Cuticle Softener

Cuticle Softeners are chemicals that soften the translucent layer of cuticle skin that resides on our nails plates. Basically any emollient can act as a softener for cuticles since emollients are chemicals that soften skin. Some notable ingredients used in commercial softeners though are urea and quaternary ammonium compounds.

These softeners are not only used to soften the cuticle but to condition it as well. They can be used prior to the cuticle manipulation phase of a pedicure (or manicure) or just to maintain a soft cuticle. The softeners are usually applied by rubbing them directly into the cuticle.

When performing a pedicure though, the cuticles are softened prior to manipulation via the soaking process. After this, the cuticle can be pushed back from the nail plate and excess cuticle skin removed. If desired a softener can also be used after soaking but may not be able to get the cuticles any softer than soaking.

Many lotions and moisturizers can also be used to soften the cuticle. Once they have emollients mixed in with them they will work excellently to soften the cuticles.

Commerical softeners can come in cream, oil or in liquid form. Cuticle creams and oils are often easier to apply than runny liquids.

Link back to the Nail Care Supply page from the Cuticle Softener page