What Is the Best Natural Oil For Hands?

Nails aren’t the easiest to keep fresh. That’s why so many people out there search out the best natural beauty products to keep their hands looking their best for a long time — and that includes making sure they’re protected from harmful chemicals. One thing everyone does agree on, though, is that the best way to keep your hands healthy is to use oil. No matter what your skin type is, sometimes it just doesn’t respond well to regular oil-based moisturizers. Lighter-weight makeup, in general, and try out oils that are sulfate and paraben-free, as these types of products have higher levels of oleic acids, which may have more beneficial impacts on your hands.

Getting started can be challenging when it comes to choosing oils, so read on for expert tips and tricks to help you find the best option for your skin tone.

Which types of oils will work?

Whether your hands are straight, curved, or colored in a fluorescent shade, there are probably some oils that will work best for you. “If you are chapped, it is always good to get an oil that you feel is good for the skin and won’t dry out,” says Cari Grace, CEO of Cari-Mint ($4). “For men, coconut oil is a great option.”

Dark and light nail polish can also hinder the effectiveness of a bright-oil serum. “I prefer to use products with more moisturizing power,” Grace says. “This includes our INKMAC Daily Tinted Moisturizer ($26), which has a deep-freeze moisturizer as well as a brightening mist.”

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Neha Prakash

Try using a good primer before you apply your favorite oil. If you have particularly dry hands, or your skin is particularly cracked, choose one that is sulfate- and paraben-free. “You don’t need one per se, but some oils will dry out your skin faster and others are not super moisturizing, so you don’t want to have to layer up,” Grace says. “For example, if you have a mixed skin tone, I suggest trying a jumbo-sized bottle of Lab Series Orchid Wrap Natural Hydrating Moisturizer with Serum ($70). This will give you an amazing night’s sleep.”

Try a lighter-weight product if you do have a heavily cracked skin tone. “You can use product with one or two drops of water or simply a plain old cleanser to exfoliate,” Grace says. “If you aren’t very confident in your abilities with the new product, you can try a spliff,” she says, pointing to the solution at left, which contains jojoba and water as well as coconut oil. “When you don’t like the thick texture, just try a plain-old water cleanser as well.”

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Heather Barnett

Tricky part about natural oils: how do you spread?

At the end of the day, not every layer of your skin should be covered, so make sure to pick the right one if you have the guts to do it. Keep the layers of your oils in line by spreading them evenly down your hands. Here’s how to do it: