What is cuticle oil and why use it?
Cuticle oil is exactly what it sounds like: an oil you massage into your cuticles and the skin around your nails to help keep them moisturized. Just like the skin on your hands, your nails can get dry when exposed to the elements, handwashing, sanitizing, etc. While lotions and creams are better than nothing, cuticle oil is one of my favorite tips for pretty nails.
Since I originally wrote this post, Color Street has introduced its own line of hand and nail care products. I’m a big fan of all of it but I still like making my own cuticle oil sometimes.
And it’s really easy.
How do you make cuticle oil?
There are cuticle oil recipes all over the internet. I read through a few and then decided to make my own.
If you’re using essential oils, it’s important to dilute them properly. I found this really handy calculator to help me figure out the ratios to use. I’ve never purchased anything from there, however, and cannot give an opinion on products.
You absolutely do not have to use essential oils, though. A simple carrier oil such as jojoba oil works just fine on its own.
My DIY cuticle oil recipe
I used:
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the oils together in a small glass measuring cup, then transfer the mixture into a clean glass roller-ball bottle or another small container. I’ve also used pens like these in the past. I like having cuticle oil in a pen or roller bottle because they’re easy to keep in the cup holder of my recliner, in my purse, or on my desk at work.
Why these oils?
Jojoba oil is one of my favorite oils for cuticle care because it absorbs nicely without leaving a greasy residue.
I also like sweet almond oil because it contains vitamin E and fatty acids. It’s lightweight, but still feels very moisturizing. If you have allergies to tree nuts, feel free to leave the sweet almond oil out.
The essential oils are completely optional. I chose tea tree, peppermint, and lavender because I like the combination and the way they smell. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip essential oils altogether. “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean an ingredient is irritation-free, and essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people.
Great. I have cuticle oil. Now what?
Use it!
I apply a small amount of oil around my nail, including the skin at the base and sides of the nail. If my nails are long enough, I’ll also apply some underneath the free edge. After applying the oil, massage it into the surrounding skin and nail. If your hands and nails are especially dry, try applying cuticle oil several times throughout the day or before bed.
With that said, don’t apply cuticle oil immediately before polishing your nails or applying Color Street nail strips. Oil left on the nail can interfere with adhesion. If you’re getting ready for a manicure, save the cuticle oil for afterward.
One quick nail anatomy note: what many people call the “cuticle” at the base of the nail is actually the proximal nail fold. The cuticle is the thin layer of dead skin attached to the nail plate.
A few things to keep in mind
If you’re using essential oils, remember that they’re concentrated ingredients. Always dilute them appropriately and avoid getting them in your eyes or using them on irritated or broken skin.
And if you have an ongoing nail problem such as pain, swelling, discoloration, or a suspected infection, DIY cuticle oil isn’t a treatment for that. It’s simply a way to moisturize your nails and the skin around them.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have sensitive skin, or have questions about a particular essential oil, check with your healthcare provider before using it topically.
Disclaimer: I am not a nail technician or medical professional. I am someone who likes pretty nails. This post is based on my personal experience and is not medical advice.
Last updated: August 2026
P.S. Some links in this post are affiliate links. See disclosure here.
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