The harsh conditions of winter can significantly damage your skin, especially your hands. The mix of frigid air, lower humidity levels, and indoor heating can result in dry, cracked, and even bleeding skin. Consequently, it is essential to include a premium hand cream in your skincare regimen during the winter months.
Hand creams come in different formulas and textures, but they all aim to moisturize and protect the skin. Some hand creams are thicker and more emollient, while others are lighter and absorb quickly. The best hand cream for winter should be rich enough to provide long-lasting hydration, but not too greasy or heavy that it leaves a residue or makes it difficult to grip objects.
When choosing a hand cream for winter, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the ingredients should be nourishing and non-irritating, as the skin on the hands is thin and sensitive. Look for ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils like coconut, jojoba, or almond. Avoid hand creams with alcohol, fragrances, or other potential irritants.
Secondly, the packaging should be convenient and hygienic. A tube or pump bottle is preferable to a jar, as it reduces the risk of contamination and allows for easy application on the go. A travel-size hand cream is also a good option, as it can fit in a purse, pocket, or glove compartment.
In this article, we’ve tested and reviewed ten of the best hand creams for winter, based on their ingredients, texture, effectiveness, and packaging. Whether you have dry, sensitive, or mature skin, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to chapped hands and hello to soft, smooth, and healthy skin.
Best Hand Creams for Winter
During the winter months, skin can become dry and cracked due to the harsh weather conditions. To combat this, it’s important to invest in a good hand cream that will provide much-needed moisture and protection. Below is a list of the best hand creams for winter that are sure to keep your hands feeling soft and smooth all season long.
Grandma’s Winter Hand Soother Lotion
If you’re looking for an all-natural hand cream to combat dry, chapped, and cracked skin, Grandma’s Winter Hand Soother Lotion is a great option.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing and never greasy
- All-natural ingredients with no parabens, mineral oil, or petroleum products
- Light grapefruit scent won’t compete with perfume, cologne, or aftershave
Cons
- May not provide long-lasting moisture for extremely dry skin
- Some users may not like the grapefruit scent
- Somewhat expensive compared to other hand creams
This hand cream is perfect for year-round use on damaged skin, and works great on feet as well. It contains shea and jojoba to soothe and soften the skin, and absorbs quickly enough that your skin never has “that greasy feeling.”
Grandma’s Pure & Natural Soaps are made through traditional, handcrafted methods to best preserve the quality and effectiveness of their all-natural ingredients. Plus, this product is manufactured in the USA and not tested on animals.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural hand cream that absorbs quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, Grandma’s Winter Hand Soother Lotion is a great choice.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a reliable hand cream to combat the harsh winter weather, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is an excellent option.
Pros
- Concentrated formula that heals, relieves, soothes, and repairs extremely dry, cracked hands
- Creates a protective layer on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture and keeps your skin hydrated
- Safe for people with diabetes, hypoallergenic, unscented, and non-greasy
Cons
- Takes a while to absorb into the skin
- Leaves a film on the hands
- May not be suitable for those who prefer scented hand creams
This hand cream is clinically proven to instantly boost moisture levels, help prevent further moisture loss, and make a difference you’ll feel within days. It’s available in both tube and jar form, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is safe for people with diabetes and is hypoallergenic, unscented, and non-greasy. For best results, apply after hand washing, after bathing, and at bedtime, as these are the most effective times for effectively moisturizing extremely dry skin.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and effective hand cream to keep your hands moisturized and protected during the winter months, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is definitely worth considering.
Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple Shea Butter Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a hand cream that will keep your hands moisturized during the winter season, Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple Shea Butter Hand Cream is a great choice.
Pros
- The moisturizing shea butter and vitamin E formula leaves hands feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
- The travel size of the product makes it easy to carry in your purse or travel bag.
- The fragrance of red apples, winter rose petals, candied oranges, maple leaf, and fresh cinnamon is delightful.
Cons
- The scent may be too strong for some people.
- The cream may take a bit of rubbing to get absorbed into the skin.
- The product may not be suitable for people with very dry, cracked hands.
This hand cream is a celebration of everything you love about Bath and Body Works. With moisturizing shea butter and vitamin E, this luxurious hand cream absorbs quickly to leave hands feeling soft, smooth, and nourished. Use it after washing your hands or anytime your hands need moisture. The travel size of the product makes it easy to carry in your purse or travel bag.
