What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Nail Strengtheners (2024)

Looking to get your hands in tip-top shape, but your nails just won’t cooperate? Using the best nail strengthener may be an effective solution for weak nails that keep breaking, splitting, or peeling. While it may be tempting to mask the issue with a fresh set of acrylics or a gel manicure, these may actually do more harm.

Nail strengtheners are formulated to strengthen brittle nails, potentially also helping nails grow faster. “Similar to hair, nails are made of dead keratin. Once they have developed, you cannot change or remodel their structure, but you can help enhance what has already been created,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “Nail strengtheners can help offer protection from the environment, hydration, and form scaffold on the surface of the nails to improve their appearance and minimize breakage.”

Meet the experts: Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City; Pooja Rambhia, M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia

“On average, fingernails grow approximately 3.0 mm per month, while toenails grow at about 1.0 mm per month. Research indicates that starting around age 25, the growth rate of nails decreases by approximately 0.5% annually,” explains Pooja Rambhia, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, who notes that there is a long list of potential causes behind weak nails or nails that won’t grow. Dr. Rambhia agrees that over-the-counter nail strengtheners, usually enriched with ingredients like keratin and biotin, may effectively protect and fortify brittle nails.

Keep reading for the best nail strengtheners recommended by dermatologists and tested by editors to get your strongest, healthiest nails yet.

This treatment from Nailtiques checks all the boxes for an effective nail strengthener. “Designed for soft, peeling, or splitting nails, this treatment strengthens nails without the use of formaldehyde or toluene,” says Dr. Rambhia. “It’s enriched with protein and calcium to help rebuild damaged nails.”

This affordable option comes recommended by Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia, who recommends using it alone or as a base coat under your regular polish. This treatment works quickly by filling in cracks and ridges to prevent breakage and peeling. It’s also enriched with protein and antioxidants to fortify nails over time.

This serum from OPI is another tried-and-true nail-strengthening product that I always come back to. I regularly use gel polish on my nails, so they can get a bit bendy and breakable between manicures. After just a few applications, I see a major difference in my nails—they definitely become noticeably stronger which allows them to grow longer with less breakage. It also absorbs very quickly and can be used under regular nail polish (but not gel, sadly).

“I love doing my own manicures, and this has been my go-to base coat for years. It contains biotin, calcium, and vitamins which help strengthen your nails over time,” says Prevention Freelance Writer Jenn Gonick. “Plus, it dries super quickly and works great under polish so your nails still look and feel healthy after removing it. I also love swiping two coats on when I don’t have time to do my nails as it makes them look so much more put together in just a few minutes. I’ve even gotten compliments on how my nails look when I only have this on!”

While the original version of OPI Nail Envy is well-loved, Dr. Rambhia recommends this iteration of the formula which “is free from formaldehyde, formalin, and toluene, and is specifically designed for sensitive or peeling nails,” she explains. “It contains aloe vera and vitamins to nourish and strengthen fragile nails gently.”

This multitasking polish might be the perfect pick for those looking to instantly enhance the appearance of their natural nails while nourishing and strengthening over time. “While the jury is still out on its strengthening abilities (I need to use it a bit more before my final verdict), I love the subtle tint and loads of shine it leaves on nails,” Goldman explains. “It makes for the perfect ultra-hydrating natural-looking manicure. After a few weeks of wear, I did notice my nails seemed a bit stronger. But a gel manicure soon after left me back at square one in terms of brittleness.”

If you prefer a cream product rather than a polish, oil, or serum, look no further than this formula from Onyx Professional that features a blend of hydrating and fortifying ingredients. It contains calcium to strengthen as well as ingredients like vitamin E, glycerin, urea, coconut oil, and jojoba oil for extra nourishment. Not only does it help prevent nail brittleness, but the cream will also moisturize cuticles—something Dr. Farber appreciates in a multi-tasking product.

“Known for its ‘17-free’ formulation, this nail strengthener is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and other harsh chemicals,” Dr. Rambhia notes. “It’s a vegan and cruelty-free option that helps fortify weak nails and prevent breakage.” The polish provides instant protection along with a healthy, shiny appearance and is designed to be reapplied every seven days for the first two weeks. Then, weeks three and four, swipe on one coat every other day. Remove at the end of the second day using a non-acetone remover before reapplying.

“This dual-use hardener works as both a top and base coat,” explains Dr. Rambhia. “It provides a hard, protective layer that helps reduce nail splitting and chipping while also nourishing the nail bed.” Dr. Rambhia also appreciates that the formula is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP to avoid irritation and further weakening of the nails.

Dr. Rambhia is also a fan of this “plant-based option” from Sally Hansen, noting that the nail hardener is free from formaldehyde, formalin, toluene, and other harsh chemicals. “It’s formulated with natural ingredients, making it a gentle yet effective option to improve nail strength,” she explains. While the hardener can be worn alone, it also performs well as a base coat when paired with the rest of the Good. Kind. Pure. line which includes several color polishes, a top coat, and oil.

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