Hand cream is a staple these days, but finding the best ones can be tricky.  Today I'm sharing a fab option from Odylique - a natural and organic hand moisturizer that is kind to the skin and the planet!

The Brand: Odylique Review

Odylique is a multi-award winning green beauty brand I have shared here on The ecoLogical before, but it was only recently that I realized how close to home this family run business actually is.  Based on a farm in Suffolk, Odylique creates their products in small handmade batches to ensure freshness and consistent quality across all their range.  From skincare to makeup, you can find a bit of everything in this natural and organic collection.

Founded by mother and daughter duo Margaret and Abi in 2003, the brand has a passion for formulating gentle and effective creations, and it has helped set the standard for eco-friendly beauty.  Adhering to fair trade and Soil Association standards, donating to nine charities, ensuring all products are truly cruelty free, using allergy friendly ingredients, choosing packaging that is fully recyclable, sourcing locally as much as possible...  They don't just pick and choose what's easy - they embrace all aspects of being planet friendly!

The Product: Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie (60ml/£12.00)

Our tastiest and best organic hand cream yet is guaranteed to soothe and moisturise the most sensitive, dry, cracked or hard-working hands! We make this lovely quick-absorbing lotion with hydrating coconut and cocoa, organic sea buckthorn, healing aloe vera and a lightly fragrant blend of skin soothing essential oils. The delicious fresh scent – a little like a Mediterranean garden - is irresistible.

Described as a 'smoothie' rather than a lotion or cream, this hand treatment is definitely unique.  Ideal for those wanting to soothe tight or dry skin, the formula is one that brings both hydration and conditioning benefits thanks to avocado, sea buckthorn, aloe, coconut and cocoa butters, and calendula.  Not only that, but it has a special aroma that will leave you wanting more.

Odylique has crafted a product that truly smells incredible, like a tart dessert with hot lemon drizzle dripped across the top.  The Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie is fresh and fragrant, and so different from the scents of other creams in my collection.  I really love it, and find it quite addictive actually.  It's a dose of sunshine, a reminder of summer, and brings warmth even on the coldest day... Gorgeous!

However, I sadly have had a few hiccups with this product.  My main concern is that the formula separates within the tube, so if you forget to shake it first or if you don't shake long/hard enough, you get a thin liquid first followed by the thicker cream.  It's like the water and oils don't want to fully mix, so it can be a bit frustrating making sure you are applying the proper smoothie rather than just getting a wet serum-like puddle that you then massage in beside the lemon butter blend.  However, as long as you shake - shake - shake -- you end up with the intended semi-thick but fast-absorbing cream that is a treat for dry hands.

It really is lovely in so many ways.  The Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie is not wet or sticky, and does not leave any residue behind once it sinks into your hands.  To be totally honest, if a hand cream in particular creates a greasy or super oily feel on the surface of the skin I end up wiping it straight off as I can't bear the sensation.  And with Odylique that has not proved to be an issue at all.  My hands are just soft, silky, and feeling refreshed!

I have found I need to stagger when I use this on my hands a bit though.  I frequently mention that coconut isn't my friend when it comes to skincare, and rich butters often don't suit me.  My skin just revolts, sometimes immediately with angry spots, other times it happens more slowly and I get little blemishes popping up.  Sadly that is what happened here - after about a week I noticed I had small spots on the tops of my hands.  I'm gutted, as this left my hands so velvety and smooth, and I thoroughly enjoyed the product despite the issue with the formula splitting.

But guess what - because I love the smell and the feel so much, I decided to use it twice a week instead of daily, plus apply it to dry spots like elbows and knees.  By using it as an occasional treat I avoid congestion and can just enjoy all the positives.  It helps add a boost of long lasting moisture and also balances hydration, making this a handy little treatment that I appreciate.  As long as coconut isn't an issue for you, this should prove a fab option for you all year round.

Ingredients: