Should you stop using your hands to apply your skin care? We asked a dermatologist

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.WellnessIs applying skin care with your fingers actually bad for your skin? A dermatologist weighs inThe biggest concern is transferring bacteria to your face.Aug. 24, 2026, 12:00 PM EDTBethany HeitmanCommerce EditorSkip to table of contentsA number of brands have released skin care products with applicators that allow you to avoid touching your face.GettyIn this articleOur top picksThe best hands-free skin careHow I picked the best hands-free skin careIs it bad to use your hands to apply your skin care?Are there any downsides to using hands-free skin care products?Frequently asked questionsMeet our skin care expertWhy trust NBC Selected?See 5 MoreEvery time you swipe on serum or pat in moisturizer, you’re also transferring whatever’s on your fingers — oil, bacteria, dirt, grime, you name it — onto your face. That’s led a growing number of people to skip using their fingers altogether when applying skin care products, and opting for hands-free applicators (think rollerballs, mists and more). But is fingertip application actually a skin care sin? I spoke with a board-certified dermatologist to find out whether using your hands to apply skin care can really cause issues, plus rounded up some of the best hands-free products to try if you’d rather keep your fingers out of it.Selected.Our top picksBest hands-free SPFNaked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50$undefined$27.00UltaLearn moreBest hands-free serumDr. Idriss The Depuffer Soothing Roll-On Treatment Serum$undefined$38.00SephoraLearn moreBest hands-free eye creamL’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine Eye Serum$undefined$27.88AmazonLearn moreThe best hands-free skin careMost of the hands-free skin care products below come recommended by NBC Selected editors. The rest align with expert guidance on what they suggest prioritizing in h...