To avoid dry hands in winter, the real solution is to replace standard soap with a gentle cleanser rather than simply applying hand cream.

noli's read

Replacing a standard soap with a soap-free gentle cleanser is an excellent idea widely validated by science for preserving skin softness. A scientific review published in PMC (type: review article) confirms that traditional soaps have a pH that is too high, which removes natural lipids and promotes skin dehydration. Gentle cleansers better respect this protective barrier. However, dismissing the utility of moisturizing cream is slightly exaggerated. A randomized clinical trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology (type: RCT) demonstrates that the regular application of barrier creams or emollients remains essential for protecting the skin during frequent washing. During the winter period, the outside cold and lack of humidity make these two care practices complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.