The fragrance of red apples, winter rose petals, candied oranges, maple leaf, and fresh cinnamon is delightful and perfect for the winter season. However, the scent may be too strong for some people.
The cream is rich and moisturizing, but it may take a bit of rubbing to get absorbed into the skin. Also, the product may not be suitable for people with very dry, cracked hands.
In summary, Bath & Body Works Winter Candy Apple Shea Butter Hand Cream is a great choice if you’re looking for a hand cream that will keep your hands moisturized during the winter season. Its moisturizing formula and delightful fragrance make it a must-try product.
Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream
Keep your hands soft and moisturized with Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream, a natural origin lotion that hydrates, revitalizes, and conditions dry skin for up to 24 hours. This scented hand cream contains sweet almond oil, conditioning beeswax, and vitamin E, making it an ideal moisturizer for rough, hard-working skin.
Pros
- Hydrates and revitalizes dry skin for up to 24 hours
- Contains natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, beeswax, and vitamin E
- Nutty almond scent relaxes senses
Cons
- May leave a slight residue
- Not suitable for those with nut allergies
- Some users may find the scent too strong
Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream is a great choice for those looking for a natural, effective hand cream that will keep their hands soft and moisturized all winter long. The cream contains natural ingredients like sweet almond oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, which work together to hydrate, revitalize, and condition dry skin. The nutty almond scent is also a nice touch, helping to relax the senses and provide a pleasant aroma.
One potential downside of this hand cream is that it may leave a slight residue on the skin. Additionally, those with nut allergies should avoid using this product. Some users may also find the scent too strong, although this is largely a matter of personal preference.
Overall, Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural, effective hand cream that will keep their hands soft and moisturized all winter long.
Nobranded Hand Cream Gift Set
This hand cream set is perfect for anyone looking for a natural and effective way to moisturize their hands during the harsh winter months.
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients and plant extracts, without animal oil, artificial colors, and talcum powder.
- Comes with eight different fragrances that are deeply hydrating and moisturizing, leaving hands silky-soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
- Suitable for all skin types, including allergy sufferers and sensitive skin.
Cons
- Some fragrances may not be appealing to everyone.
- The cream may take a little longer to absorb into the skin.
- The packaging may not be as sturdy as some would like.
This hand cream set is perfect for those who want a natural and effective way to moisturize their hands during the harsh winter months. The set comes with eight different fragrances, including lavender, shea, orange, rose, lemon, strawberry, green tea, and blueberry. The fragrances are fresh-cut and deeply hydrating, leaving hands silky-soft, smooth, and rejuvenated.
The hand cream is made with natural ingredients and plant extracts, without animal oil, artificial colors, and talcum powder. It is suitable for all skin types, including allergy sufferers and sensitive skin. The cream can be used as both a hand cream and a body cream, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
One of the best things about this hand cream set is that it comes with a cosmetic bag, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. You can keep one at home, one in the car, and one at your desk. The hand cream is perfect for rough and chapped skin on elbows, knees, feet, and stressed and dry hands. Especially in cold or dry seasons, applying the hand moisturizer can help your dry, water shortage, dry lines skin become more smooth and rejuvenated.
Overall, the Nobranded Hand Cream Gift Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural and effective way to moisturize their hands during the harsh winter months. The set comes with eight different fragrances that are deeply hydrating and moisturizing, leaving hands silky-soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. The cream is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best hand cream for winter, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Ingredients
The first thing to consider when choosing a hand cream is the ingredients. Look for products that contain ingredients that are known to be effective in moisturizing and protecting the skin, such as glycerin, shea butter, and coconut oil. It’s also important to avoid ingredients that can be harsh or irritating to the skin, such as alcohol, fragrances, and preservatives.
Texture
The texture of the hand cream is also an important factor to consider. Some people prefer thicker creams that provide a more intense level of hydration, while others prefer lighter creams that absorb quickly and don’t leave a greasy residue. Consider your personal preferences and choose a product that matches your needs.
SPF Protection
During the winter months, it’s easy to forget about sun protection. However, even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can still penetrate the skin. Look for hand creams that contain SPF protection to help prevent sun damage.
Price
Hand creams can range in price from a few dollars to over $50. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that quality ingredients and effective formulas may cost more. Consider your budget and choose a product that fits your needs and price range.
By considering these factors, you can choose a hand cream that will keep your skin moisturized and protected throughout the winter months.
