The 6 Best Nail Strengtheners of 2023

How We Selected the Nail Strengtheners

When selecting nail strengtheners, we spoke with dermatologists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. Those we spoke with included:

Chris Adigun, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill

Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, an associate professor of clinical dermatology and dermatologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center

After taking all of our options into consideration, we determined which to feature based on a few key criteria as recommended by dermatologists: key ingredients, form, price, and personal nail needs.

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.”

Why Trust Verywell Health

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.

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.