Protecting and caring for your skin before starting a work shift is essential, especially in environments that expose hands and skin to harsh substances, frequent washing, or chemicals. At Citrus Cleaning Supplies, our range of pre-work creams offers reliable protection for workers across industries including manufacturing, engineering, automotive, catering, and healthcare. This dedicated category provides high-quality skin barrier creams designed to reduce irritation, dryness, and the risk of occupational dermatitis.
What is a Pre-Work Cream?
Pre-work creams are specially formulated skin protection products applied before beginning a task. They act as a barrier between the skin and potential irritants such as oils, greases, detergents, solvents, and dirt. The cream helps to prevent harmful substances from penetrating the skin, making it easier to clean hands after work and reducing the need for excessive scrubbing. By forming a protective layer, pre-work creams support the skin’s natural defences while keeping hands hydrated and conditioned.
Why Use a Pre-Work Cream?
Using a good-quality pre-work cream is an important part of an effective workplace skin care regime. Workers in various sectors regularly come into contact with substances that can cause dryness, cracking, or sensitivity. Applying pre-work cream before a shift or task helps to:
- Reduce skin damage caused by irritants and contaminants
- Make cleaning easier by preventing grime from sticking to the skin
- Maintain skin integrity and prevent soreness or splitting
- Enhance comfort and productivity by avoiding irritation
- Support compliance with health and safety regulations relating to hand care
Employers have a responsibility under UK health and safety laws to provide suitable skin protection solutions where hands may be exposed to harmful substances. Pre-work creams are a simple, affordable, and effective way to fulfil this obligation while safeguarding employees’ wellbeing.
Types of Pre-Work Cream
Pre-work creams can vary depending on the level of protection required and the type of work being carried out. At Citrus Cleaning Supplies, we stock skin care products from trusted brands designed for professional environments. Typical types include:
- Light Barrier Creams – ideal for general tasks involving mild irritants or water-based substances. These non-greasy formulas absorb quickly and are suitable for frequent use throughout the day.
- Medium Protection Creams – designed for workers who handle moderate contaminants such as oils, coolants, or solvents. They provide stronger protection while keeping skin soft and supple.
- Heavy-Duty Barrier Creams – formulated for demanding industrial roles where exposure to extreme contaminants, adhesives, or strong chemicals is common. These thicker creams deliver lasting coverage and higher resistance.
Selecting the right barrier cream depends on the specific risks present in the workplace. If unsure, always check the product descriptions for details on recommended applications and performance testing. You can also explore our full hand care collection to find complementary products for your routine.
Application and Best Use
For maximum effectiveness, apply pre-work cream to clean, dry skin before starting work. Pay attention to areas that are most exposed to irritants such as the backs of hands, between fingers, and around the nails. Allow the product to absorb fully before putting on gloves or handling tools. Reapply as needed, particularly after washing hands or if exposure to contaminants continues throughout the day.
Three-Step Workplace Skin Care Routine
- Pre-work Protection Cream – forms a barrier before exposure
- Hand Cleaner or Cleanser – removes dirt, oil, or chemicals after tasks. View our hand cleaner range.
- After-work Moisturiser – replenishes natural oils and repairs skin overnight. Visit our moisturisers and lotions page.
Implementing this approach helps maintain healthy skin and reduces absenteeism caused by occupational dermatitis.
Where Pre-Work Creams Are Used
Pre-work creams are common in a wide variety of workplaces across the UK, including:
- Engineering workshops and machine shops – protection from oils, lubricants, and metalworking fluids
- Automotive garages – guards against fuels, greases, and chemicals
- Construction sites – shields against cement, dust, and environmental factors
- Catering and food processing – keeps hands protected from frequent washing and cleaning detergents
- Hospitals and care homes – supports healthy skin with repeated sanitiser and soap use
- Printing and manufacturing companies – provides a barrier against ink, dye, and solvents
Any setting that involves prolonged contact with potentially damaging materials can benefit from the regular use of protective hand cream before starting work. For those in hygiene-critical sectors, our personal protection products may also be helpful.
Choosing Quality Skin Protection from Citrus Cleaning Supplies
Citrus Cleaning Supplies provides a selection of pre-work barrier creams sourced from industry-leading brands trusted for their effectiveness and skin compatibility. Our products are dermatologically tested and suitable for use within professional skin care systems. We offer both individual dispenser bottles and bulk refill options to support different workplace requirements.
When you shop with Citrus Cleaning Supplies, you can expect:
- High-quality products from reliable manufacturers
- Competitive pricing on professional cleaning and hygiene solutions
- Expert advice on selecting the right hand care products for your team
- Fast delivery across the UK
- Dedicated customer support from our experienced team
Our goal is to make it easy for businesses to protect their staff and maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
Maintaining a Healthy Workplace
Good hand care is fundamental to employee health. Neglecting skin protection can lead to conditions such as dryness, irritation, cracking, or dermatitis, which may cause discomfort, reduced performance, and time off work. Implementing a skin care programme that includes pre-work creams can dramatically reduce these risks. By encouraging staff to use a small amount of cream before beginning tasks, employers can improve comfort and morale while supporting compliance with COSHH and workplace hygiene regulations.
Order Online Today
Explore our full range of Pre-Work Creams here at Citrus Cleaning Supplies and find the ideal product for your team. Whether you require light daily protection or more robust barrier creams for tough environments, you will find trusted options that perform consistently. Order online with ease and take the first step toward better hand and skin protection in your workplace.
Keep your team’s skin safeguarded and ensure comfort throughout the working day with quality pre-work protection creams from Citrus Cleaning Supplies.