Discover the key differences between CND™ SolarOil™ and LightningOil™ — and why offering both can boost your retail success.
Daily application nail and cuticle oil is one of the most important habits your clients can adopt for long-term nail health — whether they wear enhancements, gel polish, or keep their nails natural. Nail oils help prevent breakage, reduce brittleness and flaking, and nourish dry cuticles. For professionals working with CND™ SHELLAC™ or PLEXIGEL, recommending the right oil isn’t just about aftercare — it’s an essential step in maintaining your clients’ results between appointments.
But with two high-performing nail oils from CND™ — the cult-favorite SolarOil™ and the innovative new LightningOil™ — how do you choose the best option for your client?
Here’s a breakdown of what makes them different and why stocking both is a smart business move for your salon.
Why nail oil matters (for everyone)
Nail oil isn’t just an optional extra — it’s an essential part of healthy nail maintenance for every client. Daily use of a high-quality nail oil delivers both instant and long-term benefits, making it a key tool for professionals and clients alike.
Here’s what consistent use can do:
- Prevent peeling, breakage, and splitting
- Keep cuticles soft, hydrated and healthy
- Hydrating the keratin layers for stronger, flexible nails
- Improve the longevity of gel polish or enhancements
It’s also one of the simplest and most effective retail products to recommend. Clients begin to see and feel the difference in just a few days of regular use, making it easy to build trust, loyalty, and additional revenue in your salon.
CND™ SolarOil™ vs. LightningOil™: The key differences
CND SolarOil - Deep nourishment for dry nails
CND™ SolarOil™ is a long-standing favorite in professional nail care, known for its deeply conditioning properties. With a luxurious blend of jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, rice bran oil, and vitamin E, it’s the ideal choice for clients experiencing dryness, brittleness, or damaged cuticles.
Key ingredients and their benefits:
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Jojoba Oil – Penetrates deeply and helps carry moisture into the nail plate
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Sweet Almond Oil – Softens and soothes dry, rough skin and cuticles
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Rice Bran Oil – Nourishes and supports skin barrier function
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Vitamin E – Offers antioxidant protection and long-lasting hydration
Its rich formula and comforting cherry-almond scent make it perfect for anyone who needs extra nourishment and intensive care.
CND LightningOil - Lightweight hydration in a flash
CND™ LightningOil™ is an innovative, fast-absorbing nail and cuticle oil designed for clients who want intensive moisture—without the heavy feel. Its ultra-light, dry-touch formula delivers deep hydration instantly, making it perfect for daytime use or clients with normal to oily skin types.
Powered by plant-based ingredients and LIGHTNING-FAST ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGY™, it nourishes without leaving behind a greasy finish, keeping nails and cuticles soft, conditioned, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Key ingredients and their benefits:
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Rosehip Oil – Naturally rich in retinoic acid; improves moisture retention and helps restore damaged skin
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Coco-Caprylate – Derived from coconut; provides lightweight, deep hydration with a silky finish
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Rice Bran Oil – Supports skin elasticity and delivers antioxidants for skin barrier support
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Vitamin E – Helps protect against environmental stress and keeps nails and skin supple
PRO TIP: Because it absorbs instantly with a matte, non-greasy finish, LightningOil™ is ideal for photo-ready nails. Use it before snapping pictures of your work—no shine, no residue, just beautifully conditioned nails that let your design shine.
Perfect for daily use in the salon and at home, LightningOil™ is a must-have for maintaining healthy, beautiful nails with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Why you should stock both in your salon
Some clients prefer a dry-touch feel with no residue—ideal for busy days and quick application. Others love a rich, nourishing formula that deeply treats dry nails and cuticles overnight. By offering both CND™ SolarOil™ and LightningOil™, you can cater to every client’s lifestyle, skin type, and texture preference.
PRO TIP: Position SolarOil™ as a nighttime treatment and LightningOil™ as a daytime must-have for the perfect 24/7 nail care routine.
Ready to boost nail health and client satisfaction?
Nail care isn’t an add-on—it’s a foundation for nail health. By educating your clients on its benefits and offering them a tailored option, you empower them to maintain strong, flexible, and beautiful nails between visits. Stocking both SolarOil™ and LightningOil™ ensures you’re ready to meet every need—with confidence