Goodbye, Dry Cuticles! These Are the 14 Best Cuticle Oils, According to Manicurists (2024)

TL;DR

Our favorite cuticle oil is the L'Occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil. Its unique, fuss-free brush-tip applicator effortlessly paints the formula onto cuticles. Plus, the formula itself softens cuticles and nourishes nails in a way that other options didn’t. Another special mention goes to Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil for its one-of-a-kind formula that works hard to strengthen thin, bendable nails and leave cuticles hydrated and healthy—all at an affordable price.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Safflower oil, cottonseed oil, vitamin E | Dosage: As needed | Size: 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As far as cuticle oils go, this is one of the biggest we’ve come across. At 2.5 ounces, it’s bigger than most of the other options on this list, and the fact that it's only about $10 makes it a total steal. Between the price and the excellent formula, it’s no wonder it’s used by professionals in spas and salons worldwide. This cuticle oil conditions and nourishes cuticles and the rest of the skin surrounding the nail bed, adding a soft touch to your manicure. Rich oils such as safflower oil and cottonseed oil work in tandem with vitamin E, honey, and lactic acid to soothe, moisturize, refresh, and stimulate the skin. The result: Fingernails that look like they just left the salon. The only caveat we found during testing is that the dropper isn’t designed very well. The bottle itself is great, but the dropper is a bit flimsy and doesn’t offer a ton of flexibility when it comes to pulling oil out of the bottle.

Key Ingredients: Neem extract, Triphala, amla extract | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.34 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’re into all kinds of rollerballs; they make application of any type of formula super easy—this cuticle oil included. Soothing ingredients such as neem extract, Triphala (a mixture of dried fruits), and amla extract star in this all-natural formula that softens even the roughest of skin, whether on cuticles, elbows, or even ankles. And the benefits don’t stop there—neem extract is actually a building block of collagen and has antibacterial properties, so no wonder we experienced lots of growth during testing. Like the Sally Hansen product, it has a bottle that can get slippery when coated in oil. Try to open the packaging with clean, dry hands and wipe it down after you use it.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, apricot oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: Comes in a set with 0.14 oz for serum | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Think of this as a souped-up version of basic cuticle oil. It has plenty of hydrating ingredients (avocado, apricot, and jojoba, to name a few), but also contains cactus flower extract, a reparative ingredient that’s great for damaged skin. Bonus points for the soft foam tip that makes for easy, mess-free application. The only qualm we have with this one is that the manufacturer claims that you’ll need to twist the bottom two or three times to deposit the formula. Still, we didn’t notice any product coming out of the top until the 20th (which can be confusing and worrisome at first!)

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, almond oil, castor oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

There’s a good reason why this humble oil has legions of devoted fans. Simple and straightforward, it boasts a blend of shea butter and oils such as almond, castor, and avocado oil to soften cuticles and deeply hydrate the skin around your nails. Despite containing several oils, it actually doesn't feel oily at all. In fact, it absorbs into the skin nicely and doesn’t leave a greasy mess in its wake. The scent is also addicting, though the results it delivers are incentive enough to make you want to apply it daily. We’re especially impressed with the brush tip applicator, which makes the entire process fuss-free and really enjoyable. Over time, we saw a noticeable difference in the look of our nails and the skin around them—so much so that a nail tech complimented how much healthier and hydrated they looked.

Key Ingredients: Safflower oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil | Dosage: Nightly | Size: 0.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

There are few drugstore brands that have better cornered the nail market than Sally Hansen, and this cuticle oil is no exception. Specifically made for those ultradry, beat-up cuticles (you know the kind), this brush-on formula works wonders to repair, hydrate, and strengthen the skin around the nail. We found the product to be easy all around—easy to apply, easy to incorporate into an existing routine, and easy on the wallet. Because of the brush-tip applicator (similar to the L’Occitane option above), you’re able to control how much of the product is used and where exactly you want to deposit it. And although it’s an extra step to have to remember, it’s not hard to add to your nightly routine; just a swipe on each nail bed, and you’re good to go. Best of all, it’s honestly shocking that this high-quality oil is just $11 and can be picked up almost anywhere. Something to keep in mind: The bottle is made with a slippery material, so if you get any oil on your hands or fingers, you may have a hard time opening and closing the cap. We recommend cleaning the top after every use so you don’t run into this issue.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, almond oil, evening primrose oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Jin Soon Choi knows a thing or two about nails. One of the most influential nail artists in the industry, she’s been named the “Nail Guru” and has worked her magic on the nails of celebrities and runway models. She has even been featured in several magazine cover shoots. Drawing from her many years in the limelightandher experience owning four spas, she created a line of nail products, like this one, that are good for you and the planet.

