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You can judge the amount of stress I'm under based on my cuticles alone. Are they peeling, dry, possibly even bloody? Then it's been a bad week of picking at my nails. But dry, flakey cuticles and damaged nails can happen whether they're self-inflicted or not. Cold weather, harsh soaps, or plain old genetics can play a huge role. But taking care of your cuticles is actually one of the easiest, least-time consuming ways to level up your hands' pretty factor.
Cuticle oils are essentially your nail's moisturizer. Whenever your nails or cuticles need a little T.L.C., just dab on a drop of cuticle oil and the results are instantaneous. Cuticle oils can cure everything from dry, cracked cuticles to breaking nails that can't seem to grow long. Here, find the 11 best cuticle oils to cure every nail problem under the sun.
Pros
- Quick-absorbing
Cons
- Some dislike the brush
Brittle nails can be so uncomfortable. This product uses a blend of almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to strengthen and hydrate both your nails and your cuticles.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some dislike the texture
As someone who regularly attacks my cuticles, leaving them dry and irritated, this soothing cuticle oil is a must-have. It uses apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera to hydrate and calm nails and cuticles.
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Pricey
I love a good naked manicure. If you want to go polish-free, this set contains everything you need for a refined yet minimalistic manicure. It contains a base coat, top coat, and apricot oil cuticle hydrator to keep your hands looking fresh.
Pros
- Strengthening
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
Craving some acrylic-level length? This cuticle oil contains keratin, which helps keep your cuticles and nails strong. That means your nails have the chance to keep growing long and strong, without any breakage.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
This beautiful bottle is infused with real flowers to liven up your vanity case. Hydrating oils nourish and hydrate brittle nails and dry cuticles.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may dislike the texture
Cracked, dry cuticles can be uncomfortable and un-cute. This products uses a blend of oils like baobab, coconut, sweet almond, and passion fruit seed oils to deeply hydrate the driest of cuticles.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
A little aromatherapy can work wonders on a stressed-out mind. This citrus-and-aloe scented cuticle oil is practically spa-water in oil form. Just a few drops can help your cuticles feel–and smell–way better.
Pros
- Good for traveling
Cons
- Small amount in container
Hauling around a cuticle oil can be risky, if any spillage were to occur. However, this oil pen is a great travel-friendly option, since you still get the deep hydration benefits without any of the danger.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some may dislike the scent
For a perfect mani, getting your cuticles nice and soft is a must. This cuticle oil accomplishes that task with a blend of almond oil and Safflower seed oil.
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some dislike the brush
For people who are oil-averse or don't want to leave streak marks all over their iPhone, this lightweight cuticle oil sinks in quickly, so your nails feel hydrated but not too goopy.
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- Can be messy
This cuticle oil is so hydrating that it doubles as an overnight treatment for nail and cuticle strength. You'll wake up with perfectly hydrated, happy nails.
What does a cuticle oil do?
Think of cuticle oils as a moisturizer for your nails and cuticles. "Cuticle oil moisturizes and hydrates the skin which will soften, moisturize and hydrate your cuticles," says Lee.
How often can people use a cuticle oil?
Whenever you feel like your nails or cuticles could do with a little T.L.C. "You can use cuticle oil as often as you need! I love using Sally Hansen Vitamin E Cuticle Oil 2-3 times a day since my skin can be a bit dry, especially in the colder months. The benefits of the vitamin E do wonders on my nails," adds Lee. If your cuticles aren't very dry, you could always use cuticle oils on days when you refresh your mani.
Is it possible to over-hydrate your cuticles?
Nope! "I believe there is no such thing as overusing cuticle oil," says Lee. "I've found the more the better! One of my favorite things is to apply cuticle oil and a hand moisturizer then wear gloves for an hour or so allow everything to soak in. My hands and nails look brand new every time."
What are the benefits of using a cuticle oil in your routine?
Whether you're looking for hydrated, strong, or long nails, a cuticle oil can help make that happen. "There are many benefits of using cuticle oil," says Lee. "It hydrates your cuticles to replenish any dry skin. It can also stimulate nail growth when applied and massaged in. It can also strengthen weak nails and prevent hangnails."
When should you apply cuticle oil?
If you've been using a lot of stripping ingredients, like soap or hand sanitizer, you may want to apply cuticle oil more often. "Sometimes it's needed more often than others, like in winter, or if you're washing your hands a lot," says Lee. "It's a good idea to get into a routine when applying if you'd like nice looking nail beds all the time."
Do you need to wash off cuticle oil?
No, which makes it one of the easiest, most low-maintenance ways to keep up on your nail care. "It's best to leave on cuticle oil after you have massaged it in, to allow the skin to soak it up and hydrate," says Lee.
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