Ingredient Focus: Botanical Oils Effective nail nourishing ingredients

Natural botanical oils are often used in cosmetic formulation as they provide a variety of benefits to the skin, nails and hair. These oils are firstly known for their moisturizing properties because of their rich concentration of omega 3,6, and 9 fatty acids which are an essential component of the skin’s lipid layer. The fatty acids help to soften and smooth skin and nail layers by filling the gaps between the cells, which reduces roughness and forms a protective barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss and lock in moisture, keeping nails from getting dry, brittle and being prone to breakage. Botanical oils are also rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that all act to increase strength, growth and production of keratin, which is the basic building block of nails and hair. Vitamins like vitamin E, which are found naturally in botanical oils, act as antioxidants, which protect against oxidative stress and damage from either internal or external factors that we encounter every day. These incredible plant-powered oils help to improve the overall health and appearance of skin and nail fibers, while fundamentally working to protect, strengthen and grow them!

Discover more about the oils Manucurist uses in our products to offer functional, high-quality formulas that support healthy nails and hands.

Great for soothing and healing dry, cracked skin, Sweet Almond oil is rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc , which strengthens the nail plate, provides antifungal protection, and promotes healthy growth by supporting keratin production, as well as, potassium which can prevent damage by increasing nail flexibility, and promote healthy circulation, which is essential in the delivery of nutrients to the nail bed. Potassium is also considered an Find it in Manucurist’s Active Glow, Green Oil, and Green™ Acetone-Free Nourishing Remover.

Featured in our Universal Rose Balm for hands, lips and nails, Hand Creams, and 5.5 Base Coat Treatment, sunflower oil is rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid that helps to moisturize and nourish skin. It also helps to protect from free-radical damage by containing high amounts of Vitamin E , a powerful antioxidant. Finally, it offers anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. When used on the nails, they become stronger and are protected against becoming dry and brittle.

This oil comes from the Kukui Nut which grows on the Kukui Tree (Candlenut Tree) that is native to Hawaii. This is the same tree that produces the blossoms typically used for Hawaiian leis which are very significant to Hawiaan culture as they are seen to provide renewal, protection and enlightenment. This oil provides a plethora of benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, softening, soothing, deep hydration, and prevention of transepidermal water loss. Manucurist uses this amazing active in our best-selling Green Oil to soothe and soften cuticles, and protect nail fibers. 

The seeds of passion fruits provide this precious oil that offers a plethora of benefits to the skin and nails. This oil is particularly concentrated with linoleic acid (Omega-6) and oleic acid (Omega-9), which help to moisturize without clogging pores. It also is high in antioxidants like vitamin C as well as flavonoids, which are a group of plant compounds found in vegetables, grains, fruits, tea and certain herbs. These antioxidants protect the nail fibers and skin cells against damage, helping to improve their strength and longevity. Passion fruit oil is also loved for its anti-inflammatory, nourishing, brightening, and regenerative properties. It is featured in Manucurist’s Green Oil, where it helps to form a protective barrier on the nails and surrounding cuticle skin, shielding from environmental stressors and locking in moisture. 

Extracted from the Baobab tree, referred to as the “Tree of life” in the African continent due to its over 300 life sustaining uses of its bark and fruit, Baobab oil is packed full of vitamins and omega-3s which can help provide moisture, protection and revitalization. This old has many uses in the beauty world including treating eczema & dandruff, dulling dark spots, fighting free-radical damage, increasing collagen, and improving skin barrier functions. Most importantly for the Green Oil, it strengthens nail keratin fibers and has the ability to heal cracked and dry nails due to its high levels of protein and calcium. 

High in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, walnut oil features anti-inflammatory properties and is known to revitalize skin and nail fibers leaving them nourished and hydrated. Find it in the Green Oil blend.

Popular for its high level of fatty-acid content , coconut oil is intensely moisturizing and hydrating for the skin and nail keratin fibers as it helps to strengthen the barrier that prevents water loss. In addition it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that protect against free-radical damage and infections. Coconut oil is featured in Manucurist’s Green Oil, Botanical Soaps and Universal Rose Balm.

This oil not only brings a beautiful rosy scent to products, but it also acts to brighten and soothe skin, even out and tone complexions, protect against bacteria, and improve skin elasticity due to its high levels of vitamin C. Find it featured in Manucurist Botanical Soaps, Botanical Creams, and Universal Rose Balm.

Recently seen in a viral tiktok trend where nails are soaked to promote hydration and strengthening, Olive oil is high in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid which act as deep moisturizing agents to prevent breakage and help to promote nail growth. Find it featured in our Botanical Soaps where it supplies moisture to prevent hands and nails from drying after washing. 

Rich in vitamins and offering anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, castor seed oil is used to prevent and heal brittle nails and dry cuticles. It has also been shown to heal nail injuries such as scratches and treat white spots due to vitamin-deficiency. Castor oil is featured in the Green Flash™ Gentle Acetone-Free Remover, which will remove Green Flash™ LED polish in just 1 minute without the need for drilling which causes damage to the nail. 

High in iron, vitamin C and all 9 essential amino acids, this oil repairs damage and strengthens nail fibers while deeply nourishing and improving the appearance of lines and damage. Find it in the Green Smoothing Base which is designed to smooth ridged or uneven nails and provide a slight tint to correct any imperfections.

High in Omega-6s which help maintain the moisture barrier for nails and skin. Used to nourish and moisturize in all Manucurist Hand Creams.