Dr. Axe > Beauty > Skin Care

Natural DIY Nail Polish with Olive Oil & Vitamin E

By Kyra Oliver

December 23, 2017

(64)

About 2–3 ounces

4 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
3 teaspoons alkanet root powder (for red) or 3 teaspoons ginger root powder (for neutral)
1/2 teaspoon beeswax
3 drops vitamin E oil
1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil

To make, place the olive oil and choice of colored powder in a small pan on low heat. Stir until well-blended. Olive oil helps the polish apply smoothly, but more importantly, it helps strengthen and moisturize the nails. Olive oil can penetrate the skin and nails, providing repair to damaged nails and cuticles. (1)

Now, it is time to add some tint. Alkanet root is known for its ability to act as a natural dyeing agent. It results in a ruby-red color when applied to some natural fibers, wood products, lip balms, lipsticks, varnishes and soaps, in addition to tinting food products such as oils, vinegar and even wine. (2) If you go for a neutral, pale color, ginger root powder is an option that is safe and natural. In fact, ginger helps prevent infections when consumed. You can mix and match the powders a bit to create a pink, too!

Another option not noted above is charcoal. If you want a dark gray color, you can use charcoal powder. Or for a light gray, add a little arrowroot powder to the charcoal powder. This is something you can have fun experimenting with to find just the right shade.

Once you have warmed these ingredients (but not too hot), remove from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the olive oil back into the pan. It should be tinted according to the chosen color or ingredient.

Now, add the beeswax and allow it to melt. Beeswax is also great for eczema and for moisturizing the skin. Then add the jojoba oil. Jojoba oil also moisturizes while helping fight infections. Blend the ingredients by stirring. Allow the mixture to cool.

Apply the polish while still slightly warm (careful not to apply while it is too hot to touch). Using a small, clean brush, apply a thin coat and allow it to dry completely. You can apply another coat if you would like.

For storage, pour the mixture into a clean heat-safe jar or old sterilized nail polish container. You may need a small funnel to do this. To use again, you will need to reheat the mixture. As long as the jar is heat-safe, you can simply reheat by placing it in a pan of warm water.

Don’t stop there — be sure follow up with my DIY Nail Polish Remover when it’s time to remove your polish.

Why Make DIY Nail Polish?

Did you know that most conventional nail polish contains toxic chemicals that can have an impact on your endocrine system? It’s important to learn the facts and read the labels so you can be an informed consumer.

There are a few ingredients that you should be mindful of if choosing to purchase conventional off-the-shelf nail polish or using nail polish at most salons. Also, you need to know that there is some new labeling that you may see noted as “3 free” and “5 free,” which claims they do not contain some of the three to five toxins that many others do. Here are those worst offenders:

Formaldehyde is a gas that may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and skin. (3) (4)
Phthalates make plastics more flexible and may be endocrine disruptors. (5)
Bisphenol A also known as BPA is an endocrine disruptor that can cause issues with the reproductive system and asthma-related problems, though research indicates that it would require a lot to really cause a negative affect. (6)
Toluene is a neurotoxicant, known as a solvent, that may create difficulty with breathing and cause damage to the fetus of anyone who is pregnant. (7)
Triphenyl phosphate, also known as TPHP, may be another endocrine-disruptor. It is a product often used to make plastics and can be found as a fire retardant in foam furniture. The Environmental Working Group, a resource for information on human health and the environment, claims it can be absorbed by the body if using nail polish. (8)

There are other questionable ingredients in many conventional nail polish products, but this gives you an idea of some top offenders. Making a natural DIY nail polish could save you the worry — especially if you are pregnant.