It certainly does! Cuticle oils work by penetrating skin to infuse it with hydration and create a watertight seal to prevent infection. Natural oils have been around for centuries and remain a firm favourite in our beauty regimes. Nails, skin, massage and even mood – these oils are not only sustainable but are effective solutions and rituals to many of our bodily needs.

Cuticles are literally and figuratively the root of nails, so it’s important to keep them happy and healthy, and cuticle oil is the best way to do that. “It keeps the nails flexible so they bend but don't break, it prevents the layers of the natural nail from peeling, and it prevents hangnails,” Kandalec says. “And if you wear enhancements, like gel or acrylic, it prevents them from curling away from the enhancement, which can lead to lifting and allow bacteria to get between the nail and enhancement.” Brittle nails (medically referred to as “onychoschizia”) is a common dermatological complaint, says Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, who spoke to Elite Daily for this article. He says the best nail oils for brittle nails contain vitamin E ( which can also help prevent the yellowing of your nails), jojoba oil, almond oil, castor oil, clove oil, sunflower oil, and/or olive oil. These rich oils can stop the progression of nail damage and prevent new nail growth from becoming brittle, Dr. Chaudhry explains. He adds that preventing the flaking, crumbling, and splitting of nails that’s caused by a loss of elasticity in skin will most likely require a combination of lifestyle adjustments and the use of certain skin care products, such as the nail oils featured below. Do your nails have white spots or discoloration? Are they peeling or brittle? If so, there’s a good chance that your nails are unhealthy and dehydrated. Restoring thin, rigid nails comes down to one thing: reintroducing moisture. “Using an ultra-hydrating moisturizer rich in vitamin E or tocopherol — the fat-soluble vitamin that's an excellent antioxidant and moisturizer — will even [out] your nail plate (hard part of the nail),” says Mary Lennon, founder of Côte. Some research suggests that vitamin E supplements may promote wound healing. It is possible that topical vitamin E oil might offer similar benefits, but there is little research on the subject. Skin cancer prevention One study found that oral vitamin E supplements could produce significant improvements in eczema symptoms. Though vitamin E oil has not been well-studied in the treatment of eczema, it may increase the effectiveness of topical moisturizers. PsoriasisIt can reverse damage on nails. It’s no secret that some nail polish and nail polish remover can be particularly damaging to the nails. Fortunately, vitamin E oil may work to repair and protect against damage: “Using Vitamin E oil on your nail bed and cuticle can reverse damage caused from nail polish remover and nail polish,” Green says.

A more recent literature review found that evidence about whether vitamin E improved or worsened scarring was inconclusive. Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016, July-August). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311-315 Most cuticle oils have a small trace of acetate, so if your skin is easily irritated, be sure to read over all the ingredients,” adds Gregory Littley, co-founder of natural nail color brand PÄRDĒ Beauty. Manicures and pedicures are great, but they can leave our natural nails stripped, yellow, or even thin and weak—especially if they’re removed incorrectly. Vitamin E “can repair damaged nails due to polish or acrylics by nourishing and replenishing the nail to a healthier state,” according to the nail educator. Plus, applying vitamin E regularly may even promote nail growth. (So long, rogue chipping and hangnails!) How to apply vitamin E oil to nails: It can eliminate yellowing of the nails. If you’re constantly switching between polish colors, you may notice your nails switching to a yellow tint. While holding off on polish for a few days can help the shade fade, Green says that applying vitamin E oil can also help. “However, excessively yellow nails may be a symptom of a fungal infection, which vitamin E does not rid,” she adds. “If your nails are in this condition, first see a doctor before deciding on how to treat them.”Calcium absorption is extremely important as it helps to strengthen and structure the nails. Olive oil helps to improve calcium absorption. Anyone who is looking to hydrate and strengthen their nails and cuticles should consider adding vitamin E oil to their routine. And because finding the perfect vitamin E oil or hand cream can be a game of trail-and-error, below are five expert-approved products. A cuticle oil can also extend the life of a manicure, whether it’s gel or polish,” adds Littley. “Strengthening and protecting the nail is important through the use of an oil, especially if you get manicures biweekly or monthly.” Interested in what vitamin E can do for your mani? Continue reading below to find out the benefits of using vitamin E for your nails, how to use it, and a few IPSY-recommended products to try.

The cuticle oil you choose will come down to your applicator preference, but when it comes to best in show, we like the L'Occitane Shea Nail And Cuticle Oil. Its unique brush-tip applicator makes painting the formula onto cuticles feel effortless and fuss-free. Plus, the formula itself softens cuticles and nourishes nails in a way that other options didn’t. Another special mention goes to Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil for its one-of-a-kind formula that works hard to strengthen thin, bendable nails and leave cuticles hydrated and healthy. How We Tested While there are many great ingredients in cuticle oils, jojoba oil and vitamin E are the top two to look for to help nourish skin, Lim says. For the best application, she suggests placing a small amount of oil at the base of the nail and along the sides, then gently rubbing it in. Follow by smoothing on a hand cream for a complete hand and nail treatment. Lim recommends applying it twice a day, but there is not such thing as "too much" when it comes to cuticle oil: More really is better.Your cuticles will thank you after this one! Sesame oil is deeply nourishing, helping to keep both your nail and your cuticle moisturised. The fatty acids contained create a barrier between your nail and harmful toxins. Much like clove oil, it is antiseptic and antifungal. An intensely moisturising Vitamin E oil that softens cuticles and cares for dry, brittle nails. Natural Essential Oil Complex with Vitamin E, Wheat Germ, Apricot Kernel, Aloe & Panthenol moisturises & conditions cuticles while increasing nail flexibility. Evelyn Lim is an editorial manicurist. She serves as the Chief Educator at Paintbox, a nail studio based on the Upper East Side in New York City, and the Nail Art Education Director at MiniLuxe. What to Look For in a Cuticle Oil Hydrating Ingredients L’Occitane’s beloved cuticle oil may be simple, but it is mighty. With a blend of shea butter, almond oil, castor oil, and avocado oil, it’s deeply hydrating and leaves nail beds nourished and soft. The brush tip applicator makes it easy to apply the cuticle oil with no mess or wasted time. Plus, it smells absolutely heavenly.