Esthetician’s Top 13 Picks Of Best Cuticle Creams For Strong Nails (2024)
Pamper your nails and give them a professional manicured touch with these products.
Are you looking for the best cuticle cream? We’re here to assist you! Although getting a manicure seems like a fun thing to do when you have a free day, it may burn a hole in our wallets. However, nail maintenance is a significant part of our self care regimen. If you think it entails a costly salon visit, you’re mistaken! Have you ever thought of investing in a decent cuticle cream for your hands? Here’s a comprehensive list of top cuticle creams for a salon-quality manicure at home.
You can take care of your nails without investing a lot of work or time if you use these cuticle creams daily before heading to bed. These hydrating cuticle cream formulas preserve your cuticles while also strengthening your nail bed. In addition, people who have brittle or thin nails will benefit greatly from applying a decent cuticle cream. So, select your favorite cuticle cream from the list below without further ado.
In This Article
13 Best Cuticle Creams Of 2024 For Hangnails And Better Nail Health
1. Best Overall:Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
If you’re looking for a great moisturizing cuticle cream to soften the skin around your nails, this cream might be the best cuticle cream for you. This cuticle cream, enriched with active ingredients minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, ensures that your nails have long-lasting strength. It can be used to prevent cracked or chapped skin and has a soothing coconut fragrance. One of the best cuticle creams in the market for nail strength, this cream has a proven formula for nourishing your nails and cuticles for more than 25 years now. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s video to learn about the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting strength
- Restores natural moisture balance
- Enriched with calcium
- Contains jojoba oil
- Prevents cracked or chipped skin.
Cons
- Contains added fragrance
2. Best For Healthy Skin:OPI Pro Spa Nail & Cuticle Cream
Here’s a wonderful manicure and pedicure cuticle cream with an ultra-nourishing formula that replenishes the skin around your nails and offers cuticle protection. This exfoliating cuticle cream must be applied twice a day for best results and healthier skin. Made with grapeseed, sesame, kukui, sunflower, and cupuaçu oils, this formula quickly absorbs into the skin. To add to that, this moisturizing cuticle cream also helps prevent the signs of aging.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Cuticle exfoliator
- Prevents aging
- Not greasy
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Some may find it slightly drying
"This cuticle oil is super easy to use. It makes my nails look healthier, even with frequent hand washing. The avocado oil in the formula is deeply moisturizing. It is easy to carry around and is perfect for regular touch-ups."
3. Best In Natural Ingredients:Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
Burt’s Bees’ cuticle cream provides fast hydration to your skin while also fighting premature aging signs. One of the key ingredients of this 100% natural cuticle cream is lemon oil. It is enriched with sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter that help moisturize your nails. It also contains vitamin E and sunflower oil that nourish and soften brittle nails. Not only does it help maintain flawless cuticles, but its fresh lemon fragrance can leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Pros
- Contains sweet almond oil
- Fresh lemon fragrance
- Hydrating
- Contains sunflower seed oil
Cons
- It may take some time to absorb.
"This cuticle cream has been my go-to for so long. It keeps my cuticles and hands moisturized during the winters. Its lemon scent is pleasant and does not overwhelm the senses."
4. Best For Dry Skin:Yes To Coconut Moisturizing Hand & Cuticle Cream
This product might be the best cuticle cream in the market for people with extremely dry skin. It not only moisturizes your skin, it also has a non-greasy, paraben-free formula. Made with virgin coconut oil, which contains vitamins A, C, and E, this moisturizing cuticle cream can help replenish cracks, chips, and splits in your skin. It is also enriched with reparative ingredients like passion fruit, shea butter, avocado oil, grapefruit extract.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- 97% natural
- Non-greasy formula
- SLS and petroleum-free
- Leaping Bunny certified.
Cons
- May not be suitable for all skin types
5. Best For Quick Results:Onsen Secrets Healing Minerals Cuticle Conditioner Serum
If you are one of those people who cannot stand cuticle creams or oils with a strong scent, this fragrance-free moisturizing cuticle serum can be a really good alternative for you. Although a serum, it also doubles as a cream as this formula is a powerhouse of cuticle oil, butter, and cream formulated into a serum. It provides quick results as it nourishes your cuticles at a deeper level and provides nail restoration. It is infused with an ancient Asian technology that uses Japanese hot spring minerals and botanicals charged with activated water to rejuvenate your skin. This nail and cuticle cream houses all the essential ingredients required for a good cuticle treatment, such as Japanese seaweed, aloe vera, rice bran oil, shea butter, and vitamin E.
