These Are The Nail Strengtheners Dermatologists Keep in Their Own Manicure Kits (2024)

When to Consult a Medical Professional

Dr. Lipner recommends seeing a dermatologist if you have lifting, indentations, ridges, grooves, or discoloration (black, white, red, or yellow). They can diagnose your nail and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Adigun suggests scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist if you’re experiencing discoloration, persistent splitting, or one nail that looks different.

Why We Recommend It

We chose duri Rejuvacote 2 Nail Growth System as our best overall because this nail strengthener can work as a base or top coat to guard and protect your nails. Some nail strengtheners can irritate the nail cuticle and fragile skin around it. But this one was made specifically for people with sensitive skin, so it shouldn’t cause any dryness or irritation.

This clear strengthener can help regenerate moisture and promote growth while supporting your nail plate's natural flexibility. A small, family-owned company makes this product, which combines wheat protein, soy protein, calcium, and keratin. These work together to stimulate growth while minimizing dryness and peeling.

Keep in Mind

If you are sensitive to wheat and soy, you may want to look for products without these ingredients.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, calcium, keratin | Size: 0.61 fluid ounces | Dosage: Weekly}

Why We Recommend It

This protein-filled nail treatment may not only help your nails grow but also deter breakage, peeling, and splitting—plus, it is affordable. Wear it as a base coat or a clear polish to give your nails the TLC they need. The extra grippy brush handle lets you swipe it on your nails precisely. The product goes on clear but has a shine, so it will look like you’re sporting clear polish.

Keep in Mind

The only downside to this nail strengthener is that, unlike the duri Rejuvacote 2 Nail Growth System, it lacks many natural ingredients, so it’s not an ideal long-term solution. But if you are looking for an inexpensive product to help with some minor peeling and splitting, Orly Nail Defense could be a good fit.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Horsetail extract | Size: 0.45 fluid ounces | Dosage: Daily}

Why We Recommend It

If you have peeling nails, it is likely due to brittle nail syndrome or a lack of nail hydration and chronic paronychia, a condition in which your nail folds are inflamed, says Dr. Lipner. For that reason, you will want to use a nail product that provides deep nourishment and adds strength to your nails. We like the Nailkale Superfood Base Coat for that. This powerful nail treatment is hydrating and promotes anti-breakage and anti-splitting protection.

Not only does this nail strengthener contain kale extract, but it also contains other antioxidant-rich botanicals and keratin to provide you with hydrated and nourished nails that are stronger and less likely to break. Plus, this product is vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and “21-free,” which means it does not contain up to 21 harmful ingredients.

Keep in Mind

It has a distinct odor during application but passes quickly. Considering the benefits, we think the smell is a minor inconvenience.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Kale extract, pomegranate extract, keratin | Size: 0.47 fluid ounces | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

If your nail splitting is more benign, and you are looking for a great product to nourish and hydrate your nails and cuticles, we like the Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream. Originally created to condition the hooves of thoroughbred racehorses, the developers realized it had the same nourishing effect on the jockeys applying it. Not only does this miracle cream hydrate your nails and cuticles, but it also promotes growth and prevents splitting, cracking, and ridges.

That being said, according to Dr. Lipner, splitting nails can also be caused by nail lichen planus, an inflammatory nail condition that sometimes needs treatment with corticosteroids. For this reason, you may want to be evaluated first by a dermatologist before reaching for a nail product.

Keep in Mind

The only downside to this thick and creamy nail strengthener is that it must be kept in a dark place at a constant temperature to maintain its integrity and effectiveness. While this is easy to do in your home, it makes this product less travel-friendly than we might like. We advise taking a small amount with you in a separate container and tossing it when you return to ensure your original supply is as effective as possible.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Keratin, biotin, glycerin, vitamin E | Size: 3.53 fluid ounces | Dosage: Two to three times a week}

Why We Recommend It

If all you need is just a little extra hydration, we love this Sundays Hydrating Cuticle Serum. Packed with vitamins and other hydrating ingredients, this serum is a great option for dry, brittle nails. It provides lightweight moisture and hydration that is not greasy and pairs well with your hand lotions or polishes. As an added bonus, the unique dropper design is hygienic and useful, so you don’t have to worry about contaminating your serum when using it. We also liked that this product is organic, gluten-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. The company also boasts a 10-free pledge, meaning this formulation is free of 10 harmful ingredients.

Like peeling and splitting nails, brittle nails can be caused by a lack of hydration. Your brittle nails also could indicate something else is going on. For instance, Dr. Lipner indicates that dry, brittle nails can also signal a thyroid issue. Be sure to talk to a dermatologist to determine the root cause of your nail brittleness.

Keep in Mind

The only downside is that it contains soybean oil, which can be irritating for a very small percentage of people with sensitivities. Research shows that about 10% of people with soy allergies cannot tolerate soybean oil.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, and E, soybean oil| Size: Not listed | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

Whether your nails are damaged due to acrylic nails or because of your occupation (like being a musician or a carpenter), you need something that will help repair the damage and restore your nails to their original health—and then keep them that way. For us, nothing beats the Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Basecoat.

Infused with horsetail extract and biotin along with vitamin B and calcium, this nail strengthener helps restore and rescue weak, damaged nails. It also promotes nail growth, prevents staining, and protects your nails from future damage. This is a real plus if your occupation requires you to be a little rough with your hands. You can rest assured that this product is cruelty-free and free of gluten, parabens, and formaldehyde.

