As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure Here
Cuticle oils are the unsung heroes of nail care. With their potent blend of nourishing ingredients and moisturizing properties, the best cuticle oils have the ability to transform your nails from lackluster to eye-catching.
Caring for your cuticles is just as important as caring for your nails. Healthy cuticles act as an exquisite frame that showcases your beautifully manicured nails while peeling cuticles can put all your effort to waste.
In addition to using oils for cuticles, there are other home remedies that make it easy to keep your cuticles healthy and moisturized.
What Are Cuticles?
Before we delve into the benefits of oils for cuticles, it helps to understand what are cuticles and what they do.
Cuticles are the thin, delicate layer of skin that surrounds the base of your nails.
They act as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria, dirt, and other harmful substances from entering the nail bed.
When neglected, cuticles can become dry and start to peel due to various factors, such as excessive hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, or environmental conditions.
Establishing a regular nail care routine that includes nourishing and protecting your cuticles is important.
Here’s what you’ll find as you scroll down:
Benefits of using oils for cuticles
Best cuticle oils
Best essential oils
How to use oils for cuticles
DIY cuticle oil recipes
Additional tips for nail and cuticle care
Benefits Of Using Oils For Cuticles
Using oils for cuticle care has many benefits. Here are some of the benefits of using oils for cuticles:
Hydration: Cuticle oils provide intense moisture to dry and damaged cuticles, keeping them hydrated and preventing cracking and peeling.
Nourishment: The best cuticle oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that nourish the cuticles and promote healthy nail growth.
Strength and Flexibility: Regular use of cuticle oils strengthens the nails, making them less prone to breakage and brittleness.
Improved Appearance: Cuticle oils give your nails a healthy shine and improve the overall appearance of your hands.
Healing Properties: Some cuticle oils contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that reduce inflammation and redness in the cuticles and protect against infections.
Top 5 Cuticle Oils For Nail Growth & Strength
While you can use most carrier oils for cuticles, there are a few that outperform the rest because of their superior nourishing and hydrating properties.
These are the 5 best cuticle oils according to dermatologists:
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil is known for its superior hydrating and nourishing properties, making it the best cuticle oil for nail growth and strength.
Argan oil is loaded with Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin. It is also rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils produced by our skin, making it an excellent moisturizer for cuticles. It deeply hydrates the skin, softens the cuticles, and helps prevent cracking and dryness.
This cuticle oil also contains vitamin E, which promotes healthy nail growth and repairs damaged skin. Its non-greasy formulation makes it the ideal choice for those who prefer a lightweight oil.
3. Coconut Oil
One of the most widely-used natural remedies for dry skin, coconut oil is the best cuticle oil for stronger nails. It is rich in fatty acids that penetrate deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
Coconut oil is also anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for those with inflamed or infected cuticles.
4. Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamins E and K, which help repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. It is also an excellent source of essential fatty acids, making it perfect for cuticle care.
Its lightweight and non-greasy texture makes almost oil the perfect choice for those who prefer a lighter oil.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is known for its nourishing and hydrating properties. It is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Olive oil is also one of the most readily available oils and is perfect for those on a budget.
Best Essential Oils For Cuticles and Nails
Tea Tree
A powerful antiseptic and antifungal agent, tea tree essential oil helps in preventing and treating fungal infections that can cause damage to the cuticles and nails.
Tea tree oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and irritation around the cuticles.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a stimulating and strengthening essential oil. When applied to the cuticles, rosemary essential oil stimulates blood circulation promoting healthy nail growth. It also has antiseptic properties that protect the cuticles from infections.
Additionally, rosemary oil strengthens the nails, reducing brittleness and breakage.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil has rejuvenating properties that promote healthy cell regeneration when massaged into the skin.
This essential oil is especially beneficial for repairing damaged cuticles and promoting overall nail health.
Myrrh
Known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties, myrrh essential oil helps hydrate dry cuticles and prevents nails and cuticles from becoming brittle and prone to cracking.
Lemon
Lemon oil has proven brightening and revitalizing effects. When used on cuticles, it helps to lighten dark spots and discoloration, giving the nails a healthier appearance.
Lemon oil also strengthens the weak cuticles and promotes nail growth while its antiseptic properties help prevent infections.
How To Use Oils On Cuticles
There are a few different ways to use oils to strengthen cuticles and nails. The best method to choose will depend on the condition of your nails and cuticles as well as how much time you have on your hands.
Massage
One of the easiest ways to use oils on your cuticles is to massage them into the skin. This is also the fastest and most convenient method. You can do it anytime, anywhere, whenever you have a few minutes free.
Simply apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips and gently massage into the cuticles. This will help improve blood circulation, promote healthy nail growth, and keep your cuticles looking good.
With this quick and easy method, there’s just no excuse for brittle cuticles.
Nail-Soak
Another effective way to use cuticle oil is to soak your fingertips in warm oil. Choose this technique if your nails and cuticles need a lot of TLC.
Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of your preferred cuticle oil.
Soak your nails in the mixture for at least 10 minutes. This softens the skin around the cuticles and allows the oil to get absorbed into the skin more easily.
Now apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your fingertips and gently massage into the cuticles.
Brush-on
If you prefer a mess-free application, look for a premixed cuticle oil that comes with a brush applicator. This allows you to get the benefit of the oil without the mess.
How To Use Essential Oils For Cuticles
While there’s no doubting the benefits of essential oils for cuticles, you must take care not to use concentrated essential oil directly on your skin.
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and may cause irritation and redness around the area where they are applied.
To use essential oils for cuticles, you must first dilute them with carrier oil. Take a look at this dilution chart to determine the right ratio for diluting essential oils in carrier oils.
You can use any combination of essential oil and cuticle oil as long as you use the right dilution.
DIY Cuticle Oil Recipes
Here are some DIY cuticle oil recipes that you can try at home:
Coconut, Jojoba & Tea Tree Cuticle Oil Recipe
• 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
• 1 tablespoon Jojoba Oil
• 2 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
Argan, Vitamin E & Rosemary Cuticle Oil Recipe
• 1 tablespoon Argan oil
• 1 capsule of Vitamin E oil
• 2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
Almond, Olive & Frankincense Cuticle Oil Recipe
• 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 drops Frankincense Essential oil
How To Use Your Homemade Cuticle Oil
– Mix the carrier oils and essential oils together in a small bowl.
– Massage the oil blend into your cuticles for 5-10 minutes.
– Rinse off with warm water.
– Gently wipe hands dry and finish off with emollient-rich hand cream.
Best cuticle oil products in the market
If you prefer to use store-bought cuticle oils, there are many excellent products available. These are some of the best cuticle oil products in the market:
OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil – The OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil is a rich blend of avocado oil, grape seed oil, and sunflower oil. It is perfect for those with dry and damaged cuticles.
CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care – The CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care is a popular choice among nail enthusiasts. It contains a blend of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and Vitamin E oil that hydrates and nourishes the cuticles.
Deborah Lippmann It’s A Miracle Intense Therapy Cuticle Oil – Packed with 4 nutrient-rich carrier oils including coconut, castor, jojoba and almond along with 10 essential oils, this miracle intense therapy cuticle oil does a great job at nourishing and repairing cuticles and nails.
Onsen Cuticle Cream, Nail Cuticle Oil in Deep Action – Japanese Natural Healing Minerals Nail Care Serum – This interesting no-mess nail care kit is formulated with a combination of oils that soothe, repair, and strengthen cuticles and nails in an easy dispense.
Cuticle Oil Vs Cuticle Cream – Which Is Better?
Cuticle oils are better than cuticle oils. Unlike creams and lotions, oils penetrate deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
The best oils for cuticles are those that contain essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and promote cell regeneration, which is crucial for repairing damaged cuticles.
Additional Easy Tips For Healthy Cuticles
In addition to using oils for cuticle care, there are several other things you can do to keep your cuticles healthy. Here are some cuticle care tips for healthy nails:
Don’t cut your cuticles. Cutting your cuticles can lead to infections and damage to the nail bed. Instead, push them back gently with a cuticle pusher. If you don’t have one hand, a Q-tip acts as the perfect DIY cuticle pusher.
Wear gloves when working with water. Wearing gloves when doing household chores that involve water can protect your hands and cuticles from harsh chemicals.
Moisturize regularly. Moisturize your hands and cuticles regularly to prevent dryness and cracking.
Keep your nails clean. Keeping your nails clean and dry can prevent bacteria and fungi from growing under the nail bed.
Best Cuticle Oil FAQs
Do cuticle oils help with nail growth also?
Yes, cuticle oils nourish the cuticles and provide the essential nutrients needed for healthy nail growth.
How often should I apply cuticle oil?
You’ll see the best results if you apply cuticle oil every day at least once a day. The best time to do this is before bedtime as this allows the oil to work overnight.
Can I apply cuticle oil over nail polish?
Yes, you can apply cuticle oil over nail polish. Just make sure to let the polish dry completely before applying the oil.
How long does it take to see results from using cuticle oils?
There’s no fixed timeline, but with regular use, you can definitely expect to see improvements in the condition of your cuticles and nails within a few weeks.
Can I use hand cream instead of cuticle oil?
Cuticle oil and hand cream are two different products that serve different purposes. Cuticle oil is specifically designed to nourish and moisturize the cuticles, while hand cream is designed to moisturize the hands. While hand cream can be used on the cuticles, it may not provide the same level of hydration as cuticle oil.
Incorporating cuticle oils into your nail care routine is a fantastic way to get stronger and healthier nails. The nourishing and moisturizing properties of these oils can work wonders for your cuticles and overall nail health.
Remember to choose high-quality oils and apply them regularly for best results.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
