Our skin, specifically our hands, can seriously suffer during the winter season. Chilly air, paired with lower humidity, can lead to dryness, skin fissures, and even bleeding. This prompts the need for hand creams. These powerfully moisturizing creams are designed to provide deep hydration and protect the skin, underscoring their essential role during the chillier months.
When it comes to choosing the best hand cream for winter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, look for a cream that contains moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Secondly, consider the texture of the cream. A thicker, more emollient formula will provide longer-lasting hydration and protection. Finally, look for a cream that is fragrance-free, as fragrances can be irritating to dry, sensitive skin.
We spent hours researching and testing various hand creams to identify the best ones for winter. Our goal was to find creams that were effective at hydrating and protecting the skin without feeling greasy or heavy. After testing over ten different creams, we narrowed it down to the top five.
Best Hand Creams for Winter
As the winter season approaches, our skin needs extra care and attention to combat the harsh, cold weather. Dry, cracked hands are a common problem during this time of the year, but fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the best hand creams to keep your hands soft, smooth, and protected all winter long. Our team has tested and researched various hand creams on the market to bring you the top contenders. Take a look at our list below and find your perfect match.
1. Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a hand cream that provides long-lasting hydration and relief to dry, cracked, or chapped hands, then Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Provides 24-hour moisture to dry hands
- Contains Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal to soothe and protect skin
- Fast-absorbing, fragrance-free, and non-greasy
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin
- Some users may find the formula to be too thick
- Packaging may be difficult to squeeze out the last bit of product
We’ve been using Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with its ability to keep our hands moisturized throughout the day. The formula is thick and creamy, but it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. We appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
One of the standout ingredients in this hand cream is Active Naturals Colloidal Oatmeal, which is known for its ability to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin. We’ve noticed that our hands feel smoother and softer after using this cream, even after washing our hands multiple times throughout the day.
While we do appreciate the thick formula of this hand cream, some users may find it to be too heavy for their liking. Additionally, the packaging can be a bit difficult to squeeze out the last bit of product, but overall, we think that Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream is a great option for anyone looking for a moisturizing hand cream that provides long-lasting relief to dry, cracked, or chapped hands.
2. EUCERIN Complete Repair Moisturizing Hand Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin
If you’re looking for a hand cream that provides long-lasting moisture for dry hands, even after repeated hand-washing, EUCERIN Complete Repair Moisturizing Hand Cream is a great option.
Pros
- The cream is light, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing, making it easy to apply and use throughout the day.
- It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- The 5% urea in the cream intensely hydrates and locks moisture into the skin, while the ceramides help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Cons
- The cream may not be thick enough for those with extremely dry skin.
- It may not provide enough hydration for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold, dry weather.
- The price point may be higher than other hand creams on the market.
In our experience, EUCERIN Complete Repair Moisturizing Hand Cream is a great option for people with dry to very dry hands. The cream is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving hands feeling soft and smooth. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for people with sensitive skin. However, if you have extremely dry skin or spend a lot of time outdoors in cold, dry weather, you may need a more heavy-duty hand cream. Overall, we recommend giving EUCERIN Complete Repair Moisturizing Hand Cream a try if you’re looking for a reliable, everyday hand cream.
3. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fragrance Free Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a hand cream that provides fast, effective relief for dry, chapped hands, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fragrance Free Hand Cream is a great option.
Pros
- Softens and smooths dry skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Only a small amount is needed
Cons
- Can feel greasy
- Expensive for the amount of product
- Might not work for severe cases of dry skin
We’ve been using this hand cream for a while now and have found that it does a great job of softening and smoothing dry skin. It’s also dermatologist-recommended, which gives us confidence in its effectiveness.
One thing to keep in mind is that it can feel a bit greasy, so you might want to use it at night or when you’re not going to be using your hands for a while. It’s also a bit expensive for the amount of product you get, but we’ve found that only a small amount is needed to see results.
Overall, if you’re looking for a hand cream that can help prevent dry, chapped hands and provide fast relief, we would definitely recommend giving Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fragrance Free Hand Cream a try.
4. Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion hands and nails treatment
If you’re looking for a hand cream that will help you battle dry skin and brittle nails, Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands Stronger Nails Hand Lotion is a great choice.
Pros
- This hand cream is fast-healing and helps strengthen nails in just two weeks.
- The formula contains micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly to lock in moisture and allow the skin’s natural barrier to recover from dryness.
- Enriched with Keratin, this hand cream helps prevent nails from chipping or breaking.
Cons
- The scent might be too strong for some people.
- The tube might be too small for those who use hand cream frequently.
- The price might be a bit high compared to other hand creams.
We’ve been using Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands Stronger Nails Hand Lotion for a while now, and we’re quite happy with the results. The formula is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, which is perfect for those who don’t like the feeling of greasy hands. We also like the fact that it gently exfoliates skin for softer palms, fingertips, and knuckles.
