The 5 Best Cuticle Oils

Cracked, dry nails got you down? Especially during winter, the season's icy temperatures can make your nails look and feel brittle and dry, and sometimes even leave your cuticles split and peeling (talk about painful). Which is why it's so crucial to take extra steps to keep your nails hydrated, pretty, and happy. And, cuticle oil is one of the all-time best ways to keep your fingers and nails hydrated, even if it's bitterly cold outside or you've neglected your hands for a while. Applying an oil daily will strengthen and nourish your cuticles, protect them from the elements, and make your dry skin virtually disappear. After all, strong nails begin at the cuticle; so, if your cuticles are ragged and cracked, your nails will suffer. Get ready to have the prettiest nails you've ever had when you invest in one of these super-effective cuticle oils on our list.

Cuccio Revitalize Cuticle Oil

Get silky-smooth nails in seconds

The Revitalize Cuticle Oil from Cuccio is simply the best.

Best Overall

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The go-to cuticle oil for all your hydrating, nourishing needs, Cuccio’s Revitalize Cuticle Oil is a godsend for those of us struggling with dryer-than-the-Sahara nail beds this winter. What’s in this golden oil, you ask? Other than magical softening superpowers, a couple key ingredients include honey, which naturally soothes and moisturizes your skin and nails, and lactic acid, which works to refresh and stimulate the skin.

Pros:

Contains high-quality ingredients.
Does everything a top-tier cuticle oil is supposed to do: keeps cuticles moist and nails strong and sturdy, hydrates skin, smooths cracks and dryness, etc.
Smells truly delicious, like figs and pomegranates.

Cons:

The bottle’s design could stand to be improved; it topples over fairly easily.

Super Nail Cuticle Oil

Budget-friendly and works like a charm

Just because you're shopping on a budget doesn't mean your nails have to suffer.

Best Value

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A decent cuticle oil doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: The Super Nail Cuticle Oil is affordable, yes, but it doesn’t skimp on quality or effectiveness. You can expect this oil to gently moisturize your cuticles, seal in nourishment, repair any existing damage or dryness, and make your hands look extra-healthy.

Pros:

It’s a ridiculously good value.
Since this oil is so affordable (and comes in a sizable bottle), you can feel free to slather on a thick coat without worrying about wasting it.

Cons:

If you want a super-luxe oil, this probably isn’t it.

Bee Naturals Best Cuticle Oil

Helps heal nails, doesn't harm animals

If you're seeking a good cruelty-free cuticle oil, this Bee Naturals oil will do the trick quite nicely.

Best Cruelty-Free

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Intensely moisturizing and vitamin-enriching, the Bee Naturals Best Cuticle Oil is chock-full of ingredients that help your cuticles from getting all ragged, like tea tree oil, vitamin E oil and grapeseed oil. It smells lovely, thanks to the combo of lavender and lemon. Best of all, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no harmful additional chemicals.

Pros:

Cruelty-free and doesn’t contain shady chemicals.
The smell (lavender-lemon) is very pleasant.
Works well on even the thinnest, most brittle nails.

Cons:

You can expect a dramatic improvement in your nails, but it may take some time.

Bliss Kiss Simply Pure Cuticle & Nail Oil Pen

Super-fun design for the win

For a different kind of cuticle oil design, we love the convenience of the Bliss Kiss Oil Pen.

Best Oil Pen

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Tired of the same ol’ cuticle oils? Try the Simply Pure Cuticle & Nail Oil Pen from Bliss Kiss, which contains a ton of nutrient-dense antioxidants and moisturizing properties, all encased within a super-cool brush pen applicator. All of the ingredients are natural and non-toxic (including jojoba oil, a hydrating powerhouse); expect to see improvements in your nails within a day or two of use. The Bliss Kiss pen is especially great at preventing the cracking of nail polish, gel, and acrylics.

Pros:

The pen design makes this oil easy to apply (simply swipe it over the cuticles) and easy to tote around, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
The primary ingredient is jojoba, which has an almost identical molecular structure to your skin’s own natural oil; this means that jojoba is better than most when it comes to penetrating the skin and moisturizing.

Cons:

Doesn’t contain as much oil as the other products on this list.

Leven Rose Jojoba Oil

Pure jojoba, pure effectiveness

When in doubt, look to Leven Rose's Pure Jojoba Oil to moisturize and repair.

Best Organic

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Well known for its super-moisturizing, emollient properties, jojoba oil is one of the best natural cuticle oils available. Enter Leven Rose Jojoba Oil, easily one of the best organic jojoba oils that money can buy. It’s wonderful for your nails and cuticles, providing a much-needed blast of fast-absorbing moisture and nutrients to your skin. (Plus, you can use it on your hair and face, too.)

Pros:

Nothing hydrates quite like jojoba oil; expect your skin to look and feel supple and smooth within minutes of application.
It’s multi-functional: In addition to your nails and cuticles, you can use this oil on your skin, hair, and all over your body.

Cons:

It’s not a dedicated cuticle oil, so it may not be the best choice if your nails are severely cracked or brittle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does cuticle oil do?

Cuticle oils contain a combination of ingredients that work to nourish the nail beds, strengthen the nails themselves, and protect your cuticles and nails against cracked skin, split nails, and even potential infections.

How often should I use cuticle oil?

Every day, especially if you’re already dealing with brittle, cracked, dry nails.

What are some good ingredients to look for in cuticle oils?

Heavy-hitter ingredients to look out for include natural oils like jojoba, coconut, almond, and avocado. Cocoa butter, aloe vera, lemon juice, and vitamin E oil are also excellent ingredients.