What Does Cuticle Oil Do, Anyway? Here's Why You Should Use It For Nail Growth

You know that layer of tough skin that hangs around your nail plate? Those are your cuticles, and their main gig is to create a barrier for your growing nails so they stay protected from the elements. When that skin becomes too dry, however, they can start to peel and fray. And frayed, brittle cuticles are no fun—they can lead to damaged nail beds or even infection if left untreated. 

To prevent these frays, you need to moisturize the nail beds, and that's where a good cuticle oil comes in handy.

It seems straightforward: Simply apply a few drops onto the nail beds (either with a dropper, brush, or applicator) and massage them in with your fingertips. However, a few tips can help the nourishing oil absorb deeper into the nail beds—and who doesn't want more efficient results? 

According to Taylor, it's important to take the time to massage in the oil until it completely absorbs. "Forgetting to massage the oil into the skin can leave an oily residue, and the nails will not reap all the health benefits," she notes. 

If you'd like to soften your cuticles even further, Lin recommends slathering on a hand cream and wearing a set of gloves for at least 10 minutes. "The heat from your body can help them absorb," she says. Better yet, wear the gloves while you do the dishes for a mini spa moment: The steamy, sudsy water can increase the skin's permeability1, which can help these healthy oils penetrate deeper into the pores for baby-soft skin. 

While the exact time of day isn't so crucial, Lin suggests adding cuticle oil to your nighttime ritual. Not only will this routine help you remember to apply daily, but it also serves as a self-care ritual to help you unwind before bed. Plus, you likely aren't using your hands as much as you're tucked into bed (aside from flipping through a book or your Netflix queue), so it's best for absorption, too. 

Proper cuticle oils are usually thinner, easily absorbed, and have a quick dry-down time, but feel free to massage your cuticles with any organic, unrefined oil (even a fast-absorbing hair oil will do). Some of our favorites include extra-virgin olive oil, which contains a high dose of vitamin E2; coconut oil, which can help your skin boost collagen production3 and can help improve4 moisture levels and barrier function5; avocado oil, which contains oleic acid and monounsaturated fats; and almond oil, which is anti-inflammatory and can help prevent structural damage6 caused by UV radiation.