ByKristen Smith, Herbalist & Aromatherapist
This cuticle cream starts with olive oil that’s infused with the soothing herb calendula, making it just right for dry, cracked, or suffering cuticles.
I have a bad habit of picking at my cuticles when they get dry. I think it’s an old nervous habit that pops up from time to time when I’m bored or deep in thought, and when it does, I end up with cuticles in rough shape.
The obvious solution is to quit picking at them. Duh.
The other helpful solution is to keep them soft so that I leave them alone in the first place. While basic lotions can help keep cuticles in good shape,nothing beats a really thick, moisturizing cuticle cream.
This version that I recently created with calendula really does the trick. I think it’ll help protect my poor cuticles from my bad habit the next time boredom or deep thought strikes!
Calendula is the star of this cuticle cream. As mentioned in the previous post, calendula is excellent for wound-healing and is also an effective anti-inflammatory herb.These soothing properties make it a perfect fit for a product designed to help cracked and irritated skin.
Olive oil, beeswax, and shea butter add soothing moisture to the final product, and also give it a great silky, firm texture that stays in place after application.
Sandalwood and Roman chamomile essential oils are added for their skin-benefiting properties. If your essential oil collection is limited, you can never go wrong with lavender.
Calendula Cuticle Cream
Ingredients
- 3 packed Tablespoons dry calendula petals or flower heads
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon shea butter
- 2 Tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 5 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 10 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Mountain Rose Herbs is one of my favoritesources for herbs, essential oils, and bulk skincare ingredients. I also love the Florihana essential oils carried by Tropical Traditions and can recommend herbs from Bulk Herb Store. (These are affiliate links, costing you the same, but supporting this site with a commission. Thanks!)
Instructions
1.Place the calendula in a heat-safe small bowl or measuring cup, then pour the oil over top.
2. Place a folded tea towel or dish cloth at the bottom of a small saucepan. Fill halfway with water, then place the bowl or measuring up in the saucepan. Water should be far from the top of the bowl, so if it is not, remove some water.
3. Turn the stove on to medium low and allow the water to remain hot, but not simmer or boil. This will speed the process of the herb infusing into the oil.
4. Allow the oil to infuse for 3-6 hours, checking the pan periodically to be sure there is still enough water in it. After the oil has infused, allow it to cool.
5. Strain the oil through a sieve lined with a lint-free cloth, squeezing out as much oil as you can.
6. Place the infused oil in a small saucepan with the shea butter and beeswax, and heat over low until thoroughly melted.
7. Allow to cool, then add essential oils. If the cuticle cream starts to harden before the essential oils are added, just gently warm it again so that it is melted.
8. Pour into a small 2 oz. tin, then label and enjoy!
This cuticle cream is especially effective when used after a shower, hand washing dishes, or thoroughly washing your hands. The water moisture on the skin will work with the cuticle cream to really make for soft, healthy cuticles.
5 More Great Recipes with Calendula
Calendula is a common ingredient in many other great skincare products that you can make at home. If this recipe sparked your interest, be sure to check out some of these other recipes.
- SoothingLavender, Calendula, and ChamomileHard Lotion Bars are very similar to this recipe and use other beneficial and healing flowers to make a very soothing bar.
- I always keep this Skin Soother Salve on hand (we call it the green stuff), and calendula is one of the key herbs used.
- Calendula adds to the healing benefits of this Homemade All-Natural Nipple Butter that’s perfect for new nursing moms.
- A simple Calendula Salve is a great home remedy to keep on hand for the whole family.
- This DIY Herbal Healing Balm involves more herbs and ingredients, butit looks like a greatcombination of botanicals.
