A cuticle softener or remover loosens the dead cuticle skin stuck to the nail plate, so it can be pushed back and cleaned off with less cutting. M1 Nail & Beauty Supply stocks softeners, removers and gel or cream formulas from Blue Cross, SuperNail, LaPalm, CND, OPI, Chemco, Be Natural, The GelBottle and ONME.
Types of cuticle softener and remover
| Type | Best for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Salon sizes and refills | Busy stations; refill the table bottles from the large sizes. | Blue Cross 32 oz, SuperNail 16 fl oz, Professional Cuticle Softener 16 oz, La Palm 1 Gal |
| Station bottles | One bottle at each manicure table or pedicure chair. | Blue Cross 8 oz, SuperNail 8 fl oz, SuperNail 4 fl oz, La Palm 8 oz, ONME 8 oz |
| Gel and cream formulas | Thicker products that stay put, for overgrown cuticles and pedicures. | CND CuticleAway 6 oz, ProNail Gel Cuticle Remover 16 oz, ProNail Creamy Cuticle Remover 2.5 oz, CND Cuticle Eraser 0.5 oz |
| Small bottles and brand systems | Manicure tables, mobile kits and salons that follow one brand. | OPI Soothe & Remove 50 mL, The GelBottle Cuticle Remover 20 ml, Be Natural Cuticle Eliminator 4 oz |
How to choose a cuticle softener
- Match the job. A softener for every manicure; stronger removers and thick gels for overgrown cuticles and pedicures.
- Gel or cream for control. CND CuticleAway is a thick gel, and ProNail comes as a gel and as a cream, so the product stays on the cuticle instead of running.
- Buy by volume. A 32 oz or 1 gal bottle refills the station bottles; La Palm comes in Honey Pearl, Mandarin Pear and Peach & Aloe Vera scents.
Related: Cuticle oil, Cuticle pushers, Cuticle nippers, Callus remover, All nail treatment
Cuticle softener FAQ
Is a cuticle softener the same as a cuticle remover?
Not quite. A softener conditions the cuticle so it pushes back easily. A remover is stronger and works on the dead tissue stuck to the nail plate, so it should stay off live skin. Many salon bottles, such as SuperNail Cuticle Softener & Remover, are made to do both.
How long should cuticle remover stay on before I push?
Follow the time on the label: removers work quickly and are not meant to sit on the skin. Apply to the cuticle area only, wait the stated time, push back gently, then wash or wipe off every trace.
Do I need to wash off cuticle softener before gel polish?
Yes. Softener, cream or oil left on the nail plate stops the base coat from bonding and is a common cause of lifting. Wash and dry the hands, remove the loosened tissue, then cleanse and dehydrate the nail before the base coat.
Order online for in-store pickup at our Markham, Ontario store, usually ready in 2 to 4 hours, or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada.