If your cuticles have seen better days, slathering on hand cream alone won’t make them any less painful—or unsightly. The best cuticle oils, on the other hand (pun intended), act as a restorative treatments. They’re often packed with vitamins (E, in particular, will nourish skin) and hydrating ingredients like fruit and nut oils (think almond, jojoba, and apricot oils) that specifically address nail concerns—whether it’s keeping the surrounding skin moisturized and hangnail-free, or strengthening brittle nails after the harsh removal of gels, dip powders, press-ons and acrylics.
“Very similar to skin care, your cuticles need a daily moisturizer,” says Amy Ling Lin, CEO and founder of nail polish and nail care brand Sundays. “Applying cuticle oil regularly to the cuticle on your hands and feet is a great way to keep them in the best condition.”
Of course, finding a cuticle oil that works for you is a lesson in trial and error, considering the vast number of options available on the market. Not all cuticle products provide the same lasting results—and we’ve experienced how some formulas only make the surrounding skin appear moisturized, but do nothing in the long-run.
That’s why we’ve combed through thousands of options to bring you the oils and cuticle creams that actually deliver—from heavy-duty formulas the pros swear by to fast-absorbing serums perfect for on-the-go care. Lin says the ingredient list will be your best friend. Avoid harsh chemicals that will do more harm than good, and look for plant-based when possible, because they’ll restore the natural moisture of your cuticles, and strengthen and nourishe your skin. “The ideal time to apply is before bed, because it’s the time when you are most still, so the oil has a chance to work its magic,” she says.
Whether you live for an Insta-worthy mani or simply want your nails to look civilized without having to visit a professional, shop 17 of the best cuticle oils below.
Our top picks:
Best Overall Cuticle Oil: CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner, $10
Best Roll-On Cuticle Oil: Tenoverten The Rose Oil, $26
Best Serum Cuticle Oil: Olive & June Cuticle Serum, $23
Best Splurge Cuticle Oil: Dior Huile Abricot, $30
Best Drugstore Cuticle Oil: Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream, $7
Best Multiuse Cuticle Oil: Lano The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $17
