12 Best Nail Moisturizers to Strengthen Damaged Nails

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 22, 2024
Nail Moisturizers to Strengthen Damaged Nails
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Like skin, your nails also require a dose of nourishment and hydration. If they fall short of proteins and moisture, then you have to deal with issues like dry cuticles, thin, and brittle nails, etc. So, to prevent any type of nail damage, we have brought to you the best nail moisturizers. These moisturizers not only take good care of your nail plate, nail bed, and primarily cuticles but also promote healthy growth.

The water and lipid content of your nails is low, as compared to your skin’s stratum corneum. However, nails are extremely permeable to water. When the water content of your nails increases, they become opaque and soft. On the contrary, when there is a decrease in the water content, nails tend to become brittle and dry. Hence, adequate and proper nail moisturization is vital to prevent your nails from becoming brittle (1). Dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommend applying a moisturizing nail care product like petroleum jelly to the cuticles and nails multiple times a day. This practice minimizes the brittleness of your nails and aids in preventing your nails from chipping.

Speaking of the impact of a nail moisturizer, our contributor Anna Parvatova, Creative Director for SNS Nails, says, “Our cuticles are very delicate and prone to damage. Plus, our nails are naturally dry and brittle due to their low oil and moisture content. Using a nail moisturizer on these areas multiple times per day can help keep such dry areas hydrated, healthy, and nourished. Well-hydrated cuticles and nails can promote nail growth too, so a moisturizer can be really beneficial in the long run.”

Our list of the 12 best nail moisturizers contains cuticle oils, nail creams, and balms. As per your liking and reason for purchase, slide them into your cart without any second thoughts. Trust us, they are too good to be true!

12 Best Nail Moisturizers

Give your nails and cuticles care an upgrade with L'Occitane's Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Oil. The formula is infused with the relaxing aroma of shea butter and gets quickly absorbed into the skin. The dry oil also nurtures and fortifies the nails while softening cuticles. Experience the luxury of stronger nails and softer cuticles with a dash of fragrant extravagance. Plus, it's all packed into a compact 0.25 Fl Oz tube so that you can treat your hands to nourishing goodness while on the go.

Pros
  • Strengthens the nails
  • Has a delightful fragrance
  • Hydrates the cuticles
  • Long-lasting
  • Travel-friendly
  • Non-greasy
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best No-residue Formula

    cuccio NATURALE Revitalizing cuticle oil

    cuccio NATURALE Revitalizing cuticle oil
  • Milk and honey are the two pivotal ingredients that make this oil-based nail moisturizer a sheer winner. Honey is known for naturally soothing your nails whereas the presence of lactic acid in milk helps in stimulating your nail cuticles. Cuccio’s Naturale cuticle oil repairs your nail cuticles overnight by deeply penetrating them. This oil prevents the peeling of nails and the skin around them and also heals damage birthed by cracked nails. The best thing about this oil is that it contains no artificial substances or unnatural chemicals.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Leaves no residues
    • Ideal for brittle nails
    • Anti-breakage formula
    Cons
    • Extremely oily
  • Best for Brittle Nails

    Onyx professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

    Onyx professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
  • Specially crafted for fragile nails, this Hard As Hoof cream from Onyx professional ticks off all boxes when it comes to achieving healthy nails. It features a rich moisturizing formula and an impeccable blend of vitamins, emollients, calcium, and minerals. The cruelty-free cream balances your nail’s moisture level and promotes quick and healthy growth. With a proven formula to accentuate the beauty and quality of your nails, this cream conditions your cuticles and helps you to bid adieu to peels, chips, and nail breakage.

    Pros
    • Prevents splitting of nails
    • Can be used as hand lotion
    • Gives your nails long-lasting strength
    • Repairs damage done by acrylic nails
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Easy to Use

    CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care

    CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care
  • This is yet another award-winning oil-based moisturizer that you should invest in. It is a nail and cuticle care oil introduced by CND. It is enriched with nail-nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, almond seed, and vitamin E. Moreover, it penetrates deeply into your nails and comes with immense moisturizing and conditioning properties. It softens the cuticles and thereby promotes healthier nails. Apply it to the top and undersides of your nails and buckle up for at-home salon-like nail treatment.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Easy to use
    • Ideal for daily use
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Intense therapy for dry and damaged nails
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Fast-absorbing Formula

    O.P.I PRO SPA HANDS & FEET NAIL & CUTICLE OIL

    O.P.I PRO SPA HANDS & FEET NAIL & CUTICLE OIL
  • The ultra-nourishing formula of O.P.I’s nail and cuticle oil replenishes, protects, and strengthens your nails magnificently. All thanks to the rich blend of sesame, grapeseed, sunflower, and kukui that it comes with to serve your nails with what they need the most — moisture! The fast-absorbing feature of this nail oil is also highly appreciated. After a week of use, you will feel your cuticles have become much softer, healthier, and smoother.

