Cuticles refer to numerous layers of tender and transparent skin that lays under the nail bed. They tend to become dry rapidly and often get riddled, damaged with hangnails if they are not taken care of. It is crucial to keep your cuticles in proper condition. Several factors can lead to the damage to your cuticles which include weather, lifestyle, etc. Because of such reasons, you may have to wash your hands quite often. A combination of acrylic and gel nails also adds up to the necessity for extra care of your cuticles.
This is when cuticle oils come into the picture. Cuticle oils are packed with vitamins and can do wonders by soothing, hydrating, strengthening and enhancing nail growth. Many often face issues in deciding what will work best for them—confused when deciding between a brush or an oil pan? Or do you want to know which choice will be suitable for you to invest in? Worry no more! We will help you in making an informed choice. This article lists a few popular and effective cuticle oils available in the UK.
The products listed are all highly preferred by many. A few faves of several include cuticle oils from The Body Shop, Sally Hansen, Orly etc. Such picks are sweet-smelling and provide healthy cuticles for the entire year.
The skin of your cuticles is very soft as compared to the rest of your hands. Hence, they need extra care. Along with the cuticles, you will also have to consider your nail health, and so your regular hand cream is not sufficient. You can consider opting for Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer. It is one of the best moisturizers out there in the market for cuticles. When the nail beds are dry and cracked, even the most expensive hand creams are not enough, massaging a bit of cuticle oil into the nail beds help to repair hangnails and flaky skin. The list consists of a few favourite picks that will keep your nail beds soft, nourished and smooth.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Cuticle Oils UK
Our Top Product Picks in This Category are as follows:
1. Cuccio Honey and Milk Revitalising Oil
It has natural ingredients such as lactic acid from milk. It helps to refresh and stimulate and honey, which moisturizes and soothes the skin around your nails. This oil effectively fights excessive cuticle growth and dryness. It also helps to restore the skin around your nails. The Cuccio Cuticle Oil comes in a bottle with a pipette, which makes it safe and hygienic for both salon and personal use. It smells good enough to eat, but the added honey isn’t just there for the head-turning scent. It is a protective barrier which soothes and calms inflammation whilst moisturizing. There’s also added vitamin E/ Tocopheryl acetate, plant oils, and no chemical extras to worry about. Experts highly recommend this oil to maintain falsies or polished nails. It is lightweight enough to use a couple of times a night to boost healing or at day for freshening up.
Features
- Volume- 73 ml
- No harsh or harmful chemicals included, cruelty-free.
- It has a cap with a drop dispenser.
- The active ingredients include cottonseed oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, honey, and milk lactic acid.
- Natural Product.
2. CND SolarOil Cuticle and Nail Conditioner
Second, on our list is CND’s incredible oil which manicurists adore and use all around the world. It does everything you need it to in terms of hydration and therapy. But, it also promotes nail growth and strength, prolongs your manicure’s life, and enhances colour. It has a soft brush that ensures only the right amount used per finger and accurate application, just as it should be. It does all this using the only natural ingredient, such as rice bran, almond and jojoba. With daily use of this oil, you will quickly forget about peeling, brittle, and fragile nails. This remedy can be used to heal and repair your cuticles and nails as well as to maintain your feet and hands well-groomed. It is used as a nail strengthener due to the combination of its active ingredients.
Features
- Natural Product
- The active skin healing ingredients include vitamin E, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
- Volume- 15 ml
- Applicator Type- Brush
- Convenient Applicator Gap
- No harsh or harmful chemicals
3. Sally Hansen Cuticle and Nail Oil vitamin E
This is one of the fastest absorbing cuticle oils you can get your hands, and cuticles, on. The Sally Hansen Nail and Cuticle Oil will allow and help you to maintain the beauty of your feet and hands. It brings a softening and moisturizing effect and promotes the intensive nourishment of the cuticle. There’s tocopherol, wheat germ oil, safflower oil, as well as apricot kernel. It all comes together to deliver four thousand IUs of vitamin E, so you are guaranteed to reap wonderful benefits. And all this at an amazing price!
Features
- Not a Natural Product
- Volume- 13.3 ml
- Applicator Type- Brush
- The active skin ingredients include vitamin E, wheat germ oil, safflower oil, and apricot kernel oil.
- No harsh or harmful chemicals.
- Dermatologist tested, and salon tested.
