If you’ve ever wondered what cuticles actually do, why yours feel dry or sore, or whether you’re meant to cut them off (spoiler: probably not), you’re not alone. Cuticles are one of those small parts of the body we tend to fuss over, often without really understanding their role.
We’ve written this blog to clear things up.
What are cuticles?
Your cuticles are the thin layer of skin that sits at the base of each nail, where the nail meets the finger (or toe). Their job is simple but important: they form a protective seal between your nail plate and the surrounding skin.
Think of your cuticles as a barrier. They help keep moisture in and stop bacteria, fungi and dirt from getting into the nail bed as the nail grows. When cuticles are healthy, nails tend to be stronger, smoother and less prone to infection.
What is the purpose of cuticles?
Cuticles exist to protect new nail growth. As nails grow out from the nail matrix (the living tissue under the skin), the cuticle seals that area while the nail is forming.
When cuticles are dry, cracked or damaged, that seal weakens: which is why sore cuticles often go hand-in-hand with hangnails, peeling skin and brittle nails.
In short: your cuticles are functional first and foremost and aren’t there to be decorative. Although with the right care, they can and will look lovely whilst also doing their very important job of protecting your nails.
Why are my cuticles dry?
Dry cuticles are incredibly common, especially in colder months. Some of the most common causes include:
- Frequent hand washing or use of alcohol gels (very common since all of the COVID hand washing!)
- Cold weather and central heating as a combination
- Household cleaning products
- Nail varnish removers
- Dehydration/not getting enough water
- Natural skin type (some of us are just drier than others)
Many conventional hand creams don’t really solve the problem because they’re largely water-based. Water evaporates quickly from the skin, which can leave cuticles feeling temporarily soft, then even drier later on.
Cuticles need oils, butters and waxes, not just water.
Should we remove cuticles?
This is one of the most searched questions online, and the answer is usually no.
Cutting or removing cuticles breaks that protective seal we talked about earlier. This can leave the nail bed vulnerable to infection and irritation, even if it looks neat in the short term.
If cuticles are very overgrown or ragged, it’s generally better to soften and care for them, rather than remove them completely. Our delicious Lemon & Orange Cuticle Butter is designed especially for this purpose.
Should you push your cuticles back?
Gently pushing cuticles back can be OK if they’re soft and well moisturised, and if it’s done carefully.
Never force them back when they’re dry or cracked. A gentle massage with a nourishing cuticle butter will naturally encourage cuticles to sit more comfortably without causing more damage or trauma to your skin.
Do cuticles grow back?
Yes. Your cuticles will grow back if you’ve damaged them or cut them back: which is actually another reason cutting them isn’t ideal. Repeated removal can actually make cuticles tougher, drier and more prone to splitting over time. As will most things, they are best left au naturel with a little intervention if needed. We believe that gentle, regular care works far better than regular cutting.
How to care for cuticles (the Neve’s Bees way)
Healthy cuticles come down to consistent, gentle nourishment rather than aggressive treatments. A good cuticle product should do three things:
- Soften dry skin
- Seal in moisture
- Support the nail bed itself
That’s exactly what our Lemon & Orange Cuticle Butter is designed to do.
Why waterless cuticle care works better
Our cuticle butter is completely water-free, which means every ingredient has a job to do. There’s no dilution and no fillers, no added emulsifiers, preservatives and stabilisers, just concentrated nourishment for dry, hardworking hands and nails. It’s rich and buttery, but melts easily into the skin, making it ideal for daily use or as an overnight treatment.
What’s inside (and why it helps)
From rich oils to the hardworking beeswax that nourishes, protects, and soothes your skin. All our oils and butters are sustainably and ethically sourced.
- Beeswax from our bees in West Oxfordshire. Helps seal moisture into the skin and protect cuticles from cracking.
- Organic Sunflower Oil. Naturally rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, great for softening irritated cuticles.
- Apricot Kernel Oil. Absorbs quickly to soothe dry skin and support nail flexibility.
- Organic Shea Butter. Deeply nourishing and ideal for dry, splitting cuticles.
- Natural Vitamin E. Helps protect skin and supports stronger-looking nails.
- Lavender, Lemon and Sweet Orange Essential Oils. Traditionally used to keep nails healthy, promote shine and support nail growth, while giving the butter its fresh, uplifting scent.
- Calendula & Rosemary Oils. Known for their soothing, antibacterial and antifungal properties, perfect for tired, overworked cuticles.
Read more about the natural skincare ingredients we use in our range.
Your new, simple cuticle care routine
We promise you don’t need a ten-step nail routine, despite what you are hearing online. Instead, caring for your cuticles is about gentle, mindful nourishment… and a little more consistency.
- Massage a small amount of cuticle butter into nails and cuticles once a day
- Use after hand washing or before bed
- In winter or during periods of dryness, apply a thicker layer overnight to allow it to soak in whilst you sleep.
That’s it.
In summary: treat your cuticles kindly
Hopefully we’ve convinced you that your cuticles aren’t something to fight or remove, they’re something to care for. When they’re nourished and protected, nails naturally look healthier and feel stronger.
If your cuticles are dry, sore or constantly splitting, it’s often a sign they need less interference and a little more nourishment.
For when you are ready to change your cuticle care to something a little more natural that supports and nourishes your skin, you can find our Lemon & Orange Cuticle Butter here.
Julie Macken
After graduating with a Chemistry Degree and subsequent MBA, Julie spent 25 years 'in corporate life' working in Sales and Marketing for companies including Unilever and GSK. Her 'aha moment' came whilst running a marketing workshop in Brazil persuading South Americans to eat plastic-packed frozen chips instead of fresh potato.
Realising there were more fulfilling ways to utilise her skills, Julie founded Neve's Bees a family skincare business – creating a unique range of waterless skincare, using only natural and sustainable ingredients blended with Oxfordshire beeswax, promoting healthy skin and a healthy eco-system. Following a lifelong passion, Julie is also studying part time for a degree in Traditional Herbal Medicine.
Julie lives in Rural Oxfordshire with her husband, 2 children, 3 cats, 4 hens, 5 beehives, 6-acre wildflower meadow…and Bella the Dog.