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 loved the smell, it absorbed quickly
Cons: Orange color can stain your nails, according to some reviewers
“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 Cuticle Drops
Pros: It works very quickly, according to reviewers.
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: Reviews like that it is travel-friendly and easy to apply.
Cons: Prices are on the higher 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. Jojoba, sweet almond, argan, and pomegranate are its key ingredients, which nourish skin around the nails. 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 out for when buying cuticle oils
Just like any beauty product, there’s a million of these babies lining the store shelves. Here are some things to think about before you choose a cuticle oil.
Ingredients
Dr. Huang says that all cuticle oil contains moisturizing ingredients and skin softeners. Our experts suggest looking for beeswax and shea butter on the label, as well as vitamins A and E and oils such as almond, avocado and jojoba. These oils will provide your skin with the moisture needed to soften the area around your nail.
Packaging
Your cuticle oil, like many skin care products can be degraded by light, making it 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.
Is cuticle oil really effective?
Yes! Yes!