Hands, feet & nails – INCI lists and analysis

Hands, feet and nails are grouped together because the products share a practical purpose: caring for areas that are washed often, exposed to friction or covered by shoes. The main categories are hand creams, foot care products such as creams, scrubs and deodorising sprays, and nail and cuticle care, including oils, strengtheners and cuticle removers.

Hand and foot creams often contain GLYCERIN, UREA, ALLANTOIN, DIMETHICONE and plant butters, with UREA used in a wide range of concentrations in foot products. Nail treatments may include solvents such as BUTYL ACETATE or ETHYL ACETATE, film formers like NITROCELLULOSE, and conditioning oils. Cuticle removers can contain alkaline ingredients such as POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, which come with usage warnings.

When comparing labels, notice whether a product is mainly a water-based emulsion or an anhydrous balm, which preservatives are present and whether fragrance is included. For products with restricted substances, such as alkaline cuticle softeners, the warnings printed on the pack are part of the regulatory requirements. They are not optional extras added by the brand.