Cuticle oil: what it is, why and how to use it

We tell you what cuticle oil is, what its benefits are, who needs it, how to use it correctly, and also share five favorite products that will bring even the most damaged nails back to life.

To be honest, at first glance, this tool does not seem to be the most necessary thing in care. When you regularly do a manicure in the salon, there is complete confidence that you don't owe anything to your fingers anymore. However, cuticle oils, like perfumed hand creams, are a nice addition to basic care that can solve many problems.

The cuticle is a living thin skin responsible for protecting the growing nail plate. Often her not too good condition provokes a number of inconveniences – burrs appear, the contour of the nail looks sloppy, which is why the manicure loses its attractiveness. Cuticle oil can easily do this.

What is the remedy

Cuticle oil is an effective care product for maintaining the beauty and neat appearance of nails. It contains a mixture of essential and vegetable oils, moisturizing ingredients, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. Together they are responsible for healthy nail growth.

How it works

Moisturizes, nourishes, softens, restores the cuticle, making it more elastic, and the nail contour neat and well-groomed. The oils in the composition form a protective veil that prevents the evaporation of water from the skin, while glycerin and panthenol (those same moisturizers) retain moisture, providing hands with nutrition and softness.

The use of oil helps to preserve the beauty and health of not only the cuticle, but also the nail plate itself. The tool gives the nails strength and flexibility, accelerates the polymerization process, and also prevents the appearance of varnish chips.

Why is it needed

First of all, oil is necessary if your nails exfoliate, cuticles are damaged, or burrs appear. When cutting a manicure, the oil will protect the cuts from dryness and inflammation, make the cuticle smooth and elastic, which will improve the quality of the manicure. Also, if you often do gel polish, additional care for your hands will definitely not hurt. Not to mention that a couple of drops of oil will refresh the look of your nails and restore their shine in just seconds.

How to use it

It is recommended to apply the oil with massage movements (this will improve blood circulation and accelerate the effect of nutrients) on the contour of each nail, against the growth of the cuticle. You can do this before and after a manicure, as well as leave the product overnight for complete absorption. If after the oil you plan to apply varnish, before that you should definitely degrease the nail plate.

Top 5 resources to start with

Mavala, Cuticle Oil

Cuticle Oil by Mavala is ideal for caring for thin cuticles. It delicately cares thanks to vegetable oils and natural extracts that help soften and regenerate the skin. The oil contains a mixture of sunflower seeds, olive and sweet almonds, as well as citric acid to give whiteness and radiance to the skin and nails. Volume 10 ml, estimated price 114 UAH.

CND, Solaroil Nail & Cuticle Care

You have probably seen this bottle from your master once, because it is one of the formulas that professionals trust. CND Solar Oil Medicated Nail & Cuticle Oil contains a balanced combination of rice bran, jojoba, sweet almond and vitamin E oils for added nourishment. The product is quickly absorbed and does not leave oily marks on the skin. Volume 15 ml, estimated price 219 UAH.

Essie, Apricot Cuticle Oil

There's a good reason this humble nourishing cuticle oil has thousands of dedicated fans. It contains a mix of apricot, cottonseed and soybean oils that soften the cuticles and deeply hydrate the skin around the nails. Its pleasant aroma will be enough incentive to make you want to use it daily. Volume 13.5 ml, estimated price 270 ml.

Dior, Huile Abricot Daily Nutritive Serum

Dior Nourishing Serum-Oil for Nails and Cuticles is a must-have for every day. A specially selected combination of oils (camellia, argan, apricot) intensively nourishes, protects and strengthens nails, while providing deep hydration and softening of the cuticle. Bonus – the compact size of the tube to take it with you. Volume 7.5 ml, estimated price 989 UAH.

French Girl, Organics Nail & Cuticle Oil

We love all kinds of roller beauty products for their convenience, including this cuticle oil. This format makes application very simple, and the formula is impressive. Argan, tamanu and hemp oils are responsible for deep hydration, while pomegranate oil provides a powerful dose of antioxidants. The benefits don't end there: the oil contains rosemary, which has antibacterial properties and helps stimulate nail growth. Volume 9 ml, estimated price 608 UAH.