Discover how to make cuticle oil with essential oils. Mix carrier and essential oils with hydrating glycerin to create a vitamin and antioxidant-packed superfood for your cuticles and surrounding skin. In this article, explore what your cuticles are, their function in protecting your nails, and how important they are to the health of your nails.
Cuticle care can be contentious. Here, we'll guide you through the best ways to care for them and explain when you should or should not cut them. Arm yourself with a few simple tools to save yourself hundreds of dollars. Indulge your cuticles with luscious vitamin-rich treats at home—beautiful soft hands and stronger nails at a fraction of the price.
Why Look After Your Cuticles?
Cuticles are the layer of skin that runs along the bottom edge of your finger and toenails.
The portion of the nail they cover is called the nail bed, and that is the root of where our nails grow from. Any damage or infection of the nail bed can cause distorted growth in the affected nail.
The function of our cuticles is to protect that nail bed, the roots of the nail, and any new nails forming from bacteria and microbes as they grow out. Since nails are constantly growing, looking after your cuticles is just as important as looking after your nails.
Manicures either include having cuticles cut or the thin layer of transparent skin pushed back, usually with an implement called an orange stick. However, current thinking is that it is better not to cut your cuticles as it increases the risk of cuts, Knicks, and grazes, which can let pathogens in and cause infections.
Also Read: How to Make Perfume with Essential Oils
How to Look After Your Cuticles
Caring for your cuticles should be part of your routine, especially if you do not have regular manicures.
Using an orange stick or a specialized cuticle pusher, carefully and gently push back the excess growth in the cuticles.
If any are cracked or split, take extra care, as the dry skin can easily get caught, snagged, or ripped, increasing the risk of infection. Consider investing in some cuticle cutters.
You should not be doing this too often. Every 7 days is optimal, but once you begin a care routine, your cuticles won't need to be attended to frequently.
It is a reasonably straightforward process to carry out yourself regularly.
Part of your cuticle care routine should be using cuticle oil to protect, feed and nourish your cuticles.
Benefits of Using Cuticle Oil
Cuticle oils target cuticles with as many vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy minerals as possible. Since these are tiny areas, they deliver intense concentrations of nourishment and moisturization. This keeps your cuticles soft, supple, and fit to protect your nail beds.
Cuticle oil with essential oils should be massaged in gently. Combined with the oil, massage improves circulation and stimulates cell growth and regeneration. This action, supported by the carrier oil nutrients, strengthens the nails, thickening them with healthy new cells.
Cuticle oil can also be used after a manicure to protect your nail polish and preserve that lovely shine.
Also Read: How to Make an Essential Oil Necklace
Best Carrier Oils for Cuticle Oil
Most carrier oils are suitable to be used for cuticle oils, but there are three that I recommend most readily. They are all ideal for most skin types.
Jojoba Oil
It is rich in Vitamins E and B that can help to repair the collagen of the nail bed, promoting healthy growth and improving nail strength. It intensely hydrates, trapping natural moisture, and aids the absorption of other ingredients. It is one of the most widely used carrier oils for cuticle care because it is the one closest to naturally produced sebum. The shape of the oil molecules means it absorbs quickly, making them the perfect mode of transport for essential oils.
Rosehip Oil
It has high volumes of Vitamins C and A, perfect for feeding dry, thirsty skin. I choose it when my skin needs super moisturization. It needs to be used in small amounts, about 5% of your total oil volume. Otherwise, it can do the opposite and become quite dry.
Argan Oil
It is a deeply nourishing and moisturizing carrier oil. According to Lin, 2017, it is known to promote skin healing and wound healing with its complex array of valuable nutrients. Brimming with antioxidants, it helps reduce inflammation and skin aging signs. It is a beautiful oil to care for your hands, nails, and cuticles.
TOP TIP: Dealing with a nail fungus? Tamanu carrier oil is an attractive choice because it is antibacterial and antifungal. (Raharivelomanana, 2018)
Best Essential Oils for Cuticle Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil
A fantastic choice to feed, nourish and protect the skin. For your cuticles to protect correctly, they must be strong and supple. Frankincense is renowned for strengthening the skin's tone and improving its elasticity.
Anise Star Essential Oil
It is one of those wonderfully effective antifungal essential oils (Alhajj, 2019) but often passed over for Tea Tree essential oil to care for skin conditions. Star Anise also brings nourishment and moisturization to the skin beautifully.
Rose Geranium Essential Oil
Moisturizing and hydrating the cuticles promotes solid and healthy nail growth. At the same time, its antiseptic and antibacterial properties protect the cuticles and nails from fungus and infections. (Rafiq 2016)
How to Make Cuticle Oil with Essential Oils
Equipment
- Small measuring jug
- Stainless steel spoon or stirrer
- Funnel
- Dark Glass Amber Dropper Bottle
- Label
Ingredients
- Selection of carrier oils
- Selection of essential oils
- Glycerine
- Preservative (optional)
Note: Since these recipes do not include water, it is not imperative to add preservatives. If you do choose to, however, note the manufacturer's instructions. They tend to differ from brand to brand. Especially note how many preservatives to use and when to add them...
