One SELF editor swears by this option, which packs moisture from safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, cottonseed oil, and vitamin E. “The dropper holds just enough oil for all ten fingers, and I love how thin it feels—it’s not sticky at all! I’ve noticed a huge difference in my chronic hangnails since I started using this product,” she says. “Bonus: The bottle looks so cute on my nightstand!”
Size: 2.5 fl oz | Applicator: Dropper
Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil
Pros: Reviewers love the scent, absorbs quickly
Cons: Some reviewers say the orange color can stain nails
“Essie apricot perfume when??” one happy Amazon shopper asks. Dr. Penzi says she loves this yummy-smelling formula for its nourishing mixture of apricot and jojoba oils, while reviewers say it soaks in quickly so you won’t be stuck with greasy fingers that leave prints on your phone while you doom scroll. (Too dark?)
Size: 0.46 fl oz | Applicator: Brush
Orly Argan Oil Cuticle Drops
Pros: Very softening, reviewers say it works quickly
Cons: Not travel-friendly
Another rec from Dr. Castilla, this product’s secret weapon is argan oil, which is known for its hydrating benefits and for being a source of vitamin E. So, be warned: Only add this bad boy to your routine if you want seriously soft skin. One Ulta reviewer says this helps keep their mani looking better for longer, and another says, “no more cracks or snagged cuticles!”
Size: 0.6 fl oz | Applicator: Dropper
Tenoverten The Rose Oil Cuticle Treatment
Pros: Reviewers like the rose scent, easy to apply, travel-friendly,
Cons: On the pricier side
Unlike all of the other cuticle oils, this one has a rollerball applicator that’ll give your nail area a nice massage since it’s heftier than a brush. Its key ingredients are jojoba, sweet almond, argan and pomegranate oils, which nourish the skin around the nail. And if you were a fan of Peppermint Rose dolls growing up—talking to you, ‘90s kids— you’ll love the whiff of nostalgia you’ll get each time the floral fragrance hits your nostrils.
Size: 0.27 fl oz | Applicator: Rollerball
What to look for in a cuticle oil
Just like any beauty product, there’s a million of these babies lining the store shelves. Before you lock in on one cuticle oil, here are a couple of things to consider.
Ingredients
All cuticle oils contain moisturizing and skin-softening ingredients, Dr. Huang says. Some our experts recommend looking for on the label are beeswax, shea butter, glycerin, vitamins A and E, and oils like almond, avocado, jojoba, coconut, rosemary, grape seed, or tea tree. A combo of these will give your skin the moisture it needs to soften up the area around your nails.
Packaging
Like a lot of skin care products, your cuticle oil can degrade with light exposure, which causes it to become less effective. That’s why all of our experts recommend finding one in a bottle with dark or opaque packaging. (If your fave doesn’t fit this description, the pros say you should store it in a drawer or medicine cabinet where light won’t get to it.) It’s also a good idea to look for an oil with a dropper bottle or a brush tip to make it easier to apply in small amounts to each nail. Let’s be real: If the application process is a mess, you’re probably not going to want to do it very often.
Does cuticle oil actually work?
Yes! It can make a big difference in the moisture level of the skin surrounding your nails, which can then help them grow stronger.
