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The Best Cuticle Oils For Dry, Cracked Cuticles 2021

These Are the Best Cuticle Oils, According to a Nail-Obsessed Beauty Editor

The Best Cuticle Oils For Dry, Cracked Cuticles 2021
Image Source: Getty / iprogressman

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It's fair to say that I'm really into nails. I'm constantly painting my own (and friends'), quizzing the nail pros on their hot tips, and looking to improve on my skills. Basically, I talk about nails a lot. And in those conversations, the one thing I'm often asked is how I keep my nails fairly long and (for the most part) healthy-looking. One of the main ways? Cuticle oil. And lots of it.

I keep a bottle of cuticle oil by my bed, at my desk at work (or these days, at home), and even in the car (not applying while driving though, of course). You'll find me rubbing the stuff into my cuticles on many occasions throughout the day. Seems like a lot of work, doesn't it? And, well, it is. But for me, it's worth it for the joy I get painting my long nails and prolonging the life of my manicures.

But what does cuticle oil actually do? Quite a lot, as it turns out. It softens and hydrates the cuticle, reduces any hangnails (the hard, torn pieces of skin that surround the sides of the nails and around the cuticle area), promotes nail growth, and also makes excess cuticles easier (and less painful) to push back with a pusher. In addition to this, regular application of oil can extend the life of acrylic and gel nails. Ingredients like jojoba oil are often found in cuticle treatments as it penetrates deeper than other oils, adding flexibility to the nail, which in turn prevents polish from cracking or lifting off the nail. Plus, who doesn't want to get compliments from their manicurist on how well moisturised their cuticles are?

Since it's become so ingrained in my day-to-day routine, I've tried more than my fair share of cuticle oils. If you're searching for a new one, there are two things to keep in mind: how you want to apply it (dropper, brush, pen), and what scent you're looking for (citrus, sweet, or unscented). We're here to help you find the perfect cuticle oil so you can slather the stuff on and have the healthiest nails ever. Read to find out which cuticle oils took top spot among the POPSUGAR editors and a top London-based manicurist.

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