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As a compulsive hangnail biter, I feel uniquely qualified to tell you everything you need to know about cuticle oils and share my favorite formulas. I have been picking at my nail beds until they are irritated and often bloody for as long as I can remember. (Gross, I know.) But at the beginning of 2025, I made a New Year’s resolution to end this awful habit once and for all. And for the most part, I’ve kept with it. Thank you, cuticle oils!
It took me about 28 years to master this routine: Cut my nails very short, apply a nourishing cuticle oil, then push back my cuticles, and trim them a few times a week. On days when this method doesn’t work (usually when I’m feeling particularly anxious), I apply some cuticle oil to the affected nail bed, then wrap a Band-Aid around it to seal in moisture, heal the hangnail, and physically prevent myself from doing any more damage …
If you, too, want to heal your nail beds or perfect your at-home manicures, I rounded up the best cuticle oils I tried and loved throughout my process.
So, what are the best cuticle oils?
Updated on February 24, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
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Our top picks
The Best Overall
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The rolling applicator on this Essie oil is soothing and convenient. I like taking my time to rub it in because it feels like a little massage for my cuticles. Plus, it’s mess-free. It has apricot-kernel oil like other formulas on this list as well as jojoba oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin. The apricot scent is also divine.
The Random Amazon Find
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The clinical packaging isn’t going to look pretty on your bathroom counter, but this cuticle-dissolving, serum-lotion hybrid is effective and affordable. It lifts dead skin and soothes irritation. I like to use it if I’m in a rush or in the middle of getting ready for something because I don’t have to worry about it staining my clothes, like I do when I use a traditional cuticle oil. If you prefer lotionlike formulas over oil ones, add this to your cart.
The Best Hand Cream for Cuticles
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I use both hand creams and cuticle oils because I’m high maintenance, but you definitely don’t have to. This Caudalie cream soothes dry, tight-feeling hands while also nourishing cuticles and improving nail health. It’s a staple in my work bag, and I love the sweet scent (although, if you’re sensitive to fragrance, it might be too strong for you).
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More tried-and-true options
Another Affordable Option
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This cuticle oil comes in the cutest packaging and is formulated with moisturizing goji berry and avocado oil. I love how soothing it feels on my hangnails and makes it them instantly look healthier.
The Best Nail Strengthener
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Trying to heal brittle nails? Look no further than this affordable cuticle oil from Sally Hansen. I’ve noticed that it prevents breakage, strengthens my nails, and gives them a nice shine while also nourishing my cuticles.
The One With an Iconic Scent
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This cuticle oil has a brush applicator, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess when you apply it. It’s formulated with 30 percent organic shea butter as well as apricot oil and sweet-almond oil. It’s slightly greasy at first but dries down and soaks into the skin quickly. Also, a little goes a very long way, which I appreciate.
The Best for Travel
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Made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients, this lightweight cuticle oil absorbs quickly, helps my manicure last longer, and made my nails feel stronger after just a few uses.
The One for Professional-Looking Manicures
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The experience of applying this Paintbox cuticle oil is similar to the experience of applying luxury skin care, thanks to the soft scent with notes of cassis, bergamot, and black pepper and the dropper applicator. It has a silky-smooth consistency that doesn’t feel greasy or sit on top of the skin — so even if you’re someone who doesn’t typical like the texture of face or body oils, I think you’ll like this one.
The Best Luxury Cuticle Oil
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To make an at-home manicure feel more luxurious, incorporate this apricot-kernel-oil-infused formula from Dior. It is expensive, but, because I have to apply it only once every few days to notice the effects, it feels like I’m getting my money’s worth.
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FAQs
What ingredients should people look for when shopping for cuticle oil?
“Look for lightweight carrier oils that mimic skin’s natural lipids and provide barrier support like jojoba, squalane, and sunflower-seed oil,” says Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a dermatologist. “These oils help hydrate, soften, and protect without sitting on top of the cuticle and nail bed. I also like formulas with vitamin E for antioxidant support. I’d be cautious of formulas that rely heavily on essential oils or are overly fragrant, which could cause irritation.”
What is the safest and most effective way to push back your cuticles?
It all starts with proper prep and a gentle touch, says Paintbox’s lead nail designer Evelyn Lim. “Begin by soaking your hands in warm water to soften the cuticles, then apply a cuticle exfoliant to help loosen any buildup,” she says. “Using a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick, gently guide the cuticle back without applying pressure. Lightly buff only if needed to smooth the nail plate, and finish with cuticle oil to restore hydration and shine.”
Nussbaum agrees that it’s important to be gentle. She says to remember that cuticles act as a “protective seal,” so pushing them back too aggressively can increase the risk of irritation and infection. Always use cuticle oil and only use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick after the oil has sufficiently softened the skin.
At what point in a manicure should cuticle oil be applied?
If you’re doing an at-home manicure, apply cuticle oil at the end of the process to help “replenish nutrients and lock in moisture,” Lim says. In between manicures (whether you do them yourself or get them professionally done), she recommends using a roll-on cuticle oil daily and massaging the oil into the cuticles to “keep them healthy, flexible, and manicure-ready.”
Should you rub in cuticle oil or let it sit?
“Do both! Apply the oil, let it sit for a minute to soften the skin, then gently massage it in to help with absorption and circulation,” Nussbaum says.
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Our Experts
- Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Upper East Side
- Evelyn Lim, lead nail designer at Paintbox
- Hanna Flanagan, shopping writer and editor at The Cut.
