-like and keeps working night after night. These gel-lined gloves suit chronically dry hands, people who struggle to find time for long routines, and anyone who wants a strong occlusive effect without slathering on a thick layer of ointment.

What stands out: A flexible gel lining slowly releases conditioning oils such as jojoba and olive oil, plus vitamin E. The gel creates a seal that traps your skin’s own moisture while the oils soften rough patches and cuticles. Slide them on after a shower or a quick hand wash, and you can wear them for 20 to 30 minutes while you unwind or, if comfortable, overnight for extra repair.

How it feels and works: The interior gel hugs the skin, so it is warmer than cotton and far more occlusive, which is exactly what cracked skin needs. Many people notice softer hands after the first wear, with deeper improvement over a week of consistent use. They are washable and reusable, which keeps long-term costs manageable.

Drawbacks: Gel-lined gloves can feel toasty. If your hands run warm or you live in a humid climate, you may prefer wearing these for 30 to 45 minutes in the evening rather than all night. The occlusion is strong, which is great for cracks but can be too much if you are prone to sweaty palms or mildew odors in laundry. Also, the fit is usually one-size, which can be snug for larger hands.

How to choose between picks: Compared with EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves, NatraCure delivers a stronger occlusive effect and faster softening but is warmer and pricier. If fragrance is your trigger or you are mid-eczema flare, consider the Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask as a gentler, fragrance-free alternative for single-use recovery days.

Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask review

Who it is for: Sensitive and overwashed hands that sting or flush easily. If strong scents or heavy textures irritate your skin, this fragrance-free mask is a calm, low-mess option.

What stands out: These single-use glove masks are pre-filled with a lightweight cream rich in glycerin and shea butter, plus CICA, an ingredient complex often used to support a healthy skin barrier. The gloves create a gentle seal so moisturizing ingredients can penetrate without evaporating quickly.

How it feels and works: The inside is coated rather than drippy, so there is no puddle of serum to manage. Wear for 10 to 20 minutes, massage in any remaining cream, and you are done. The finish is soft, not greasy, which makes it ideal when you need to use your phone or turn pages after masking.

Drawbacks: Single-use packaging means more waste and a higher cost per treatment if you rely on it nightly. While very moisturizing, this mask is lighter than a thick ointment plus gloves, so severe cracks may need an added occlusive balm.

How to choose between picks: If your hands are deeply cracked, the NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves or an ointment under EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves will provide stronger overnight occlusion. For travel or quick relief without scent, Aveeno is the easier, cleaner option than Bodipure Keratin Gloves, which are richer and more scented.

Bodipure Keratin Gloves review

Who it is for: Rough, sandpapery skin and ragged cuticles that need intensive softening in one session. If you want your hands to look presentable by morning, these are a heavy-hitting mask.

What stands out: The glove pouches are saturated with a rich emulsion featuring keratin and emollients that flood dry skin and soften thickened areas. Estheticians often use them before manicures because they quickly improve texture and help release hangnails.

How it feels and works: The serum is abundant and cushiony. Wear the gloves for 15 to 30 minutes, then massage the leftover treatment into your hands and around the nails. Expect a dewy finish and noticeably smoother skin and cuticles. With cotton gloves layered on top, you can extend the occlusion time if you choose to wear them longer.

Drawbacks: There is typically a noticeable scent, and the formula is rich enough that some people find it slick for phone usage until it fully absorbs. Cost per use is higher than reusable options, and the packaging creates more trash.

How to choose between picks: If you want speed and a dramatic softening effect, Bodipure outperforms the lighter Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask. If you prefer a reusable, fragrance-free route or want stronger, all-night occlusion, pair your favorite ointment with EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves instead.

EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves review

Who it is for: Budget-conscious users, fragrance-sensitive skin, and anyone who wants control over exactly what goes on their hands. These are also great if you wash your hands repeatedly and reapply cream throughout the evening.

What stands out: They are simple 100 percent cotton gloves designed to seal in whatever you apply underneath. Use them with a thick hand cream, a petrolatum-based ointment, or a urea cream for a customized treatment. They are breathable, machine washable, and packable for travel.

