Nail strengtheners can work to not only add resilience to the actual nail but also provide much-needed hydration to the cuticle and skin around the nail. “I like different types of emollients to serve this purpose, to hydrate the cuticle as well as hydrate the nail plate itself,” Dr. Adigun says.
When buying nail strengtheners, look into both the form of the product as well as the ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and silicon, which are beneficial for the nails, says Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, an associate professor of clinical dermatology and dermatologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “It is best to avoid strengtheners with formaldehyde or formalin. They can initially make the nails feel stronger, but they will quickly become very brittle,” she adds. We researched dozens of nail strengtheners and evaluated them for ingredients, price, and ease of use.
Here are the best nail strengtheners on the market today.
Price at time of publication: $32
Price at time of publication: $3
Price at time of publication: $30
The product includes enriching ingredients like vitamin E and kukui nut oil—both of which will add moisture back into the nail plate and cuticle. Either swipe this product on once per day by itself or it can be used underneath other nail polish.
Price at time of publication: $19
Price at time of publication: $17
Price at time of publication: $10
Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each treatment’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best nail strengtheners.
What to Look for in a Nail Strengthener
Ingredients
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a nail strengthener is the ingredients in the product. Key ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and silicon are beneficial for the nails, says Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, an associate professor of clinical dermatology and dermatologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “It is best to avoid strengtheners with formaldehyde or formalin. They can initially make the nails feel stronger, but they will quickly become very brittle,” she adds.
Beneficial ingredients to look out for that will add hydration to the nail instead of weakening it include silicon, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and propylene glycol. When selecting a nail polish remover, Dr. Adigun recommends avoiding ones with acetone, as they strip the nail of necessary moisture.
Form
Nail strengtheners come in a variety of forms, including polish, cream, oil, and serum. Dr. Adigun recommends combining a polish with a cream or oil, as the latter will bring moisture into the nail bed and cuticle. When looking for a cream or oil, it is important that it is on the greasier side, Dr. Adigun says. “You want something that is going to be a bit more tackier, otherwise known as greasier, so that it will stay put longer,” she says.
Keep in mind that using a nail strengthener that’s also a polish can sometimes make the nail too strong. “The problem with nail hardeners is that they can make nails too hard so that rather than bend with gentle pressure, they will crack and break easier,” Dr. Adigun says. “So you want your nails to hold together but then be able to bend. That is a strong nail.”
Nail Damage
There are a handful of reasons why nails could be cracked, splitting, or discolored, but oftentimes it can be because the nail is not getting enough moisture or moisture is being pulled out of the barrier. “The peeling and splitting is more of a problem with hydration status,” Dr. Adigun says. Internal health factors can also cause nail problems. “As we age, cholesterol content in the nail decreases, which may make nails weaker. Inflammatory disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, can also cause fragile nails. Problems with circulation, thyroid disease, and chemotherapies can also cause weak nails,” Dr. Lipner says.
Knowing the cause of your nail issues can help decide which nail strengthener to use. Dr. Adigun says people should schedule an appointment with their dermatologist if they’re experiencing “any discoloration in the nails, persistent splitting in any of the nails, one nail that really looks different from the rest.”
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Receiving her master’s degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Depending on your specific nail concern, it might be best to consult with a dermatologist, as they can help guide you on what might work best to improve them. “While nail strengtheners may be recommended often there are prescription and non-prescription treatments that your dermatologist may want to try first,” Dr. Lipner says.
Additional reporting by Danielle Zoellner
As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.
