Best Cuticle Removers for Clean-Looking Nails
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Blue Cross Cuticle Remover -
DEBORAH LIPPMANN Callus Cuticle Remover -
Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover -
Butter London Nail Scrubbers Cuticle Remover -
Nutra Nail Cuticle Remover with Green Tea -
Buyer's Guide
Cuticles are very delicate areas of skin which can become dry or overgrown and removing this dead, loose skin makes them easier to push back and maintain. In fact, properly maintained cuticles are the key to beautiful, long-lasting manicures. Cuticle removers are typically gel-like formulas applied directly to the cuticle area and left on for a specified amount of time. They loosen the dry, dead skin tissue from the cuticle area and nail surface to provide a clean, even surface for manicures.
The following cuticle removers are the most effective at dissolving excess cuticle skin, remove overgrown cuticles the fastest (typically within a few minutes), and soften cuticles the best due to soothing ingredients such as green tea and antioxidants. We've compiled a list for best cuticle removers in 2022.
Best Cuticle Removers of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Blue Cross Cuticle Remover - Best Cuticle Remover Overall
If you want a fast-acting, effective cuticle remover at a great value, we recommend Blue Cross Cuticle Remover. It comes in a giant 16-ounce bottle which lasts a very long time since just a dab gets the job done. This lanolin-enriched formula safely and gently removes dead tissue from the cuticle area, leaving your cuticles marvelously soft and pliable. You can then easily push back your cuticles and give yourself a professional-looking manicure at home. Users claim it quickly removes even the toughest excess cuticles without drying skin or causing other irritation and it even works wonders on calluses as well.
DEBORAH LIPPMANN Callus Cuticle Remover - Runner Up
Deborah Lippman is a well-known brand in the beauty industry for their high-quality beauty products. This fantastic cuticle remover exfoliates the cuticle area to gently remove dry, dead skin and the result is improved nail appearance and the ability to push back your cuticles with ease. Users love the smooth texture and claim this formula makes cuticle removal effortless while leaving your cuticles moisturized and preventing hangnails. Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover is never tested on animals and contains no formaldehyde, sulfates, parabens, or toluene. The only downside is the fairly expensive price point per bottle. However, even with regular use one bottle should last several months or longer.
Sally Hansen Problem Cuticle Remover - Honorable Mention
Melt away excess cuticles with Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. This revolutionary gel formula uses aloe, chamomile and green tea to soothe and soften rough, stubborn cuticles; as a result, cuticles will become smoother and easier to manage. Users claim this product does a great job at keeping cuticles looking neat, eliminating the need for trimming. It works very quickly, dissolving excess cuticles in just 15 to 30 seconds but make sure to follow the application directions to prevent it from burning or dissolving too much skin. You’ll be glad to know Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is very affordable as well.
Butter London Nail Scrubbers Cuticle Remover - Consider
Make your cuticles to easier to manage with Butter London Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator. Apply this formaldehyde-free formula weekly to achieve softer, thinner cuticles ready for your next manicure. It works by gently exfoliating cuticles and removing dead, dry skin from around your nails. Users claim Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator quickly removes overgrown cuticles and helps smooth unsightly rough edges, virtually eliminating the need for cuticle clippers. Despite the high cost per bottle, this product is very effective and does precisely what it claims.
Nutra Nail Cuticle Remover with Green Tea - Best Cuticle Remover
Create the perfect frame for your nails with Nutra Nail Cuticle Remover. Formulated with green tea antioxidants, this soothing cuticle remover softens rough, overgrown cuticles while melting away dead, excess skin around your nails. Expect your cuticles to become smoother and appear healthier within just 30 seconds! Users claim this formula removes unwanted cuticle skin quickly and easily while leaving nails looking professionally done. The brush applicator allows for precise application and the formula goes on smoothly with virtually no odor. Nutra Nail Cuticle Remover with Green Tea Antioxidants is another budget-friendly option that only costs around four bucks.
Buyer's Guide
Does cuticle remover really work?
Growing up, we have all seen our grandmothers and mothers making use of organic skincare ways. From honey to baking soda, everything was downright natural.
Well, coming back to the present, we are living in an advanced high-tech era. Every single thing we use has undergone rigorous processing and modification.
And so, when we find products like cuticle removers, our mind instinctively switches on the questioning mode; do they even work?
In case you’re still wondering, cuticle removers do work!
These solutions soften the cuticle, making it easier to push back. It also helps soften and remove dead cells.
Hence, your nails appear shinier, neater, and healthier. Pushing back the cuticle keeps the nails and surrounding skin protected from germs too. What’s more, the maintenance of cuticles makes your nails appear longer.
