11 best cuticle oils to keep the skin around your nails in tip-top condition
The secret to a long-lasting manicure? Keeping your cuticles nice and hydrated in between your nail appointments. Enter: cuticle oils, AKA every nail technician's best friend. They're full of deeply nourishing natural ingredients such as vitamin E, olive oil, shea butter, argan oil, aloe vera and jojoba oil – all of which will encourage healthy nail growth as well as ensure lasting hydration. Think of it as an essential part of your daily skincare routine.
After all, when our nail beds are cracked and parched, sometimes even the richest of hand creams just won't cut it. This also applies to those of us who are fans of nail extensions (especially acrylics and press-ons), which can often result in severely dry and damaged nails and breakage.
Just a few drops of a quality cuticle oil can also help repair flaky skin and hangnails as well as help your nail tech push back the skin more efficiently too. And if you're a fan of a Russian manicure, you probably already know that healthy cuticles are key when it comes to perfectly polished manis.
The best part is that they come in all shapes and sizes. From convenient cuticle oil pens with brush and rollerball applicators for on-the-go top-ups to full-size bottles to keep on your nightstand – there's definitely no shortage of options.
Best cuticle oils at a glance:
- Best overall: Manucurist Huile Verte, £14, Cult Beauty
- Best for on-the-go touchups: OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil To-Go, £12.90, LookFantastic
- Best premium cuticle oil: Dior Vernis Huile Abricot Nail & Cuticle Serum, £25, Boots
- Best-smelling cuticle oil: By Mariela Cuticle Oil Pen, £8, Etsy
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That said, sorting through all the cuticle oils on the market is far from an easy task. After all, there's just so many factors to consider: from ingredients and packaging to the brands and your budget. But fear not, because we've done the hard part for you and have scoured through all the best options that the retailers have to offer. We've also taken the time to trial said cuticle oils to test out their formulas first-hand. So here goes, your definitive guide to the very best cuticle oils around…
Need manicure inspo? Read up on our guide on best nail polishes ever, best top coats as well as our roundup of the best trendy nail art designs. Plus, everything you need to know about getting french tips and autumn nail trends. You're welcome.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Why we love it: This vegan, cruelty-free and 99% bio-sourced formula is a must-have cuticle care product that's infused with coconut oil, sweet almond oil and walnut seed oil to soften your cuticles and strengthen your nails. In other words, you can finally wave goodbye to dry nails and cuticles. A must for any nail care routine.
OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil To-Go
Why we love it: Enriched with grape seed, sesame, kukui and sunflower oils, this fast-absorbing and hydrating treatment oil from OPI is designed to nourish your nails and give your cuticles a smoother and healthier look. Plus, it's easy to apply on-the-go.
The Body Shop Almond Cuticle Oil
Why we love it: When it comes to all-natural and fair trade ingredients, nobody does it better than The Body Shop. This almond cuticle oil is no exception – it's so effective at nourishing and caring for your cuticles that it's practically liquid gold.
Why we love it: If you're looking to support a small business and treat yourself to one of the best-smelling cuticle oils around, look no further, because this option is definitely worth considering. It features a hydrating formula and happens to come in the most convenient pen-like packaging for on-the-go application. (P.S. we highly recommend checking out the yummy Strawberry Daiquiri scent). Thank us later.
BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Macadamia Oil
Why we love it: Okay, yes, technically this is a hair oil, but trust us when we say it's perfectly suitable for your nails and hair too. It's a great all-rounder that works as an effective emollient and natural antioxidant – it even contains squalane for some extra hydration. In other words, you can kiss dry skin goodbye.
Cuccio Revitalizing Cuticle Oil Manicure Milk And Honey
Why we love it: This nourishing cuticle oil comes with – you guess it – honey, which acts as a natural humectant to help draw in more moisture. On top of that, this oil is made up of safflower oil, sunflower seed oil and cotton seed oil, all of which help condition and moisturise your cuticles faster than ever. And it comes with a handy dropper applicator too. A win.
nails inc. Superfood Repair Oil
Why we love it: If you're someone who suffers from overly dry cuticles, then this is the product for you. Just one application a week can help you maintain healthy nails and cuticles and keep dryness at bay, thanks to a formula that contains plenty of antioxidants and the benefits of vitamin A.
Dior Vernis Huile Abricot Nail & Cuticle Serum
Why we love it: Want to keep your nails and cuticles well-hydrated but not a fan of the greasy feel of oils? No problem – this cuticle serum has a non-greasy formula that's suitable for daily use and helps protect your skin from drying out and splitting. Think of it as a luxe cuticle treatment that'll keep your nails nice and hydrated all day long.
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Essie Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil
Why we love it: When it comes to instant hydration and fast absorption, this apricot kernel-infused nail and cuticle oil from Essie is simply one of the best (after all, they're behind some of the best nail polishes and nail polish removers around). Not to mention that it's one of the most affordable options on this list, which is always a plus in our book.
Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser
Why we love it: An oldie but a goodie, Jessica's restorative 'Phenomen Oil' is the OG of nail oils. It's a nourishing formula of a healthy mix of essential oils such as jojoba, almond and rice oils which absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any pesky greasy residue. As well as helping to maintain strong and healthy nails, we like to keep a bottle on our bedside tables to massage into dry patches on elbows and knees, too.
L'Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil
Why we love it: This sweet-smelling oil contains a high concentration of shea oil (30%) to help soothe brittle, worn out cuticles and brittle nails. It comes with a handy brush applicator which is ideal for quickly sweeping over nail beds on the go. Exactly what you need to stimulate natural nail growth.
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