DIY cuticle oil: 5 Simple and Natural Recipes

Cuticles need some love? DIY cuticle oil is the way to go! 

I mean, why use store-bought cuticle oils when you can make your own?

Knocking up a batch of nourishing, natural cuticle oil is so easy – you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it ages ago!

In this post, I’m gonna share my favorite DIY cuticle oil recipes that you can make at home.

I’ve included recipes with a number of different oils and some with and without essential oils.

We’ll also go over some of your most asked cuticle oil-related questions.

Now, let’s get oiled up!

Tips for making DIY cuticle oil

DIY cuticle oil is easy to make and totally customizable.

Here are some tips to help you make the best cuticle oil for your nails:

Use a roller or pen to make application easier

You can buy roller bottles like these  or refillable cuticle oil pens to store and apply the oil. 

Start small:

When making your own cuticle oil, it’s best to start with a small batch. 

This means you can test the oil and make any necessary adjustments before making a larger batch.

Use high-quality ingredients: 

organic pure cruelty free https://nailhow.com/diy-cuticle-oil-recipes/

Always use the best quality ingredients you can find. Look for organic, pure, cold-pressed oils that are cruelty-free certified.

Be cautious with essential oils: 

Essential oils are potent and should be used in small amounts. 

Start with just a few drops, and increase as needed.

Experiment with different oils: 

There are many different oils that you can add to your cuticle oil recipes. 

You should totally experiment with different oils to find the one that works best for you.

Keep it fresh: 

Store your DIY cuticle oil in a clean, dry, and dark place. 

Make sure to use it within 6 months to a year.

Personalize it: 

This is my favorite part!

Make your oil your own by adding a specific essential oil that you love.

You coils also add some dried flowers, or a touch of bling to make it look pretty.

Follow these tips, and you can’t go wrong!

Don’t be afraid to play around with different recipes and ingredients to find the perfect combination for you.

Homemade cuticle oil with coconut oil

diy cuticle coconut oil https://nailhow.com/diy-cuticle-oil-recipes/

Here’s my favorite cuticle oil recipe. It’s made with coconut oil and vitamin E oil.

If you don’t have vitamin E oil, don’t worry. 

The beauty of cuticle oil recipes is that you can always substitute.

This recipe works just as well with Olive oil or Jojoba.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

5 drops of Vitamin E oil (or any other nail-nourishing oil)

4 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

Method:

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into a small container or jar.

Add 5 drops of Vitamin E oil to the coconut oil. 

Vitamin E oil is full of nail-friendly nutrients and is great for strengthening nails.

Pro Tip. Vitamin E oil does have a slight yellowish tint.

If you are using flowers or glitter in your oil, or are making bottles to sell, use it sparingly to avoid it looking too yellow.

If you’re using an essential oil, add 4 drops of it to the mixture.

Personally, I love to add in a few drops of lavender oil. But you can use any essential oil you like.

Tea tree works well because it helps to prevent fungus.

Mix all the ingredients together with a spoon or toothpick.

Once everything is well-mixed, you are ready to use it straight away.

Remember, since this recipe is made with only coconut oil, it will be solid at room temperature and will need to be warmed slightly before use. 

You can store it ta room temperature and use it as needed. 

Also, if you want to make a larger batch, just multiply the ingredients accordingly.

DIY cuticle oil with essential oils

Want to give your cuticle oil a little extra oomph? 

Add some essential oils!

Essential oils are known for their healing properties and can give your cuticle oil a beautiful natural fragrance.

You can add pretty much any essential oil or essential oil blend to your homemade cuticle oil.

Here are some ideas:

  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Lemon
  • Tea Tree
  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosemary
  • Frankincense
  • Sweet Orange
  • Bergamot
  • Ylang-Ylang
  • Sandalwood
  • Patchouli
  • Geranium
  • Clary Sage
  • Cedarwood
  • Lemon Grass
  • Marjoram
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • Neroli

Keep in mind that some essential oils might cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in some people, so it is important to patch test before applying them to your nails and skin.

