Make Your Own Healing Cuticle Butter

Cracked cuticles must run in the family because my daughter Britta and I are both suffering right now! Winter is particularly brutal for those of us who are susceptible to this malady. But don’t despair…this little jar is here to save the day! I’m excited to share my “Cuticle Butter” with you today, because I know your pain and I’m here to help! :-)

The obvious issue we’re dealing with here when we talk about split and cracked cuticles is lack of moisture. So when I was wracking my brain for ideas for something really moisturizing and nourishing to use, my mind immediately went toย ourย Moisturizing Body Butter, which I love!ย I decided I would base my formula onย the Body Butter, but switch up a few of the ingredients in order to tailor it for nails and cuticles. And I think you’re going to like what I came up with!

Cuticle Butter

Cuticle Butter

Melt the shea butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler over low heat. My “makeshift double boiler” – a bowl over a saucepan – worked just fine.

Once melted, add the jojoba oil, Vitamin E oil, and essential oils and mix well. Lavender is particularly good at soothingย skin irritations and Frankincense promotes the regeneration of healthy cells.

Cuticle Butter

Let the mixture cool for about an hour, or until the top starts to solidify.

mixing

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, mix on high speed until it thickens and achieves a lotion-like consistency.

Cuticle Butter

(If you’re having trouble getting the consistency you want, you can always put it in the fridge for a few minutes to let it set up a bit more, and then try mixing again.)

Cuticle Butter

I had an empty salve jar on hand, so I filled thatย and stored the rest in a small jar. If you have several empty salve jars on hand, this recipe should fill around three 2 ounce jars.ย And a little bit does go a longย way, so this recipe should last you quite a while!

Cuticle Butter

Use the Cuticle Butter as needed for cracks and splits, or use daily as a preventative measure. When you first rub it onto your cuticles it is quite oily, but it does absorb quickly. But if that bothers you, you can always just put it on right before you go to sleep so you don’t have to worry about touching anything with oily fingers. :-)

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Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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43 Comments

  1. Have just made my first batch of cream and it all came together brilliantly. I have dry eczema so will use it straight away after my hands being in water and at night before bed. I have recently – just like every winter – had cracked fingers and thumbs and heals as well. Very painful and sore. I will be trying to apply the cream every time as I dearly want to use something completely natural to repair and prevent further cracks and dry skin issues.

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  2. Can you use almond oil or castor oil in replacement of jojoba?

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  3. Girls could I use Rose Hip Seed oil instead of Frankincense?

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    • Sure! You could also just leave out the Frankincense :-)

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  4. I’m trying this right now. Love your lotion recipe, & have been using it for several yrs. Love using products made with ingredients I know & can pronounce.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. What EO can I use in place of the Frankincense oil? I would love to make this but don’t have any Frankincense. Don’t really want o make it without something with similar properties.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • You can just leave it out! The lavender will work great on it’s own :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. I want to give this a try. I think what some people are missing here is that, yes, there are other products out there that you can buy off of the store shelf, but this is an all natural product. Your body will be absorbing this into your skin. Wouldn’t you like to know exactly what the ingredients are and KNOW that they are safe for you? Most of what you buy off the shelf has ingredients that are mostly chemicals, chemicals that we have no idea of what they actually are.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  7. Any reason this couldn’t be used all over hands? If using more liberally than just on cuticles, would the EO’s need to be reduced to prevent overexposure?
    Thanks Jillee!!

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  8. I’m sure the commercial products mentioned by others work very well, but I prefer to use this all-natural recipe that is very easy to make!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Yes, it would be perfect for that! Just lather some on and put some socks over it while it soaks in :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  9. Is there a less expensive oil that you could recommend in place of the frankincense? I don’t think I have the heart to use 20 drops of frank in any one recipe ;)

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  10. Oh, my goodness. Words cannot explain how wonderful you are!! This blog is amazing. Thank you so much for all of your DIY Health and Beauty. I save hundreds every year! Thank you so much.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  11. I AM SURE THIS “CUTICLE BUTTER” IS VERY GOOD.
    SOMETHING ELSE YOU MIGHT TRY IS AMLACTIN LOTION….MOST DRUGSTORES SELL IT AND COSTCO ALSO STOCKS IT. IT IS AN ALPHA-HYDROXY THERAPY AND IT IS SOMEWHAT OF A MIRACLE CURE FOR DRY SKIN.
    CHECK IT OUT. IT IS SOMEWHAT COSTLY COMPARED TO OTHER LOTIONS, BUT WORTH IT. CHECK IT OUT.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • My dermatologist also highly recommends this product. Good call.

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  12. What kind of Vitamin E oil is that you’re using in the picture? I am tired of squeezing the gelcaps. I tried clicking the link, but what popped up was not the same as that in your picture. Thanks!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • The one in the link should work perfectly, I just couldn’t find the brand that we used on Amazon. But this one looks great!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  13. I’m not sure I like the idea of using my stand or hand held mixer with which I prepare food to mix something like this. I try to keep all that separate from my food prep supplies. Does it have to be whipped?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • The whipping is necessary, it really makes this creamy! I wouldn’t worry about using your hand mixer and just giving it a nice wash afterwards. White vinegar is a great deodorizer, soaking it for a little while will totally get rid of any remaining smells. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I’m very particular about using my food utensils for making these products as well, but you can purchase a hand mixer for fairly cheap. I got mine for $12! :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  14. Do you ever find a problem later after it’s been jarred for a while with the She Butter (I think) and graininess? I have never tried the butter or whipping but have had this happen with salve.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • This particular shea butter has an excellent texture, I’ve never had any problems with it! I highly recommend it :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  15. Looks like a good one. My hands get so dry and cracked in the winter.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  16. looks promising – can’t wait to give it a try!!!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  17. Very nice! My MIL always has TERRIBLE cracked fingers in the winter. I might do a test run on her. : ) Thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  18. Thank The Lord!! My poor hands definitely thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I use BAG BALM…for my cracked and dry cuticles…have been for years…..also have used Hoof Softener…just discovered when using it on my horses hooves…..and NO…it does not make you start nickering…LOL !!….

