Dry, brittle, or weak nails can be frustrating to manage, especially if they split or break frequently. Whether you're dealing with damage from manicures, environmental factors, or simply genetics, using a nail strengthener can be a game-changer.
These products not only restore moisture but also provide nutrients to enhance nail strength and prevent future breakage. Below are 17 of the best nail strengtheners that can help restore your nails’ health, including ingredients, benefits, and price points.
1. ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener Cuticle Serum Treatment
Price: $39
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Pistacia lentiscus oil
Benefits:
This serum treatment from ISDIN is clinically proven to increase nail firmness while nourishing both nails and cuticles. The hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates, while the Pistacia lentiscus oil stimulates the synthesis of hard keratin, making your nails visibly stronger over time. It’s ideal for those with brittle, dry nails that are prone to splitting and breakage.
Why We Love It: Scientifically backed, it's perfect for boosting moisture and nail resilience.
2. Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock
Price: $22
Key Ingredients: Panthenol, Biotin, Hydrolyzed soy protein
Benefits:
The Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock nail strengthener hydrates and repairs nails that have been damaged from frequent manicures or exposure to harsh chemicals. Panthenol provides moisture, while biotin promotes stronger, healthier nail growth. Hydrolyzed soy protein helps repair the nail’s surface, preventing future damage.
Why We Love It: It’s a fantastic recovery treatment for nails needing a deep repair.
3. Orly Nail Defense
Price: $8
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Calcium, Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Benefits:
Orly’s Nail Defense creates a protective shield over weak nails, preventing further splitting or cracking. Vitamin E nourishes and hydrates, while calcium and hydrolyzed wheat protein strengthen and restore elasticity. This budget-friendly option helps keep nails healthy and resilient.
Why We Love It: Affordable yet effective, perfect for everyday use.
4. Ella + Mila First Aid Kiss
Price: $10
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Benefits:
Packed with hydrating vitamin E, this nail strengthener by Ella + Mila is designed to help restore dry, splitting nails. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, delivering hydration deep into the nail plate to prevent future breakage. It's ideal for those experiencing weakened nails from over-polishing or harsh nail products.
Why We Love It: A quick-absorbing, cruelty-free option for fragile nails.
5. Duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System
Price: $14
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Calcium
Benefits:
Duri Rejuvacote is a cult favorite for those looking to grow stronger, longer nails. It forms a protective "shield" over the nails, preventing peeling and breaking. The hydrolyzed proteins and calcium work synergistically to nourish and fortify nails.
Why We Love It: A powerful option that promotes noticeable nail growth within weeks.
6. JinSoon Power Coat
Price: $18
Key Ingredients: Biotin, Calcium, Methiopeptide
Benefits:
JinSoon Power Coat is free from 21 controversial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative for those looking to clean up their nail care routine. Biotin and calcium strengthen nails, while methiopeptide helps restore elasticity and flexibility, reducing the likelihood of breakage.
Why We Love It: A clean beauty product that packs a punch in strengthening nails without harmful chemicals.
7. Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
Price: $9
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Calcium
Benefits:
Onyx Professional’s Hard As Hoof is a nail-strengthening cream that conditions both nails and cuticles. Jojoba oil hydrates, while calcium reinforces nail strength. The creamy formula can be massaged into nails and cuticles, providing continuous nourishment and moisture.
Why We Love It: Ideal for cuticle care and strengthening in one easy-to-use cream.
8. Nails.Inc NailKale Superfood Base Coat
Price: $15
Key Ingredients: Keratin
Benefits:
The Nails.Inc NailKale Superfood Base Coat is enriched with keratin to restore protein levels in dry, flaky nails. The formula includes kale extract, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, to nourish nails and promote growth. This multitasking base coat not only strengthens but also smoothes out the nail’s surface for a flawless finish under nail polish.
Why We Love It: It blends nail-strengthening and protective properties with a superfood boost.
