The 7 Best Cuticle Treatments to Heal and Strengthen Dry, Brittle Nails

ProsConvenient roller ballInstantly hydratesNon-greasy formulaGood for travelConsLight, sweet scent may not be for everyoneThis cuticle oil by Essie checks all my boxes: It’s incredibly hydrating, easy to use, and doesn’t make my hands feel greasy. After dealing with hangnails and dry nail beds due to frequent handwashing, I purchased this oil and started using it daily. After just a few uses, my nails were noticeably softer, healthier, and looked more polished. The formula is made with 97 percent natural origin ingredients like apricot kernel and jojoba oil.The mess-free rollerball design is great for throwing in your purse and using on the go. And since consistency is key with things like this, the easy applicator encourages more frequent use.Review of Joonbyrd's WH Award-Winning Hand CreamProsDoesn't leave your hands oilyAbsorbs quicklyA little goes a long wayConsSome scents are better than othersWith more than 125,000 Amazon reviews, this under $10 pick is a no-brainer. It comes in a variety of scents (like almond, citrus and wildberry, pomegranate and fig, and peach and vanilla) that reviewers say smell “amazing.” It also absorbs quickly and comes with a handy dropper that’s easy to use.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAffordableShea butter balmSustainableFor intense repair, this concentrated balm delivers long-lasting moisture to your cuticles and nail beds. It can also be used on rough patches on the fingers and hands and soothes painful hangnails. The balm is made from a combination of shea butter, beeswax, and organic plant oils, and is packaged in a recycled metal tin. Bonus: the brand is a women-run family business that uses solar power.ProsBrush in bottle applicationA little goes a long wayVitamin E helps retain moistureThis bottle and brush applicator format (just like a nail polish) makes it easy to brush the oil on and massage into your cuticles. Although there is a lingering greasiness, it’s not a deal-breaker, especially since you’re only paying $14 a bottle.One Amazon reviewer wrote that since beginning menopause, their fingernails have been peeling and splitting. “Since I started using this oil, it has helped dramatically. I had tried nail hardener, gelatin, and biotin and nothing helped before this,” they wrote.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsResults after just one weekVegan and plant-basedBoosts nail growthConsMore pricey than others on this listManucurist is known for its plant-based nail polishes. The brand’s Green Oil formula blends six oils—sweet almond, kukui nut, baobab seed, walnut, passion fruit, and coconut—to hydrate and add shine to your nails and cuticles.ProsNo-drip applicator tubeBoosts nail growthCream instead of oilConsTube makes it difficult to dispense desired amountFormulated with Japanese Tsubaki (a native camellia flower known for its nourishing plant oil), this easy-to-apply treatment is inspired by Japanese onsen rituals and contains mineral-rich water from hot springs in Japan. The lightweight cream absorbs quickly and moisturizes your nails and cuticles.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCream formulaChic packagingCrème Abricot has been an iconic Dior nail care product since 1963. The strengthening cream formula is infused with nourishing apricot oil and seaweed extract.“I’ve been using this product for nearly 30 years now,” writes one reviewer. “It’s the reason why I don’t get manicures.”While this pick is the most expensive on our list, it makes a great gift or stocking stuffer, and the pretty Dior packaging is easy to throw in your purse.Sidney Lee is the Editor, Deals and Trends, for Best Products, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Biography, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Oprah Daily. She loves keeping up on the latest social media trends and viral pop culture moments to recommend only the best products to readers. Previously, Sidney was the Assistant Home Editor at HGTV Magazine as well as contributing editor at Food Network and The Pioneer Woman Magazines, covering home, food, style, and more. She is based in Manhattan, and outside of work you can find her trying all the latest restaurants the city has to offer.