Also, the concentration of essential oils should be kept low, usually no more than 5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil, in order to avoid any irritation.

Here’s how to make your own DIY cuticle oil with essential oils:

Ingredients:

7 ml of jojoba oil

4 drops of your favorite essential oil 

5 drops of Vitamin E oil 

Method:

Put 7ml of jojoba oil into a small container or jar.

You can buy roller bottles like these  or refillable cuticle oil pens to store and apply the oil. 

Add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil to the jojoba oil.

If you want to give your nails an extra boost of nutrition, add 3 drops of Vitamin E oil.

Shake the bottle gently or stir using a spoon or a toothpick.

Jojoba oil is a light and non-greasy oil that is easily absorbed by the skin.

It is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

You can use this recipe as a guide and experiment with different essential oils to find the one that works best for you.

DIY cuticle oil without essential oils

Here’s a super simple recipe for a homemade DIY cuticle oil that you can make without using any essential oils. 

This recipe is perfect for anyone who may have sensitive skin or allergies to essential oils or who just wants to keep things extra simple.

Here’s what you’ll need:

7 ml of Jojoba Oil

7 ml of Sweet Almond Oil

7 ml of Vitamin E Oil

That’s it! 

Three simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local health food store or online.

To make your cuticle oil, simply mix the ingredients together in a small glass container with a lid. (A small glass dropper bottle works great for this!).

Once the ingredients are well combined, give the bottle a good shake before each use.

To use your cuticle oil, simply apply a small amount to each cuticle and massage it in.

I like to do this at night before bed so that the oil can work its magic while I sleep. 

Diy cuticle oil with Olive Oil

olive oil for cuticles https://nailhow.com/diy-cuticle-oil-recipes/

Olive oil is a great ingredient to use when making your own cuticle oil at home. 

Not only is it readily available, but it’s also packed with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants that can help to nourish and moisturize your cuticles.

Here’s a simple recipe for a DIY cuticle oil using olive oil:

  • One and a half teaspoons of olive oil
  • One-quarter of a teaspoon of avocado oil
  • Half a teaspoon of jojoba oil
  • 5 drops of Vitamin E
  • 6 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 6 drops of peppermint essential oil
  • 6 drops of lemon essential oil

Orange, cinnamon and clove oils also work really well together for this recipe.

Diy cuticle oil with castor oil

Castor oil is a great oil to use for cuticles.

It is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and other beneficial nutrients that can help to strengthen and protect the cuticles. 

Additionally, It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for DIY cuticle oil recipes.

Here’s a super simple recipe for homemade cuticle oil using castor oil:

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon of Castor Oil

1 teaspoon of coconut oil

2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional – or you can use any essential oil you like)

Mix the ingredients together and you’re done. 

Easy right?

Diy cuticle oil with flowers

Adding dried flowers to your cuticle oil recipes is a fun and easy way to customize and make your oils look pretty. 

Dried flowers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, which makes them perfect for adding a touch of elegance and beauty to your cuticle oil. 

They can make a plain-looking oil into an attractive and visually appealing product.

Not only is it a fun way to customize your cuticle oils, but it can also make them more appealing to buyers if you’re selling them.

The addition of dried flowers can give your oils a unique and high-end look, making them stand out.

It can also add value to your product, as it shows that you put in extra effort and care in creating a visually appealing product. 

FAQ’S

What can I use in place of cuticle oil?

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any cuticle oil on hand, don’t worry! 

There are plenty of other things you can use to keep your cuticles healthy and moisturized. Here are a few examples:

  • Jojoba oil
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Castor oil
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Argan oil
  • Vitamin E oil
  • Shea butter 
  • Sunflower oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Hemp seed oil

What is the main ingredient in cuticle oil?

The answer is, it depends!

Cuticle oils can be made with a variety of ingredients, but typically they are made with some type of oil as the main ingredient.

