NHS nurse Antonia Philp, who appeared on Dragons' Den after enduring cracked and bleeding hands from washing them up to 60 times a day, has seen her Nursem Caring Hand Cream become a cult favourite among healthcare workers and shoppers alike. The fragrance-free formula, infused with Manuka Honey, is now available at Boots with a 25% discount, bringing the price down to £7.49.
From Ward to Dragon's Den
Philp, a former NHS nurse, founded Nursem after her hands 'at times bled' from repeated washing—a reality for many medical professionals. On Dragons' Den, she secured investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones, who were impressed by her mission to soothe sore hands. The cream, which retails at £9.99, is currently reduced using the code NURSEM25 at Boots until July 28, 2026.
What Makes Nursem Hand Cream Different?
The Nursem Caring Hand Cream Fragrance Free is dermatologically tested and approved for sensitive skin. It contains medical grade Manuka Honey (NPA+15), White Willow Extract, Allantoin, and Pro Vitamin B5, alongside plant oils and glycerin, which help restore the skin's moisture barrier. The brand notes that it is widely used by people with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea.
Healthcare Workers and Shoppers Rave
Online reviews on Boots and Space NK have been overwhelmingly positive. One Boots buyer wrote: 'Bought as part of a birthday present for a friend, who suffers with dry and cracked hands due to working with water everyday and she said it was excellent.' Another called it 'the best hand cream I’ve ever used, left my hands feeling so silky soft.' At Space NK, a reviewer said: 'This is the best hand cream on the market—deeply hydrating and moisturising. Perfect for those with heavy duty jobs requiring frequent hand washing.' Another enthusiast added: 'Holy grail hand cream. I generally hate the feeling of thick, greasy products, but this absorbs so quickly.'
Affordable Alternatives and Charity Commitment
For those seeking other options, O'Keeffe's Working Hands 58ml is £4.32 on Amazon, and Avène Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream 100ml costs £13 at Cult Beauty. However, Nursem stands out not only for its efficacy but also for its charitable mission: a portion of proceeds supports nursing charities. As one five-star reviewer concluded: 'The GOAT. It's the only hand cream I've ever had that doesn't feel greasy or oily, but does soak in and moisturise. I love that they donate to nurses too.'