Method
- Measure out your chosen carrier oils
- Combine with Glycerine at a ratio of 1:10 (10ml Glycerine to every 100ml carrier oil)
- Carefully measure your essential oils; you want to use 1-4% essential oil content. (Ready reckoner below.)
- Mix everything thoroughly until completely combined
- Using a funnel, pour in dark glass amber dropper bottles.
- Label clearly, annotating each ingredient for safety purposes. Include the instruction Shake Well Before Use.
- Shake well before every use; remember to discharge and recharge the dropper each time with the shaken and mixed cuticle oil.
- Do a 24-hour patch test before using it for the first time.
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1- 4% Essential Oil Content Ready Reckoner Measurements are approximate as viscosity and density of essential oils are variable. Based on 100ml/3.38fl oz of carrier oil (or fluid). |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1% | 2.5% | 5% | 10% | 20% | 50% |
| 1ml | 2.5ml | 5ml | 10ml | 20ml | 50ml |
| 20 drops | 50 drops | 100 drops | 200 drops | 400 drops | 1,000 drops |
| <¼ tsp | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp | 10 tsp |
|
Based on 100ml/3.38fl oz 1%-4% essential oil content to 100ml = 20-80 drops of essential oil. |
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Cuticle Oil with Essential Oils - Professional Recipes and Blends
I had some fun with this, and it has given me the idea to make some of these for gifts this Christmas.
Since my aunt cannot drive to attend her beloved monthly nail appointment, it has been my joy to accompany her each week. We both look forward to having our nails done and catching up on family gossip. I will undoubtedly be popping one of these in her Christmas stocking and reserving one for my own.
I have provided a few recipes and blends, but feel free to change things. Interchange carrier and essential oils to suit yourself. Just ensure you are checking and remaining within the safety data limits.
All recipes and blends are based on creating 100ml/3.38fl oz of cuticle oil with a 1%-4% essential oil content - approximately 20-80 drops of essential oil in 100ml of oil. This will make 5 x 20ml (0.67 fl oz) dropper bottles of excellent cuticle oil.
Let's get to them! You might notice a theme this week.
The Marilyn
Daring, delicious, and sweet. This is The Marilyn, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to feed, nourish and strengthen your skin.
| The Marilyn Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. 40 drops = approx 2% essential oils |
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| 80ml/2.70 fl oz Jojoba Oil | 10ml/0.33 fl oz Rosehip Oil | 10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine | |||
| 10 drops | 5 drops | 10 drops | 5 drops | 5 drops | 5 drops |
|
Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium asperum var roseum) |
German Chamomile Essential Oil (Matricaria chamomilla L.) |
Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) |
Palmarosa Essential Oil (Cymbopogon martinii var Motia) |
Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin) |
Cedarwood Himalayan Essential Oil (Cedrus deodara) |
The Dolly
Well, My Oh My! Just perfection in a dropper bottle expertly curated for a sublime and stunning moisturization performance. Just a perfect drop of loveliness and glitter. Well, it is Dolly!
| The Dolly Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. Not suitable for under 6 years of age. Grapefruit Specific - Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. 31 drops = approx 1.5% essential oils |
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| 40ml/1.35 fl oz Grapeseed Oil | 50ml/1.70 fl oz Jojoba Oil |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine 2 tsp of Edible Glitter or Cosmetic Mica Powder (optional) |
|||
| 2 drops | 10 drops | 2 drops | 10 drops | 5 drops | 2 drops |
|
Star Anise Essential Oil (Illicium verum) |
Cardamon Essential Oil (Elettaria cardamomum) |
Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) |
Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata) |
Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Eucalyptus globulus) |
The Lucy
Sparky and alive, vibrant and zingy. Bring your dry, tired cuticles back to life with this humdinger of a feed for your skin. Full of all the good stuff and a bit more to boot. Lucy will have you laughing to cuticle success.
| The Lucy Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Grapefruit Specific - Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. 44 drops = approx >2% essential oils |
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| 80ml/2.70 fl oz Argan Oil | 10ml/0.33 fl oz Rosehip Oil | 10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine | |||
| 15 drops | 2 drops | 15 drops | 5 drops | 5 drops | 2 drops |
|
Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
Lemongrass Essential Oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) |
Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis L) |
Palo Santo Essential Oil (Bursera graveolens) |
Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia serrata) |
Nutmeg Essential Oil (Myristica fragrans) |
The Grace
Simple yet profoundly elegant, quiet refinement and delicately fragrant. One that gets all the work done behind the scenes for solid performance and lasting impression.