4. L’Occitane Intense Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil
It has thirty per cent fair-trade African Shea butter. It has a supporting cast of apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, and almond oil. This luxurious treatment packs a punch. It softens beautifully when applied via a brush, and adds strength to brittle nails with regular use. You will feel almost immediate effects if you have very dry skin, and for this, it’s richness works in its favour. It also makes it great for polish-damaged or pedicure toe. It’s a very worthy luxury buy and is free from sulfates and parabens.
Features
- Volume- 7.5 ml
- Applicator Type- Brush
- The active skin healing ingredients include vitamin E, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and shea butter.
- Not a natural product.
5. Mavala Daily Care Cuticle Oil
Mavala daily care cuticle oil utilizes a clean brush applicator for a quick slick of ultra softening moisture. It has a combination of sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and almond oil. It’s fantastic for preventing damage and dryness and overall cuticle maintenance minus the greasiness of intensive treatment. These are those products whose quality you can feel, but it is not the one that breaks the bank.
Features
- Volume- 10 ml
- Applicator Type- Brush
- The active skin healing ingredients include almond oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil.
- Not a natural product.
6. Mylee Apricot Nail and Cuticle Oil
The weather-ravaged fingertips, older skin, and weak and damaged nails will drink up this petroleum-based treatment with added vitamin E and apricot kernel oil. It can also help in softening up overgrown cuticles in need of a trim. Some users have also reported improved nail growth after frequent use. It is also a brilliant buy economically because only one drop is what you need.
Features
- Volume- 50 ml
- Applicator Type- Tube
- The active skin healing ingredients include vitamin E and Apricot Kernel Oil.
- Not a natural product.
7. The Body Shop Almond Nail and Cuticle Manicure Oil
The Body Shop Almond Nail and Cuticle Manicure Oil are thick but wonderfully softening and absorbent. It smells gorgeous, and there is also a healthy cuticle pushing tip on the lid. This oil is very easy to use a pen that even the laziest of us can easily get along with. It can fit in just about any bag for on-the-go nail conditioning. The brush tip has an easy-to-use twist-up mechanism for precise application which allows you to dispense more oil. The cap also has a cuticle pusher on it, making it quicker and easier to give yourself a mini manicure at home. Plus, the combination of almond oil and Shea butter in the formula moisturizes and softens nail beds and cuticles in no time. Although it contains added organic olive oil and vitamin E, it’s not as healing as some. However, it does improve the appearance of rough and broken cuticles almost immediately. It is natural-based but is not free from chemical synthetics.
Features
- Volume- 1.8 ml
- Applicator Type- Pen
- The active skin healing ingredients include vitamin E, wheat germ oil olive oil, and almond oil.
- Not a natural product.
8. Cutex Hydrating Cuticle Oil
Cutex Hydrating Cuticle Oil is a nourishing blend of sweet almond oil and vitamin E. It targets rough cuticles, and brittle, dry nails. You need to apply it daily to underside and top of nail and massage into nail and surrounding skin.
Features
- Can be used on top of your manicure or bare nails.
- A nourishing blend of sweet almond oil and vitamin E.
- Cutex Hydrating cuticle oil leaves nails feeling and looking hydrated and healthy.
9. Bluesky Cuticle Oil
Bluesky Cuticle Oil can help promote stronger nails and stimulate nail growth, protecting them from the elements they are exposed to. It also stimulates blood flow to the fingers when massaged in, which also aids to promote faster-growing and stronger nails. Therefore, your nails will be less likely to break or chip due to the solid and strong foundation of the cuticles. When one drop is applied to each nail, the skin will quickly absorb this cuticle oil. You can apply it using the brush itself or by dropping cuticle oil onto a cotton pad and dabbing it onto the cuticles. Once applied massage into each nail and the skin that surrounds it for approximately one minute to reap maximum benefits. Now when it comes to applying gel polish, make sure that your nails are completely oil-free. Wipe them with a cleansing wipe before applying. This is done because gel polish won’t stick to your nails if there is any oil present. You need to re-apply Bluesky Cuticle Oil as soon as you have finished the gel manicure for your hydrated and lovely nails. The company/ brand (Bluesky) recommends re-applying this cuticle oil twice a week. It will keep your nails in tip-top shape and help enhance the longevity of your manicure.
Features
- Volume- 10 ml
- Cruelty-free and vegan friendly
- You can use this cuticle oil daily when your nails are free of Gel Polish.
