11 Hand Creams for Harsh Winter Weather That Actually Work

Sure, the packaging is pretty and it smells like lavender fields, but is your moisturizer actually, well, moisturizing? Let’s get real: when it comes to surviving a Canadian winter, there is no staple beauty product more necessary than hand cream. In below-freezing temperatures, as you’re being exposed to harsh winds and the bitter cold, you’ll want to be confident that your hand cream is ready to protect and replenish the delicate skin in that area. To keep your mitts in top form this winter, we’re bringing you 10 of the best hand creams on the market that live up to hype.

Burt's Bees

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The natural and ultra-nourishing classic

A staple brand for anyone who likes a naturally-based choice that’s available in both high-end beauty retailers and drugstores, Burt’s Bees is one of the top-reviewed hand creams each year — and for good reason. Formulated with with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax, their hand salve is guaranteed to nourish even the driest hands.

Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, $9

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Amazon.ca

2 / 11

The no-fuss, zero-frills cream

A long-time favourite of people looking for a no-frills, heavy-duty hand cream, the O’Keeffe’s brand is known for their basic, bright green packaging and ultra-rich formula.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, $9

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Holt Renfrew

3 / 11

Effective formula with an addictive fragrance

Fans of the cult-favourite beauty brand Byredo will love their hand cream, packaged in the same slick minimalist style that the brand has become known for, the formula is rich and smells of their best-selling fragrance, Mojave Ghost.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Hand Cream, $61

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Shoppers Drug Mart

4 / 11

The luxe choice

The least budget-friendly option on our list, but one of the most-loved options for those looking to do more than just moisturize. Chanel’s popular egg-shaped hand cream promises to not only deliver on moisturizing properties, but also brighten darks spots and create a barrier to help prevent skin from future drying and loss of moisture.

Chanel La Crème Main Hand Cream, $70

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Aveeno Intense Moisture Skin Relief Hand Cream

Amazon.ca

5 / 11

Soft and nourishing for even the most sensitive hands

Aveeno’s hand cream promises to sooth dry and cracked skin with its super-rich formula, made with soothing oatmeal and free of any harsh fragrances or steroids.

Aveeno Intense Moisture Skin Relief Hand Cream, $7

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Amazon.com

6 / 11

Moisture with SPF protection

A top-rated cream that reviewers love for its “non-greasiness” and quick absorption, Eucerin’s formula also boasts SPF protection. Living up to the hype as one of the favourite drugstore brands for beauty-savvy shoppers, Eucerin is a safe bet for anyone looking to get the most bang (and moisture) for their buck.

Eucerin Daily Protection Hand Cream, $12

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Nordstrom

7 / 11

The GOAT cream — no, really

Lano was named after the main ingredient in all of its products — lanolin. Lanolin is, as gross as it sounds, a wax secretion found in sheep similar to human skin compounds, which results in a formula that is ultra-nourishing and effective in creating a barrier to protect the skin.

LanoLips Lano Rose Hand Cream Intense, $21

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J.R. Watkins

8 / 11

All moisture, minus the grease

Formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil, J.R. Watkins hand cream delivers on moisture at a great price, with a natural, fresh scent that reviewers can’t get enough of.

J.R. Watkins Aloe and Green Tea Hand Cream, US$9

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Miracle of Aloe

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The miracle factor

Formulated with 60% pure aloe vera gel, this is a moisturizer like no other. Cooling, fresh and packed with aloe, Miracle of Aloe’s hand cream promises to rejuvenate, soften and repair dry and damaged skin.

Miracle of Aloe Hand Cream, $20

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Jack Black

10 / 11

Not just for the boys

It’s 2020, and we’re putting the brakes on “gender-specific” beauty branding. Crashing through this barrier by dipping into this “boy’s club” brand, we’re spotlighting Jack Black’s Industrial Strength Hand Healer, which delivers on serious moisture with a s

Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer, $21 (with other options/pricing available)

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Shoppers Drug Mart

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Soap & Glory Hand Food

Soap and Glory's hand cream has a scent you won't easily forget. That's because it's fragranced with notes of hibiscus, juicy cantaloupe and cedarwood. Made with marshmallow extract, this hydrating hand cream sends you to a dreamy paradise.

Soap and Glory Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream, $10.

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