Aromatherapy Recipe for Brush-On Cuticle Oil

I am blessed with strong and fast-growing nails. I'm not sure if it's correlated to having strong nails, but my cuticles are a challenge. They'd take over half of the surface of my nail if I let them. I'm exaggerating, but not by much. Wintertime is especially rough on my cuticles, and the skin surrounding my nails becomes tougher.

I love using handmade cuticle balms that are packaged in either small jars or in lip gloss style swivel tubes. There are artisans that make some lovely ones that smell beautiful and work well. The balms, however, can take time to apply and unless I rub the balm in well, it doesn't reach the nooks and crannies between my nails and surrounding skin.

I recently began using a cuticle essential oil blend that I prepare myself and store in a repurposed old nail polish bottle. It does wonders in keeping my cuticles and surrounding skin soft and winter-proofed. At this writing, I haven't yet seen an all-natural cuticle oil, though one might exist... I can make my own, so I haven't actively searched. I have seen brush-on cuticle oils, but they contain synthetics. One mass-market brand also contains alcohol which is drying to the skin.

I prefer packaging in a nail polish bottle, but other packaging and application options include small roll-on bottles or bottles with dropper tops. Either of these methods will still require that you work the oil in more thoroughly than the brush method.

Easy Cuticle Oil Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 fl. ounce cold pressed carrier/vegetable oil
• 5-6 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions

• Add carrier oil to a new nail polish bottle.
• Then add the essential oil. A dropper or pipette can help add the oils to the narrow opening of the nail polish bottle.
• Shake well.

Directions for Use

• Lightly turn the bottle from side to side before each use.
• Brush onto cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails.
• Massage in.
• Apply as often as desired, but discontinue use if you experience any problems. I typically apply it once daily, as needed.
• Bacteria and moisture from your fingers and nails will be transfered onto the brush and into the bottle each time you apply the oil. Because this simple recipe does not contain preservatives, it is recommended that you discard any remaining cuticle oil after 1-2 weeks and replace with a fresh batch.

General Safety Information

These recipes are offered for educational purposes only. Before using any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb's Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young. Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb's Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications.

Do You Want More Essential Oil Recipes and Blends?

Over 800 Recipes!
The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
Author: Valerie Ann Worwood

Over 100 Recipes!
The Heart of Aromatherapy
Author: Andrea Butje

100 Recipes! The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide
Using the Science of Carrier & Essential Oils to Create Natural Personal Care Products
Author: Danielle Sade, BSc, CAHP

Visit AromaWeb's Books area to find details about many other essential oil and aromatherapy books.