10 Best Cuticle Oils 2024 | UK Makeup Artist Reviewed
If you need a little help deciding between an oil pen or a brush or whether natural and organic products really are better, we’re here to lend a hand. We’ve also rounded up the 10 most affordable, effective cuticle oils from Amazon, Boots, ASDA, and John Lewis featuring beauty blogger faves, from Sally Hansen to CND's Solar Oil for healthy nails all year round. Moreover, we have partnered with Makeup Artist Claire Higgins for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Cuticle Oils
Sally Hansen
An Affordable Pick to Hydrate, Heal and Stave Off Damage
Jessica
Award-Winning Intensive Conditioning for Hard-Working Hands
A qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist. I provide professional makeup services for all occasions, whether it be for a bride on their wedding day or backstage at a photo shoot. I also enjoy teaching through hosting live talks on my social media, masterclass events, and 1-1 training. My favourite style of makeup is most definitely vibrant. I love a colourful eyeshadow palette... or 10!
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Fact-Checked & Approved by Makeup Artist Claire Higgins
Claire is a qualified Beauty Therapist and Makeup Artist; she provides professional makeup services for all occasions from bridal to backstage at photo shoots. Claire also teaches masterclass events as well as 1-1 training, and when she gets the chance, enjoys sharing her expertise hosting live talks on her social media. She's a big fan of the vibrant style and loves a colourful palette... or 10!
Keep up-to-date with Claire through her Facebook and Instagram page where you can learn the latest tips and tricks when it comes to makeup application and also get inspired to try new looks!
How to Choose a Cuticle Oil in the UK
- Pick a Format Based on the Treatment Intensity Your Cuticles Require
- Search for Added Ingredients Such As Plant Oils and Vitamins
- Go for Natural Products If You Are Vegan And/Or Have Sensitive Skin
Choose Oils in Pen, Brush or Dropper Format Based on How Intense a Treatment You Need
Go For Oil Pens if You Want Light, Mess-Free Coverage on the Go
Some pens also incorporate a firm, flat tip into their design to push back cuticles as you apply, so look out for these if you’re someone who finds it hard to keep on top of cuticle care and needs a simple and speedy all-in-one solution.
Varnish-Style Brush Pots Are the Best Pick for Manicure and Pedicure Addicts
As well as being a great choice for manicure fans, oils with brush applicators are very straightforward to use and give the option of a modest or plentiful amount of hydration as and when you need.
Select Droppers or Tubes for More Intense Overnight Repair
Look Out for Added Skin-Healing Ingredients Like Plant Oils and Vitamins
Protect and Moisturise With Almond Oil, Especially During the Colder Months
Give Nails an Instant Health Boost With Fast-Absorbing Jojoba Oil
Try Formulas With Wheat Germ Oil to Heal Damaged Cuticles
Keep Dryness at Bay With Sweet-Smelling Apricot Oil
Rejuvenate Even the Most Despairing Cuticles With Vitamin E
This vitamin is not only amazing at healing and protecting, but increases blood flow to the area for growth and strength. Cuticles in extreme despair should include this extra for as much rejuvenation as they can get!
Sensitive Skin or Prefer Vegan, Plant-Based Beauty? Choose Natural Products or Pure Essential Oils
Eczema, dermatitis and other sensitivities or allergies can be frustrating enough to deal with when they’re on a part of the body that’s always exposed, so we don’t want to add any further irritation. In this case, choosing a natural-based oil can be a safer bet.
Those wanting an oil that’s vegan or generally on the more natural side will find plenty of options that use only plant-based ingredients, sometimes which are also organically grown. Organic essential oils are said to be more potent, too.
While you're here, explore these refreshing natural soap bars!
