3 ingredient DIY cuticle oil

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Cuticle oil is the (not-so-secret) secret to healthy nails! Some benefits of regular cuticle oil use include:

• Hydrating and softening the cuticle area, helping to prevent hangnails
• Toughening weak nails and preventing nail breaks
• Massaging the cuticle oil in increases circulation around the nails, which can stimulate nail growth
  

With just a few ingredients, you can make and easily refill your own cuticle oil at home at a lower cost per bottle than purchasing pre-made cuticle oil. 

Here's what you'll need to make this DIY cuticle oil:

1. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil* is similar to the oils our bodies naturally produce. It absorbs quickly into the skin, doesn't leave a sticky or tacky feeling, and helps seal moisture in.

2. Vitamin E oil

Vitamin E oil* may help hydrate the skin and promote healthy nail growth. If you’re allergic to Vitamin E, you can omit this or replace it with another oil such as castor oil* or sweet almond oil*.

3. Essential oils (optional)

Just a few drops of a skin-safe essential oil* can add a nice smell to your DIY cuticle oil. There are plenty of options, and some may have additional benefits for the skin and nails.

I personally like to use peach essential oil since I enjoy the smell and because it may have additional moisturizing and antibacterial benefits. A few other great options include:

• Lime essential oil
• Oregano essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Lemon essential oil
• Rosemary essential oil

4. An empty nail polish bottle or nail oil pen

You can make your cuticle oil in an empty bottle of base or top coat nail polish by using acetone to remove the excess polish, then soap and water clean it. Note: do not attempt to reuse a bottle of gel polish, as any leftover residue from the gel could cause allergies.

Making your cuticle oil in a twistable nail oil pen* is another convenient alternative. The tubes are small and easy to add to any bag on the go so that you remember to apply your cuticle oil throughout the day.

How to make DIY cuticle oil 

In an empty and clean nail polish bottle or nail oil pen, mix about 90% jojoba oil and 10% or less vitamin E oil. Then, add a few drops of a skin-safe essential oil of your choice. Mix or shake well to combine the ingredients. If you've never used these ingredients before, be sure to do a small patch test on the skin before applying the oil to make sure you don't experience any reactions.

Apply the oil to the skin around and under your nails at least twice a day. Make sure to massage it in to the skin to increase circulation and promote nail growth.

Keep in mind that you won’t see results overnight, but with consistent, regular use, you should notice significant improvements in the health of your nails over time.