- If you are wearing Gel Polish, you can use it twice a week.
- Remember to apply it before manicures prep and after the application of Gel Polish.
- The active skin healing ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Geraniol, Linalool, Tocopheryl acetate, and Bisabolol.
10. Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer
Last but not the least on our list for best cuticle oils, the UK is the Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer. For more than thirty years, Jessica has been passionate about developing highly-effective and nourishing treatments. They are customized to help maintain the health of your natural nail. This product is a nightly deep conditioning treatment which expertly transforms neglected and sore cuticles and nails in no time. You can use it sparingly on knees, elbows, feet and lips too. Just one drop per cuticle will stimulate nail growth and provide deep hydration. It has a lovely marzipan scent and includes rice oil, almond oil and jojoba oil. Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer is suitable for you if your hands spend a lot of time in sinks. It allows you to create a super glossy manicure at home easily. A smaller size is also available if you would like to try it out.
Features
- Volume- 14.8 ml
- Applicator Type- Dropper
- The active skin healing ingredients include vitamin E, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
- Not a natural product.
- Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer is free from Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, Camphor, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, and Formaldehyde.
- Use it every night. It would help if you massaged the cuticle area with Phenomen Oil for Intensive moisture.
Cuticle Oils UK Buying Guide
The cuticles and the skin surrounding them are delicate as compared to the rest of the hands. Thus, your usual hand cream won’t work as there’s nail health you need to consider. This segment will help you select between the several application methods and which ingredients are most beneficial in the cuticle oils.
Consider the suitability of the application method of the product: Pipette, Brush, or Pen?
Cuticle oils need to be used sparingly, but you may prefer one product’s application method over another. It depends on how and when you like to use them. Do you want a few touch-ups throughout the day or a liberal slather each night? Consider the several options below alongside their other beautifying benefits.
Oil Pens include a cuticle pusher and apply a little at a time
The ideal travel, desktop, or handbag companion cuticle oil pen and looks like a pen for mess-free application. It resembles a felt tip. It is best for those who want a lighter moisture fix that won’t level keyboards or hands covered in a grease layer. Some pens incorporate a flat and firm tip into their design to push back cuticles as you apply. So look out for these if you are someone who needs a speedy and simple all-in-one solution.
Oil Brushes are great for pedicure and manicure addicts
If you are a regular visitor to the nail bar, you may have noticed that they apply oil post manicure. Well, a cuticle oil doesn’t stave off the damage from gels, acrylics, or polish but will keep your manicure looking fresher for longer. The same goes for pedicure toes as they have cuticles. As well as their suitability to manicure fans, oils with brush applicators give the option of a plentiful and modest amount of hydration.
Tubes or Droppers suit those using oils for overnight repair. Standard Tube or Pipette Style Applicators deliver the most amount of product at a time. These are generally the go-to for a more intense weekly or nightly oil treatment to nourish and heal ravaged cuticle areas. This could be from false nails, a job involving chemicals or hand washing, or a habit of biting or picking the cuticles.
They may not be the best option for use during the day if you want a fast-absorbing oil or minimal residue. But, will offer some control when directing the oil to the target area. Remember to check the photographs supplied by the company/ brand to check if their dropper design is small for lighter use.
Common Skin Healing Ingredients that you need to look for in Cuticle Oils
Each company/ brand will use their selection of oils and blend of ingredients, but which one is the most beneficial for the skin? Here are the top hitters to include and try, and what they can do to your cuticles. It would help if you also considered that most of the ingredients would contribute to the overall scent. It can be a bad or good thing, depending on your tastes.
Almond Oil helps in protecting the skin with moisture. Sweet Almond Oil helps in moisturizing and conditioning the skin. It shields the skin from moisture loss and protects the skin from irritants, so it is great for use in your winter routine.
Jojoba Oil easily and quickly absorbs into the skin quickly. Often used as a carrier for cuticle oils, jojoba has enough healing properties. It has proteins, fatty acids, and minerals in its arsenal which provide cuticle therapy. It has small molecules to penetrate your nail’s various layers and is quick and light to absorb. So it is a solid chance for those who frequently head for a manicure.
