Why You Should Be Using Cuticle Oil—and How Often to Apply It

There’s nothing quite like cute nail art and fun nail shapes, but nothing puts a hamper on a good manicure than dry or cracked cuticles. While you can go all out with best nail art designs, proper nail nail care is vital to maintaining your nail health. Think about it this way—while good hair starts at the scalp, good nails start at the cuticles. And just like with your skin, your cuticles need moisture to keep your nails strong.  Because cuticles have less sebaceous glands than the rest of the hand, they tend to dry out quickly. Enter cuticle oil, which nail experts say you should be applying regularly in order to keep your nails resistant to breakage.

What Is Cuticle Oil?

While every cuticle oil is formulated differently, Dana Stern, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dana, says that cuticle oil is generally a combination of oils and other ingredients that are applied directly to the cuticle for the primary purpose of hydration.

But Dr. Stern tells me there are other things this product can do in addition to moisturizing. “For example, if cuticle oil is applied regularly with either a massaging motion or a roller ball applicator, it can help to stimulate blood flow to the digits and thus contribute to healthy nail growth.”

Benefits of Cuticle Oil

There are many benefits to using cuticle oil, especially during the winter months or if you wash your hands frequently. By keeping your cuticles moisturized, you ensure faster nail growth and skin health overall. “Cuticles can get easily dry due to the exposure to cold weather and different harmful products as our hands are rarely covered. By applying cuticle oil regularly, you can avoid them from drying and cracking,” explains Christina Kao, cofounder of Le Mini Macaron. She adds that vitamin E may also help reduce UV damage by reducing the skin's inflammatory response.

How Often Should You Apply Cuticle Oil?

While you can use cuticle oil as often as you want, Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC tells me it's best to apply cuticle oil at least one or two times a day to reap the full benefits. She recommends massaging a few drops into the nail bed as a part of your daily morning and nighttime routine. To help remind you, try keeping a bottle on your nightstand to apply right before bed and when you wake up in the morning. 

The Best Cuticle Oils 

We asked the experts for their top cuticle oil picks.

Nails.INC Vit C Please Nourishing Cuticle Oil

Nails.INC Vit C Please Nourishing Cuticle Oil is Dr. Green's first choice. “This oil is infused with Vitamin E plus orange extract for a boost of freshness. It improves thickness, hardness, rehydration, smoothness, and healthy growth,” she explains. Plus, it has a refreshing orange fragrance. 

Dr. Dana Nourishing Cuticle Oil

Looking for a cuticle to help you grow out your nails? Try Dr. Dana Nourishing Cuticle Oil. “The formula is designed to deliver optimal hydration and encourage nail growth," says Dr. Stern. The formula’s anti-inflammatory and barrier-boosting properties are ideal for the cuticle’s unique physiology, and the rollerball applicator will stimulate circulation and allow for an easy, on-the-go application.”

Le Mini Macaron Cuticle Oil Pen

Christina Kao deems the Le Mini Macaron Cuticle Oil Pen her new favorite new cuticle oil. “You can carry it anywhere. It's so small and easy to use with its built-in brush, that makes it a staple must-have in everyone's bag.”