Pros
- Stain-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No coloring agents
- Contains certified organic ingredients
- Non-greasy formula
- Contains antioxidants
Cons
- May not offer long-lasting effects
6. Best Pleasant Smelling:Bliss Lemon & Sage Hand Cream
Whether you have extremely dry skin or a skin type that is oily and sensitive, here’s a moisturizing cuticle cream that is suited for all of them. Made with aloe leaf extract and macadamia nut, grapeseed, and soybean oils, this product provides rich hydrating properties, without making your hands feel greasy. What makes this product one of the best cuticle creams is that it leaves your skin soft and silky with its pro-vitamin 5 and shea butter formula for cuticle and nail rejuvenation. Its refreshing lemon and sage fragrance will make your hands smell pleasant throughout the day.
Pros
- PETA-certified
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens
- Vegan formula
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May need reapplication several times throughout the day
7. Best Affordable:Hoofer’s Choice Hoof Nail & Cuticle Cream
If you’re struggling with hard, brittle nails, the Hoofer’s Choice Hoof Nail & Cuticle Cream might be the best cuticle cream for you. This moisturizing cream strengthens your nails by adding moisture to your nail bed. This healthy hoof cuticle cream enables you to have healthy, flexible nails that do not feel brittle. With ingredients like soybean oil and lavender, rosemary leaf, and castor seed oils, this product helps prevent dry cuticles, hangnails, and cracking of the soft tissue around your nails.
Pros
- Provides deep moisturization
- Prevents hangnails
- Cost-effective
- Strengthens your nails
Cons
- Some may find the smell too pungent
"The Hoofer's Choice cuticle cream is super nourishing. The formula maintains healthy nails and cuticles. I use it daily and it has made my skin very soft."
8. Best For Cracked Skin:Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm
The honey-scented Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm offers powerful nail and cuticle therapy. It provides relief from hangnails and irritation. The cream is enriched with Vitamin D which accelerates calcium absorption into the skin. This helps in healing dryness and painful symptoms. It contains beeswax and honey which are rich in vitamins A, C and E. These ingredients nourish and moisturize the skin effectively. It provides long term and immediate relief to nails and the skin around it. The nail balm seal cracks and heals shredded skin. Panthenol in the formula, is an ideal ingredient which curbs irritation. Use this cuticle repair cream regularly to achieve healthy nails and soft cuticles.
Pros
- Skin-friendly formula
- Non-drying formula
- Instant results
- Softens cuticles
- Treats shredded skin
Cons
- None
"This cuticle balm is so soothing on my dry, cracked fingertips. It is thick but absorbs quickly. I use just a small amount daily and it works wonders for me."
9. Best For Nail Growth:Orly Cuticle Therapy Cream
The Orly Cuticle Therapy Cream comes with a special formula for hydrating cuticles that are cracked, damaged, and dry. It is rich in avocado oil and vitamins A and E that keep away dryness by locking in the skin’s moisture level (around the nails). The vitamins are rich in antioxidants which combat free radical damages of the skin. Avocado oil is an excellent ingredient for cuticle conditioning and moisturizing. This cream is also great for the feet, elbow and hands. The formula eliminates dryness, leaving the hands and feet nourished and healthy. A gentle massage on and around the nails daily shall stimulate circulation and promote nail growth.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Promotes nail growth
- Offers skin conditioning
- Removes dryness
- Stimulates blood circulation
Cons
- None
"I have been using this product consistently and loving the results. My dry cuticles are softer and healthier now, even with daily challenges like dishwashing or gardening. This healing cream is quite gentle on my skin."
10. Best For Professional Look:Bath & Body Work Hand Cream
This moisturizing cuticle cream has a special formula that leaves you with soft and beautiful skin. Its primary ingredients include avocado oil, shea butter and vitamin E for nail hydration and cuticle healing. This product can be a great hand cream for maintaining and nourishing your skin after and between polishes. It also helps prevent cracked and peeling skin and softens your cuticles for a salon-like manicure session at home.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Deep hydration
- Softens cuticles
- Long-lasting effects
Cons
- Some may find the formula slightly greasy
11. Best Lightweight: Modelones Cuticle Cream
The Modelones Cuticle Cream is specially formulated with a blend of natural vegetable oils and vitamins that strengthen your nails while soothing any irritation. This cuticle massage cream formula contains organic jojoba oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, and vitamin E that eliminates dry cuticle issues, provides you relief from hangnails, and protects your nails from free radical damage. The cream also is infused with portulaca oleracea extracts that strengthen your cuticles. The silicon massage brush head of the tube enables easy absorption of the product without leaving any residue behind and it also accelerates nail repair. This non-greasy, lightweight cream leaves your nails feeling smooth yet tough.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Leaves no residue
- Soft silicone massage brush
- Portable
- Sustainably sourced
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Long-lasting effect
Cons
- Some may feel burning sensations
"This cream is perfect for maintaining healthy cuticles and nails. It has a built-in brush that makes it easy to use. It absorbs well and offers hydration without the greasy aftermath."