| The Grace Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy. 62 drops = approx .3% essential oils |
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| 50ml/1.70 fl oz Jojoba Oil |
40ml/1.35 fl oz Sweet Almond Oil or Camellia Oil is a wonderful alternative. |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine | |||
| 7 drops | 15 drops | 15 drops | 10 drops | 5 drops | 10 drops |
|
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Cananga odorata) |
Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium asperum var roseum) |
Rose Otto Essential Oil (Rosa damascena) |
Violet Leaf Absolute (Viola ordorata L.) |
Vetiver Essential Oil (Vetiveria zizanoides) |
Sandalwood Amyris Essential Oil (Amyris Balsamifera) |
The Doris
Bright as a summer day, joyous, uplifting, and utterly wholesome. Sing along as you massage this beautifully nourishing oil into your cuticles.
| The Doris Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Grapefruit Specific - Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery. 70 drops = approx 3.5% essential oils |
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| 80ml/2.70 fl oz Coconut MCT Oil |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Rosehip Oil or Sea Buckthorn Oil is a great alternative here |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine | |||
| 20 drops | 20 drops | 5 drops | 10 drops | 5 drops | 10 drops |
|
Grapefruit Essential Oil (Citrus paradisi) |
Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis L) |
Palo Santo Essential Oil (Bursera graveolens) |
Petitgrain Essential Oil (Citrus aurantium ssp) |
Bergamot Essential Oil (Citrus bergamia) |
Cardamom Essential Oil (Elettaria cardamomum) |
The Xena
This one is kick ass for any nasty germs of pathogens that dare come calling. Keep this one in your hand care arsenal; excellent as a preventative too.
| The Xena Cuticle Oil | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safety Data: Not suitable for use in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Not suitable for children under 16. 78 drops = approx <4% essential oils |
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| 80ml/2.70 fl oz Tamanu Oil |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Rosehip Oil or Sea Buckthorn Oil is a great alternative here |
10ml/0.33 fl oz Glycerine | |||
| 30 drops | 20 drops | 10 drops | 10 drops | 5 drops | 3 drops |
|
Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) |
Manuka Essential Oil (Leptospermum scoparium) |
Pink Pepper Essential Oil (Schinus Molle) |
Black Pepper Essential Oil (Piper Nigrum) |
Star Anise Essential Oil (Illicium verum) |
Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus vulgaris) |
How to Apply Cuticle Oil with Essential Oils
Now, this is undoubtedly a case of less is more. You don't need to be dowsing your nails in this cuticle oil. These cuticle oils are super concentrated and contain significant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All blends given are profoundly nourishing and bring astonishing levels of hydration and protection in just one tiny drop.
Just dispense one drop onto each cuticle and spend a moment massaging it at the base of the finger or toenail and then working the oils into the skin at the sides of the nail. Spend a little time working the oil into your bare nail and skin. The massage itself is as vital as the oil. Its action stimulates blood flow and circulation, kickstarting the regeneration of new, healthy skin and nail cells.
If you have just painted your nails, a quick slick also protects that brand-new polish and helps to preserve its shine.
Also Read: How to Make Essential Oil Room Spray
How Long Will Cuticle Oil With Essential Oils Last
The basic recipe here will store for at least three to six months if kept in the dark at a consistent and ambient temperature. The only thing that will go 'off' is if the carrier oil turns rancid, which you will smell as soon as you open the bottle. If that happens, discard and make a new batch.
If you have added a preservative, be guided by the manufacturer's recommendations, as they differ.
Safety Using Cuticle Oil With Essential Oils
Remember that your cuticles play a vital role in protecting your fingernails from bacteria, microbes, fungi, and other pathogens. Looking after them is critical to your nail health.
Avoid cutting your cuticles if you can help, but there may be occasions where they are split or cracked, and you need to prevent snagging and ripping the skin further. Cut with care, do not cut too deeply, and only cut what you need.
When pushing your cuticles back, only use an implement that is intended for that use. While you can buy metal implements, they seem too harsh for me. I advocate using either an orange stick or a silicon cuticle pusher.
Only use a small amount of cuticle oil to avoid overdrying the skin.
Oil of any kind can stain, so keep the cuticle oil away from your clothes until it is fully absorbed.
As with all projects containing essential oils, when designing and producing your own blends, ensure you know your safety data and stay within the recommended guidelines.
Always do a 24-hour patch before using it for the first time.
List the ingredients clearly on the label, especially in the case of accidental ingestion; it could be critical.
Also Read: How to Make Night Cream with Essential Oils
Final Thought
Who would have thought that a tiny strip of skin sitting at your nail bed was crucial to healthy nail growth and development?
Now that you know how vital you care for it, you will be racing to make one of these cuticle oils.
Take control of your natural skincare and use simple ingredients to create a skin superfood for your precious cuticles.
Whom will you choose to protect and nourish your cuticles? Are you a Dolly girl, or is Lucy more your bag? Just know that when you need Xena, she will hit home for you and kick those nasties in the ass. Whomever you choose will make your cuticles fit for the silver screen in no time.
What are you waiting for? Go and get your glam on and experiment with how to make cuticle oil with essential oils.
Also Read: How to Make Face Serum with Essential Oils
