Cuticle oil: what is its purpose & how often should it be applied?
By Scratch Staff | 29 July 2026 | Business & Education
‘Remember to oil your cuticles’ is a phrase we’ve all heard countless times. But what is cuticle oil and what are its benefits?
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know…
To understand the importance of cuticle oil, it is first essential to know what the cuticle is and its role. “The cuticle is a thin, transparent layer of dead skin cells,” shares nail expert & NailKnowledge blog writer, Tracy Ann Shelverton. “It grows out from underneath the proximal nail fold (PNF) and sticks to the nail plate.”
Tracy continues: “Think of the cuticle as a delicate, see-through strip of clingfilm. Sitting on top of the nail plate, it marks the point where the nail meets the skin. Unlike living skin, the cuticle has no blood vessels. Softer than normal skin, it is only partly keratinised.”
The cuticle is one of the four guardian seals of the nail unit (the others being the hyponychium and two lateral nail folds), which help prevent bacteria, fungi and other contaminants from entering the nail matrix, where the nail is formed.
Due to being frequently exposed to aggressive external factors such as hand washing, cleaning products, sanitisers and changes in weather, the cuticle can easily become dry and brittle. Enter, cuticle oil.
What is cuticle oil?
Despite its name suggesting it is intended solely for the cuticle, cuticle oil is a moisturising product designed to improve the health and appearance of both nails and the surrounding skin.
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Writing for NailKnowledge, nail industry veteran, Marian Newman BEM, explains how the product is usually made from a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond and avocado oil, as well as vitamins and other nourishing ingredients. These oils contain fatty acids which penetrate the nail plate and skin and create a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and preventing dehydration.
Hydrates and moisturises: The primary use of cuticle oil is to hydrate and moisturise the skin around nails, which helps prevent dryness, cracking and peeling.
Softens cuticles: This makes it easier for cuticle removal using a wooden stick or curette. Softer cuticles also prevent pain from splitting or tearing.
Promotes nail growth: When hydrated, the nail plate can move along the nail bed at a normal rate. However, if the nail bed is damaged or dry, nail growth is slowed.
Enhances the look of nails: Incorporating cuticle oil into a regular nailcare routine improves the flexibility of nails, making them less likely to crack, split or break, while also enhancing their appearance with a healthy shine.
Extends the longevity of manicures/pedicures: Applying cuticle oil regularly extends the durability of a manicure or pedicure by preventing chipping and peeling.
How to use cuticle oil
Simply apply a drop to each cuticle and massage in for a couple of minutes.
Marian suggests looking for cuticle oils containing natural ingredients like jojoba, almond or avocado oil – and there is a scientific explanation for why these are so beneficial. Some oils have molecules too large to penetrate the nail plate, meaning they sit on the surface rather than moisturising the nail. Jojoba, almond and avocado oil, by contrast, have small enough molecular structures to pass through the nail plate and hydrate it.
The nail expert also advises ‘avoid[ing] products with synthetic preservatives, scents or colourings to ensure the purity of the oil’. Remember to also take into account any skin sensitivities.
