Which Should You Be Using?

Cuticle creams and oils aim to moisturize your cuticles, and overall nails, to keep them soft and neat in appearance. They even make your nails more resilient so they crack and chip less (via Oprah Daily). Oils have become increasingly popular for the face and for hair, so it only makes sense that many have begun using cuticle oils for the same reason. However, is oil the best method to achieve its goal?

According to Almond Nails, cuticle oils and creams are similar in that they should be applied several times each day, including upon waking up and before going to bed, but they're not made equally. Almond Nails notes that cuticle creams are often described as weaker counterparts to oils, the latter of which helps the blood circulation around your nails while the creams are typically glorified moisturizers (and the oils also moisturize). However, creams can help blood flow too because they have to be massaged into the skin, so they naturally promote blood flow upon application rather than promoting it through its ingredients like oils.

Cuticle oils and creams typically offer the best results when used in tandem with each other. Therefore, you're reaping the full moisturizing and blood flow benefits of each. (Some oils even contain vitamins and minerals, but these are usually the pricier options.) However, if you're going to use both, Almond Nails recommends using them at different points in the day to reap the fullest benefits. If you're only going to use one, though, cuticle oil should be your go-to product.