      ML

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • I use Udderly Smooth Udder Cream, good for my hands, face and all over my body. …it does not make me start Mooooing.

      • How do you think it would work on very dry,calloused and cracked heals. This has never happened before . I have been pitting everything and anything on them at night with socks. Coconut oil,shea butter and vaseline.

      • Kimberly, I haven’t tried Bag Balm, but Udderly Smooth Udder Cream makes miracles to my husband’s cracked heals. 12oz, about $5.

Leave a Comment

43 Comments

  1. Have just made my first batch of cream and it all came together brilliantly. I have dry eczema so will use it straight away after my hands being in water and at night before bed. I have recently – just like every winter – had cracked fingers and thumbs and heals as well. Very painful and sore. I will be trying to apply the cream every time as I dearly want to use something completely natural to repair and prevent further cracks and dry skin issues.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  2. Can you use almond oil or castor oil in replacement of jojoba?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  3. Girls could I use Rose Hip Seed oil instead of Frankincense?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Sure! You could also just leave out the Frankincense :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  4. I’m trying this right now. Love your lotion recipe, & have been using it for several yrs. Love using products made with ingredients I know & can pronounce.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  5. What EO can I use in place of the Frankincense oil? I would love to make this but don’t have any Frankincense. Don’t really want o make it without something with similar properties.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • You can just leave it out! The lavender will work great on it’s own :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  6. I want to give this a try. I think what some people are missing here is that, yes, there are other products out there that you can buy off of the store shelf, but this is an all natural product. Your body will be absorbing this into your skin. Wouldn’t you like to know exactly what the ingredients are and KNOW that they are safe for you? Most of what you buy off the shelf has ingredients that are mostly chemicals, chemicals that we have no idea of what they actually are.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  7. Any reason this couldn’t be used all over hands? If using more liberally than just on cuticles, would the EO’s need to be reduced to prevent overexposure?
    Thanks Jillee!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  8. I’m sure the commercial products mentioned by others work very well, but I prefer to use this all-natural recipe that is very easy to make!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • Yes, it would be perfect for that! Just lather some on and put some socks over it while it soaks in :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  9. Is there a less expensive oil that you could recommend in place of the frankincense? I don’t think I have the heart to use 20 drops of frank in any one recipe ;)

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  10. Oh, my goodness. Words cannot explain how wonderful you are!! This blog is amazing. Thank you so much for all of your DIY Health and Beauty. I save hundreds every year! Thank you so much.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  11. I AM SURE THIS “CUTICLE BUTTER” IS VERY GOOD.
    SOMETHING ELSE YOU MIGHT TRY IS AMLACTIN LOTION….MOST DRUGSTORES SELL IT AND COSTCO ALSO STOCKS IT. IT IS AN ALPHA-HYDROXY THERAPY AND IT IS SOMEWHAT OF A MIRACLE CURE FOR DRY SKIN.
    CHECK IT OUT. IT IS SOMEWHAT COSTLY COMPARED TO OTHER LOTIONS, BUT WORTH IT. CHECK IT OUT.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • My dermatologist also highly recommends this product. Good call.

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  12. What kind of Vitamin E oil is that you’re using in the picture? I am tired of squeezing the gelcaps. I tried clicking the link, but what popped up was not the same as that in your picture. Thanks!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • The one in the link should work perfectly, I just couldn’t find the brand that we used on Amazon. But this one looks great!

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  13. I’m not sure I like the idea of using my stand or hand held mixer with which I prepare food to mix something like this. I try to keep all that separate from my food prep supplies. Does it have to be whipped?

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • The whipping is necessary, it really makes this creamy! I wouldn’t worry about using your hand mixer and just giving it a nice wash afterwards. White vinegar is a great deodorizer, soaking it for a little while will totally get rid of any remaining smells. :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I’m very particular about using my food utensils for making these products as well, but you can purchase a hand mixer for fairly cheap. I got mine for $12! :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  14. Do you ever find a problem later after it’s been jarred for a while with the She Butter (I think) and graininess? I have never tried the butter or whipping but have had this happen with salve.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • This particular shea butter has an excellent texture, I’ve never had any problems with it! I highly recommend it :-)

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  15. Looks like a good one. My hands get so dry and cracked in the winter.

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  16. looks promising – can’t wait to give it a try!!!!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  17. Very nice! My MIL always has TERRIBLE cracked fingers in the winter. I might do a test run on her. : ) Thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
  18. Thank The Lord!! My poor hands definitely thank you!

    Please log in or create a free account to comment.
    • I use BAG BALM…for my cracked and dry cuticles…have been for years…..also have used Hoof Softener…just discovered when using it on my horses hooves…..and NO…it does not make you start nickering…LOL !!….

      ML

      Please log in or create a free account to comment.
      • I use Udderly Smooth Udder Cream, good for my hands, face and all over my body. …it does not make me start Mooooing.

      • How do you think it would work on very dry,calloused and cracked heals. This has never happened before . I have been pitting everything and anything on them at night with socks. Coconut oil,shea butter and vaseline.

      • Kimberly, I haven’t tried Bag Balm, but Udderly Smooth Udder Cream makes miracles to my husband’s cracked heals. 12oz, about $5.