Fill a refillable nail oil pen with 5 ml of jojoba oil and add 2 drops each of lavender and frankincense essential oil. Twist the pen until the oil reaches the brush, then gently apply it around each nail and massage it into the cuticles. Jojoba closely resembles the skin's natural oils, making it an excellent choice for dry summer hands and cuticles.
Summer is wonderful for sunshine, beach days, and outdoor adventures, but it can be surprisingly tough on your hands. Between frequent hand washing, swimming, gardening, air conditioning, and time in the sun, it's easy for cuticles to become dry and nails to lose their healthy appearance.
I've noticed that while most people remember to carry lip balm or sunscreen, cuticle care is often forgotten until the skin around the nails starts looking rough. The good news is that it doesn't take an elaborate routine to keep your hands looking neat. One small refillable nail oil pen can make daily care incredibly easy.
A DIY cuticle oil pen fits into your purse, desk drawer, travel bag, or even your pocket, making it simple to moisturize your cuticles whenever they need a little extra attention. Better yet, you can customize the blend with carrier oils and essential oils you already love.
If you're looking for a practical project that supports your summer self-care routine, this homemade cuticle oil is one you'll likely keep refilling all season long.
Why a DIY Cuticle Oil Pen Is Perfect for Summer
Summer can expose your hands to conditions that gradually dry out the skin around your nails. Chlorinated pools, salty ocean water, gardening, frequent hand washing, and even air-conditioned offices can all leave cuticles looking dehydrated.
That's exactly why I like using a refillable oil pen instead of a traditional bottle. It's convenient enough that I actually remember to use it. A quick application while answering emails, sitting in traffic, or relaxing in the evening only takes a few seconds.
Another benefit is freshness. Since you're making the blend yourself, you know exactly what's inside and can prepare small batches that stay fresh throughout the season.
A refillable pen also helps minimize waste compared to repeatedly buying single-use products, making it a practical addition to a more mindful beauty routine.
Which Oils Are Best for Nails and Cuticles?
Choosing the right ingredients is what makes a homemade cuticle oil feel luxurious while remaining simple to make. I usually start with one nourishing carrier oil and then add a few essential oils that complement the blend beautifully.
Jojoba Oil
If I had to recommend only one carrier oil for a cuticle pen, jojoba would be my first choice.
Although commonly called an oil, jojoba is technically a liquid wax that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. Because of this, it absorbs comfortably without leaving an overly greasy finish, making it especially pleasant during warmer months.
It's also lightweight enough for frequent applications throughout the day.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has a silky texture that leaves hands feeling soft and conditioned. It blends beautifully with jojoba and is an excellent option if you enjoy a richer finish without feeling heavy.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Lightweight and stable, this is a wonderful all-purpose oil to have around for just about anything. It will glide nicely and is a good fit for those reusable pens for a smooth texture.
Essential Oils for Nails and Cuticles
When choosing essential oils for nails and cuticles, I prefer simple combinations that smell fresh without becoming overwhelming.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender imparts clean and sweet floral notes that marry nicely with carrier oils. Lavender is one of my favorites since it seems to go well with just about everything and make for a restful diffusion, too. (And when I make rollers, too!)
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense adds warmth and its rich, resinous aroma comes across as refined, without being overwhelming. It actually pairs so wonderfully with lavender and is a lovely oil to round out a more upscale feel.
Lemon Essential Oil
Adding a touch of Lemon Essential Oil brings out a bright, clean scent perfect during the summer’s heat. Be sure to follow the safety guidance for your specific lemon EO (if it’s steam-distilled it doesn’t typically need those restrictions). Cold-pressed lemon EO can also work and is popular in many leave-on blend applications.
My Favorite Combination
Over the years I’ve tried so many different combinations of cuticle oil recipes, but I keep going back to jojoba with lavender and frankincense oil. This combination feels light, melts into my nails beautifully, and smells naturally clean and pleasant, no fruity or artificial scent involved. It’s a recipe that is simple enough that you can truly start working it into your every day.
Best Oils at a Glance
| Oil | Why It's a Good Choice | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba Oil | Closely resembles the skin's natural oils and absorbs quickly | Everyday cuticle care |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Rich yet lightweight | Dry hands and cuticles |
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Smooth texture and excellent stability | Travel-friendly oil pens |
| Lavender Essential Oil | Fresh, calming aroma | Daily use |
| Frankincense Essential Oil | Warm, sophisticated scent | Evening nail care |
| Lemon Essential Oil | Bright, refreshing fragrance | Summer-inspired blends |
Now that you've chosen your ingredients, it's time for the fun part: making your own DIY nail oil. The recipe couldn't be simpler, and once you've filled your first pen, you'll see why so many people prefer this portable alternative to traditional bottles.
