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The Strengthening Products Experts Recommend If Your Nails are Brittle, Peeling, and Damaged
Two of these won Cosmo Holy Grail Awards, FYI.
Although I love how good my nails look with a coat of gel polish or a set of press ons, the aftermath is always pretty brutal. Right now, my nails are brittle, peeling, and chipping, and I'm fully on standby for one of them to break at any given moment. No nail polish or cute design can possibly save broken nails. But I'm dedicated right now to get my nails back to a healthy state, not only so they look better but also start to grow. And the best way to do that is with a nail strengthener.
Usually, nail strengtheners are polishes (often clear or neutral) that are filled with vitamins, proteins, and hydrators to help restore damaged nails. Think of them like a face serum or moisturizer for your nails. In fact, your nails can actually absorb a little bit, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. There are two types of nail strengtheners, he says: (1) Hydrators, which are filled with ingredients that help pull moisture into your nails and (2) protectors that act like a physical shield to keep hydration in your nails. Both work well, just differently.
The key is to find a nail strengthener that is easy enough to be consistent with and addresses your specific nail concerns. As for the best brands and products? I gotchu.
The best nail strengtheners we've tested:
BTW: There are so many nail strengtheners on the market right now that anyone can benefit from them, whether you’ve got naturally weak nails like me, or you just need something to counteract your gel mani habit. Plus, they’re kind of a genius way to level up your at-home spa days (just sayin'). So keep scrolling for the best nail strengtheners that target everything from peeling and breaking to rough textures and dullness.
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
- Helps prevent damage
Cons
- Need to apply every day for 14 days, which can be tedious
Why we love it: Before you pop on press ons or know you'll get a gel nail set, prep your nails with this treatment. It's fantastic to help damage from the get-go versus waiting until they're already brittle. For best results, apply to bare nails, then add another coat every day for two weeks.
One Cosmo editor says: “Since I started layering this nail strengthener under my press-ons, my nails get significantly less damaged and brittle.” —BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Celery seed extract, camelia oil |
| When to use | On its own without polish on top |
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
- Packed with hydrating ingredients to help prevent and reduce UV gel damage
- Looks just like a shiny, neutral polish on your nails
Cons
- Peels off my nails in three or so days
Why we love it: Gel manicures might look great, but they can seriously damage your nails. Enter: This treatment specifically created to help heal your nails after a gel set. Apply it to bare nails, and the formula's combo of proteins, calcium, and urea help hydrate and strengthen nails. In just five days, it promises to prevent splitting, smooth ridges, and thicken the look of your nails. And you can wear it alone as a neutral, sheer polish.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’d been a hard-core dip powder fan for years and the resulting damage to my nails was both visible and uncomfortable. They were paper-thin and flakey and breakage was commonplace. But after six weeks of using Essie’s To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair, I really did see a difference in the quality and health of my natural nails. This is now a staple in my nail care routine.” —VERONICA LOPEZ, FORMER SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Proteins, urea, calcium |
| When to use | On its own without polish on top |
Pros
- Clean and free of many common irritants, like sulfates, formaldehyde, phthlates
- Can be used as a base coat
Cons
- Not the strongest option on this list
Why we love it: Many nail strengtheners are loaded with chemicals that, sure, can help improve your nail health. But if you prefer a clean option to go with your 10-free polishes, Olive and June is an editor favorite. Celery seed, rosemary, sage, and lavender extracts help gently and naturally condition your nails. Use it as a primer before polish, and watch your manicure last much longer than usual.
One shopper says: "I apply two coats of Olive & June nail strengthener before polish. The ridges and peeling of my fingernails are much improved!"
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Celery seed extract, rosemary extract, lavender extract, sage extract |
| When to use | Can be used as a base coat |
Pros
- Actually repairs and rebuilds broken, damaged nails
- Only requires one coat
Cons
- The most expensive formula on this list (but also the strongest)
Why we love it: Epres is well-known for its bond-building haircare (FYI: the founder is one of the original co-creators of Olaplex). The brand found out, though, its complex could also help repair broken, brittle nails in the same way it does hair. The treatment penerates your nails and actually repairs them—not just strengthen or hydrate—fully rebuilding the nail from within. Of everything on the market, it's easily the most high-tech.
One shopper says: "My nails were constantly separating and breaking, and so I tried this in desperation. Four months later, I am so thrilled with healthy happy nails and cuticles! Miracle worker!"
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredient | Ethylacetate, diethylhexl maleate (bond builders) |
| When to use | On bare nails or as a base coat |
ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener Cuticle Serum Treatment
Pros
- Key ingredients are scientifically proven to increase nail firmness
Cons
- Very pricey for the amount of product you get
Board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD loves this nail strengthener because it "improves fingernail thickness, strength, and durability." The reason it earns our number one spot is because its key ingredients—hyaluronic acid, and pistacia lentiscus oil—have been *scientifically proven* to significantly increase nail firmness when applied consistently over the course of a few weeks.
One shopper says: "After using this product for almost a month I am sold. I haven't had any nails split, which was a continuous issue even with the best of nail strengtheners. The most amazing result is the ridges in my nails are diminishing. It's been years since I've had smooth nails and I'm looking forward to seeing how much the nails will smooth over."
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, pistacia lentiscus oil |
| When to use | As a base coat |
Pros
- Creates protective "shield" on nails
Cons
- Testers note that their nails only feel protected while wearing, not after
This nail strengthener is the ultimate protection for dry, brittle nails. Essentially, the hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium create a film on your nails that acts as a physical shield. So feel free to carry on your day without fear of chipping, peeling, or cracking a nail, bc this strengthener is basically a shield of armor.
One shopper says: "My entire life, my nails have been brittle, break below the tip, and peel off on the top. I’ve used other strengtheners, but nothing has helped. I’ve never been able to grow out my nails, or even keep them at the same length. This is my 2nd bottle. My nails are long enough that I have to trim them back, no more peeling, my nails are now smooth to the very tips, and strong; they don’t bend over anymore. That’s never happened before. It’s wonderful to have nice-looking nails."
| Key ingredients | Hydrolysed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium |
| When to use | As a base coat or top coat |
Pros
- Helps conceal bumps and ridges to create a smooth and even natural nail
Cons
- Without wearing it consistently, your nails won't feel as thick
This two-in-one base coat smoothes out ridges and bumps as soon as you paint it on while also strengthening your nails long-term. It's all thanks to the added protein, which creates a film, therefore filling in ridges, and plant-based oils and extracts, which help prevent staining, peeling, chipping, cracking, and breaking with continued use.
One shopper says: "This ridge filler almost completely hides my nail ridges!! I've never had a product cover them so completely. This filler may cost more than others but it only took one coat to work for me."
| Key ingredients | Protein, biotin, vitamin E |
| When to use | As a base coat |
Pros
- Prevents nail polish staining
Cons
- Some testers note that it is a bit more difficult to remove
The best thing about this nail strengthener is that it also works as a base coat. Prep your nails with a couple of coats, and the formula's argan oil, amino acids, and vitamin E work to condition and harden your nails while also creating a smooth, glossy base for your polish.
One shopper says: "The color itself can be used for a classy sheer mani with no streaks. My nails have never been better since I used this as a base. I open boxes at my job and haven't seen much nail splitting since switching to this."
| Key ingredients | Calcium, vitamin E |
| When to use | As a base coat |
Can nails absorb substances?
Yes, nails do have an absorptive capacity. However, some substances can penetrate your nails much easier than others. This is because nails are made of super strong keratin that acts as protection against damage that could affect the health of your nail barrier. Unfortunately, this means that strengthening ingredients (hi, calcium, protein, biotin, etc.) are likely not absorbed enough to impact your nail growth from below, says Dr. Lal.
But (but!) for the good news: Your nails are *extremely* permeable to water (hi, water-binding humectants) and oils, which are emollients that work to seal moisture in. This means that nail-strengthening products rich in oils and hydrating ingredients are great options for people who struggle with peeling, textured, hard, and/or sandpaper nails, says Dr. Lal.
As for the strengthening ingredients, although your nails are not absorbing too much of the substance, they actually do have a positive impact if you're trying to repair damaged, weak nails. This is because these strengthening ingredients provide protection (aka a film) over your natural nails, giving them the best environment to grow healthy and stronger.
How to choose the best nail strengthener:
Decide if you want a "protecting" or "hydrating" strengthener
There are two types of nail “strengtheners”—those that harden and those that hydrate. Dr. Lal breaks it down for us:
- Hydrating strengtheners contain ingredients that hold and bind water to your skin and nails. Hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, lactic acid, and panthenol are all great examples. Some formulas may also contain lipids like triglycerides and glycerin, which moisturize your nails. Hydration-based strengtheners are great for those with peeling, textured, hard, and/or sandpaper nails.
- Protecting strengtheners rely on ingredients such as keratin, protein, biotin, and calcium, all of which add a film and allow your nails to appear stronger and thicker. These ingredients are not likely to be totally absorbed enough to impact your nails’ growth from below, but they will act as a physical shield, which prevents breakage, chipping, and cracks.
Determine if your brittle nails are due to an underlying cause
"At the end of the day, brittle and thin nails may be from genetics, poor diet, thyroid disease, anemia, or underlying diseases," Dr. Lal says. Make sure you see a dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis, as brittle nails may actually be nail psoriasis, lichen planus, or even eczema, he says. Based on the cause of nail issues, specific supplementation may be helpful and/or treatment of the underlying cause.
Consider supplementing the nail strengthener with other methods
The best and easiest tip for ensuring you maintain healthy nails is through supplementation, says board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. You should be eating protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A in your diet and supplementing with vitamins, she adds.
Meet the expert:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and treating skin of color.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and director of dermatologic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital in New York, New York.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Siena Gagliano was an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with over three years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the best drugstore eye creams and the best clear sunscreens. She regularly tests and analyzes nail strengtheners on her own nails for efficacy while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing nail stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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