Every hand tells a story
Climbing takes a toll on your skin. Splits, dry tips, or thin skin often decide how long you can really stay on the wall.
As the hand care experts for climbing, we help you understand your skin, care for it and support its natural recovery after climbing, so you can climb longer and perform better.
Find your skin type, or dive straight into our hand care guide.
Team KletterRetter
Our athletes train hard, both at the crag and in the gym. They test our products where it counts.
Real skin, real tests. And all that with the aspiration to always make the next move.
Frequently asked questions
What is KletterRetter?
KletterRetter makes skincare, chalk and tape for climbers and boulderers. We’re a small team based in the Black Forest, Germany, and since 2013 we’ve been working on a problem we know firsthand: how to keep your hands in good shape when you climb regularly.
How should I care for my hands after climbing?
That depends on your skin. If your hands feel dry and rough after a session, hand cream is a good place to start. If you’re unsure what your skin needs, our skin type test can help you choose a routine.
Take the skin type testWhen should I use KletterRetter Hand Cream?
After climbing is a good time: wash off the chalk and dirt, dry your hands and apply a small amount of cream. Our hand cream absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. We wouldn’t recommend applying it immediately before your next climb.
What can I do about rough or cracked fingers from climbing?
Start by looking at what your skin needs. You can carefully smooth loose calluses and moisturise dry skin regularly. If you have an open split, clean and protect it, and give it time to recover. If the same problem keeps coming back, take a look at your skincare routine and how much chalk you use.
Will hand cream make my skin too soft for climbing?
Caring for your hands doesn’t mean putting cream on just before you climb. The best time is usually after your session. That way you can care for dry skin without reaching for the holds with freshly moisturised hands.
Which climbing chalk is right for me?
The best way to find out is to try it. What matters is how the chalk feels on your hands and on the holds you climb. You don’t need to chalk up after every move, either: start with a little and add more when you need it.
Do beginners need skincare and climbing tape?
A simple hand care routine is useful even when you’ve just started climbing. Wash off chalk after your session, keep an eye on rough patches and moisturise dry hands. You don’t automatically need tape; it’s a tool for particular areas and situations.
Is KletterRetter Hand Cream vegan?
Yes, our hand cream is vegan. For other products, check the individual product page, as ingredients vary.
Where can I learn more about hand care for climbing and bouldering?
Our free Hand Care Guide goes into more detail about skin types, chalk and simple routines than we can fit into an FAQ.
Read the free Hand Care Guide
