Buzz
Our hands are in constant motion, from washing dishes to typing away on the keyboard. With frequent exposure to water, cleaning agents, and grime, our hands—including the nails and cuticles—can become dry. Cuticle oil helps hydrate these areas, enhancing the appearance and promoting healthier nails, all while providing added comfort for daily activities.
Read on to discover what cuticle oil is, why it’s essential for your nails, and the best way to use it. We’ve also listed a few great options to keep handy—whether in your purse, by your bed, or on your desk.
Okskukuruza/Getty ImagesWhat Is Cuticle Oil?
Cuticle oil is a blend of nourishing oils, vitamins, and other beneficial ingredients designed to be applied directly to the cuticles—the thick skin surrounding the base of your nails. These cuticles are essential for maintaining nail health by keeping out harmful bacteria and fungus, locking in moisture, and preventing nail breakage.
Exposure to handwashing, dry air, and strong cleaning products can dry out your cuticles, making it crucial to moisturize them regularly with cuticle oil, says nail artist Alena Monson.
“Using cuticle oil daily is the key to promoting strong and healthy nails,” she says. “It softens the cuticles, encourages nail growth, and helps prevent breakage by improving both nail elasticity and strength.”
Cuticle oil comes in many variations, but is commonly formulated with sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Some versions also include essential oils, fragrances, and additional vitamins or ingredients that further hydrate and nourish the nails and cuticles.
“Everyone should use some form of moisturizer on their cuticles and nails. We often use our nails as tools during the day, and this offers a layer of protection,” says Monson. “What makes cuticle oil special is that it was specifically designed to address cuticles and nails, making it the most effective moisturizer for this purpose.”
Benefits of Cuticle Oil
- Encourages nail growth
- Softens cuticles
- Helps prevent nail breakage
- Extends the life of your nail polish
- Strengthens cuticles to avoid nail infections
- Enhances the look of cuticles and nails
Difference Between Cuticle Oil and Hand Lotion
So why not just use regular lotion? Monson explains, “Lotions are usually light, designed to leave no greasy residue, and only absorb on the surface. Cuticle oil, in contrast, is nearly pure oil, allowing for deeper skin penetration and more effective hydration.”
You can definitely use both together for enhanced hydration. In that case, apply the lotion first, let it absorb, and then layer the cuticle oil on top.
How to Use Cuticle Oil
Using cuticle oil is easy. Just place a small drop of oil near the cuticle on each finger, and gently massage it into the nail and cuticle area with your fingertips.
Many oils are occlusive, meaning they sit on the skin's surface to help trap moisture instead of fully absorbing. (However, there are some oils, like rosehip and camellia, that absorb better). If you're using one of these, Monson suggests, “Leave the oil on as long as you can. Washing your hands will remove the oils from your skin.”
Try to apply it once a day, preferably in the evening before going to bed.
Best Cuticle Oils to Try
The best cuticle oils are compact and packed with moisturizing, nourishing ingredients that deeply penetrate and protect the cuticle. Here are our top picks for you to try.
- OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil: Despite its small size, this oil delivers big results. It contains a variety of rich oils, including avocado, grapeseed, sunflower, sesame, castor, and camellia.
- Blossom Cuticle Oil Rose: This cuticle oil is as cute as it is effective, softening and hydrating dry, cracked cuticles. It features a convenient nail brush for mess-free application and is made with mineral oil and vitamin E.
- Julep Roll With It Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Treatment: If you prefer a roll-on style, this one is perfect. It provides mess-free application and nourishes with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E.
- CND Essentials Solar Oil Care Pen: This handy cuticle oil comes in a pen design for on-the-go use. It's made with sweet almond, jojoba, rice, and bran oils, along with vitamin E and a touch of fragrance.
- L'Occitane Shea Nail And Cuticle Oil: This popular oil from L’Occitane features 30% shea oil, along with apricot and sweet almond oils. It's designed in a pen form for convenient application wherever you go.
