The 8 Best Cuticle Treatments For Dry & Damaged Nails
Image: @TYPOLOGYPARIS
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The 8 Best Cuticle Treatments For Dry & Damaged Nails

Healthy cuticles are one of the keys to good-looking nails. If yours are prone to dryness and cracking, there are plenty of serums, creams and oils that can really make a difference. From Sally Hansen’s cuticle remover to Navy Pro’s cult balm, these are the ones we rate.
By Rebecca Hull /
Image: @TYPOLOGYPARIS

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Hand & Nail Serum, £12 | Typology

Best For: Repairing Damage

Why We Rate It: Brimming with the same effective ingredients you’d use on your face, Typology’s nourishing serum uses hyaluronic acid and keratin to repair damage and soften rough skin. Three to four drops is enough to remove hardened cuticles, repair splits in the nail and seal in moisture to prevent future breakage. It’s proven to stimulate nail growth as well – thanks to the high levels of keratin in the formula. Even the most wrecked cuticles will come back from the brink with regular use.

Available at Typology.Uk

Instant Cuticle Remover, £7 | Sally Hansen

Best For: Gentle Exfoliation

Why We Rate It: Cutting or biting your cuticles is never a good idea – instead, it’s better to invest in an exfoliating treatment like this one from Sally Hansen. It quickly softens, loosens and removes excess skin with zero pain – plus, it’s seriously satisfying to use. Formulated with aloe vera, chamomile and vitamin E, it deeply conditions to keep your nails looking neat and tidy.

Available at Sainsburys.co.uk

Prospa Exfoliating Cuticle Cream, £10.24 | OPI

Best For: Softening Hardened Skin

Why We Rate It: If you’re a manicure kind of girl, you’ve probably spotted this in professional nail salons. Usually applied before polish, it contains avocado lipids, white tea extract and AHAs, all of which work together to dissolve dead, hardened skin and loosen dry cuticles so cuticle trimmers can nip away at flakes. Added cupuacu butter delivers deep-down hydration – which is why we recommend using it on your feet and around your toenails as well.

Available at LookFantastic.com

Cuticle Balm, £12.95 | Navy Pro

Best For: A Bit Of Luxury

Why We Rate It: A treat for your cuticles, this thick, velvety balm feels incredible on the skin. As you massage it in, you’ll find it transforms from a luxe butter into a nourishing oil. It might take a minute to absorb, so it’s best to apply it before bed to let it sink in while you sleep. A hydrating combination of aloe vera, rosehip and coconut oil provide instant relief and ensure that, come morning, your skin and nails look far healthier. We like to use a little on dry shins and elbows too.

Available at NavyProfessional.com

Huile Verte For Dry Cuticles, £14 | Manucurist

Best For: Overall Nail Health

Why We Rate It: Often sold out, this one can be hard to get your hands on. An award winner with rave reviews, it does so much more than just soften cuticles – so it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Containing six different oils – including coconut, almond and walnut oils – it drenches nails and cuticles with rich moisture to promote better growth and minimise brittleness. The lightweight texture means a little goes a long way – and we love that it’s vegan and comes in 100% recyclable packaging.

Available at Uk.Manicurist.com

Nail & Cuticle Oil, £20 | French Girl Organics

Best For: Throwing In Your Bag

Why We Rate It: This is a favourite among the SL team. The handy rollerball tip makes it great on the go, while the soothing, silky oil is brimming with fatty acids – including argan and pomegranate oils. With regular use, skin feels soft and hydrated, with ragged cuticles seemingly coming back to life. The benefits don’t end there – both hemp and tamanu oil are known for their anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s ideal if you suffer with yellowing nails. 

Available at FreePeople.com

Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, £9.99 | Essie

Best For: A Quick Dry Down

Why We Rate It: This oil’s USP is its speedy dry time. You only need a tiny amount – it’s quite thick – but you’ll find it sinks in almost immediately, with zero greasy residue left behind. Almond, jojoba and sunflower oils soak up dryness in a flash, giving the skin around the nails a much smoother look. 

Available at Boots.com

SolarOil Care Pen, £8.95 | CND

Best For: Easy Application

Why We Rate It: Beauty insiders – including esteemed make-up artist Ruby Hammer MBE – swear by this nourishing pen. A godsend for dry skin types, it comes with a handy brush that dispenses just the right amount of oil. Use it all over your cuticles, but also on hands and feet for a nourishing boost. Jojoba oils and vitamin E work fast to deliver speedy moisture, while simultaneously boosting overall nail health. The rave reviews are testament to its results.

Available at Amazon.co.uk

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