How it feels and works: Cotton does not deliver the same powerful occlusion as gel, but it significantly reduces evaporation so your cream works harder for longer. The fabric also protects sheets and clothes from product transfer. Many people wear them every night until cracks heal.

Drawbacks: Because there is no built-in serum, you need to supply your own cream or ointment. You will replace them over time as they stretch or stain, and they can feel a bit loose if the sizing is off. Occlusion is moderate, which may take a few nights for deep cracks.

How to choose between picks: Compared with NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves, cotton is cooler, cheaper, and easier to clean but takes longer to get dramatic results. If you want the convenience of a pre-soaked mask, the Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask is tidier. For the most heavy-duty overnight hit, apply ointment and wear cotton gloves under a second loose pair to increase occlusion, which can mimic the richer feel of Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask.

Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask review

Who it is for: Extremely dry, tight, or flaky hands that do not respond to light creams. If your skin drinks everything you put on it, this ultra-moisturizing mask is worth a try.

What stands out: These gloves are loaded with a rich, paraffin-style emulsion that includes heavier emollients like shea butter along with humectants such as glycerin and urea. The result is a cushioned, cocooning feel that softens stubborn roughness.

How it feels and works: Expect a plush, slightly waxy slip while the mask is on, then a dewy finish after you remove it and massage in the excess. The formula leaves hands noticeably more flexible and less tight by morning, especially if you put thin cotton gloves over the mask to keep everything in place longer.

Drawbacks: The finish is rich. If you prefer clean, dry hands before bed, this may feel heavy. There is usually a light fragrance. As with other single-use options, frequent use adds up in cost and creates extra packaging waste.

How to choose between picks: If you are choosing between Mediheal and Bodipure Keratin Gloves, Mediheal tends to feel heavier and more occlusive, which suits severely dry skin. If your skin is reactive or you need fragrance-free, go with Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask or use your own ointment under EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves.

How to choose the right overnight solution

Start with your skin, then match the tool to the job. Here is a simple way to pick.

• If you have deep cracks and splits that sting: You need strong occlusion and a balm that will not evaporate. Layer a petrolatum-based ointment or thick hand cream under NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves for 30 to 60 minutes in the evening. If full-night wear feels too warm, switch to EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves for sleep.
• If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin: Choose a fragrance-free mask like Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask, or use your own fragrance-free ointment beneath cotton gloves. Avoid strong scents and essential oils until the skin is calm.
• If you want quick, cosmetic results for an event: Bodipure Keratin Gloves or Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask deliver a dramatic smoothing effect in one session, especially around cuticles and rough patches.
• If budget or waste matters: Reusable picks are more cost-effective over time. Cotton gloves are the most affordable, easiest to wash, and the least wasteful.
• If you run hot or sweat at night: Cotton gloves breathe better. Use gel-lined gloves for shorter evening sessions rather than sleeping in them.

Also consider fit and convenience. Single-use masks are tidy and pre-loaded, but reusables let you tailor the formula to your needs. If you work with your hands during the day, a reusable pair lets you do short, targeted sessions every evening without reordering supplies.

Overnight routine to heal cracked hands faster

This routine takes five minutes at night and removes the guesswork. Adapt it to the products and gloves you like best.

1. Cleanse gently. Wash hands with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Pat dry thoroughly, including between fingers and around nails.
2. Add hydration. If you have a lightweight gel or serum with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or 5 to 10 percent urea, rub a pea-size amount into backs of hands. This draws water into the outer skin layers.
3. Seal with a barrier. Apply a nickel-size amount of a thick hand cream or ointment. Focus on knuckles, splits, and cuticles. For deep cracks, dot a thicker ointment directly on the splits.
4. Choose your cover. Slip on your pick: a single-use mask like Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask or Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask, gel-lined gloves like NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves, or cotton gloves like EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves. If you use a single-use mask and plan to sleep immediately after, add loose cotton gloves on top to keep everything secure.
5. Wear long enough. Aim for at least 20 to 30 minutes for gel-lined gloves or single-use masks, and up to overnight for cotton gloves. If heat bothers you, do a 45-minute session while you watch TV, then switch to cotton for bedtime.
6. Morning care. Rinse or wipe off any residue, then apply a lighter hand cream. During the day, reapply after washing hands. Protect healing skin from the sun if you will be outside.

