13 Hand Creams You’ll Want in Every Bag This December
As December rolls in, it’s easy to forget about the little things that can make a big difference in how we feel. One of those things is hand cream, which can be a lifesaver when cold winds, indoor heating, and constant hand washing leave our skin feeling dry and cracked. A good hand cream doesn’t just moisturize; it also offers a moment of comfort during busy holiday preparations. Whether you’re out shopping, wrapping gifts, or simply enjoying the winter season, having the right cream in your bag can help you keep your hands feeling soft and smooth. From refreshing scents to intense hydration, there’s a hand cream out there that’s perfect for every occasion.
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L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($26)
This version from L’Occitane stands out for its rich concentration of shea butter, which helps hands feel deeply nourished and soft after application. It has earned praise for its ability to hydrate hands that have endured cold weather or frequent washing.
In a cold month like December, this cream offers comfort during outdoor exposure or indoor heating drying your skin. The travel‑size makes it easy to drop into a handbag or coat pocket so you’re ready at any moment.
Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm ($48)
This balm from Aesop features a luxe texture with aromatic notes that make the act of applying it feel like a small ritual. The formula focuses on hydrating and soothing with emollients that help restore softness, which is especially useful when cold winds or indoor heating leave hands feeling tight.
Aesop’s minimalist packaging means it looks elegant in a bag and the higher price reflects its status as a luxury pick. If you carry a few extra layers and gloves in winter, this hand‑care pick fits right in with that thoughtful preparation.
The Body Shop British Rose Hand Cream ($9)
The Body Shop’s British Rose variant offers a fragrant twist on everyday hand‑care with rose extract and a smoothing texture. For a modest price it gives your hands a little treat and keeps dryness at bay without overwhelming scent.
It’s a good choice for a bag you might hand to others or stash in a work drawer or car console. The fragrance is gentle enough to carry through holiday gatherings and informal errands without being too assertive.
Bath & Body Works Magnesium Hand Cream ($6)
Bath & Body Works’ magnesium‑infused hand cream offers a more modern twist on hydration with a minerally note plus the convenience of a known brand with wide availability. Its lower price makes it a handy “carry‑everywhere” option for offices, purses, or car glove boxes.
Given the December rush of traveling, wrapping gifts, or juggling errands, this type of cream gives you quick relief without thinking too much about budgeting. It’s ideal for re‑applying on the go when you feel your hands pulled by winter air or cold indoor spaces.
SALT & STONE Black Rose & Oud Hand Cream ($28)
This hand cream features a niche scent profile of black rose and oud, which gives it a distinctive character best suited for someone who likes less mainstream fragrances. At the same time, the formula delivers on hydration and absorbs well so you’re not left with slippery hands when holding a phone or gift wrap.
December often means mixing tasks and social moments so having a hand cream that balances practical moisturizing with a memorable scent can serve two roles. Slip it into your bag for a scent‑moment and skin‑care moment all in one.
Innisfree My Perfumed Hand Cream 30 ml ($6)
Innisfree’s compact hand cream is perfect for a small bag or a second bag you switch into for evening outings. The “perfumed” aspect means you’ll get a fragrance element that lifts your mood while the base formula keeps hands soft.
Since December can bring cold outside and warm indoor heating, having a small tube on hand means you can apply through transitions. Because it’s affordable you might place one in a laptop bag or a coat pocket without worrying about cost.
Sephora Collection Gentle Hands Trio Set ($27)
This trio set gives you multiple tubes for different bags or purposes, maybe one in your handbag, one in your desk drawer, and one in your travel kit. Each version is gentle on the skin which matters when washing hands frequently or dealing with colder weather.
December activities often include hand‑washing more than usual (wrapping gifts, cooking, going in and out of cold spaces) so having these backup tubes increases your readiness. It also means you won’t be caught without a proper hand cream mid‑day.
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Handcream ($50)
Another high‑end pick, this hand cream comes with the signature Diptyque aroma and a formula designed for comfort and elegance. The idea is that you carry something that feels special but still delivers effective care for your hands through a busy December schedule.
When you’re attending holiday parties or just want a little ritual in applying hand care, this cream becomes a moment of self‑attention. Its size and design allow it to sit in your bag and be accessed whenever you shift from outdoor cold to indoor warmth.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($8)
Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula hand cream is known for its intense moisturizing power, making it an ideal choice when your hands need relief from the dryness of the season. Its thick texture works wonders on chapped hands, especially during colder weather.
A small tube of this cream can fit neatly into any bag, and its ability to provide immediate relief is what makes it a must-have this December. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, baking, or just out in the cold, it ensures your hands stay hydrated all day long.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($18)
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve offers a rich formula that nourishes hands and helps protect them from the harsh elements of winter. It’s ideal for anyone with severely dry or cracked skin, as it forms a protective layer that locks in moisture.
Its generous 2.5 oz tube is perfect for your larger bags, while the formula is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, so you can get on with your activities without worrying about sticky hands. Carry it with you during your busy December and treat your hands to some serious TLC.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream ( $10)
Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Hand Cream is great for those who need long-lasting hydration that can withstand frequent hand washing during the colder months. It provides relief for hands that are cracked or chapped, with ingredients like ceramides that help replenish the skin barrier.
The non-greasy formula is perfect for a quick, no-fuss application while on the go. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply running errands in the winter cold, this hand cream will help keep your hands smooth and protected.
Burt’s Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream ($12)
Burt’s Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream brings the nourishing power of beeswax and banana extract to hydrate and protect your skin. The scent is light and sweet, providing a gentle lift during the holiday season without being overpowering.
This cream is perfect for the colder months when you need something both effective and comforting. Its rich, smooth texture makes it a perfect fit for those dry, chapped hands that need an extra layer of care during December’s chill.
Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Cream ($22)
This hand cream from Crabtree & Evelyn offers a soothing blend of seaweed and marine extracts, along with hydrating shea butter, to replenish your skin. The formula is both rich and non-greasy, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth without any residue.
With a luxurious scent and an effective formula, this hand cream is perfect for December’s dry weather. Its elegant packaging makes it a nice addition to your bag or desk, ready to provide relief whenever you need it.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.