All that is to say that this oil is worth the splurge; let us explain why. First, it’s kind of like skincare for your hands and feet. The oil is intended to be used pretty much anywhere on the body and imparts a really nice conditioning effect that heals dryness and restores soft, healthy skin. Second, the fragrance is incredible. As the name suggests, it smells like honeysuckle and primrose—so we won’t blame you if you want to douse your fingers and toes in it day and night. Spending upwards of $30 on a cuticle oil seems pretty crazy at first, but when you think about how much your cuticles will benefit from it and how fast it dries, it’s worth it—especially when salon manicures these days can sometimes cost triple that. Just keep in mind that it skews on the runny side, so you’ll want to be extra intentional about how much you pick up in the dropper.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin E, apricot oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

It doesn’t get chicer than a Dior cuticle oil; we’ll just leave it at that. The specially chosen blend of oils—argan, camellia, and apricot—promises to not only hydrate but also protect and strengthen nails, and, let us tell you, it follows through. During testing, we noticed a huge improvement in the health of our nailbeds specifically, although it did take some time (and daily dedication) to see the dry bits turn more supple. Though it requires some patience, we really love the healthy, moisturized results that this formula offers.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This popular nailcare brand is known for its comprehensive line of products and tools that improve the overall appearance of nails and the skin around them. We’re especially big fans of their Argan Oil Cuticle Drops. In just a few droplets of this rich oil, cuticles and nail beds are softer, more hydrated, and look way healthier than before. It’s formulated with a bunch of ingredients you can actually understand, such as argan oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Best of all, it can be used anywhere on the body that needs a little extra TLC, such as your knuckles, elbows, knees, or even the ends of super-dry hair.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, argan oil, horsetail leaf extract, vitamin E | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.27 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Natural beauty lovers will appreciate this 100% natural cuticle oil from Tenoverten. With a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this formula heals dry, cracked skin, working to treat redness and refine skin texture. The unique blend of jojoba, argan, pomegranate, sweet almond, and hemp seed oils nourishes the skin, while the horsetail leaf extract strengthens weak, brittle fingernails. It’s purse-friendly and comes with a roller-ball tip that rolls the oil into your cuticles for a targeted treatment sans a greasy mess. The one thing we wish we could change is the fact that it’s pretty pricey for such a small size—we’d love it if it came in a bigger size.

Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, pumpkin oil, sunflower oil, squalane | Dosage: As needed | Size: Not listed | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive skin and are sick of looking at peeling cuticles, check out this formula from Candy X Paints. It’s handmade with organic ingredients intended to rehydrate dull, dry cuticles and bring them back to life while keeping sensitive skin top of mind. The super clean formula only has a few ingredients (such as a carefully curated blend of maracuja, pumpkin, and sunflower oils plus olive-derived squalane) that actually work to boost and lock in hydration. After two weeks, we found it highly effective—it left cuticles looking smoother, softer, and way healthier than before. You’ll like this one if you have sensitive skin or prefer minimalist formulations. Something to note: While we love everything about this product, it does contain oils derived from nuts, so if you have a nut allergy, you may want to consult with a doctor before trying this out to avoid an allergic reaction.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, grape seed oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.25 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Thanks to its squeezable tube-to-brush design, this cuticle oil is compact and mess-free, making it ideal for travel and on-the-go applications. Its secure packaging will never leak in your purse or toiletry bag, which provides peace of mind on stressful travel days. Formulated with avocado and grape seed oils, it’s ultra-nourishing and softens the cuticles while strengthening the nailbeds. Our one concern about this product is the grape smell, which can be overwhelming, but some may enjoy the scent.

Key Ingredients: Raspberry extract, almond oil, alpha-hydroxy acid | Dosage: As needed | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you don’t want to commit to nail polish—or the sometimes grueling manicure—this cuticle oil delivers a subtle pink hue for the perfect wash of color. Even better, this treatment polish targets dry cuticles and brittle nails to revitalize and restore. This is also the perfect option between manicures to have something on your nails, providing a natural, shiny look and ensuring your cuticles stay moisturized and soft. One thing to note is this cuticle oil is formulated with almond oil, which means this product is not suitable for those with nut allergies.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil | Dosage: As needed | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you struggle with rough, visible cuticles, this cuticle oil works to exfoliate and gently remove cuticles without the risk of any nicks. Plus, the squeeze tube design and small tip provides precise and targeted application around the cuticles. Simply apply the product, wait five minutes, and then discover instant results—soft fingers, invisible cuticles, and a painless process. It’s worth mentioning that the consistency of this oil is very thin, so you must keep your hands still to prevent any oil from dripping.

Key Ingredients: Keratin, hyaluronic acid, biotin | Dosage: As needed | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This two-in-one nail serum and cuticle oil is for those with damaged or brittle nails. With the restoring properties of keratin and biotin, this formula strengthens nails and improves overall nail health. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin around the nails, making cuticles soft again. In addition to the nails, this serum can be used all over the hands to treat dry and cracked skin, but the formula can be a little sticky.

FAQ

• How often should you apply cuticle oil?

  You can use cuticle oil every day or as often as you feel you need to. The benefits include increased hydration for nails and the surrounding skin, so there's really no downside to frequent application. For best results, massage it into your skin for at least a minute.

• Is cuticle oil better than hand cream?

  Cuticle oils tend to be more concentrated than your typical hand cream, making the former key for moisturizing small areas such as your nails and cuticles. While you could use lotion in a pinch, you'll generally want to use cuticle oil because it tends to be richer, more hydrating, and better suited for softening cuticles.

• How long should you leave cuticle oil on?

  You can apply it before bed and leave it on overnight to really let it soak into your nails and the surrounding skin. As a general rule, leave it on for at least an hour or two before washing your hands to allow the formula time to settle in.