Beauty Nails This Oil Makes My Dry Cuticles Look Less Mangled Because hand cream doesn't always cut it. By Erin Lukas Erin Lukas Instagram Twitter Erin is a Brooklyn-based beauty editor and has been with InStyle since 2016. She covers all facets of beauty for the site. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on August 11, 2021 @ 11:00AM Pin Share Tweet Email I'll be honest, along with eye cream, face oil, and toner, I've always questioned whether I really need to use a cuticle oil. Before the pandemic, I rarely gave myself DIY manicures. So, for me, the product has always been an add on — like getting avocado in an already overpriced salad. But it turns out, I'm completely wrong, which I've learned the hard way during the pandemic. I used to think hand cream was enough, but it can only do so much when you are constantly washing and sanitizing your hands. And that's where a cuticle oil comes in. While I've experienced the joys of cuticle oil when I get a manicure at the nail salon, I've started glazing my cuticles and the surrounding skin with one at home after coming to the realization that it's not just a finishing touch, but the key to completely moisturized nails and hands. A Comprehensive Guide to Every Type of Manicure JinSoon's Ex.Tract Cuticle Oil has become one of my favorites because it contains a blend of 20 nourishing plant-based extracts and oils, including honeysuckle, primrose, jojoba, almond, avocado, to name a few. Courtesy To shop: $35; jinsoon.com And while the oil does instantly make my mangled cuticles and the skin around the nails look instantly softer and smoother, the brand says the ingredients will strengthen nails and restore chapped skin over time. Bonus: it's also antibacterial, which comes in handy (pun intended) in the time of COVID-19. VIDEO: How Much Do I Need to Tip at a Nail Salon? Just like skincare for your face, consistently is key when it comes to getting the most of out a cuticle oil. Luckily for me, applying it requires less precision than painting your nails with color polish. From non-toxic makeup and skincare to sustainability practices, Clean Slate is an exploration of all things in the green beauty space. Find out what's really in your products — and what's being left out.