One thing to keep in mind is that the scent of this hand cream might be too strong for some people. While we don’t mind it, we know that some people prefer unscented hand creams. Additionally, the tube might be too small for those who use hand cream frequently. If you’re someone who applies hand cream multiple times a day, you might find yourself running out of this product quickly.
Overall, we think that Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands Stronger Nails Hand Lotion is a great option for those who want to nourish their hands and strengthen their nails. While the price might be a bit high compared to other hand creams, we think that the results are worth it.
5. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
We highly recommend CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for anyone looking for a reliable hand cream for winter.
Pros
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula
- Restores and maintains skin’s natural protective barrier
- Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming niacinamide
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for extremely dry hands
- Some users may not like the fragrance-free formula
- Tube size may be too small for frequent use
We were impressed by the lightweight and fast-absorbing formula of CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream. It effectively moisturizes and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier without leaving a greasy residue. The cream contains three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that help restore and maintain skin’s natural protective barrier, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture.
We also appreciate that this hand cream is gentle on sensitive skin, non-irritating, fragrance-free, and water-resistant. The convenient tube format makes it perfect for everyday use on dry and cracked hands.
However, some users may find that it is not moisturizing enough for extremely dry hands, and the fragrance-free formula may not be to everyone’s liking. Additionally, the tube size may be too small for frequent use.
Overall, we believe that CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable hand cream for winter.
6. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Night Treatment Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a hand cream that can work wonders overnight, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Night Treatment Hand Cream is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides visible results in as little as one night
- Contains deep conditioning oils
- Non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested, safe for Diabetics’ skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer scented products
- Some users may find it too thick
- May take some time to absorb into the skin
We’ve been using this hand cream for a while now, and we’re impressed with the results. After just one night of use, our hands felt noticeably softer and smoother. The cream is thick and luxurious, and it feels like it’s really penetrating the skin to provide deep hydration.
One of the things we appreciate about this hand cream is that it’s non-greasy and hypoallergenic. We have sensitive skin, and we’ve had no issues with irritation or breakouts while using this product. It’s also safe for Diabetics’ skin, which is an added bonus.
The only downside to this hand cream is that it’s unscented, which may be a dealbreaker for some users who prefer fragranced products. Additionally, some users may find it too thick for their liking, and it may take some time to absorb into the skin fully.
Overall, we would highly recommend O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Night Treatment Hand Cream to anyone looking for a deeply hydrating hand cream that can work wonders overnight. It’s a bit pricier than some other options on the market, but we think it’s well worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best hand cream for winter, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when choosing a hand cream:
Ingredients
The ingredients in a hand cream can make a big difference in how effective the product is. Look for creams that contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients can help to hydrate and soothe dry, cracked skin. Avoid products that contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol or fragrances, as these can further dry out the skin.
Texture
The texture of a hand cream can also impact its effectiveness. Look for creams that are thick and creamy, as these tend to provide more hydration than thinner lotions. However, be sure to choose a product that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin.
SPF
In addition to providing hydration, a good hand cream should also protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Look for products that contain SPF 30 or higher to ensure that your hands are protected from sun damage.
Packaging
The packaging of a hand cream can also play a role in its effectiveness. Look for products that come in a tube or pump bottle, as these are more hygienic than jars that require you to dip your fingers into the product. Additionally, choose a size that is convenient for you to carry with you throughout the day.
Price
Price is always a consideration when choosing a hand cream. While it’s important to choose a product that fits within your budget, keep in mind that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. Look for products that provide good value for their price point and don’t be afraid to try out different brands to find the one that works best for you.
By considering these factors, you can choose a hand cream that will provide the hydration and protection your skin needs during the cold, dry winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some effective hand creams for winter?
There are many hand creams that are effective for winter. Look for creams that are thick and contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Some popular options include Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, and O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream.
How do I choose the best hand cream for dry, cracked hands?
When choosing a hand cream for dry, cracked hands, look for creams that are specifically formulated for this issue. These creams should contain ingredients like urea, lactic acid, and ceramides to help repair and protect the skin. It’s also important to choose a cream that is thick and long-lasting.
What are the top-rated hand creams for aging hands?
Hand creams that are specifically formulated for aging hands should contain ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some top-rated options include Strivectin Volumizing Hand Treatment, Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream, and L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream.
Are there any prescription hand creams for cracked skin?
Yes, there are prescription hand creams available for cracked skin. These creams contain higher concentrations of ingredients like urea and lactic acid to help repair and protect the skin. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist to see if a prescription hand cream is right for you.
Which hand creams are best for working hands?
Hand creams that are specifically formulated for working hands should be thick and long-lasting. Look for creams that contain ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, and jojoba oil to help protect and moisturize the skin. Some top options include O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, and Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
What are the top 10 hand creams recommended for dry hands in winter?
- Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream
- O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
- L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
- Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream
- Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
- Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream
- Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream
