The cuticles and the nails need constant care. So the last step in any manicure routine is the application of cuticle oil. And hand cream can’t serve as a replacement for this oil. Today I’ll show you the best oils for cuticles and nails. I hope that with the help of this little guide you’ll be able to select which cuticle oil is right for you and will be able to maintain healthy cuticles and nails.
Let’s dive right in:
What is cuticle oil?
The cuticle oil is a kind of oil that you can use for softening your cuticle area and for repairing it if it’s damaged.
It also strengthens your nails, makes them healthy, and helps them grow.
A hand cream can’t become a replacement for this type of oil because it doesn’t penetrate the nail matrix and the surrounding skin as deep as the best cuticle oils.
What are the best oils for cuticles?
There are many oils that can you can use for softening and repairing cuticles.
Including natural plant oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and essential oils like lavender oil.
Each oil has its own special qualities.
Some best oils for cuticles are blends of several different oils.
The best oils and ingredients you can use for cuticles are jojoba oil and Vitamin E. They are the most nourishing ones.
Best blended oils for cuticles
Best cuticle oils are blends of natural oils, various extracts, and vitamins.
They strengthen the nails, soften the cuticles, and make them easier to remove, prevent hangnails and sores, prevent bacteria from growing in the cuticle area.
A nice feature of the best blended cuticle oils is that they come with a convenient applicator or a brush.
And they often have really nice floral, fruity, or sweet scents.
Professional Cuticle Oil
CND Essentials SolarOil
SolarOil is manufactured by CND.
This American company is one of the leading manufacturers in the nail industry.
CND manufactures the super-popular Shellac and Vinylux gel and gel-like polishes.
These products are often used by professional nail techs in salons.
And nail techs also love to use other CND products together with their polishes, including the cuticle oil.
CND cuticle oil contains sweet almond and jojoba oils as its main ingredients.
These are the best oils for cuticles that have a deep hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effect on dry cuticles and weak, brittle nails.
They will help you battle overgrown cuticles too by making them softer and easier to remove.
Jojoba oil helps other ingredients penetrate the skin and nails deeper and work better. It also makes your nails grow faster.
The SolarOil has rice bran oil added for even more hydration, as well as for UV protection.
CND cuticle oil can really work wonders on your cuticles and nails.
It even strengthens weak and peeling nails if you apply it regularly. So you can grow them out without breakage.
And it has a very nice smell.
CND cuticle oil comes in a bottle that is similar to a nail polish bottle.
So it has a convenient brush applicator that lets you have full control when you are putting it on.
Natural And Hydrating
Cuccio Naturale Milk And Honey
Cuccio is a California-based company that manufactures the Cuccio Naturale line of hand and foot care products.
The company states that Cuccio Naturale, launched in 1999, is the first natural hand and foot treatment line.
Cuccio Naturale Milk And Honey oil for nails and cuticles is non-toxic, free of parabens, and is also cruelty-free.
It contains only natural ingredients. And the preservatives used in this oil to prevent it from going bad are plant-based, not harmful chemical-based.
The main ingredients in this oil are safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, milk extract, and honey extract.
Both safflower and sunflower oils contain linoleic acid, which heals and hydrates damaged skin and restores its protective barrier.
The milk and honey extracts have soothing properties.
If you use the Cuccio oil on your nails and cuticles they’ll become super-moisturized and the skin will become super-soft.
You’ll be able to grow your nails longer, and they won’t split.
The smell of this oil is very pleasant too.
The Cuccio Naturale cuticle oil comes in a cute spherical bottle.
However, it has an eyedropper applicator, which is not as convenient as a brush.
You may need to get used to applying the oil without spilling.
Essential Oils Blend
Bee Naturals
Bee Naturals is an American brand that was launched by a nurse, Barbara Chappius.
She wanted to create a line of products that would protect her hands in the hospital work environment.
She also wanted her products to be free of harmful chemicals, such as parabens.
So Barbara selected high-quality ingredients and only the best oils for cuticles because she was creating a product that she would use herself.
And she didn’t want to use any unhealthy components to cut the costs.
Bee Naturals is another “green” and natural cuticle oil on this list.
The main ingredients used in this oil are avocado oil, tea tree oil, and lavender essential oil.
It also contains grapeseed oil, Vitamin E, olive oil, castor oil, and lemon essential oil.
That’s why the Bee Naturals oil provides all-around care for your nails and cuticles.
It will soften dry skin, soothe and calm it, repair brittle nails and make them stronger, moisturize the cuticles and the nail plate.
The bottle is equipped with a convenient brush applicator.
Organic And Vitamin E Cuticle Oil
Ancient Greek Remedy
Ancient Greek Remedy Oil is manufactured by the Bliss Of Greece company.
The Ancient Greek Remedy brand includes body and hair care products that, according to the manufacturer, are 100% natural and organic.
They all are based on pure cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil combined with other natural oils.
The Ancient Greek Remedy Oil is a blend of extra virgin olive oil with lavender, sweet almond, grapeseed oils, and Vitamin E.
It will help you soften dry cuticles and make your nails stronger and healthier.
If you use it on weak short nails it will help you grown them out.
This oil is organic, vegan, gluten and paraben-free, and is non-GMO.
You don’t have to use the Ancient Greek Remedy oil on the cuticles only. You can use it on your skin and hair too.
It’s a great anti-aging moisturizer for the face and body.
You can apply it to treat dry and itchy scalp, dry feet, cure eczema, and prevent stretchmarks.
The oil comes in a 6 oz spray bottle.
It has a pleasant lavender scent.
Cuticle Serum With Minerals
Onsen Secret Cuticle Oil Cream Serum
Onsen Secret’s line of products is inspired by the Japanese Onsen, the world-famous mineral-rich hot springs and traditional hot spring baths.
The manufacturer uses minerals and botanicals from the Japanese hot spring resorts and has developed a special Onsen hot springs blend of these minerals and plant extracts.
However, the products are not made in Japan. They are manufactured in the USA.
Onsen Secret cuticle conditioner serum is enriched with this special Onsen hot springs blend.
The ingredients also include Japanese Wakame seaweed, rice bran oil, safflower oil, Vitamin E, and shea butter.
The Wakame extract protects the skin from stress, softens it, and makes it smoother.
The cuticle serum moisturizes and smooths the skin, hydrates the nails, nourishes the nail bed, and protects it from bacteria.
It’s a great product to restore your nails after the gel or acrylic material removal or to heal dry nails and prevent hangnails in the winter.
The Onsen Secret serum contains no parabens, fragrances, coloring agents, or animal-derived ingredients.
It comes in a tube with a narrow applicator opening, so it’s easy to apply without making a mess.
This serum has almost no smell so it’s a great product for those who are sensitive to fragrances.
Spa Cuticle Oil
OPI ProSpa
OPI is a professional high-end brand that manufactures nail polishes, tools, and other products for salons.
The ProSpa line is a collection of nourishing skincare products for the hands and feet.
According to the OPI, this line has been formulated specifically for salons.
But you don’t have to be a nail tech to buy these products. They are really great for at-home use too.
The OPI ProSpa cuticle oil is a blend of the best oils for cuticles: grapeseed, sunflower, and sesame oils.
They all soften and moisturize the cuticles and nails.
This oil also contains kukui nut and cupuaçu oils.
These ingredients are rich in linoleic acid that prevents the already dry skin from drying even further.
It helps to nourish dry skin and nails and restore their protective function by hydrating them intensely.
You can buy the OPI ProSpa oil in a bottle with an eyedropper applicator.
This oil also comes in form of a pen with a super-convenient applicator tip.
Vegan And Cruelty-Free
NCLA Cuticle Oil
NCLA is a vegan and cruelty-free brand of clean, non-toxic cosmetics founded by two Belgian sisters in Los Angeles.
All their cosmetics are 7-free. So they don’t contain the most harmful components that you wouldn’t want to apply to your face and body.
Even though most cuticle oils are vegan and cruelty-free, some may contain beeswax, honey extract, and milk extract.
These ingredients aren’t vegan.
And NCLA has 100% vegan formulas.
You can be sure you won’t get any unwanted animal-derived components.
Plus they never test their products on animals.
Their So Rich cuticle oils contain a blend of safflower and sunflower oils, Vitamin E, and other plant-based components.
They nourish and hydrate the cuticles and nails while restoring the skin’s natural protection with a substantial amount of linoleic acid.
The NCLA cuticle oil comes in a bottle with an eyedropper applicator.
There are actually several cuticle oils in the NCLA So Rich product line.
Each one has a different color and scent.
So you can choose the oil you like the most.
Roll-On Cuticle Oil Balm
Sally Hansen Nail Rehab Balm
Sally Hansen is one of the most famous names in the nail care industry.
The company’s best products include a highly effective cuticle remover and an easy to use no light gel nail polish named Miracle Gel.
Sally Hansen’s cuticle oil comes as a super-convenient roll-on balm.
This oil is not runny and won’t make a mess. And you’ll always have complete control over its application.
