14 Best Nail Strengtheners, According to Dermatologists 2023

If you’re looking to strengthen your nails, you might be curious about the best nail strengtheners out there. As with skin and hair, the appearance and health of nails is influenced by factors outside our control—like genetics and aging. But other causes of weak, thin, or brittle nails are self-inflicted. Think washing the dishes without wearing gloves or peeling off that gel manicure even though you definitely know better. So what should you be looking for (or avoiding) in a nail strengthener? How long do you need to use them to notice a difference in your nails? We spoke to dermatologists and nail experts to break it down.

Our top picks

How do nail strengtheners work?

“Topical nail strengtheners provide the nails with essential nourishment and shield the nail from damage,” Ashley Magovern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermstore, tells Glamour. “They can help with weak nails caused by physical damage (often from artificial nail treatments) or due to changes in the body, like hormonal fluctuations or nutrition deficiencies.”

“They provide a protective yet flexible film that helps to reinforce the nail plate,” Lori Banks, nail artist and esthetician in Los Angeles, tells Glamour. This is especially important after removing gel or acrylics, since a portion of the top part of the nail is filed off, she explains. Second: “They’re often formulated with nutrients that can help the health of the nail bed itself,” she adds.

What to look for—and what to avoid—in a nail strengthener

“A true nail strengthener will fortify the nail plate,” Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC who specializes in nail health, tells Glamour. “It will strengthen brittle nails that peel, split and break easily.” The problem? Many so-called nail strengtheners still contain formaldehyde or formalin, ingredients that are very damaging to the nail, Dr. Stern says. Formaldehyde can cause the nail to become more brittle over time, the exact opposite outcome you want if you’re reaching for a nail strengthener. That’s why you’ll want to look for products labeled at least “3-free” (the higher the better!), which means these polishes avoid the toxic trio of the ingredients dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. Some brands like Olive & June have up to 15-free nail polishes, i.e., the formula excludes 15 ingredients have come under scrutiny for safety, irritation, or sustainability.

A general rule of thumb: “In an effective topical nail strengthener, you should look for formulations with proteins (like biotin and keratin) as well as vitamins (including A, C, and E) and minerals (like calcium),” says Dr. Magovern.

How exactly should you use nail strengtheners?

How you use a nail strengthener will depend on the exact formula, so read up on each product’s instructions. For example, some nail treatments require applying daily and some removing after seven days. Dr. Magovern recommends applying a nail strengthener base coat to clean nails before every manicure to prevent breakage. (In fact, many of the picks listed below are base coats.)

Of course, results will vary based on the product’s formulation and the condition of your nails, but you should notice more durable nails after a few weeks if you’re using your topical strengthener regularly, says Dr. Magovern. She recommends using nail strengtheners as a preventive measure rather than reactively when the nails display visible damage. (We know, easier said than done.) And if you’re trying to grow out damaged nails, it’s best to avoid polish altogether.

The best nail strengtheners

Whether you want to take Dr. Magovern’s advice and strengthen your nails proactively—or are already noticing your nails are in need of some extra reinforcement—we’ve got you covered. We polled nail experts, health and beauty editors, and real people for their favorite nail strengtheners that lead to visible results. Read on for the best nail strengtheners to consider adding to your routine.