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11 Best Cuticle Oils to Revive Dry, Brittle Nails
No more cracking, no more hangnails.
Before I introduced cuticle oil into my daily routine, my nails were in serious trouble. To unapologetically quote Mean Girls: just like Karen Smith, my nail beds sucked. They were broken, brittle, and, honestly, a bit embarrassing. I dreaded stepping into a nail salon for fear of being nail-shamed.
So, what did I do in the situation? I researched the best treatments to solve my nail woes. Besides cutting back on my biting habits, Dr. Google told me that investing in a cuticle oil was the number one thing I could do to bring my nails back from the brink. And, man, was it right.
In just a few weeks, my nails have had a serious glow-up. A daily swipe of oil has left my cuticles hydrated, my nails stronger, and my manicures lasting wayyy longer. And, before you ask—yes, I’ve considered starting an OF hand account 👀.
Now that you know how much of a game-changer cuticle oil has been for me, let’s talk formulas. I’ve tested tons of great options that are all affordable and effective. Here are the best cuticle oils to get your hands (and nails) on.
I wouldn't quite call it a hobby, but I often find myself peeling hangnails and flaky bits of skin throughout the day. I know I shouldn't, but we're all flawed, okay? Not only does Manucurist's Green Oil prevent my wandering fingers from picking, but it has also made a huge difference to the health of my nails and the skin surrounding them. My nail beds look healthier, and they feel more hydrated. In fact, I don't have any flaky bits left to pick at—and I'm not even mad about it.
Want to know the trick to ensuring you look after your cuticles every evening before you hit the sack? Buy a luxurious cuticle balm, such as this one from Dior. This thick and fragrant balm deeply nourishes dry and flaking cuticles, but it definitely has to be limited to nighttime as it needs a little time to soak into skin.
A swipe or two of this Sally Hansen cuticle oil is all that's needed to keep a mani looking fresh and to prevent your polish from peeling. I know, dreams can come true.
So how does this potion work exactly? It's infused with nourishing ingredients, including vitamin E and aloe, which moisturize the nail bed and prevent polish from peeling away. And because we're working with some stellar hydrating oils, it will also nourish the surrounding skin to stop hangnails forming.
I've kept a steady supply of OPI's Pro Spa cuticle oil in my kit, and I have zero intentions of replacing it any time soon. The little brush applicator is easy to apply, and as for the ingredients, it's enriched with grapeseed, sesame, kukui, and sunflower oils, which provide mega-nourishment to dehydrated nails. I'd also recommend massaging it into the surrounding skin if you're experiencing wear and tear.
With its rose and lemon scent plus easy-to-use rollerball, this cuticle oil from Margaret Dabbs is ticking all our boxes. What's more, it's packed with nourishing ingredients—like jojoba oil and borage seed oil—to remedy your cuticle woes.
This cuticle oil might be a 'little' treasure, but the benefits of using it are huge. Enriched with sweet almond oil, along with a host of vitamins (see: A, E, B1, B2, and B6), this nourishing oil helps hydrate, revive, and protect dry nails and cuticles.
If broken and brittle nails are your biggest issue, then look to this strengthening treatment from Seche. Unlike others on this list, the oil contains keratin, which is the building block of our nails.
When used as a topical treatment, this will help to boost keratin production and lead to stronger nails that are less prone to cracking. You can also smooth it on top of a manicure to keep your polish looking glossy.
There's a reason why this oil is used by every professional in the nail industry. Since I started using the CND Solar Oil, I have noticed a big difference in the length of my nails.
The star ingredients to thank are jojoba oil and vitamin E, which work to load my cuticles with a serious hydration hit. I also appreciate the brush applicator, which makes it very easy to apply – and minimises the risk of spills, too.
This is another of my favorite cuticle oils, as the roll-on applicator makes it hassle-free with no mess. It feels super hydrating on the nails and cuticles, and is my go-to on days I need to pass the time on the train (hiya if you've spotted me) 😎.
But best of all? The apricot scent smells SO good. Essie, we'll be here when you're ready to release this in a fragrance form.
Where do we even begin with this nourishing oil that truly does it all? The lightweight formula can be used on the skin, body, and hair for the ultimate boost of nourishment and hydration.
Formulated with authentic Brazilian ingredients from copaiba oil, known for its healing properties, and skin-loving squalane and rosehip oil – your cuticles will look more radiant than ever before.
We love to wind down at the end of a long week, with music on (T-Swift, obvs) and apply the Copa Dew All-Over Nourishing Oil. Trust us, you'll feel so zen!
Another gem from Dior, this is perfect if you want a super luxe serum for your nails and cuticles. The formula includes apricot kernel oil to help strengthen the nails and soften the cuticles, so you don't have to worry about any dryness. While it is the priciest of our selection, we can confirm that your nails and cuticles will thank you for the experience!
How does cuticle oil help maintain healthy nails?
Gaëlle Lebrat-Personnaz, CEO and co-founder of nail care brand Manucurist, says that the cuticle is the thin layer of skin that can be found at the base of the nail bed. If this layer becomes dehydrated, it will cause the nails to become dry and brittle. Not only can this cause damage in the long run, but it will also encourage nail polish to pull away from the surface and peel off.
The good news: Gaëlle explains that when you keep your nails hydrated by using a cuticle oil, it will encourage longer-lasting manicures and a more polished appearance. But besides the aesthetic benefits, frequently using a cuticle oil will create a healthy environment for your nail to grow, and it will minimize inflammation.
However, there's another reason why investing is important: using a cuticle oil will decrease the likelihood of developing an infection. According to Gaëlle, poor nail care will encourage small cuts to form in the cuticle, which means that water and bacteria can pass through.
When this happens, it opens the door to infection and can even damage the nail matrix. This is the formative layer of the nail where new growth happens and where cells multiply to load up with keratin.
Just like our hair, keratin is present in the nails, which helps to keep them strong and solid. If this system becomes compromised, it will lead to weak and brittle nails. Frequently massaging in a cuticle oil will help this structure to function properly and will support strong and healthy nail growth.
What are the best cuticle oils to buy?
As we have established, a cuticle oil will make a big difference to the shine and health of your nails. But what are the star ingredients that make this all possible? As you'd imagine, we aren't short on options. So, let's talk about what to look for on an ingredient list.
"When deciding on a cuticle oil, it's important to consider the hydration and protection factors of the oils included in the formula," says Gaëlle.
She recommends oils like coconut, walnut seed and avocado to nourish brittle nails, as well as baobab seed oil, sweet almond oil and rosemary oil, which have antioxidant properties and will help to fight against damage.
How should you apply cuticle oil?
If you're a low-maintenance girlie ('cause, same), you'll be pleased to know that there is no strict rulebook to follow – but there are a few things you can do to maximise the benefits of a cuticle oil.
"It's always a good time to take care of your hands and cuticles, especially in the winter months, as cold air is more aggressive and can dry out the skin," explains Gaëlle. "For maximum benefits, apply a cuticle oil as often as possible to ensure hydration. However, it's always a wise idea to use one between and after manicures, at night before bed, and after washing your hands to avoid cracking," she adds.
If you're like me and spend 80 percent of your day tip-tapping on a laptop, I'd suggest applying a cuticle oil right before bed. This way, the treatment will soak in while you catch your shuteye, and you'll avoid a greasy keyboard in the process.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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