The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
As the maker behind one of the most revered and cult-favorite facial moisturizers we’ve ever reported on, the Embryolisse name is close to sacred at HuffPost. While doing some research on the best products to treat aging nails, we learned that the French pharmacy brand also formulates a hand and nail cream that features two key ingredients dermatologists say can address nails that are brittle, discolored or textured.
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Board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology Dr. Brendan Camp, previously told HuffPost that “emollients like glycerin and shea butter can help improve the texture of nails and the skin around nails by filling in gaps or cracks in skin and improving moisture retention.”
The Embryolisse Cicalisse nourishing formula contains both shea butter and glycerin, a dermatologist-approved humectant that draws moisture into the skin and keeps it there. It’s a richly textured, yet non-greasy combination, that can repair and protect severely dry and damaged skin and soften brittle nails.
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It also features pentylene glycol, a naturally derived conditioning agent that not only draws moisture into the skin but can enhance the cream’s ability to penetrate for more concentrated and effective performance. This could be why many reviewers say that a little bit goes a long way with this moisturizer and explains the tube’s diminutive and travel-friendly size.
Reviewers also state that hands are noticeably softer after using the Cicalisse cream which has helped to target cracks and severe dryness on fingers and around the nails.
If you head over to Amazon to try this hand cream’s multi-tasking performance for yourself (especially if you’re already an Embryolisse fan) or see what other glowing things users have to say about this helpful little moisturizer.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Hands are silky soft! Bonus that it’s for nails too! Amazing product! The quality is very similar to the Le Roche Posay cica hand cream which is incredible, only this is scented, which I love. The scent is mild, like a faint baby powder fragrance. The moisturizing is superb and my hands feel so soft after using. The tube seems small for the price at first, but you only have to use a small amount. A little definitely goes a long way, which impressed me too.” — R. Hinton
“As a longtime user of Embryolisse products, I knew I was going to love this one. I just wish that it came in a bigger tube because I don’t see this one lasting me the Fall and Winter. I noticed a little splitting around my fingers got better when I started using this and that alone is enough for a reason for me to like it. I know I’m supposed to wear thicker moisturizers when it gets colder out, but I always forget every single year; luckily I was able to find an order this one just in time, and put an end to that feature of the weather change for myself rather quickly.” — Autumn
“It is a very thick cream but absorbs quickly. Brings a lot of moisture to the skin. My hands feel amazing after I use this. I clean houses and also deal with saltwater fish - both of which are very drying to my hands. This helps a lot. I have noticed a huge difference in the softness of my skin. I also get really bad buildup in the corners of my nails (like at the top of the nail bed on the sides). It is buildup of dead skin and even when I do everything right I still get it. I have seen a noticeable difference in the buildup of these dead skin pieces and am super impressed with that because I use lotion all the time - like super fancy/expensive lotion and all kinds of natural lotion - along with cuticle oil - and I still had the issue. This is one of the only lotions that has actually helped with my issue.
This also smells really good! Please note that this is a purse sized bottle. It is only 1oz. So this is pretty expensive, but since it’s only meant for hands and a little goes a long way, I think I would purchase this again. I think it is worth it because you don’t need a whole bunch to cover your hands. There is no greasy residue and it absorbs super quick. This is much more high quality than I was expecting and there are a lot of good ingredients in here. The lotion feels super smooth and silky on skin. I am very impressed and happy I got this product. Good quality and is worth the price, definitely a splurge that is worth it in my opinion. No more dry patches or irritated skin. Skin feels and looks much better.” — Nikki
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