12. Best For Sensitive skin: Badger Soothing Shea Butter Cuticle Care
The Badger Soothing Shea Butter Cuticle Care is the perfect product to achieve healthy, hydrated, and beautiful cuticles. Made with creamy shea butter and vitamin-rich seabuckthorn CO2 extract, this cream hydrates your tired nails and protects them against free radical damage. It also contains a blend of steam-distilled essential oils, including mandarin, geranium, lemongrass, and ginger, that fill your senses with a subtle, refreshing fragrance and they are also effective in promoting healthy nail growth. Its natural and organic ingredients make this cream safe and gentle for people with sensitive skin, ensuring convenient cuticle maintenance for all.
Pros
- Gentle
- Travel-friendly
- USDA Certified Organic
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Strong, unpleasant fragrance
"This cuticle cream has a pleasant citrus scent and organic ingredients. It heals and moisturizes the cuticles, even in harsh weather conditions. I love using it in my daily nighttime routine. I massage the excess into my hands for extra care."
13. Best Overnight Cream:Clinique Deep Comfort Hand And Cuticle Cream
The Clinique Deep Comfort Hand And Cuticle Cream heals and nourishes dry cuticles and softens your skin. This moisturizing cream works on cracked and chapped skin and provides rich nail and cuticle nourishment. For effective results, apply this cream all around your cuticles every night while gently massaging your skin. For better, stronger nails and soft hands, this product can be a great choice of hand and cuticle cream.
Pros
- Heals chips, cracks, and splits
- Strengthens your nails
- Provides deep moisturization
- Gives you soft, supple skin
Cons
- Some might find the formula too thick.
"I love using this cuticle and hand cream every day. It keeps my dry hands soft and moisturized. It absorbs well without the tackiness. It does not have any strong scent and it keeps my cuticles in good shape."
The cuticle’s primary function is to ensure that no bacteria or grime gets into the nail bed and causes infection. So, even though you can use cuticle oil to keep your cuticles in top shape, cuticle creams offer a fast and long-term solution. These cuticle creams come with ultra-hydrating elements providing a concentrated source of moisture. To help you pick the best one for your use, we have created a comprehensive guide for you to keep handy while making your next purchase.
How To Choose The Best Cuticle Creams For Strong And Healthy Nails
- Hydrating Elements
For repairing cracked and dry cuticles, look for formulas with hydrating elements such as avocado oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, or shea butter. Such ingredients provide your cuticles with some much-needed moisture and the good news is that – you can use them all year round. Look for ingredients that have proven efficacy.
- Formulation
You can find cuticle creams in a variety of consistencies, from thick and creamy to runny lotions. For instance, if you do not like thick hand creams or body lotions, then it is likely that you will not like thick cuticle creams as well. Look for lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky formulations for irritation-free cuticle and nail nourishment. You can also opt for clinically backed skin care formulations.
Choose a formula that can absorb quickly. You do not want your cuticles to feel oily all day long or want the cream to rub off later on in your clothes. If you cannot find a fast-absorbing formula, apply your cuticle cream at night and wear gloves to prevent the cream from rubbing away while you sleep.
- Frequency Of Application
Generally, cuticle creams are recommended to be applied at least once per day. However, if your cuticles need more moisture or hydration, then you can apply more than one time per day as well. Additionally, cuticle creams should be left on for at least 30 seconds. However, some people keep their cuticle creams on all day. So, make sure you read the instructions for the specific cuticle cream you choose
- Ingredients To Avoid
Choose a paraben-free and gluten-free formula to maintain skin health and avoid long-term skin issues. Also, avoid artificial fragrances and opt for more natural scents in the formula.
How To Pick The Most Suitable Cuticle Cream For Yourself
There is no fixed checklist for choosing the best cuticle cream. So, the first thing that might help would be to ascertain your requirements. Some people have a strict policy of avoiding creams that are heavy and greasy. On the other hand, there may be others who prefer creams that are not watered down and have a thick formula. So, find out what kind of products work best for you. Another important factor is the list of ingredients that you should look for. Some beneficial ingredients include beeswax, apricot oil, shea butter, grapeseed, sunflower oil, and vitamin E, along with alpha-hydroxy acids.