Some popular oils used as the main ingredient in cuticle oils include:

  • Jojoba oil
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Castor oil

These oils are known for their moisturizing properties and are easily absorbed by the skin, making them perfect for nourishing and hydrating the cuticles. 

However, it’s important to note that some cuticle oils may also include other ingredients such as essential oils, vitamins, and minerals to enhance their effectiveness.

Can Vaseline be used as cuticle oil?

The answer is, yes it can! 

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is a heavy moisturizer that can be used to protect and nourish the cuticles. 

Its thick consistency makes it great for providing a barrier against dryness and cracking.

Vaseline can be applied directly to the cuticles, it’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making it a great choice for DIY cuticle oil recipes. 

However, keep in mind that it is not as easily absorbed as other oils.

It’s worth noting that Vaseline is not a natural product, and some people may prefer to use natural oils such as coconut or olive oil, but if you’re in a pinch and all you have is Vaseline, don’t hesitate to use it!

 It’s better than nothing!

Can I use coconut oil instead of cuticle oil?

Absolutely! Coconut oil is a great alternative to cuticle oil. 

It’s rich in fatty acids and vitamins that can help to moisturize and nourish the cuticles.

You can use it on its own or mix it with other oils like Jojoba or Vitamin E.

Can I use olive oil instead of cuticle oil?

Olive oil can be beneficial for your nails and cuticles.

The oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which can help keep nails strong and healthy. 

Applying a small amount of olive oil to your nails and cuticles can help moisturize the skin and nails, which can prevent cracking, splitting, and dryness.

However, it’s important to note that while olive oil can be beneficial for nails, it’s not specifically formulated for nails like cuticle oil is. 

Cuticle oil is specifically designed to nourish and moisturize the cuticles and nails, and it often contains additional ingredients like vitamins and minerals that can strengthen nails.

Is it ok to use cuticle oil every day?

Is daily application of cuticle oil a good idea?

Well, you can actually apply cuticle oil up to twice daily if you want to.

But you may only need to apply once or twice a week.

It all depends on the state of your cuticles.

You should monitor how your nails and cuticles respond to the oil and adjust accordingly.

How do you make cuticle oil for stronger nails? 

When it comes to making your own cuticle oil for stronger nails, one key ingredient to consider adding is vitamin E. 

This powerful antioxidant can help to nourish and strengthen your nails, making them less prone to breaking and splitting.

Here’s a simple recipe that you can try:

Fill a small glass bottle with a carrier oil of your choice (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil are all great options)

Add in a few drops of vitamin E oil.

Shake well to combine the oils.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil if you like

A few drops of Vitamin E oil will help to strengthen and protect your nails from damage.

What is a good natural cuticle softener?

Here’s a list of natural products that can help soften up those cuticles:

  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Sweet Almond Oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Beeswax
  • Shea butter
  • Grapeseed oil
  • Vitamin E oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Castor oil
  • Aloe vera gel

You can always mix these oils together for extra benefits.

What’s the best oil for dry cuticles?

There are several oils that are known to be effective for treating dry cuticles. Some of the best options include:

  • Sweet Almond Oil: It is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, which makes it a great moisturizer for cuticles.
  • Jojoba oil: This oil is similar to the natural oils produced by our skin, making it an effective moisturizer for dry cuticles.
  • Vitamin E oil: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help to moisturize and strengthen the nails and cuticles.
  • Grapeseed oil: This light and non-greasy oil is easily absorbed by the skin and is also rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it a great moisturizer for dry cuticles.
  • Avocado oil: Avocado oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which can help to moisturize and nourish dry cuticles.

These oils are known to be effective moisturizers for dry cuticles, however, it’s important to test them on a small area first to ensure there’s no allergic reaction.

Additionally, using a mixture of different oils can also be beneficial as different oils have different properties that can help to improve the health of your cuticles.

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Author

  • Phoebe Meadows

    Phoebe Meadows is a self-proclaimed nail addict, always on the lookout for the latest trends and techniques. When she's not creating stunning nail designs, you can find her researching the latest nail care products or experimenting with new techniques.