Features to consider in the Best Cuticle Remover
Above, we have listed some of the very best cuticle removers in the market today. In case you haven’t found the ideal match, worry not, as there is still a plethora of cuticle removers left to explore!
But, before diving in, here are some features that you should consider.
Types of cuticle removers
To begin, you need to determine the type of cuticle remover for yourself. There are four fundamental types, including:
- Cuticle Removing Gels
If you’ve thick cuticles, then the gels are an idealistic choice. Gels have a soothing and softening effect on them. As a result, one can remove the cuticles easily and painlessly.
- Cuticle Oils
The cuticle oils have an all-in-one kind of result on both thick and thin cuticles. These serums dissolve the dead cells and cuticles. You will also find the skin surrounding your nails to become healthier. Usually, the cuticle oils get used after the cuticle removal process.
- Cuticle Removing Scrub Pad
Scrub pads are perfect for people with thin cuticles. These small pads, immersed in removing formula, allow you to scrub away the cuticles in seconds.
- Cuticle Removing Lotion
Lotions have a thick and creamy consistency. These soften the cuticle so you can push it back. Similar to gels, cuticle removing lotions work best on thick cuticles. But, they are also usable for thinner ones.
Size
The size of cuticle remover is another prominent factor to consider since they tend to expire. Usually, cuticle removers come in bottles ranging from 1-ounce to 7-ounce.
You should assess your usage frequency to decide the bottle size. If you’re a professional nail expert, then opt for a larger bottle. However, when purchasing for personal use, small bottles are suitable.
Time Restraints
Cuticle maintenance has various stages. The softening, removing, and pushing consume a lot of time. And so, different products can help you cope up with the situation.
Some cuticle removers work in seconds, whereas some may take up to half an hour. You need to select one that offers you the best results in a feasible time frame.
Safety
Evaluation of the product composition is also very crucial. Different companies use different ingredients to manufacture cuticle removers. So, you should check them for any hypoallergenic or harm-causing substance.
How to use a cuticle remover?
Cuticle removing is a very simple process if one has a good understanding. One can easily do it themselves, without having to visit the salon. Here are some tools that you will require:
- Nail polish remover
- Cuticle remover
- Cuticle pusher
- Cuticle oil
- Moist towel
Start by removing all the nail polish and coatings on your nails. They should be free from all sorts of products. Then, apply the cuticle remover to soften the cuticle and eradicate dead cells. Use a pusher to push the cuticle back gently.
Once done, use the moist towel to clean the residue. Apply the cuticle oil to add the finished, glistening look. And, it’s done!
Cuticle Remover VS Cuticle Pusher
When researching cuticle removal, you will come across several like terms. There is cuticle remover, cuticle softener, cuticle pusher, and whatnot. All these can be quite confusing, especially for beginners.
However, the biggest conflict remains between a cuticle remover and a pusher. Below, we have highlighted a few differences between the two.
Cuticle Remover
A cuticle remover is a solvent for softening, dissolving, and removing the cuticle. Since it can perform all the tasks itself, you can use it solely.
However, most experts use it with cuticle oils and pushers. Some people also prefer calling cuticle removers softeners.
Cuticle Pusher
Comparatively, the cuticles pusher is a tool used to push the softened cuticles backward. You cannot use it on hardened cuticles. It can be wood, metallic, plastic, or even hybrid. However, the overall shape of each pusher is the same.
Best Cuticle Remover FAQS
Does baking soda remove cuticles?
Baking soda, or you can say Sodium Bicarbonate, is a magic tool for organic skincare and remedies. It works for several issues, ranging from hair to teeth.
You can use baking soda to remove cuticles too. Combine baking soda with lukewarm water in equal parts. Then, apply the paste on cracked cuticles, and scrub until clean.
What happens when you leave cuticle remover on too long?
Leaving cuticle remover for too long can be damaging. The cuticles become drier and difficult to push. It may also harm the living skin cells. So, read the instructions on the product carefully, and follow the recommended time frame.
How often should you use cuticle remover?
Ideally, you should use a cuticle remover once a week or every 4 to 7-days. However, do not remove cuticles too frequently as it can cause over-growing. Overgrown cuticles are thick, hard, and cover a larger area of the nails.
What is the main ingredient in cuticle remover?
Different companies indeed have unique, specially designed formulas for their cuticle removers. However, there are two main ingredients used in all products; sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH). These two alkalis help achieve the alkaline nature of these cuticle removers. Hence, their pH value is above 12.