DIY Cuticle Oil Recipe with Essential Oils
Making your own DIY cuticle oil is easier than you might think. You only need a few things and a refillable nail oil pen can become a nutrient-dense wonder whenever your hands need pampering.
This recipe makes enough to fill one 5 ml cuticle oil pen.
Ingredients
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5 ml jojoba oil
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2 drops lavender essential oil
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2 drops frankincense essential oil
Optional: Add 1 drop of steam-distilled lemon essential oil if you'd like a brighter, citrus-inspired aroma.
Why This Ratio Works
A small amount of essential oil goes a long way. Using four to five drops of essential oil in 5 ml of carrier oil creates a well-balanced blend that's suitable for everyday cosmetic use while allowing the jojoba oil to remain the star of the recipe.
If you're new to making cuticle oil recipes with essential oils, it's always a good idea to start simple. Once you’ve landed on a mix that works well for you, you could play around with various different carrier oils or scents that enhance each other’s qualities.
How to Make a Cuticle Oil Pen
Once you've gathered your ingredients, assembling your DIY cuticle oil pen only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Blend
Pour the jojoba oil into a small mixing cup or glass beaker.
Next add the lavender and frankincense essential oils, then carefully stir again with the same clean stirring rod or with a pipette (which can also be disposable).
Step 2: Fill the Pen
Using a small funnel or pipette, carefully transfer the oil blend into your empty refillable nail oil pen.
Leave a small amount of space at the top rather than filling it completely. This helps prevent spills when assembling the pen.
Step 3: Assemble the Applicator
Holding on to the tip of the brush, gently roll the bottom part of the pen around until oil starts soaking into the bristles.
For the very first time, you’ll have to twist it a few extra times for the solution to absorb by the applicator.
Step 4: You're Ready to Go
Your homemade cuticle oil pen is now ready to carry wherever you need it. Keep one at your desk, another in your handbag, or pack one for summer travel so hydration is always within reach.
How to Fill a Nail Oil Pen Again
One of the biggest advantages of using a refillable pen is that you can reuse it again and again.
When your pen is empty:
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Remove the brush or cartridge according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Wash the empty reservoir with warm, soapy water if recommended by the manufacturer.
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Allow every part to dry completely.
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Prepare a fresh batch of your cuticle oil.
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Refill the reservoir using a pipette or small funnel.
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Reassemble the pen and twist until the oil reaches the brush.
Cleaning the pen before each refill helps keep the blend fresh and prevents residue from building up over time.
How Often Should You Use Cuticle Oil?
Consistency makes the biggest difference.
Rather than applying a large amount once a week, I prefer using a small amount every day. Since the pen is portable, it's easy to work into a routine.
Some of my favorite times to apply it include:
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After washing my hands
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Before bed
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Following a manicure
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After gardening or spending time outdoors
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While traveling
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Whenever my hands feel dry from air conditioning
Simply brush the oil around each nail, then massage it into the cuticle and surrounding skin for a few seconds.
Can a DIY Cuticle Oil Help Brittle Nails?
Keeping the skin around your nails moisturized can help your hands look healthier and feel more comfortable, especially during the dry summer months.
While a cosmetic cuticle oil isn't intended to treat nail conditions or change how your nails grow, regular use can help support a well-maintained manicure by conditioning the surrounding skin and helping reduce the appearance of dry, rough cuticles.
It's why I keep an empty, refillable pen around. A little and often is much better than going the other way and trying to heal some seriously uncomfortable dry skin.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps preserve the quality of your homemade blend.
For the best results:
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Keep out of the sun.
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When storing; close the cap securely.
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Don’t leave it in a hot vehicle in the summer.
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Make little batches that you can use up in a month or two.
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If the aroma or appearance changes noticeably, prepare a fresh blend.
Making smaller batches also gives you the opportunity to experiment with new essential oil combinations throughout the year.
Safety Tips
Although this recipe is simple, a few basic precautions go a long way.
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Remember to always use any blend in a carrier oil on your skin.
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Always patch tests before trying a new blend.
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Do not use any irritated or broken skin.
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Wash your hands after filling to avoid contact with your eyes.
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Follow the safety recommendations provided with each essential oil, particularly for citrus oils that may have sun exposure considerations.
Final Thoughts
The projects that are the most useful in your life are often the ones that are the simplest.
The reason why this DIY cuticle oil pen falls into that category is that only a few quality ingredients can add up and turn into a daily essential in no time. All of these reasons combine to make this tool portable, refillable, easy to customize, and only take five minutes to construct.
I have one that I keep in my laptop and one in my travel bag because it makes such a difference.
When I feel like my hands need a touch-up and I've been at my desk or just arrived back from out of town (or if I'm flying to my destination), a swipe around my cuticles can help my hands