Keep in Mind

Remember that you need to use this product consistently over time to see the results. So if you are looking for a quick fix, this may not be your best choice. But if you want to repair your nails and protect them from future damage, we suggest you give Butter London a try.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Horsetail extract, biotin, vitamin B, and calcium | Size: 0.4 fluid ounces | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

If your nails are thin, weak, peeling, or damaged, you will love the ella+mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener's results. Enhanced with vitamin E, this vegan, gluten-free nail strengthener helps build strong nails resistant to splitting.

Plus, with its 17-free formulation, you can feel good knowing it doesn’t contain any of the 17 most harmful ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, and xylene. As a bonus, this nail repair product is formulated to give you smoother, stronger nails without harming animals. It is both cruelty-free and PETA-certified.

Keep in Mind

The only downside to this product is that while it can be applied under polish, it is not an actual base coat. For this reason, your manicure may not last as long. But this is the product to try if your priority is strengthening thin, weak nails.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E | Size: 0.45 fluid ounces | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

Onychophagia—often called nail biting—is a chronic condition that is typically seen in children and young adults. While this habit is tough to break, it can be done with the right tools, one of which could be a deterrent like Barielle B Nails Don’t Bite Pro-Growth with Argan Oil. (Talk to a healthcare provider for a full treatment plan to quit nail biting.)

This odorless and invisible nail treatment is formulated with antioxidant-rich argan oil, which adds moisture to your nails and cuticles so they can heal. Plus, it promotes healthy nail growth while incorporating a bitter taste that helps deter nail biting, encouraging you to opt for more productive stress management methods.It may even be used on children as a deterrent for thumb-sucking. Just be sure to discuss its use with a pediatrician first.

Keep in Mind

And note that while the intensely bitter taste can be effective in stopping nail-biting habits, you can accidentally ingest some of the product while eating finger foods, which can be very unpleasant, particularly for children.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Argan oil | Size: 0.45 fluid ounces | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

The Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm comes highly recommended by Dr. Adigun for its natural formula, which addresses dehydration in the nail or skin around it and prevents breakage. This balm is a plant-based emollient, so she says you can transfer lipids to the nail. This product also has been clinically tested to address all your skincare concerns—including chapped lips, dry nails and cuticles, and eczema. It has even been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

One of the key ingredients in this multi-use product is glycerin, which has been shown to speed healing, reduce irritation, and restore normal skin barrier function. The glycerin used in Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm is harvested from sustainably farmed palm oil trees and is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade, the highest grade available. You can take comfort in that it’s repairing and rehydrating your cuticles and your nails.

Keep in Mind

This product can feel a little greasy going on.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Seed oil, glycerin | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Dosage: Daily}

Why We Recommend It

If you are looking for an organic nail polish with all-natural ingredients, look no further than Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish. Infused with tea tree oil, biotin, garlic extract, and lavender, this polish comes in a rainbow of colors designed to hydrate your nails and prevent breakage.

Not only are these polishes non-toxic, but they are 10-free, meaning they are made without 10 of the most harmful ingredients. Plus, unlike other nail polishes, these products are gentle on your nails and podiatrist-formulated.If you are looking for a natural color that is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, look no further than Dr.’s Remedy.

Keep in Mind

These nail polishes are more like a light pigment that restores and repairs your nails, so they may take several coats to get the desired color. They also contain wheat proteins, so if you are sensitive to gluten, these may not be the best choice.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Biotin, wheat protein, tea tree oil, garlic extract, lavender | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Dosage: As needed}

Why We Recommend It

CND RescueRX is a daily keratin treatment made with jojoba seed oil that draws moisture into the nail plate and cuticle, as well as the skin surrounding the nail. This feature makes it one of the best oils out there for hydrating and nourishing your nails. The combination of jojoba seed oil and keratin works to revive the nails to prevent any breakage or splitting.

Keep in Mind

Use this product on natural nails only, though, as the formula may cause the polish to flake off. And be prepared that this immensely hydrating formula can leave a greasy feeling behind.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Keratin, jojoba oil | Size: 0.5 ounces | Dosage: Daily}

Why We Recommend It

Formulated with vitamins A, C, D, and E, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax, this Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream is one of the top creams for your nails because it’s packed with hydrating ingredients to restore your nails. When applied to your nails, it helps boost moisture while assisting in building endurance and long-lasting strength. This nail strengthener is affordable, so you don’t have to put a big dent in your wallet to try it out.

This cream prevents severe splitting, chipping, peeling, and cracking. Plus, with regular use, you can expect your soft, fragile nails to grow and become stronger.

Keep in Mind

This cream requires multiple uses per day to be effective. But, if you are committed to the process, you will see healthier, stronger nails in no time.

^{Key Specs:
Key Ingredients: Calcium, vitamins, and hydrogenated jojoba oil | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Dosage: Three times a day}

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you put nail strengtheners underneath gel polish?

  These products can be used underneath gel polish, but it is important to note that using gel, depending on its ingredients, can cause damage to the nail plate no matter how you prepare the surface.Dr. Adigun recommends prepping the nails with an emollient that will hydrate the nails before painting them. Then, use a three-free polish to avoid any harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin.

• Do nail strengtheners help nails grow?

  Whether nail strengtheners will assist with nail growth remains unknown. Given that the goal is to revive and make the nail more resilient, it is likely that using these products will aid in growth. Theoretically, they protect the nail plate from irritants and physical damage, so they could make your nails grow longer and prevent splitting and breaking, Dr. Lipner says.

• How often should you use nail strengtheners?

  The frequency of using nail strengtheners can differ depending on what type of product you’re applying. Unlike polish, a nail strengthener that doesn’t last on the nail plate can be used daily for best results. If you have weak or brittle nails, apply nail strengthener for two weeks every two to three months, Dr. Lipner suggests. Polishes can stay on the nail longer than when using an oil or cream. So, some can be applied every other day instead of every day.