10 Cuticle-Savers We Can’t Live Without

Yes, we’ve reminded you again and again that you need to be moisturizing your cuticles, but if you still haven’t taken the plunge, it’s time. It’s way cold out, meaning cuticles (especially cut-back, fresh-out-of-the-salon ones) are taking a beating and in need of some serious hydration and TLC. There are tons of great options out there, from balms to salves to oils. If you have a hard time choosing, let our staff guide you with our top recommendations.

rms beauty Lip & Skin Balm | $25

shop it

Why it’s tops: “Great for the lips and the cuticles. Plus it smells awesome! Oh, and it’s made from very minimal, pure ingredients so it’s a healthy pick.”
–Bec Stupak, creative director

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil | $48

Why it’s tops: “This is from the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ files. I’ve been loyally using this product since 2008 on my face. Somewhere along the way I realized it’s perfect for hands, too. At night, put a few drops on each hand and massage into cuticles. It keeps skin looking smooth and healthy, and will make your mani last longer! As oils go, it’s light and absorbs near instantly. The fact that it has just one ingredient (certified organic argan kernel oil) is a huge bonus in my book.”
–Jill Russell, managing editor

Burt’s Bees Lemon Cuticle Cream | $6

Why it’s tops: “This stuff is a MIRACLE! I put it on ragged cuticles at night, and when I wake up, it looks like I have a brand new set of digits! What’s in that little tin, human skin???”
–Krista Burton, contributor

Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails | $25

Why it’s tops: “It’s so moisturizing and makes cuticles so soft! It smells dee-lish but is sort of sticky, so make sure you have time to let it soak in. It works best overnight!”
–Kelly O’Kane, consumer fulfillment specialist

Julep Essential Cuticle Oil | $18

Why it’s tops: “I love that this oil comes in a roller bottle, making it quick to slick on after a manicure. It smells great and masks the cloying scent of my polish!”
–Stella Rose Saint Clair, contributor

RGB Cuticle Oil | $20

shop it

Why it’s tops: “I never thought to use cuticle oil outside of getting a professional manicure, but when Gina Carney, founder of RGB let me in on a little secret, I was hooked. She told me that if you apply cuticle oil every day it will help polish last—and it works! I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the skin around my nails, as well as the lifespan of my manis. I can’t see myself using any other cuticle product. Plus, the cucumber scent is kind of hard to beat!"
–Caitie Schlisserman, assistant editor

CND SolarOil | $7.50 and Qtica Intense Cuticle Repair Balm | $18

Why they’re tops: “I have two must-haves! The SolarOil is so rich that it will make dry cuticles feel instantly softer and nourished. It’s perfect for before or after a mani and smells so good. Qtica’s Balm is amazing for winter-dry fingers and hangnails; it’s richer than the SolarOil and will keep your skin moisturized longer, if that’s what you’re looking for.”
–Romee Ham, package fulfillment engineer

Smith’s Rosebud Salve | $6

Why it’s tops: “It’s versatile. I use it on chapped lips, nail beds, and dry hands. I love that it’s small, which means I can carry it in my bag, and always have it with me. Plus it’s nostalgic—my grandmother and mother use it, too. It won’t heal cracked skin or peeling cuticles, but it keeps them hydrated and reminds me not to pick!”
–Shelby Kimbrough, contributor

EVE LOM Cuticle Cream | $24

shop it

Why it’s tops: “I have all but given up on my nails because they simply do not grow. Seriously. The moment they’re long enough to show a white sliver at the tip, they start to disintegrate, flaking off in little bits and breaking in the most impossibly painful spots. In my quest for a solution, I read that keeping nails hydrated can help them grow and prevent breakage (and while I obsessively moisturize my skin and hair, I’ve neglected to do the same for my nails). Enter EVE LOM’s Cuticle Cream. It’s so intensely hydrating and amazing-smelling that I now keep a pot of it at my desk and use it countless times throughout the day (I’ve used it once already while writing this!). The formula is viscous but not greasy, so the teensiest bit goes a long way. It’s only been a couple of days, but I’m already starting to notice a difference in my nails. At this rate I’ll be able to get the long, glossy beige mani of my dreams in no time!”
–Kate Fabrizio, designer