Sally Hansen cuticle oil balm contains safflower oil, aloe extract, and Vitamin E.
All these ingredients have strong moisturizing, repairing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to the manufacturer, this balm has extreme soothing properties.
And its convenient form lets you always carry it with you to reapply it anywhere.
You can also take it with you when you’re traveling.
It won’t spill or stain your bag.
Gel Nail Polish Prep Kit With Oil
Gelish Fantastic Four
Gelish is a brand of professional gel nail products created by a nail competition champion Danny Haile.
So all the brand’s products are made with nail technicians in mind.
Gelish is also known for its innovations.
The company has invented the world’s first LED-curable gel nail polish, as well as the amazing Polygel. It’s an easy to use cross between gels and acrylics.
The Gelish Nourish cuticle oil comes in a convenient professional set of four products named Gelish Fantastic Four.
If you buy this set as an addition to your gel nail polishes you’ll get everything you need for gel manicure nail prep.
The set contains the pH Bond dehydrator for removing excess moisture and oils from the natural nail plate to make the gel polish stay better.
In addition to that, you get the Foundation base coat and the Top It Off top coat, and, of course, the Nourish cuticle for finishing your manicure off.
Of course, you don’t have to be a nail tech for using the Fantastic Four set.
It’s very easy to use at home.
You’ll be able to create professional-level manicures that will last longer with the help of these products.
They also work well together with gel polishes made by other brands, not only with Gelish polishes.
Gelish Fantastic Four is indispensable for doing your own polygel nails too.
The Nourish cuticle oil contains grapeseed, and sesame cuticle oils, Vitamin E, and kukui nut oil.
All these components soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the nails and cuticles.
Kukui nut oil is rich in linoleic acid and helps moisturize the cuticles and repair them if they are damaged.
It creates an antioxidant barrier on the nails and the surrounding skin to prevent them from over-drying.
So it’s perfect for you if you have dry nails and skin.
The Gelish Nourish oil comes in a polish-like bottle with a brush applicator.
Mess-Free Cuticle Oil
QTICA Solid Gold
QTICA is an American brand of hand and foot care products manufactured by Art Of Beauty.
It’s the same company that makes Zoya nail polishes
The company was founded by a pianist from Russia named Zoya, who received a license in cosmetology.
The Solid Gold cuticle oil is a blend of 12 oils. So it provides all-around care and even anti-fungal treatment (it contains tea tree oil).
If you don’t like the runny consistency of the traditional cuticle oils then this gel would be great for you.
It has a nice jelly texture and doesn’t make a mess at all.
When it touches the skin it becomes an oil and gets absorbed very quickly.
Massage it in daily for the best results.
You can also use it as a conditioner for pushing back the cuticles easily.
Nail Repair Kit With Oil
Morovan Nail Repair Kit
This nail repair kit is a hot new release by Morovan, a company best known for its polygel and acrylic nail kits, and nail embellishments.
The kit includes a Calcium Primer, a Nail Strengthener, a bottle of cuticle oil, and 10 pieces of alcohol-based nail cleansing pads.
Use the Morovan kit on its own for a nail strengthening routine between gel or regular polish manicures, or just once or twice a week.
You can also use the nail strengthener as a glossy top coat over regular nail polish.
In addition to that, you can use the nail strengthener as a nail hardening primer under regular polish.
Morovan calcium primer is enriched with calcium to nourish and protect the nails.
You can use the primer as the base coat under regular nail polish too.
The calcium primer has a pink color out of the bottle but becomes clear when it’s dry.
Neither the strengthener nor the primer won’t work as the base coat/top coat with gel nail polishes.
The cleansing pads serve as a disinfectant and as a cleanser for the nails before you apply other products
Use the Morovan cuticle oil at the end of the nail care routine or at the end of your nail polish manicure.
The oil nourishes and protects your nails even further and works great both in combination with other products in this set or as a standalone product.
All the bottles in the Morovan kit come with convenient brush applicators, like the ones used in nail polish bottles.
Best Scented
Maccibelle Milk And Honey Cuticle Oil
Maccibelle Milk And Honey cuticle oil is another product on this list that contains Vitamin E and extracts of milk and honey that soothe, refresh, and moisturize the skin.
These ingredients are diluted with vegetable oil. So Maccibelle oil is lightweight, soaks in very quickly, and doesn’t create a mess.
Maccibelle oil has a lovely smell of milk and honey, which is very light and not overwhelming. It’s one of the best-scented oils for cuticles.