Extra tips for stubborn cracks:

• Protect splits. For cracks that reopen, consider a liquid bandage before your ointment to seal the gap, or place a small hydrocolloid on severe splits during the day.
• Gentle smoothing. Once or twice weekly, use a mild hand exfoliant with lactic acid or a urea cream to reduce roughness so moisturizers penetrate better. Skip this step if your skin is raw or inflamed.
• Make washing kinder. Choose lukewarm water, avoid harsh soaps, and pat dry. If you must sanitize often, follow with a small dab of hand cream.

Safety notes: If you have a skin infection, diabetes with neuropathy or poor circulation, or a suspected contact allergy, talk with a healthcare provider before doing intense occlusion overnight. If your hands burn, itch, or swell during use, remove the product and rinse.

Final thoughts

If you want a reusable workhorse that pays for itself in a few weeks, start with NatraCure Moisturizing Gel Gloves for focused evening sessions and switch to cotton at bedtime if you get warm. For a sensitive, fragrance-free option that will not overwhelm reactive skin, Aveeno Repairing CICA Hand Mask is the easiest win. When you need dramatic softening fast, Bodipure Keratin Gloves or Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask can reset rough, tight hands in one go. Budget-minded or fragrance-avoidant readers can reliably pair their favorite ointment with EvridWear 100% Cotton Dermatological Gloves and wake up with less sting and fewer snags. Choose the path that fits your skin and routine, then stick with it nightly for a week. Your hands will tell you it is working.

See also

If your dryness is tied to sensitivity or flares, you may find gentler formulas in our guide to Best Hand Creams for Eczema: Calm, Protect, Repeat, and age-related thinning can benefit from barrier-rich picks inside Best Hand Cream for Older Women. For brightening and smoothing alongside repair, explore the targeted options in Best Anti-Aging Cream for Hands: Protect, Smooth, Brighten.

If you drive or spend time outdoors, keep healing progress going with daytime protection from Best Hand Creams with SPF for Driving, Dog Walks, and School Runs. And if you are deciding between richer body butters and hand creams under your gloves, this breakdown will help you choose the right texture: Body Butter vs Hand Cream: What To Use and When.

FAQ

How long should I wear an overnight hand mask or gloves for cracked skin?

For gel-lined or pre-soaked masks, 20 to 30 minutes delivers strong results, and up to 60 minutes if your skin tolerates the warmth. Cotton gloves are comfortable to wear all night over a thick hand cream or ointment. If your hands feel hot or sweaty, shorten the session and switch to cotton for sleep.

What should I apply under cotton gloves to heal splits faster?

Start with a humectant-rich layer such as a glycerin or 5 to 10 percent urea cream, then seal with a thick hand cream or petrolatum-based ointment. Dot a little extra ointment directly on deep cracks before putting on cotton gloves. This layering locks in water and reduces overnight evaporation.

Are single-use hand masks as effective as reusable gloves for severe cracks?

Single-use masks like Aveeno or Mediheal are excellent for quick, concentrated moisture, but the occlusive effect ends when you remove them. For persistent or deep cracks, reusable gel-lined gloves or cotton gloves worn overnight over ointment typically provide stronger, longer occlusion and more consistent progress over several nights.

Will gel-lined gloves make my hands sweat or break out in a rash?

Gel-lined gloves are warmer than cotton, and some people do sweat if worn all night. Try 30 to 45 minutes in the evening instead. If your skin is sensitive to fragrance or certain oils, choose a fragrance-free option or use cotton gloves over your own trusted ointment. Always stop if you notice itching, burning, or a rash.

How can I prevent ointment from getting on sheets and pajamas?

Use less product than you think, focusing on backs of hands and knuckles. Massage it in for a full minute, then wipe palms lightly with a tissue so you still have grip. Slip on cotton gloves to protect bedding. If using a single-use mask at night, add loose cotton gloves on top to keep everything secure.

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