Softens dry, hard cuticles in 1–2 minutes so they push back easily, for neater, healthier-looking nails.
- Dual action — urea and potassium hydroxide soften cuticle tissue fast
- Caring ingredients — glycerin and castor oil
- Salon formula — from our professional range
- Professional grade — used in pedicure salons and podiatry practices in 15+ countries
- 3-generation family business from the Netherlands — since 2001, now led by granddaughter Sylke
Choose your option
Healthy-looking nails
Beautiful nails start at the cuticle
The cuticle protects the base of the nail, where new nail grows. Dry, overgrown cuticles crack and cause hangnails, and make nails look neglected.
Soften the cuticle, push it back gently, and nourish it daily with oil. That’s the routine nail professionals use.
What’s inside
Trusted ingredients, and why they’re there
Is it right for you?
Who it’s for
- Dry, hard or overgrown cuticles
- Brittle nails and hangnails
- Hands and feet
- Home manicure and pedicure
- The skin around the nail is infected, red or painful
How to use
Three simple steps
Trusted by professionals
Made for the pedicure salon first
In 2001 our grandfather began developing foot-care formulas for Dutch pedicurists. Today his granddaughter Sylke leads our 3-generation family business from the Netherlands, and salons and podiatry practices in 15+ countries use the same formulas you buy here.
Run a salon or clinic? Professional store → · Our story →
Good to know
Questions people ask us
How long should I leave it on?
1–2 minutes, no longer. Then push back and rinse.
Can I use it on toenails?
Yes, on fingers and toes.
Is this the same product professionals use?
Yes. It’s from the same professional range we supply to pedicure salons and podiatry practices through our B2B store.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Free shipping on orders over €35. See our shipping & returns page for details.
Full product description
Imperial Feet Cuticle Softener gently softens and nourishes dry, hard cuticles, making them easier to push back. Perfect for regular nail care, it helps keep cuticles healthy, neat, and improves the overall look of your nails. Made with caring ingredients like Glycerin to deeply moisturise, Castor Oil to nourish and protect, and gentle plant-based extracts to keep your cuticles soft and smooth. Formulated with both Urea and Potassium Hydroxide. A dual keratolytic approach that softens cuticle tissue faster and more completely than single-active formulas. From the Imperial Feet professional foot care range, trusted since 2001.
Read more about Cuticle Softener
How to Use Cuticle Softener | Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for clean, controlled and effective cuticle care.
Clean & Dry
Clean and dry the affected nails thoroughly.
Apply
Apply the Cuticle Softener directly to the cuticle area.
Wait 1–2 Minutes
Allow the formula to work for 1–2 minutes and no longer.
Gently Push Back
Gently push back the softened cuticle with a cuticle stick.
Rinse & Nourish
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with Imperial Feet Nourishing Cuticle Oil or a moisturiser.
Important Safety Notes
- Do not leave the Cuticle Softener on for longer than 1–2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water immediately after pushing back cuticles.
- Do not use on broken, irritated, inflamed, or infected skin.
- If you experience burning, stinging, or unusual redness, rinse immediately with water.
- If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or any skin condition affecting the feet or hands, consult your doctor or podiatrist before use.
Apply after a foot soak or after washing hands when cuticles are already warm and slightly softened. Warm, moist cuticle tissue responds faster to the keratolytic actives.
This reduces the time needed and the amount of product required. Always follow with Nourishing Cuticle Oil to condition and protect after pushing back.
This Cuticle Softener Is Perfect For
Anyone with hard, overgrown, or thick cuticles that are difficult to push back without pain or tearing.
People who want professional salon-quality cuticle prep at home in just 1–2 minutes.
Home manicure and pedicure enthusiasts who want a complete step-by-step cuticle care routine.
Those using Nourishing Cuticle Oil who want a prep step to support maximum oil absorption.
Nail technicians and professional pedicurists using a podiatrist-approved formula for clients.
Anyone whose cuticles have become overgrown from neglect, cold weather, or frequent hand washing.
Product Specs
Your 3-Step To Perfect Cuticles
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cuticle Softener remove hard overgrown cuticles?
It uses a dual keratolytic formula ..Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) and Urea that chemically dissolves the keratin protein bonds making cuticles hard and overgrown. Apply for 1–2 minutes, then rinse and push back gently. No cutting, no tearing. The combination of KOH and Urea is faster and more effective than either ingredient alone.
How long should I leave the Cuticle Softener on?
Maximum 1–2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water immediately after pushing back cuticles. Do not leave it on longer. Potassium Hydroxide is an active keratolytic ingredient and extended contact increases the risk of skin irritation. If you feel burning or stinging at any point, rinse immediately.
Should I rinse the Cuticle Softener off after use?
Yes, always rinse thoroughly with warm water after pushing back softened cuticles. Follow immediately with Nourishing Cuticle Oil to condition and protect the skin.
How often can I use the Cuticle Softener?
1–2 times per week as part of a regular nail care routine. This is a prep treatment, not a daily moisturiser. Using it too frequently can irritate the cuticle skin. Weekly use with daily Cuticle Oil application is the recommended routine.
Is the Cuticle Softener safe for diabetics?
Consult your doctor or podiatrist before use if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or any skin condition affecting your hands or feet. Do not use broken, inflamed, or infected skin. The active ingredients (KOH and Urea) work through chemical action on the skin. Extra care is needed where circulation or skin healing may be compromised.
Can I use this for a pedicure as well as a manicure?
Yes, this formula works on both fingernail and toenail cuticles. For pedicure use, apply after the Anti-Fungal Foot Soak when toenail cuticles are already warm and softened. The keratolytic actives work faster on pre-softened cuticle tissue.