The bottle is small but it lasts for quite a long time. It has an eyedropper applicator.
Best natural nail oils for cuticles
Natural nail oils are pure oils that consist of one ingredient derived from plants, mostly by cold pressing.
You don’t have to use these oils on nails and cuticles only.
They have long been used on skin and hair for cosmetic and medical purposes.
For example, many plant-based oils help the skin retain moisture.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of the best natural oils for nails and cuticles.
It helps to soften the cuticles and strengthening the nails.
It’s not really an oil but a wax ester derived from the Jojoba plant’s seeds. The plant is endemic to North America.
Similar to natural skin oils:
According to this study published by MDPI, Jojoba wax ester is different from all other vegetable oils.
Instead, it’s similar to the natural sebum produced by human skin.
That’s why it’s so good at moisturizing and softening the skin.
And according to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Jojoba oil is good for repairing dermatoses and has a proven anti-inflammatory effect.
So it’s great for using against various skin conditions, including skin infections and aging.
Jojoba oil is one of the most popular oils used in cosmetics, especially in moisturizers and sunscreens.
Great carrier:
Jojoba oil has very small molecules. So your nails and skin can absorb them easily.
It also enhances the absorption and the delivery of other ingredients used in the same cosmetic product.
Using Jojoba oil every day can make your nails grow faster.
Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil is extracted from almonds.
Almond oil is one of the best natural oils for the skin and nails. It has been used by humans for centuries for treating skin conditions.
It has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.
Almond oil smoothes and rejuvenates the skin.
If added to cosmetic products it improves complexion and skin tone.
Almond oil can even reduce scarring.
Almond oil is effective for moisturizing and soothing dry cuticles, and for nourishing your nails.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a fat that is extracted from Shea tree kernels.
This natural plant-based butter has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
It’s been used in Africa for years. And it works wonders on skin, hair, and nails.
Shea butter is even effective against atopic dermatitis and eczema.
It’s a great moisturizer for sensitive skin.
Shea butter nourishes and protects dry cuticles and nails if you rub it in regularly.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil was originally used as a folk medicine ingredient by the aboriginal people of Australia for healing wounds.
It’s an extract from the trees of the tea tree plant that has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Tea tree oil is effective against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including yeasts. Even against those that are resistant to conventional drugs.
It’s especially very effective against nail fungus.
Tea tree oil also helps to cure rashes, acne, dandruff, etc.
And it’s great for treating cracked and damaged cuticles.
It’s one of the best essential oils for cuticles.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is probably the most famous and widely used oil on this list.
This oil is made from olives.
It’s one of the oldest food products known to humans.
Most people dress their salads with olive oil every day.
Olive oil helps in curing burns and inflammations.
And humans have been using olive oil for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years.
This oil contains ingredients that have higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than vitamin E.
If you regularly massage it into your nails and cuticles it can help your nails grow and will keep your cuticles healthy.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is made from safflower seeds.
Its main natural component is linoleic acid, also known as Vitamin F.
This vitamin is an important fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body.
Linoleic acid is capable of healing wounds repairing the skin, and restoring its natural protective barriers by maintaining skin hydration.
So this makes safflower oil one of the best oils for cuticles.
Safflower oil also has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
This oil is great for treating and nourishing damaged cuticles and for hydrating the nails and the skin around them.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds.
It’s another popular oil for cooking.
This oil is rich in vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids.
Sunflower oil contains a higher amount of linoleic acid than olive oil.
This component enhances skin barrier repair.
So using sunflower oil on the nails and cuticles prevents them from losing their natural moisture and protects and heals the cuticle area.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds.
Just like sesame seeds, this oil has also been used as food for centuries.
It’s a common ingredient in Asian cooking and has a strong nutty flavor.
Sesame oil is also a common ingredient used in traditional medicine in Asia, especially in Taiwan.
It’s known to relieve joint pains and pains from wounds.
Sesame oil contains very strong anti-oxidants and can reduce inflammation.
It helps to strengthen weak nails and healing, hydrating and softening dry, rough cuticles.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds that you can find inside of grapes.
It’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants and even has anti-aging and anti-microbial properties.
This oil is difficult to make. Grape seeds are very small and there’s not a lot of oil In every tiny seed.
But it’s still not expensive because it’s extracted during the wine production process.
Grapeseed oil is odorless. Which is a plus if you can’t stand the smells of other oils.
Grapeseed oil is great for keeping cuticles well-moisturized, soft, and smooth.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is the essential oil made from lavender flowers.
It’s often used in cosmetics and as a food and beverage flavoring.
Another use of lavender oil is aromatherapy. It helps against anxiety and depression.
The lavender essential oil has strong wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.
So it’s great for soothing inflamed and dry cuticles. Lavender oil is also perfect for strengthening and moisturizing nails.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut kernels.
In addition to being one of the most popular ingredients used in cosmetics, it’s also used for cooking, like frying and baking.
Coconut oil contains lots of free fatty acids. So it’s a great moisturizer. It also has anti-microbial qualities.
That’s why the most common uses for coconut oil in cosmetics is moisturizing the skin and treating skin infections.
You can massage coconut oil into your cuticles. Keep it on for at least 30 minutes. The longer the better.
It will moisturize and soothe dry, cracked, and peeling cuticles.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is made from the argan tree kernels. This tree is endemic to Morocco. That’s why you often see this product branded as the Moroccan argan oil.
Even though it’s mostly used for cosmetic purposes, Moroccans have traditionally been using it for cooking.
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids.
If you apply it to your nails and cuticles every day it will improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Argan oil restores the natural protective barrier of the skin. And helps the skin to retain moisture.
It also helps to soften and soothe dry cuticles and acts as the carrier for other cosmetic ingredients.
It’s one of the best moisturizing oils for cuticles.
Horsetail Oil
Horsetail oil is derived from a perennial plant called Horsetail.
It’s one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to humans.
This oil contains a large amount of helpful natural ingredients. So it’s used for wound healing, as an arthritis cure, and for other medicinal purposes.
If you use horsetail oil on nails it will make them stronger and healthier.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is another vegetable oil. It’s made by pressing castor beans.
This oil has been widely used in cosmetics. For example, for making soaps.
Castor oil has anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
So you can cure inflammations of the cuticle area by placing a few drops of castor oil at the base of your nail and massaging them in.
But use castor oil sparingly. Never apply it in large amounts.
Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil is extracted from the outer brown layer of rice. This stuff is the by-product of the white rice making process.
Rice bran oil is a natural anti-oxidant. It hydrates the skin and nails. It also has a protective effect against UVB radiation.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is extracted from lemon peels by cold pressing them.
It has a very nice smell.
Like any essential oil, it must be diluted before you apply it to your skin.
It already comes diluted when it’s part of a cuticle oil blend.
Lemon oil is a natural stress reliever when used in aromatherapy. It improves mood, concentration, and even creativity.
This oil also has pain-relieving properties.
Lemon oil helps the skin absorb vitamins better. And this increases the skin’s natural protection. That’s why it’s often used in anti-aging cosmetics.
In addition to that, the lemon essential oil is a natural disinfectant with antibacterial and strong antifungal properties.
So when lemon oil is used in cuticle oil blends it disinfects your hands and nails, nourishes the cuticles, and makes your nails healthier.
It’s also one of the best essential oils for cuticles.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is pressed from avocado fruits.
It’s another edible oil on this list and another one that is rich in the hydrating and healing linoleic acid that repairs the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Avocado oil also contains various vitamins and is an excellent source of enrichment for the dry and chapped skin.
In addition to that, it helps your skin develop more collagen.
If you use avocado oil on your nails and cuticles regularly they’ll become stronger.
This oil will soften dry cuticles and repair brittle nails.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is extracted from the almond-like kernels found inside the hard pits of apricots.
This oil is similar to almond oil and is often used as its substitute.
What do the best oils for cuticles do?
Cuticle oil softens the cuticles and the skin surrounding the nail.
If you don’t soften the cuticles regularly they may crack and cause bleeding, and hangnails may appear.
Bacteria and fungi may get into these sores and cause inflammation.
Softening the cuticles also helps you to push them away easier.
When do I use the oil for nails?
Use the cuticle oil only after you’ve completely finished your manicure or pedicure. For example, after you’ve done applying and curing gels, polygels, gel nail polish, or acrylics.
Cuticle oil application should be the last step in your manicure routine.
Why?
Because your natural nail plate must be completely dry, de-oiled, and dehydrated for any nail materials to adhere to it properly.
If the cuticle oil gets between the nail plate and any coating, overlay, or extensions the artificial material will lift.
How often should I use oil for nails?
You should use it at least every day, even twice a day.
And of course, use it after every manicure or pedicure.
How do I use oil for nails?
Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your nails, cuticles, and the skin on the sides of your nails.
Gently massage it in.
Wait for about 20 minutes and remove any excess oil with a lint-free wipe.
Don’t forget to use cuticle oil every day and your cuticles and nails will stay healthy and beautiful.
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