10 Best Cuticle Oils in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CND SolarOil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner | | Ultra-Effective Care Using Only Natural Ingredients | |
2 | Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil | | An Affordable Pick to Hydrate, Heal and Stave Off Damage | |
3 | Jessica Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser | | Award-Winning Intensive Conditioning for Hard-Working Hands | |
4 | Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil | | Sweet-Smelling Daily Hydration Recommended for Manicured Nails | |
5 | L’Occitane Intense Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil | | A Rich, Luxurious Treatment for Bedtime | |
6 | Mavala Daily Care Cuticle Oil | | An Expert-Quality Oil Aimed at Damage Prevention | |
7 | Mylee Apricot Nail and Cuticle Oil | | A Fruity Beauty Bargain | |
8 | Cliganic Certified Organic Jojoba Oil | | Pure, Organic Jojoba Oil to Heal the Natural Way | |
9 | Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream | | 100% Natural Moisturising Cream For Soft and Smooth Cuticles | |
10 | Onsen Secret Cuticle Conditioner Serum & Cuticle Oil | | An Organic Oil-Serum Blend That's Light Enough for Frequent Application |
Ultra-Effective Care Using Only Natural Ingredients
The soft brush ensures accurate application and only the right amount used per finger, just as it should be. It does all this using only natural ingredients, including jojoba, almond and rice bran, making it the ultimate cuticle oil for every skin type at any time of day or night.
An Affordable Pick to Hydrate, Heal and Stave Off Damage
There’s apricot kernel, safflower and wheat germ oils as well as tocopheryl, all of which come together to deliver 4000 IU’s of vitamin E, so you’re guaranteed to reap those wonderful benefits. A really well-priced solution from the pros at Sally Hansen.
Award-Winning Intensive Conditioning for Hard-Working Hands
Including jojoba, almond and rice oils, it has a lovely marzipan-esque scent and is another great one to go for if your hands spend a lot of time in sinks or nail salons. A smaller size is available too if you’d like to try it out before committing.
Sweet-Smelling Daily Hydration Recommended for Manicured Nails
It comes highly recommended by experts as a way to maintain polished nails or falsies and is lightweight enough to use a couple of times a day for a freshen up, as well as at night to boost healing.
A Rich, Luxurious Treatment for Bedtime
Very dry skin will feel the effects almost immediately, and for this, its richness works in its favour. This also makes it great for pedicured or polish-damaged toes. Free from parabens and sulphates too, this is a very worthy luxury buy.
An Expert-Quality Oil Aimed at Damage Prevention
Made from a blend of almond, olive and sunflower seed oils, Mavala’s daily cuticle oil utilises a neat and tidy brush applicator for a swift slick of ultra-softening moisture. Use this to maintain suppleness in your cuticles, while softening the surrounding skin.
It’s fantastic for overall cuticle maintenance and preventing dryness and damage before it has a chance to set in – minus the greasiness of some of the more intensive treatments. One of those products whose quality you can feel, but not one that breaks the bank.
A Fruity Beauty Bargain
Pure, Organic Jojoba Oil to Heal the Natural Way
This cuticle oil is on the less pricier side, considering the size of the bottle. You can use this single-ingredient oil for a number of other cosmetic needs and on any skin type too – just be aware that it is best applied at night as it is difficult to target just the cuticles.
100% Natural Moisturising Cream For Soft and Smooth Cuticles
Sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter moisturizes and softens the cuticles while vitamin E and sunflower oil supplies nourishment for fragile nails. You (and your nails) will be left smelling clean and fresh thanks to a refreshing hint of lemon scent.
Onsen SecretCuticle Conditioner Serum & Cuticle Oil
An Organic Oil-Serum Blend That's Light Enough for Frequent Application
Free from parabens, SLS and other irritants too, this would be a sound choice for sensitive skin types. It’s made in the States so it is a little expensive, but definitely worth it for those wanting to keep things 100% natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Apply Cuticle oil?
You can apply cuticle oil multiple times a day, especially if yours are particularly worn out. However, experts suggest that applying it 1-3 times a day is the best way to provide your cuticles with plenty of nourishment. It would be ideal to apply the oil in the morning, at lunch and before bed.
Does Cuticle Oil Strengthen Nails?
Cuticle oil has many fantastic properties including strengthening and promoting nail growth. Depending on the other ingredients, these oils can also help keep your nails hydrated and looking healthy while stimulating circulation too. All the more reason to look for oils that are packed full of vitamins and beneficial natural ingredients like almond oil.
Does Cuticle Oil Expire?
As with most beauty products, they will come with an average shelf life; for cuticle oils, you can expect them to last up to a year if stored correctly. While it shouldn’t cause any bad reactions if you use an expired oil, you may notice that they aren't really working so well anymore.
Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Cuticle Oils
No. 1: CND ｜SolarOil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
No. 2: Sally Hansen ｜Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil
No. 3: Jessica｜Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser
No. 4: Cuccio ｜Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil
No. 5: L’Occitane ｜Intense Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil
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