    Pros
    • Rich in proteins
    • Protects the cuticles
    • Heels painful hangnails
    • Designed for toe and fingernails
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Most Cost-effective

    Sally Hansen VITAMIN E NAIL & CUTICLE OIL

    Sally Hansen VITAMIN E NAIL & CUTICLE OIL
  • Nourish your dry nails and cuticles with Sally Hansen’s vitamin E-enriched cuticle oil. In addition to vitamin E, it is also loaded with the nail conditioning properties of aloe vera and apricot kernels. This oil strengthens your nails and keeps them resilient for a prolonged period. At night, apply a coat of oil on your nails, massage to enhance the circulation levels of your nail bed, and stimulate the growth of healthy nails.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Hydrates the nails
    • Softens the cuticles
    • Very easy to apply
    • Good texture and consistency
    Cons
    • Fragile bottle
  • Most Hydrating Formula

    MODELONES Cuticle Repair Cream

    MODELONES Cuticle Repair Cream
  • To moisturize the nails, you need nothing but a deeply nourishing cream like the one that Modelones has introduced. It is a cuticle repair cream that is super light, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing. It has an ergonomic design and also comes with a soft silicone massaging brush that facilitates precise control. This cream repairs cracked and dry cuticles with its power-packed ingredients namely jojoba oil, vitamin E, glycerin, natural oil compounds, and macadamia nut oil.

    Pros
    • Easy to absorb
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Great for beginners
    • Pure organic ingredients
    • Best for long-term hydration
    Cons
    • Very small in sizeVery small in size
  • Best Travel-friendly Design

    Bliss Kiss SIMPLY PURE™ Hydrating Oil Pen

    Bliss Kiss SIMPLY PURE™ Hydrating Oil Pen
  • For all those who are desperately looking out for a good-quality nail moisturizer, here is the best one by Bliss Kiss. It is a hydrating oil pen for you to take care of your nails even on the go. It makes nail pampering sessions extremely convenient and mess-free. It is a liquid gold oil that heals your hangnails, and cuticles and prevents nail damage. Not to forget, the list of ingredients leaves no space for any nail-related concern. Come meet them — vitamin E, retinol, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and olive squalene!

    Pros
    • Handcrafted
    • Silicone-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Travel-friendly
    • No preservative
    • Natural Ingredients
    Cons
    • Not long-lasting
  • Gena Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment

    Gena Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment
  • Gena’s Healthy Hoof protein treatment is a game-changer for dehydrated and damaged nails. It has the power to heal chapped, dry, damaged, fingers and toenails. Since it is powered with castor oil, aloe vera, beeswax, lavender, and lanolin, it flawlessly conditions and strengthens your cuticles. Without a doubt, this is the best treatment for dry and brittle nails to keep your nail fibers safe and secure from environmental damage.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Cost-effective
    • Silky texture
    • Easy to apply
    Cons
    • Leaves a sticky residue
  • Best Cruelty-free Nail Moisturizer

    C CARE Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil

    C CARE Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil
  • Pampering your nails and indulging in an at-home manicure session can be super fun and quick with this Milk and Honey Cuticle Oil from C Care. The oil works flawlessly in replenishing your nails and cuticles with ease. It indeed makes you experience salon-like manicures designed for treating brittle nails at the comfort of your home. It quickly repairs your cuticles with its advanced formula and natural ingredients like milk, honey, sunflower, vitamin E, and cottonseed. And, the best thing — it is a paraben and cruelty-free nail moisturizer in the form of oil.

    Pros
    • Spill-proof
    • Mess-free application
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Plant-based preservatives
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance
  • ECCO PURE Cuticle Oil

    ECCO PURE Cuticle Oil
  • Here comes one more pen-like oil-based moisturizer for enhancing the quality of your nails. It is not only the perfect addition to your manicure and pedicure kit but also a cuticle protector. Yes, you read it right. This cuticle oil nourishes, moisturizes, and protects your nails from damage. It stimulates nail growth and keeps the breaks and tears of nails at bay. The complex blend of vitamins penetrates deeply and aids in restoring your nails and cuticle’s good health.

