My Once-Brittle Nails Are Soft and Strong Thanks to This $22 Cuticle Oil

Over a year ago, I made the decision to start doing my own nails. I’d been getting my nails done twice a month for as long as I could remember, but because someone else was doing the service, I was unaware of what was being put on my nails and careless about maintaining them. So, when I took back this step in my beauty care routine, I had to find the best products to repair my brittle nails and dry, rough skin on my hands. Along with using a daily retinol hand cream and a strengthening base coat, I also added L’Occitane’s Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil to my routine. After a few months of consistent use, my hands and nails have never looked better.

The cuticle oil deeply nourishes, strengthens, and softens cuticles and nails, so it’s no wonder why we dubbed it the best cuticle oil of 2023. It’s formulated with shea oil, sweet almond oil, and apricot oil to combat dryness and leave skin healthier. The product comes in a squeeze tube with a brush-tip applicator, making it easy to apply on the cuticle and nail — just glide it across, massage it in, and you’re good to go.

L’Occitane Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil

I keep a few tubes of L’Occitane’s cuticle oil on me at all times. I keep one on my nightstand to apply post-use of a retinol hand cream before bed, so I wake up with baby-soft, hydrated hands. I also keep one in my purse, so whenever my cuticles feel parched, I can reapply while on the go — it’s particularly nourishing after washing my hands with stripping public restroom soap. It quickly dries down into the skin, so I don’t feel like I’m leaving oil on everything I touch and has a light, refreshing shea butter scent that’s not overpowering. 

With consistent daily use, I found that my once-chipped and dry cuticles are now softer than ever, and my nails are prone to breaking. I actually no longer need to apply the oil as often throughout the day because my cuticles are still hydrated from the last time I applied it. 

Though it’s my preferred formula, L’Occitane’s $22 Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil is pricier than others on Amazon. Shop more popular picks for under $10 below. 

Modelones Cuticle Oil

Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing Cuticle Oil