Beauty Hair Style Tips Nail Care

I’m a Nail Technician and These Are the 5 Best Cuticle Oils To Add To Your Next At-Home Manicure

Saanya Ali

February 22, 2021

Thumbnail for I’m a Nail Technician and These Are the 5 Best Cuticle Oils To Add To Your Next At-Home Manicure

Pin It

Photo: Getty/Anastasia Gorlanova

When it comes to self-care routines, skin serums and hair masks get the majority of our attention and shelf space, meaning that our nails and cuticles often end up coming in third (or sixth) place in our regimens. With the constant hand sanitizing and washing of the past year, it should come as no surprise that your nails may been more dry and damaged than normal. This means that they probably need a little extra TLC to make sure that they stay healthy and hydrated. Enter: Cuticle oil.

Oils are the ultimate multitasker—they're great in the kitchen, in our vitamins, in the shower (and after), to help maintain proper moisture levels and hydration. Cuticle oils, specifically, help nails get stronger, grow faster, and stop them from breaking or peeling. They are quick and easy to apply—just dab a little bit at the base of the nail and along the sides, and gently rub it in, and they are fit perfectly into your nighttime routine after a hand cream (to avoid daytime slippery fingers).

Cuticle oils are made with blends of an assortment of different natural oils and vary in scent and viscosity, and the best part is that there is no over applying them. Evelyn Lim, a NYC-based manicurist recommends applying them two to three times a day for best results.

These are the best cuticle oils for your nails according to Lim

1. Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil, $20

Looking for intense hydration at your fingertips? Lim touts the benefits of jojoba oil and vitamin E in your nail care routine. This oil has both in spades. The fast-absorbing formula is perfect to use on the go because it won't leave your hands slick and greasy.

Shop now: Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil, $20

2. Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, $9

On top of leaving your hands smelling like a summertime picnic, this cuticle from polish powerhouse Essie rehydrates and revitalizes both cuticles and nails. The combination of cotton seed and soybean oils helps to seal in moisture and provide maximum nourishment.

Shop now: Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, $9

3. CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, $13

Called a ''manicure in a bottle,'' this blend of three natural oils and vitamin E packs a mega punch. The multi-tasking Solar Oil serves as a nail strengthener, conditioner, and cuticle softener.

Shop now: CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner, $13

4. Qtica Solid Gold Cuticle Oil Gel, $12

A pin-sized amount of this oil gel is all you need for a full cuticle spa day. Solid Gold is a patented 12-oil blend that starts as a gel and turns into an oil as you massage it into your nails and cuticles.

Shop now: Qtica Solid Gold Cuticle Oil Gel, $12

5. Lisa Nail Laquer Almond Cuticle Oil, $8

Don't let the minimalist bottle fool you. This 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free cuticle oil contains a blend of oils including sweet almond oil and argan oil that work together with vitamins A and E to help soften and moisturize the cuticles and nails while also smelling wonderful.

Shop now: Lisa Nail Laquer Almond Cuticle Oil, $8

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Tags: Nail Care

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.