This Lotion Smells Like Flourishing Herbs—and It’s Perfect for Dry Gardening Hands

If you’re spending hours outside in your garden working with your hands every day, it’s important to keep them healthy and hydrated. As spring draws nearer, the sun becomes more relentless, and being consistent with your sunscreen and lotion keeps your skin protected from the powerful rays—especially the skin on your hands, which is thinner and more delicate.

Even if the final frost of the winter isn’t behind you, there are a few small ways you can prepare and get excited before you start planting your tomatoes. My personal favorite to celebrate and prepare for gardening season? Keeping my skin as hydrated as possible with the Baobab Saint-Tropez Hand Lotion—and yes, it smells like an herb garden.

Baobab Saint-Tropez Body and Hand Lotion 

The lotion’s fragrance features a top note of mint, giving off an energizing quality, along with thyme and basil. It also has a hint of blackcurrant for a subtle fruity profile. Channeling the French Riviera coastal town it’s named after, it “fully embodies its summer inspiration”—aka peak gardening season. 

While the smell drew me in, the lotion’s formula makes the high price tag worth it. Made with oil extracted from baobab fruit (sourced ethically in Africa), it’s rich in vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and protects against UV irradiation. 

Coming off the winter season, it’s nearly impossible to not suffer from cracked hands—and living in Southern California, the air is (literally) dry as a desert. This product not only has helped get rid of the appearance of dryness, but it provides a feeling of instant relief and noticeable suppleness. My hands look and feel softer after using, and the longevity of the scent gives leaves them refreshed. There’s nothing worse than a lotion that leaves your skin greasy rather than moisturized, but this one makes mine feel velvety for hours after applying (which I usually do after running them under hot water or checking the soil of my houseplants, just to give them an extra boost of hydration). 

I like to keep my hand lotion next to a vase of fresh flowers by my kitchen sink, serving as a symbol that the growing season is getting nearer—and to remind myself to moisturize my hands after doing the dishes. Plus, the elevated design of the glass bottle, which depicts the French village it’s named after in gold detailing, doubles as decor.

Baobab also offers its herbaceous scent in a lineup of body care and home products, including a hand wash and shower gel along with a diffuser, home spray, and candle. Layer the scents throughout your home to create a summery, earthy ambiance, like you’re bringing your flourishing garden indoors. 

While it’s definitely a splurge, I think any gardening or skincare enthusiast (or just someone who appreciates a fresh scent) would approve. And here’s a wallet-saving hint for the thrifty shoppers out there: You can order a refill for $50 versus the $85. Shop the hand lotion on baobab.com, along with the brand’s other home and body products. For more garden-ready skincare products, see more of our recommendations below. 

C.O. Bigelow Rosemary Mint Moisturizing Body Lotion

Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Lotion for Dry Hands

Stonewall Kitchen Hand Lotion, Herbes de Provence

Thymes Moisturizing Hand Lotion for Dry Skin

Nécessaire The Body Lotion Eucalyptus