This is a cuticle-prep product for anyone with dry, overgrown, or hardened cuticle skin who wants a clean edge before polish, gel, or acrylic application.

CND markets it primarily to professional nail technicians, but it's also sold to experienced at-home users who are comfortable following contact-time and rinse instructions precisely, since the formula is alkaline and works quickly.

Cutting cuticles with nippers or scissors carries a real risk of nicking skin, while this product chemically softens dead tissue first so it lifts away with a gentle push instead of being sliced off — a lower-risk way to prep the nail before polish or enhancements.

1. Apply a small, even amount around the base of each nail, avoiding any broken skin.
2. Let it sit briefly, following the contact time printed on your bottle rather than guessing — timing can vary between packaging runs.
3. Gently push back the softened cuticle with a metal pusher or orangewood stick; avoid aggressive scraping.
4. Rinse thoroughly with soap and warm water right away, since the active ingredient is alkaline and shouldn't be left on skin.

Pros:

• Gel texture stays put on the cuticle instead of spreading onto skin
• Contains aloe vera to help offset the drying effect of the alkaline active ingredient
• Short, simple ingredient list with no added fragrance

Cons:

• Contains sodium hydroxide, so timing and rinsing need to be followed carefully rather than left to guesswork
• Not meant for use on broken, cut, or already-irritated skin
• Sourced directions on exact contact time vary, so first-time users should start conservatively and check their own bottle's label