A common complaint from people using cuticle moisturizers is that the scent of these creams is too strong sometimes. So, if you are someone who would prefer a fragrance-free cream for your hands and nails, it’s better to be on the lookout for that. If you require a cuticle cream that also soothes hangnails and strengthens your nail bed, certain products which can be used for more than just nourishing your cuticles might be a better choice. This list should help you narrow down your personal preferences and requirements to find the suitable formula for your cuticle health.
How To Use A Cuticle Cream
The steps to use a cuticle cream are fairly simple. All you need to do is have clean, washed hands and then gently apply the cuticle cream all around your nails and massage the area. While using a cuticle cream is not hard at all, it would help to keep in mind when it is that you are applying this cream. Ideally, you can use a cuticle cream as and when it is needed. But if you require intense cuticle repair, applying the cream at night would be the most useful for attaining the best results.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Cuticle Creams?
Cracked or chapped cuticles enable bacteria and fungi to enter your body and increase the chances of your nail getting infected. Moreover, cuticles that are not cared for, make your hands look less attractive and not well-maintained. This is where cuticle creams come in, they help in nourishing your hands and nails. In such a scenario, a simple hand cream is not sufficient to deal with dry cuticles, what you need is a moisturizing cuticle cream that ensures intense repair.
A good cuticle cream replenishes and hydrates dry cuticles and softens your hands. It has a skin barrier repair effect to help restore the natural moisture balance of your skin and leave you with flexible and strong nails. Healthy cuticles not only make our hands appear attractive but also our nails from infections. That’s why a good cuticle cream goes a long way in ensuring that our hands are clean and nourished. We hope our list of the 13 best cuticles creams in 2024 has helped you zero in on a product that’s best suited for you.
Infographic: Common Ingredients In Your Cuticle Cream
Cuticle creams help soothe and nourish the cuticles when they get dry and damaged. They are must-haves in your manicure kit. However, do you know what goes into creating this magic potion that revives your cuticles in a matter of minutes? Check out the infographic below to learn more.
The Bottom Line
These cuticle nail creams can be your ultimate secret to strong, healthy, and beautiful nails without burning a hole in your pocket. They help hydrate and preserve your cuticles while making your nail bed strong. Moreover, these creams are highly beneficial for people with thin and brittle nails. They are infused with moisturizing ingredients that replenish cracks, chips and splits in your skin. The Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream conditions and protects your cuticles against damage, while the Bliss Lemon & Sage Hand Cream hydrates your cuticles as well as the skin to make it smooth and soft. The Onsen Secrets Healing Minerals Cuticle Conditioner Serum is a high-quality formula that offers visible results as soon as you apply it. However, make sure you pick the right formula and consistency while purchasing a cuticle cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cuticle creams work?
Yes. Cuticle creams help in protecting and nourishing your nails and cuticles. So, if you’re looking for ways to moisturize dry cuticles, cuticle creams are a more effective option than a regular hand cream or lotion to target dry and cracked skin around your nails.
Does a cuticle cream help hangnails?
Some cuticle creams do help in soothing hangnails and softening your skin, but it’s important to look at the product description and check whether they specifically cater to the treatment of hangnails apart from moisturizing your cuticles.
Is a cuticle cream or cuticle oil better?
Cuticle oils are usually lighter and absorb more quickly into the skin. But if you’re looking for deep hydration, cuticle creams would be a better choice. With ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax, cuticle creams with thick formula enable a rich moisturizing cuticle and nail treatment.
Does a cuticle cream help in nail growth?
Cuticle creams help ensure you have good nail health. They moisturize your nails and prevent dry, cracked skin. While cuticle creams do not directly contribute to nail growth, having healthy and moisturized nails may your nails grow faster.
Is using a cuticle cream necessary?
No, a cuticle cream is not necessary. But it is beneficial for your nail health, especially if you experience dryness around your nails and fingertips and would like to have healthy-looking, hydrated cuticles.
How often should you use cuticle cream?
You can use cuticle cream two-three times daily. It depends on how fast your cuticles and nails get dry.
How do you treat dry cuticles and skin around nails?
If your cuticles and the skin around your nails dry out faster, start moisturizing them regularly with hand creams or cuticle creams. You can also get a manicure and avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals on your nails.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a skin and hair care enthusiast. She has written numerous articles about beauty products that help her readers to keep their skin and hair health intact. Sneha did thorough research and read hundreds of online reviews to compile a list of the best cuticle creams for beautiful, strong, and healthy nails. Her recommended products are rich in nourishing ingredients, chemical-free, and non-greasy. They prevent nail infections and help keep them hydrated and healthy.
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