Anyone wanting daily cuticle and nail hydration — both nail technicians applying it as part of a professional manicure, pedicure, or Shellac/Vinylux service, and consumers using it at home between salon visits to keep cuticles from drying out and cracking. It's a maintenance oil rather than a treatment for an existing nail condition, so it suits general dryness and upkeep rather than damaged or diseased nails.

Cuticles and the nail plate lose moisture much the way skin does, and a light oil blend penetrates that area more readily than a heavier cream would, which is the basic logic behind Solar Oil's formula. CND built it specifically to be compatible with its own Shellac and Vinylux systems, so nail techs can recommend it as ongoing aftercare without worrying it will interfere with gel or polish wear the way a heavier or more occlusive product might. For anyone getting regular gel or polish services, that combination of genuine cuticle conditioning and system compatibility is the practical reason to reach for this rather than a generic hand cream on the nail area.

Apply a small amount daily to the top and underside of each nail and massage into the surrounding cuticle and skin until absorbed. It can be used over CND Shellac or Vinylux as part of daily aftercare, or applied to bare nails as general cuticle maintenance. Check the packaging for the recommended use-by period once the bottle has been opened.

Pros: Uses a short, straightforward oil blend rather than a long list of synthetic conditioning agents, which keeps the formula easy to understand; jojoba oil's fatty-acid profile is close to the skin's own sebum, so it absorbs without feeling heavy; safe to layer under or over CND Shellac and Vinylux without affecting wear; the brush applicator makes daily, targeted cuticle application quick.

Cons: It's an oil, not an occlusive balm or a keratin/protein treatment, so it won't repair already-damaged or split nails on its own; contains added fragrance, which could matter for fragrance-sensitive skin; because it's a light oil rather than a thick butter, people with very dry cuticles may want to pair it with a heavier balm at night.