Best Face Creams for Running in Cold Weather: Protect Your Skin While You Run

Published on January 9 by Matt

Running in cold weather offers a refreshing challenge, but the harsh conditions can take a toll on your skin, especially your face. The wind, cold air, and fluctuating temperatures can lead to dryness, redness, chapping, and even skin irritation. To ensure your skin stays hydrated, protected, and healthy while you're out pounding the pavement or trails, it's essential to use the right face cream designed specifically for cold weather running.

In this article, we’ll explore the best face creams for runners, focusing on those that offer hydration, protection, and nourishment, all while being lightweight and non-greasy. Let’s dive into some of the top options to help your skin withstand the elements and keep you running comfortably, no matter the temperature.

Key Ingredients to Look For in Cold Weather Face Creams

Before we dive into product recommendations, let’s discuss the essential ingredients that make a face cream effective for running in cold weather:

  • Hydrating Ingredients: Look for creams that contain humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera, which help draw moisture into the skin.
  • Emollients: Ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and oils (e.g., jojoba or argan) help lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against cold winds and low humidity.
  • SPF: Even in the winter, UV rays can damage your skin. Opt for face creams with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea extract can help protect your skin from environmental stressors and reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best face creams for running in cold weather.

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with SPF 25

Best for: Lightweight Hydration and Sun Protection

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is an excellent option for runners who need lightweight hydration without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin. Its gel-based formula is absorbed quickly, delivering long-lasting moisture without clogging pores. With added SPF 25, it also provides sun protection, which is crucial for winter runs when the sun's rays can still cause damage, especially when reflecting off snow.

Key Features:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Helps draw moisture into the skin and retains hydration.
  • SPF 25: Protects against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Oil-Free: Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, perfect for active use.

Why It’s Great for Running: This cream is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for runners who need hydration without a heavy, oily layer. The added SPF ensures you're protected from sun damage even on cloudy winter days.

2. Cerave Moisturizing Cream

Best for: Deep Hydration and Skin Repair

When running in frigid weather, your skin needs intense hydration to prevent dryness and irritation. Cerave Moisturizing Cream is a cult favorite, known for its ability to provide long-lasting hydration and restore the skin's natural barrier.

Key Features:

  • Ceramides: Help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates the skin and keeps it plump.
  • Non-Greasy Formula: Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
  • Fragrance-Free: Ideal for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.

Why It’s Great for Running: Cerave’s rich, creamy texture provides a thick barrier against cold air and wind while still being lightweight enough for daily use. It's a great option if you need serious moisture and protection from chapping and cracking skin.

3. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Best for: Extreme Cold Weather Protection

For runners who are frequently out in sub-zero temperatures or extreme wind chill, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is a powerful moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration and protection. It’s designed to help maintain skin's moisture balance, even in harsh conditions.

Key Features:

  • Glacial Glycoprotein: Strengthens and protects skin against extreme cold.
  • Squalane: A natural ingredient that hydrates and helps retain moisture.
  • Non-Greasy: The cream is easily absorbed without leaving a sticky or oily residue.
  • Dermatologist Tested: Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Why It’s Great for Running: This is a heavier-duty moisturizer that’s ideal for long runs in extreme cold. Its ability to lock in moisture and protect the skin from windburn and dry air makes it a go-to for winter athletes.

4. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 (Bonus Product)

Best for: Lip Protection

Your lips are particularly vulnerable during cold weather runs. Dry, chapped lips can quickly turn into a painful distraction, but Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is designed to protect and hydrate lips for hours, with the added benefit of SPF 25.

Key Features:

  • SPF 25: Protects lips from the sun, even during winter runs.
  • Natural Oils: Contains avocado, shea butter, and vitamin E for deep hydration.
  • Non-Greasy: Provides long-lasting moisture without a sticky residue.

Why It’s Great for Running: Jack Black’s lip balm provides essential protection against dry air and harsh winds while keeping your lips moisturized. The SPF is a bonus, preventing sunburn on your lips, which is especially important during winter when the sun’s rays can be intense.

5. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Best for: Sun Protection and Daily Use

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is an excellent choice for runners who need hydration, protection, and sun defense all in one. This lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer is perfect for everyday use, especially for outdoor runners who are out in the elements.

Key Features:

  • Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: Provides excellent sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Helps maintain hydration and plumpness.
  • Oil-Free: Won’t clog pores, making it suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Why It’s Great for Running: The high SPF provides superior protection from sunburn, even during cloudy winter days. The formula is light yet hydrating, and its non-greasy texture makes it perfect for running without feeling weighed down or slick.

6. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Best for: Sensitive Skin and Hydration

For runners with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is an excellent choice. It’s gentle, non-irritating, and offers both intense hydration and protection from the elements.

Key Features:

  • Ceramides and Niacinamide: Help restore the skin’s natural barrier and reduce irritation.
  • Prebiotic Thermal Water: Helps to calm and soothe sensitive skin.
  • Oil-Free & Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Why It’s Great for Running: This moisturizer is ideal for sensitive skin that can easily become irritated in the cold. It offers lasting hydration and protection without being too heavy or greasy, which is essential for maintaining skin comfort during outdoor runs.

Running in cold weather can be invigorating, but your skin needs extra care to stay protected and hydrated. The best face creams for running in cold weather provide a balance of moisture, barrier protection, and sun defense, all while being lightweight enough for an active lifestyle.

Whether you need intense hydration for extreme cold, a simple everyday moisturizer with SPF, or a specialized lip balm, these products will help ensure your skin remains healthy, comfortable, and ready for the next run—no matter how chilly it gets! Choose the right cream for your skin type and conditions, and enjoy the benefits of running in winter without worrying about dry, cracked skin.