I Tested 15 of the Best Cuticle Oils—My Nails Have Never Been So Healthy

I put my nail growth down to this incredible nail oil with sweet almond oil. This ingredient is one to look out for in cuticle oils and is one that nail technicians will regularly recommend. It made my weak, bendy nails grow thicker and stronger, and after four weeks of testing, I saw a real improvement in my nail growth. The bottle has a brush applicator, which makes it easy to apply. I keep this on my bedside table to remind myself to apply it before bed.

Pros: It's basically long, healthy nails in a bottle.

Cons: You do need to use it regularly to see results—but stick with it!

Nourishing apricot kernal oil, magnesium and zinc are just some of the nail-nourishing ingredients in this nail treatment, which contains 65 powerhouse minerals to restore nails to full health, whether it be damage from gels or just everyday wear and tear. After rigorous testing I can confirm that you can expect weak, bending and flaking nails to be transformed into long and strong lengths when used regularly.

Pros: It's so hydrating and feels protective on nails and cuticles.

Cons: Doesn't have the best applicator.

OPI is another professional salon brand that I really, really rate, and its cuticle oil is brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that it's often used during in-salon nail appointments. It contains a whole bunch of hydrating and nourishing oils that leave nails and cuticles conditioned. The dropper applicator makes it easy to apply exactly the amount you need to each nail.

Pros: Expert-approved and really works.

Cons: Not the best for on-the-go application.

For on the go application, I keep Chanel's L'Huile Camélia Hydrating & Fortifying Oil in my handbag. Not only does it make my cuticles look and feel ten times better, but the bevelled nib applicator doubles up as a cuticle pusher to make your nail beds look neat. And who doesn't love to chic Chanel product to pull out of your bag?

Pros: It's perfect for travelling with and we love the multitasking tip.

Cons: It's on the pricier side.

Don't overlook the dinky bottle—it packs a nourishing punch for brittle nails. The bottle features a dropper applicator so you don't apply too much. It has sweet almond oil and vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6 to bring weak nails back to good health. It also has a pleasant zesty scent.

Pros: Brimming with hydrating and kind-to-cuticle ingredients.

Cons: It's very lemony so you might not love it if you don't like strong scents.

It's on the pricier side of the cuticle oils in this article, but you only have to read the reviews of Dior's cuticle serum to see that it has garnered a loyal following. And every single nail tech I've spoken to says this really works, so it's worth the investment. I've tested it myself and confirm that the pen applicator is handy to pop in your bag for touch-ups on the go, and the serum texture sinks in quickly.

Pros: Celebrity manicurists swear by this and feels so luxurious to use.

Cons: Pricey but worth it.

Hear me out. This one is technically a face oil and also very expensive. But, I've seen all the top nail technicians use this La Mer oil to hydrate cuticles as a finishing treatment at the end of their manicures. So if you're looking for a good facial oil and a luxe cuticle oil, this is a luxurious treat yourself investment.

Pros: It's multipurpose—use it for your face and your cuticles.

Cons: Only worth it if you have the money to splurge.

Those in the know will already be aware that Margaret Dabbs is regarded as the authority in hand-and-nail care. This nail serum pen soothes ragged cuticles while antibacterial lemon myrtle oil keeps bacteria at bay around the nail bed—and beauty editor and Who What Wear contributor Mica Ricketts swears by this stuff. "I often neglect my cuticles entirely as I rarely have time for a professional mani these days, but when I do take the time for a little at-home pamper this is the cuticle oil I reach for to nourish and soften my dishevelled cuticles."

Pros: Transforms really damaged cuticles.

Cons: Doesn't feel like the most luxurious of products, but it is truly effiacious.

This cuticle oil from Essie is a purse-friendly option to keep your nails and cuticles in top condition. It has apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed and sunflower seed oils to bring damaged nails back from the brink and testing confirms that despite the affordable price tag it rivals some of the more expensive options on the list in terms of results.

Pros: Well-priced considering the ingredients.

Cons: A brush applicator means its best used at home.

Dry cuticles can crop up year-round, but the colder winter months can pose a greater threat. When nails become weather-worn, keep this cuticle oil pen in your bag for on the go touch ups. Apply regularly to soften and condition dry skin.

Pros: So easy to apply and really nourishing.

Cons: Takes a little while to sink in.

This is the equivalent of a superfood smoothie for your nails. Sweet almond, argan and rose-hip oils intensely repair and hydrate dry cuticles and nails. Just apply a couple of drops morning and night, and you'll notice a difference in a couple of weeks.

Pros: A little goes a long way with this.

Cons: Very nourishing, but not the most strengthening formulation.

If you just getting into the swing of cuticle oils, a handy rollerball option is a good place to start. This handbag friendly oil is packed with naturally dervived seed oils like mongongo nut, sesame, macadamia as a nourishing boost to dry cuticles. This has fast become on of my daily must haves. 

Pros: Love the rollerball applicator.

Cons: Seasoned cuticle oil users might want something more advanced.

This is the latest cuticle oil that I'm testing, and so far, I'm impressed. It has a cocktail of sweet almond oil, coconut oil and walnut seed oil, which have really improved the quality of the skin around my nails. Plus, this bottle is pretty compared to most, and it will last for ages.

Pros: Beautiful packaging and high-quality ingredients.

Cons: The pipette sometimes dispenses more than you need.

Using a UV lamp to set your gel nails at home is one way to get salon-level results at a more affordable price point but with repeated exposure can often leave your nails and cuticles brittle and dry. Luckily along with a multitude of gel colours, Mylee has got a conditioning cuticle oil to stave off any signs of damage. 

Pros: Deeply hydrating and conditioning.

Cons: Best suited if you get gel manicures regularly.

Beauty editor and Who What Wear contributor Mica Ricketts has recently been testing this Beauty Pie cuticle oil in an attempt to deliver some TLC to her forgotten cuticles—and she's been seriously impressed already. "The skin around my nails and the cuticles themselves look distinctly sub-par most of the time—mainly because I have the horrible habit of picking at them when I feel anxious. Infused with olive, sweet almond and bakuchiol oils, this cuticle oil from Beauty Pie has totally transformed the skin around my nails in mere weeks and has left the nails themselves looking smoother and brighter. Who needs a manicure at all when bare nails can look this good?"

Pros: Gives bright, healthy nails within weeks.

Cons: You need to be a Beauty Pie member to get it for the £8 price.