    Pros
    • Portable
    • Inexpensive
    • Softens dead skin
    • Long-lasting results
    Cons
    • Prone to leakage
  • Best Organic Formula

    BADGER Cuticle Care SOOTHING SHEA BUTTER

    BADGER Cuticle Care SOOTHING SHEA BUTTER
  • Wave goodbye to dry, brittle, and splitting cuticles with this balm-like nail moisturizer from Badger. It is enriched with creamy shea butter and vitamin-rich sea buckthorn that help in restoring the health of your dry and stressed cuticles. Its gentle and antioxidant-rich formula makes it the best nail moisturizer to hydrate your nails. So invest in this product at the earliest, and resolve all of your nail woes.

    Pros
    • Organic
    • Water-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Cruelty-free
    • Travel-friendly tin
    • Recyclable packaging
    Cons
    • Overwhelming scent

    This was our comprehensive list of some good-quality moisturizers for nails. To help you make some better purchasing decisions, we have also created a useful buying guide. Roll your eyes over and check out how to make your purchase worth the value.

    How to Choose Nail Moisturizers?

    Here are a few aspects to consider while splurging on toe or fingernail moisturizers.

    Ingredients: Always ensure that you pick a cuticle oil, moisturizer, or nail cream for damaged nails that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba, argan, sunflower, grapeseed, avocado, castor, and olive oils tend to nourish your nails and cuticles thereby promoting healthy nails. You may also invest in moisturizers enriched with aloe vera and beeswax. 

    Type of Moisturizer: There is a wide range of nail moisturizers that help you hydrate your fingernails and toenails to the maximum. What only differs is their formula, texture, and consistency. They are found in the form of oil, gel, cream, lotion, or polishes that keep your nails moisturized and healthy. All these types of nail moisturizers are effective and deliver what they claim. 

    Purpose: Moisturizing the nails isn’t a difficult task if you know what kind of product you need to vouch for. You should always know the purpose of buying one. Some buy a nail moisturizer for hydration and moisturization purposes, whereas others invest in one to stimulate nail growth and heal them completely. For all those who wish to repair nail damage by strengthening the cuticles, then make sure your moisturizer contains the ingredients mentioned above. Avoid purchasing a product just for trial or to join the bandwagon. 

    Formula: Make sure you avoid purchasing products infused with sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and harmful chemicals. The best moisturizer for nails will be free from toxins and contain only natural and organic formula. 

    Contributor: Anna Parvatova, Creative Director for SNS Nails

    Conclusion

    Out of the 12 best nail moisturizers mentioned above, pick any one and we assure you that the positive results will leave you stunned. You will be flabbergasted to see the birth of your healthy, nourished, replenished, and hydrated nails. These moisturizers not only moisturize your nails but also heal, repair, and restore their health. Hence, you need not worry about its effectiveness. Snag the best one as per your nail concerns and preference, and get ready to flaunt those gorgeous and healthy nails of your dreams.

    FAQ's

    How can I moisturize my nails naturally?
    You can apply coconut, almond, avocado, olive, or jojoba oil to moisturize your nails naturally. You can also apply petroleum jelly to your cuticles.
    What is the best remedy for dry nails?
    Limiting manicures, avoiding alcohol-based sanitizers, and frequent application of moisturizer or cuticle oil are a few of the best remedies for dry nails.
    What oil is best for dry nails?
    Jojoba oil and vitamin E are the two best oils for nourishing dry nails.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, the author of this article says that nail moisturizers play a vital role in helping you maintain strong and healthy nails – they hydrate and nourish the nail bed and cuticles. She took the time to test all 11 of the products and she was blown away with the results that Cuccio’s Naturale Revitalizing Cuticle Oil had to offer. It penetrated deep within and left her nails feeling very soothed while also healing any damage. Plus, it is cruelty-free and leaves no residue behind.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    1. The science of nail polish, nail polish remover, and nail moisturizers: A Comprehensive Approach

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330976621_The_science_of_nail_polish_nail_polish_remover_and_nail_moisturizers_A_Comprehensive_Approach

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More