9. Olive & June Nail Strengthener
Price: $14
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Coconut oil, Antioxidants
Benefits:
This nail strengthener by Olive & June strengthens and makes nails more durable over time. Glycerin provides essential hydration, while coconut oil and antioxidants work to restore the nail’s natural barrier, preventing brittleness and breakage.
Why We Love It: Non-toxic and highly effective at locking in moisture for healthier nails.
10. Londontown Kur Fortifying Ridge Filler
Key Ingredients: Protein, Biotin, Vitamin E
Benefits:
Londontown Kur Fortifying Ridge Filler is designed to smooth ridges and imperfections in nails while simultaneously strengthening them. Protein, biotin, and vitamin E nourish and protect weak, brittle nails, leaving them stronger and smoother.
Why We Love It: Dual-action formula that strengthens nails while giving them a polished, smooth look.
11. Sundays B.03 Nail Strengthening Base Coat
Price: $24
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Amino acids, Vitamin E
Benefits:
This base coat from Sundays B.03 features a blend of nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, amino acids, and vitamin E. Together, these ingredients harden and protect weak nails while also offering hydration and antioxidant benefits. Perfect for use under any nail polish, it ensures your nails stay strong and protected.
Why We Love It: A luxurious base coat that doubles as a treatment, promoting stronger and more flexible nails.
12. Nailtopia Nails Are Strong Kit
Price: $10
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Jojoba oil, Biotin
Benefits:
This affordable kit from Nailtopia contains everything you need to condition and strengthen your nails and cuticles. With keratin to reinforce nail strength, jojoba oil for hydration, and biotin to promote healthy growth, this kit is perfect for at-home nail care.
Why We Love It: A budget-friendly nail care set that addresses both nails and cuticles.
13. CND Essentials RescueRxx Care Pen
Price: $13
Key Ingredients: Keratin, Jojoba oil
Benefits:
The CND Essentials RescueRxx Care Pen is perfect for treating nails on the go. With keratin to restore strength and jojoba oil to condition, this handy pen is great for delivering targeted care to dry, weak nails. It’s easy to use and compact, making it ideal for busy individuals.
Why We Love It: Convenient and portable, it’s perfect for travel or on-the-go nail care.
14. Tenoverten The Foundation Nail Strengthening Base Coat
Price: $18
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Benefits:
Tenoverten’s The Foundation Base Coat is a versatile nail strengthener that restores nails from the inside out. Infused with vitamin E, it nourishes and reinforces weak nails, leaving them smoother and more resilient to damage.
Why We Love It: Clean beauty enthusiasts will love its non-toxic formulation that still delivers powerful results.
15. Essie Treat Love & Color Nail Polish
Price: $10
Key Ingredients: Collagen
Benefits:
Essie Treat Love & Color offers the perfect combination of nail strengthening and polish in one. This formula is infused with collagen to fortify nails while providing a pop of color. It's ideal for those who want to treat their nails without sacrificing style.
Why We Love It: A 2-in-1 product that strengthens and beautifies nails simultaneously.
16. Nail Tek Intensive Therapy 2
Price: $13
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Benefits:
Nail Tek Intensive Therapy 2 is specifically designed to reinforce peeling nails. With hydrolyzed wheat protein as its key ingredient, this formula works to strengthen the nail structure and prevent further damage.
Why We Love It: A fantastic choice for those with weak, peeling nails in need of intensive care.
17. Dermelect Nail Recovery System
Price: $59
Key Ingredients: Protein, Peptides, Keratin
Benefits:
The Dermelect Nail Recovery System is a comprehensive four-part kit that addresses various nail concerns, from peeling and splitting to overall weakness. Its protein- and peptide-rich formula helps rebuild the nail’s structure, while keratin ensures strong and healthy nails in the long run.
Why We Love It: A luxurious, multi-step system for those serious about nail care.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nail strengthener can transform weak, brittle nails into healthy, resilient ones. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution like Orly Nail Defense or want to invest in a premium treatment such as ISDIN SI-NAILS, there’s a product for every need and price point. With nourishing ingredients like keratin, biotin, and vitamins, these 17 nail strengtheners will help you achieve stronger, healthier nails in no time.
