Cuticles removers are a main part of a manicure to remove rough, weird-looking cuticles and get perfect, polished nails. But have you ever wondered how they work?
Harsh chemicals
Two of the most common ingredients used in cuticle removers are Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide. They are both very alkaline (have a high ph) and caustic. These ingredients work by softening and breaking down the dead skin around the nail so that it can be removed gently with a nail knife or orange-wood stick.
Both ingredients can cause irritations and dryness if left on the skin for too long, so it’s important to wash your hands well and thoroughly after using products that contain them. In addition, they are poisonous when ingested so keep them away from small children.
A milder option
Products with Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide are pretty harsh and aggressive, so if you prefer a more gentle alternative, you can get one of the many cuticle removers on the market that use Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) instead. This is a group of substances derived from plants or milk that act as exfoliants.
They break down the glue-like substance that hold skin cells together so that they can be easily pushed away. Although milder than Potassium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide, AHAs can cause irritations too especially in people with sensitive skin.
Do you use a cuticle remover? Do you prefer to use mild ones with AHAs or don’t you mind using harsh chemicals to remove your cuticles?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I do use cuticle remover once in a while, lets say once a month, I just push them and cut extras..I do make sure to wash my hands right after
I’ve always wondered how these work. I haven’t found one that worked well for my cuticles. Is there one that you would recommend Gio?
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I don’t use cuticle remover, they never seem to remove all the gunk and I am not really patient to wait either. I just manual remove it by using a cuticle remover stick and a nipper once in a while.
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I’ve never actually used a cuticle remover myself, but when I get manicures the manicurist always uses one. They sound a little scary, what with the harsh chemicals and all, but I haven’t had any bad experiences. Knock on wood!
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Nikki, like you, I don’t use them too often and wash hands afterwards. Otherwise, they would irritate and dry even more my already dry hands.
Dee, personally I like Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover. It works well and fast, but it contains Potassium Hydroxide so you have to wash your hands carefully afterwards.
Dao, I know what you mean. It’s hard to find one that works really well. I’m too scared to use a nipper though, looks painful.
Rebecca, the chemicals sound scary, but if don’t use them too often and wash your hands afterwards you’ll be fine and they won’t irritate your skin. And if a professional does it for you, then you’re probably in very good hands, so don’t worry about it
I never ever removed my cuticles. Sometimes I push them with the cuticle spatula (?) and that’s it. My cuticles are naturally nice looking and I don’t want to ruin them. I do apply hand cream over them to make them soft prior to pushing them, but that’s it.
I am lucky to have naturally pretty fingernails and cuticles. On the other hand, my toenails are very small and not so pretty (no fungus infection, fortunately, knock on wood, just toenails with a less pretty shape, naturally very curved and prone to ingrown nails).
Tgz, lucky you! I’m jealous ehehe I wish I had good fingernails and cuticles too but my nails are very fragile and break easily and my cuticles look horrible