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Photo: Cottonbro Studio
Photo: Cottonbro Studio
Skin

Rich hand creams I cannot imagine winter without. They save even the driest skin

by Kristina Mikulić Gazdović

December 25, 2025

Winters have become unpredictable. A day can start with rain, only for that rain to turn into snow by evening. Temperatures fluctuate sharply from one day to the next, and the skin reacts to these changes. Cold weather can be ruthless to the hands, which is why a rich hand cream becomes a necessity.

Those small tubes become allies against cracked skin and discomfort. I cannot even imagine the winter season without a good hand cream. There is always one with me, on a random table, on my nightstand, in my laptop bag, in a small purse. Simply put, for me the arrival of winter is not heralded by snow, but by the accumulation of hand creams.

The best ingredients for winter hand care

Through all that testing, certain ingredients have proven more effective than others. The best winter hand creams are recognized by ingredients such as shea butter, natural oils, glycerin, and panthenol. Their texture is rich, yet they absorb quickly without leaving an unpleasant greasy residue. They are ideal for application before bedtime, but also during the day, especially after exposure to the cold or frequent hand washing.

The best hand creams for winter

1/ Chanel La Crème Main Texture Riche
In addition to its award winning packaging, the formula is the reason this cream is so popular. This rich nourishing hand and nail cream hydrates from the very first application, restores softness, and provides a long lasting feeling of comfort, especially in cold weather conditions. It absorbs quickly, leaving hands smooth and delicately scented. The formula with a camellia and iris complex and plant butter protects the skin, enhances hydration, and gives a visibly cared for, radiant appearance.

  • Key ingredients: shea butter, camellia oil, jojoba, ceramides
  • Packaging:P50 ml

2/ Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pomade
Ideal for extremely dry hands, Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pomade feels as though it was created to battle winter conditions. The plant based formula contains shea butter to nourish the skin, sweet almond to intensely moisturize, and peony root to support renewal. It leaves hands soft, smoothed, and comfortably cared for, without a greasy feel.

  • Key ingredients: sweet almond, peony root
  • Packaging: 55 ml


3/ Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream
This cream showcases the true power of ceramides. Its lightweight yet nourishing texture absorbs quickly and helps restore and protect the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it soft and smooth. It contains ceramides NP and skin lipids to strengthen resilience, glycerin to lock in moisture, and panthenol to provide soothing hydration. Dermatologically tested and suitable for daily care.

  • Key ingredients: ceramides, panthenol
  • Packaging: 100 ml

4/ DR Barbara Sturm Super Anti Aging Hand Cream
When you want to give your hands extra care, this cream delivers. The fast absorbing anti aging formula intensely hydrates, improves elasticity, and protects hands from dryness and visible signs of aging. Active ingredients such as daisy extract target hyperpigmentation, while hyaluronic acid and quince smooth the skin, and aloe vera and prickly pear ensure long lasting hydration. An antioxidant complex and nourishing oils strengthen the skin barrier, leaving hands soft, smooth, and firmer, with the option of using it as an intensive mask for very dry skin.

  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, prickly pear and quince extract
  • Packaging: 50 ml


5/ Kundal Shea Butter & Macadamia Pure Hand Cream
The beloved Korean brand brings an exceptionally nourishing solution for hands as well. This restorative hand cream with shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and ceramides intensely cares for the skin, softens it, and protects it from external aggressors. Ceramides repair damaged and cracked skin and strengthen the natural skin barrier. The non greasy, silky texture absorbs quickly and leaves a long lasting feeling of comfort without oily residue. Best of all, you can choose from several scents while the nourishing formula remains the same.

  • Key ingredients: five types of ceramides, macadamia oil
  • Packaging: 50 ml

6/ Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
This rich hand cream transforms dry, tired skin into silky soft, well cared for hands. With powerful avocado oil and refreshing eucalyptus, it provides long lasting hydration and protects hands from dryness. It is ideal for anyone who wants well groomed hands, regardless of a busy daily rhythm or demanding work.

  • Key ingredients: avocado oil, eucalyptus extract
  • Packaging: 75 ml

7/ La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Balm
A rescue for cracked hands and irritated skin would be the best summary of this rich formula’s effect. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Balm is a winter creamy ally for the hands. It gently soothes and restores the skin barrier, while redness and dryness disappear as if they were never there. Hands remain cared for, supple, and fully ready for all daily challenges. On top of that, the skin is protected from all external influences, as if wearing an invisible protective glove.

  • Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide
  • Packaging: 50 ml

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