Wheat Germ Oil Heals Damaged Cuticles
Wheat Germ, present in healthy whole grain bread, is high in vitamin E, which reduces skin damage, roughness, and ageing from free radicals. It offers plenty of linoleic and Olaf acids, proteins, and B vitamins, the former of which help maintain skin structure, and are anti-inflammatory, soothing. Therefore, it’s a wonderful oil for damaged and chapped nails and cuticles.
Apricot Kernel Oil is used for brightening the skin. Vitamin A rich oil is ideal for supple skin by pressing the stones of this delicious fruit. It smells fruity and lovely, and forms a light seal to keep dryness at bay, and can brighten up older or dull skin. Added vitamin E rejuvenates the cuticles and skin. As well as sunflower, avocado, olive and other oils, you will also find vitamin E itself as an added ingredient in some formulas. It would help if you also kept an eye out for its scientific name as it may be listed as Tocopheryl acetate.
This vitamin is not only good at protecting and healing but also increases blood flow to the area for strength and growth. If your cuticles are in extreme despair, then you should include this extra for as much rejuvenation as they can get. Sensitive Skin Types or Those with a preference can select pure essential oils or natural products.
Dermatitis, Eczema, and other allergies or sensitivities can be frustrating enough to deal with, especially when they are on a body part which has exposure to the sun. So, we don’t want to add any further irritation. In such a case, selecting a natural-based oil which doesn’t consist of as many chemical ingredients can be a safer bet. The good thing is that organic essential oils are more potent.
We also know that natural oils consist of all the specifications for improved cuticle health. So, if you are a beauty purist or very sensitive, then you can even go for a product containing only 1-2 essential oils. For example, a vial of pure jojoba or almond oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should you push your cuticles back?
Pushing your cuticles back will make your nails appear longer, but remember that you should never cut your cuticles. This is because cutting cuticles can make them more likely for bacteria to enter, and they may also become split and hard. Your cuticles are there as a barrier to protect your nails, and they ensure that you do not damage them.
How can you heal your cuticles fast?
Soak your hands in warm water for 10 minutes to keep your nails clean and help soften the cuticles. Then apply the cuticle cream or oil and massage well. Do this daily to encourage healing and prevent dryness.
What should you do if your cuticles are looking a little worse for wear?
A good cuticle anatomy knowledge is needed to perform effective and safe cuticle work. You can gently use a snipping tool on hangnails around the edges as long as you are only touching the dead skin. Be careful not to trim any living tissue as this will only encourage the skin to grow back thicker. You can also use an intensive cuticle treatment to gently push cuticles back to make the nail bed look healthier and cleaner. Apply and massage it in, and leave for a couple of minutes to soften and absorb. Then use a clean damp flannel to rub in circular motions. This will allow you to push your cuticles back gently and remove the excess as well as banishing the dead skin cells. It can make gel manicures lift and can cause hangnails.
What are the things to remember while pushing your cuticles back?
You should be careful while dealing with the ‘half-moon’ area close to your cuticle as it controls the health of the nail. Also, do not apply too much pressure while pushing back your cuticles as it could affect how the nail grows. Also, it’s not always a good idea to soak cuticles in warm water as it can dry the area out. To avoid this, wear gloves when using cleaning products and doing the washing up.
Do you need a different cuticle oil and hand cream?
A separate oil is important for good nail and cuticle care. This is because the molecules in oils are smaller compared to those in hand creams. It would help if you looked for oils containing avocado or jojoba in particular. They are the most effective at penetrating the plate of the nail. Your oil, conditioner, and hand moisturizer should be used to treat it. A healthy cuticle will promote faster growth and a healthy nail. You should apply cuticle oil at night and hand cream after washing your hands throughout the day. This helps in the absorption of the product is absorbed, and the treatment of the cuticles for a longer duration of time. Hand cream and cuticle oil have different jobs. Cuticle oil intensely protects and nourishes your nails from environmental damage, whereas hand cream relieves the dryness feeling. It’s important to use products on hands as the skin on this area tends to produce less oil than the rest of your body.
Conclusion
Your requirements will vary between a less or more intensive treatment, depending on the condition of your fingertips. But in either case, you will want to ensure that you include vitamin-rich oils to care for your delicate nail area and cuticle properly. We hope you now know how to select the best option as per your needs and shop confidently for your new cuticle oil.
The Best Value- Sally Hansen Cuticle and Nail Oil vitamin E
The Best Choice- Cutex Hydrating Cuticle Oil
Premium Choice- Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturizer
