7 Editor-Approved Products for Dry, Brittle Nails

October 27, 2022

By: Sarah Ferguson | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Whether it’s due to removing press-on nails the wrong way, too many gel manicure sessions or just the work of dry, chilly weather, your nails might not always be in tip-top shape. To help rehab your cuticles, nails and the rest of your hands, it might require more than just a good hand cream. Here, we’re rounding up our favorite nourishing nail-care products to use before an at-home mani, when hands and nails are dry or to prevent them from getting that way in the first place.

1 / 7

Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment

With nail-bonding technology, this nail strengthener treatment is perfect for brittle, damaged nails. Whether your nails are recovering from damage or naturally thin, this treatment is easy to use and effective: Apply like a polish, and enjoy stronger, protected nails.

2 / 7

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil

Cotton seed and soybean oils work to replenish moisture and seal it in for revitalized cuticles and nails. Apply two to three drops onto nails and massage into cuticles before giving yourself an at-home mani or whenever your nails need a boost.

3 / 7

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream

Healthy, moisturized cuticles equal healthy, stronger and longer nails. In addition to cuticle oil, apply a nourishing hand cream often. We love this formula because it contains shea butter, niacinamide and glycerin to hydrate, soothe and soften dry and damaged hands and cuticles without leaving behind a sticky residue. After applying it all over our hands, we like to rub any excess into our nails.

4 / 7

Kiehl's Liquid Hand Soap

Hand soap can be harsh and drying on nails and skin. Choose a gentle yet effective formula like this one from Kiehl's. Not only does it smell amazing (it has a natural grapefruit scent), it features coconut-derived cleansing agents, plus vitamin E and aloe vera to condition and soothe.

5 / 7

B Berndette Wipe Out Nail Polish Remover

To help prevent your nails and cuticles from becoming dehydrated, step away from the acetone. Instead, try a gentle nail polish remover infused with skin-loving ingredients. This one is effective at removing any trace of polish and is infused with oils to help prevent brittleness and damage.

6 / 7

Patchology Perfect 10 Hand & Cuticle Mask

Treat yourself to this 10-minute mask for a spa-like experience. The mask is saturated with vitamin E and fatty acid-rich butters and oils that penetrate the skin and nails for soft, rejuvenated results.

7 / 7

Olive and June Hand Serum

If you’re not a fan of rich, creamy hand creams, this hand serum will rock your world. It contains hyaluronic acid and cactus flower to effectively hydrate, plus fruit extracts for gentle exfoliation. It also happens to be supremely lightweight and fast-absorbing. You can apply the non-greasy formula on your hands, nails and cuticles for a post-mani treat (or whenever your nails are feeling dehydrated).

Photo: Jonet Williamson