17 Best Cuticle Removers and Tools

Expert: Ekaterina Alekseevna Savitskaya

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Hands are often visible, so it is important to keep your nails well-groomed. Manicure in this case is a must. But not every woman pampers herself by visiting salons. Therefore, you have to resort to means that make it easy to get your nails in order yourself. Our article will help you decide on the choice of cosmetic products and tools.

Expertology experts took into account reviews from experienced professionals and users, ranking the 17 best cuticle removers and tools.

What to look for when choosing cuticle removal products and tools

1. Kinds
   . Products for removing cuticles are divided into groups: removers (liquid products that, due to special components in the composition, dissolve the cuticle), gels (similar in action to removers), oils (soften slightly neglected cuticles, allowing them to be pushed back painlessly, moisturize the nail plate, and also the skin around), pencils (have a composition similar to a remover or gel, but are more convenient to use due to the release form). It’s worth choosing a product that will solve your problems. For example, if you have dry cuticles, you should pay attention to oil, and if there are strong skin growths, you should pay attention to remover or gel. If you have to go on a trip, then opt for a pencil.
2. Compound.
   In terms of composition, the products are: acidic (contain lactic, fruit and other acids), alkaline (used to remove rough cuticles), mineral (delicately act, nourish the skin with microelements, therefore used to maintain a manicure) and oil (soften dry cuticles due to caring natural ingredients). Be careful only with alkaline ones so as not to harm the nail plate. Use alkali products only in rare cases when you need to remove severely neglected cuticles.
3. Ease of use.
   The packaging is responsible for this parameter. It is more convenient to apply the oil composition with a brush, so such products are produced in bottles that resemble nail polish. It is important to control the amount of remover and gel in order to apply it in a narrow strip to the cuticle, which means an elongated, pointed nose with a tiny hole is required. A pencil is similar to a felt-tip pen with a hard, beveled rod, much less often - with a brush.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of a cuticle trimmer include such characteristics as ease of use and affordable price compared to other manicure devices. You just need to follow safety rules when working.

If you are not careful, there is a risk of injury. Usually injured by a new trimmer. It is also necessary to sharpen regularly, but due to the low cost, the device is easily replaced with a new one.

Rating of the best cuticle removers

The best liquid removers for removing cuticles

CND Cuticle Away

Rating: 4.9

In first place is a professional product that makes it easy to do a European manicure. The product contains a twenty percent alkaline solution, which allows you to quickly dissolve even dry cuticles. Aloe vera extract has an anti-inflammatory and softening effect. The jelly-like consistency allows you to use the product economically. The manufacturer indicates that after the procedure you should remove any remaining remover with a damp cloth or wash your hands with water.

Advantages

• easily dissolves cuticle;
• large volume – 177 ml;
• softens and moisturizes;
• quick impact;
• acceptable cost - 890 rub.

Flaws

• not found.

Analogs

There are many devices that remove cuticles. These devices with a trimmer must be present in the manicure set. Sticks are effective for removing cuticles. Orange sticks are used for European manicure. In this procedure, to remove the skin, a special product is applied to the nail to soften the skin, and then it is easily removed with a miracle stick.

Special scissors are also used. They can have straight or rounded edges. Which one to choose depends on your desire.

A spatula is used to push back the cuticle before cutting. Nowadays there are trimmers that have a point at one end for trimming the inner surface of the nail, and at the other end a stick for moving it away. This device is convenient because it easily performs 2 tasks. And the manicure device costs less compared to purchasing a trimmer and spatula separately.

A bar is a must have in every manicure set. This is a saw stone in the form of a bar made of compressed aluminum oxide and porcelain. This bar easily removes cuticles after treatment with a softening agent.

Thus, cuticle trimmers are necessary devices for performing a high-quality manicure. You just need to use them correctly, and then your nails will always look healthy and neat.

The best gels for removing cuticles

ARAVIA Professional "Cuticle Remover"

Rating: 4.9

In first place is a Russian-made gel containing active plant ingredients that soften and remove the cuticle. The product contains D-panthenol and glycerin, which have a moisturizing and softening effect, as well as chamomile and green tea extract for a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. Active components quickly but delicately soften the cuticle, allowing you to gently remove it from the nail plate.

Advantages

• exfoliating effect;
• large volume – 100 ml;
• suitable for professional use;
• prevents skin growth on the nail;
• nourishes and softens the skin;
• has a regenerating effect;
• price availability - 450 rub.

Flaws

• not found.

Cuticleer

Rating: 4.8

The second line goes to the gel, suitable not only for manicure, but also for pedicure. The product contains sodium hydroxide and fruit acids that dissolve the cuticle, as well as urea, which copes with rough areas of the skin. Glycerin and a complex of plant extracts care for the skin and nail plate, maintaining a healthy and well-groomed appearance. Users consider the product to be the best in terms of price and quality.

Advantages

• slows down cuticle growth;
• has a gentle effect;
• exfoliating effect;
• price availability - 100 rubles per 10 ml.

Flaws

• not found.

Features of using an orange stick

The most commonly used manicure tool is the orange stick. It owes its name to the material from which it is made. The orange tree is famous for its excellent antiseptic properties. Its wood has a soft but very dense structure, so the manicure stick does not delaminate and does not damage the nails. It absorbs moisture quite well, so the tool is disposable, because a humid environment is an ideal place for bacteria.

Both ends of the orange stick are flat, but one of them is sharpened more and the other less. If desired, the angle of inclination can be adjusted with a regular coarse abrasive file. The orange stick comes in different lengths, ranging from 9-18 cm, and thickness, averaging 3-5 mm. There are specimens with rubber tips, but their benefits for nails are significantly lower. In the photo you can see examples of orange manicure sticks.

Looking at a simple tool, the question immediately arises about how to use it. The sharp tip of an orange stick perfectly cleanses the area under the nail from dirt. To push back the cuticle, the blunt edge of the tool is most often used. After steaming or applying a special product with an orange stick, you can completely remove dead pieces of skin. In addition, the pointed edge is very convenient for removing softened gel and acrylic coating after extensions. As a handy tool, an orange stick is used when applying rhinestones, glitter and other decorative elements to nails.

Best oils for cuticle removal

El Corazon Bali Spa Oil

Rating: 4.9

In first place is oil with coenzyme Q10, lenthian, amino acids and B vitamins. The product also contains Chinese buscus and mint oil, trace elements, immunomodulating polysaccharides, enzymes, D-panthenol. Active substances allow you to effectively and gently soften the cuticle so that you can easily move it away from the nail plate. The product allows you to do an express manicure. It can also be used to give your nails a well-groomed appearance after the procedure.

Advantages

• heals small cuts;
• gives a long-term effect;
• has a pleasant aroma;
• strengthens the nail plate;
• prevents the formation of hangnails and cuticle growth;
• reasonable cost - 210 rubles for 15 ml.

Flaws

• not found.

El Corazon Perfect nails Cuticle Oil No. 405

Rating: 4.8

On the second line is an oil specially designed for dry cuticles. Contains mineral oils. Has a therapeutic effect, restoring and nourishing the skin around the nail plate. Softens keratinized areas, moisturizes, eliminates flaking and heals small wounds. Users note that the oil only softens the cuticle without dissolving it. This is enough for a manicure procedure, since after using the product the cuticle easily moves off the nail plate.

Advantages

• slows down the growth of the cuticle, making it thinner;
• economical consumption;
• has a pleasant aroma;
• accelerates nail growth;
• price availability - 180 rubles for 16 ml.

Flaws

• not found.

Instructions for use

Before you start treating the skin around your nails with this tool, you need to carefully prepare it. Step-by-step instructions for using a nail trimmer will help facilitate and speed up the procedure:

1. Pour hot soapy water into any container, dip your fingers in there and leave for 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the cuticle to gently remove dead parts.
2. Wipe your hands dry and use a spatula to lift the skin away from the plate. The instrument must first be treated with alcohol or another antibacterial agent.
3. There should be no inflammation or open wounds on the skin. Place the trimmer on one side of the cuticle parallel to the plate and, using gentle movements, cut it along its entire length. Do the procedure with all fingers.
4. After treatment, the skin must be disinfected with alcohol. You can begin applying the decorative coating.
5. The manicure should be completed with a massage with a special oil to slow down the growth of the cuticle and moisturize.

If you follow all the recommendations for using a nail trimmer, the procedure for removing skin in this area will not take a lot of time and effort. It is very important to choose a high-quality sharp instrument, but when working with it, movements should be as careful as possible so as not to damage other areas and not lead to the development of infections.

The best pencil for removing cuticles

L'Action Cuticle Pen

Rating: 4.9

In first place is a pencil, which, due to its softening, makes it easy to remove the cuticle. Contains hypoallergenic and natural ingredients such as almond and avocado oil. After application, the skin is deeply moisturized, so the cuticle moves off the nail plate quite easily. The substances have a caring effect, returning your hands to a well-groomed and neat appearance. You can use the product several times a day as needed.

Advantages

• the special shape of the cap allows you to push back the cuticle;
• convenient to take on the road;

Flaws

• small volume – 4 ml;
• relatively expensive, considering the small volume - 350 rubles.

Why do you need a cuticle trimmer?

A trimmer is a special device, using which it is possible to easily remove keratinized epidermis, as well as cuticles and hangnails. It also has another name - sharp teeth. The device received this name because of its two teeth, slightly pointing upward in the shape of the letter V.

Often one end of the device is equipped with a spatula for moving the cuticle from the nail area. In the salon, the device can be presented in the form of a cuticle remover. It could be a Fraser with attachments. A variety of materials can be used to make cutters:

• Diamond;
• Silicone carbide;
• Carbide;
• Hard alloys.

Attachments rotating around their axis, depending on their purpose, can remove cuticles and keratinized epidermis and polish nails. The European version involves eliminating the cuticle, using all kinds of chemicals that can simply dissolve it.