We spent new years in a cabin in beautiful, snowy Leavenworth which means that my skin is totally wrecked. The cold, dry air really did a number on my skin, especially my hands. As I was reaching for my trusty collection of hand creams last night, I realized that I am probably not the only one in this boat. Today’s post is all about my absolute favorite, holy grail hand creams and what exactly I love about each!
My 6 Holy Grail Hand Creams to Combat Winter Dryness
It probably seems like a lot to say that I keep all 6 of these on my nightstand, but it’s true! I’ve found that each one is unique and provides my hands with a different benefit. Call me crazy, but I don’t think I could do without any of these!
1. Herbacin Kamille
I fell in love with this glycerin based hand cream a few years back when my friend Vivien introduced me to it. To say I have been obsessed with it since is an understatement. The scent is a bit granny, but not cloying. What I love the most about it is how much it improves my cuticles overnight. If your hands are chapped and cracked, this is the stuff for you! Plus, it absorbs really quickly and doesn’t leave your hands feeling greasy at all. This hand cream is definitely my favorite to keep stashed in my car, too.
2. Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm
Sean has come to realize that I apply hand cream every night before bed, so he’s started asking for some, too… and sometimes he even gets a massage. This one from Aesop is his favorite, which he refers to as “the expensive one.” And yes, this one does cost a pretty penny, but I’m here to tell you that it’s 100% worth it. This is another one that absorbs quickly, smells amazing, and leaves my hands feels way softer. And because it’s a body balm, you can use it elsewhere like elbows, knees, and feet.
3. Huxley Velvet Touch
I discovered this at the K Ba-Nana pop up here in Seattle and had to have it. I sampled it once and was blown away. My skin immediately felt 1000% softer, more supple, and smoother. While I really dislike the fragrance (it’s the not-good version of a granny scent), I still use it because it’s just that good.

4. Davines Authentic Moisturizing Balm
This product is actually a multi-tasker and conditions hair, nourishes skin, and can even remove make up! All of these benefits are why this is my holy grail hand cream when I travel. Plus, it’s almost totally made with natural origin ingredients and organically grown safflower oil. And yes, it smells beyond incredible.
5. Lano All-Over Golden Dry Skin Salve
Ok, talk about holy grail hand creams… if you haven’t tried any Lano products, you absolutely must! Lanolin is actually a wax that helps hydrate skin. When combined with caster seed oil, apricot kernel oil, honey, and beeswax, it makes this ridiculously lush balm that cures all of my winter skin woes. I’m almost finished with my tube and plan to try the Coconutter Intense Hand Cream next.
6. Hillockburn Farm Vegan Body Balm
Talk about magic… this all natural body balm is truly one-of-a-kind, especially if you have skin sensitivities. The mixture contains soy, shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, plus lavender and eucalyptus essential oils… you know, all the really good stuff! This is another good one if your cuticles need some extra moisture or if you have a rough, dry patch. It makes my hands a little greasy, so I apply it after I’ve read in bed for a while to avoid getting it on my book.
Have I missed any products that you swear by? I’d love to know what your holy grail hand creams are, too!