Try this DIY cuticle cream recipe for a great way to nourish your dry and ragged nail beds during the winter months and all year round.
During the winter our skin gets very dry. I find that this is more so as I age. Also living in a northern climate means lots of dry heat in our house further aggravating the issue.
So today I'm sharing how I make a simple cuticle balm or cream that you can use on your hands and other dry spots you may have.
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How to Make Cuticle Cream or Balm
Supplies
- Beeswax
- Carrier oil - I'm using fractionated coconut oil (see more options below)
- Essential oils - I used rose geranium, lavender, and lemon
- Small containers - often used for lip balm
- Strong plastic cup
- Measuring spoon
- Something to stir the mixture like a popsicle stick, plastic spoon or chopstick
Note: You can also use a small pot in a double boiler method. Just add a couple of inches of water to your pot and then use a smaller pot or mason jar with the oil and wax set inside to melt them together.
Step1. Combine the beeswax and oil in a sturdy plastic cup.
Step 2. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals stopping to stir the mixture each time. The total time is about 2 minutes. You want to go slow so that you don't melt the cup.
Step 3. Add your essential oils and stir well.
Step 4. Pour the mixture into small containers and let them set to cure.
This will only take about 5 - 10 minutes depending on the air in your home.
If you look closely you can see that my cuticles are very dry.
After rubbing in the cuticle cream they look much better.
At first, it seems a little greasy but you will be surprised at how well it is absorbed in a short while.
And, you can use this cream on other dry spots. I like to rub a little on my elbows which are always dry.
Other Carrier Oils
I chose fractionated coconut oil because it's in an easy to work with liquid form, has a long shelf life, and absorbs well. However, there are many others you can try.
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Olive Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Avocado Oil
Essential Oils
I like essential oils mainly for fragrance but there are many who say they also provide benefits to your skin. For example: I added rose geranium oil which smells great and is said to be good for your skin Lavender is a great all-purpose oil with antibacterial properties. However, you can use what you like or skip them all-together.
This balm should last several months. However, you should keep it away from the sun in a cool, dry place.
And, as you can see. Even a small amount of material results in a dozen filled containers so this easy project also makes a great gift.
More Skin Care Recipes
DIY Cuticle Cream Recipe
Equipment
- 1 plastic cup
- 1 wooden popsicle stick or a chopstick or plastic spoon
- measuring spoon
Materials
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 4 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops rose geranium essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
- Place the beeswax pellets and coconut oil in a sturdy plastic cup.
- Micro for 30 seconds and then stir.
- Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until the wax is melted.
- Add the essential oils and stir.
- Pour the liquid into small containers or tins and allow to cool.
- Cap the containers and keep them in a cool dry place.
Paula Harris
Patti, I made the cuticle cream and it really feels good on the nail beds when it is warm. I only had lemon essential oil but still smells good. Also, I only had paraffin was instead of beeswax. Hoping that works after cooling down. Thanks for the recipe.
Patti Estep
Paula, I have never tried using paraffin. I do think it would work. However, you may find that you need to adjust the amount of wax or oil to get the consistency you like.
Paula Harris
Patti, Mine did turn out hard and I will need to melt it down again in the microwave and add some extra oil to thin it a little. But, it smell wonderful. I did use it once and after it soaked in, it felt really good on the cuticles.
Patti Estep
Different waxes will do that. Adding more oil will fix it and I'm so glad you like the product.