Formaldehyde is a nasty chemical that you want to stay away from. Unfortunately, it seems to appear in a lot of the major brands. So, I spent some time researching the market to find some of the best formulations that would not expose your nails to this damaging chemical.
So, what is the best nail hardener without Formaldehyde? The best nail hardener without Formaldehyde is one that provides all the raw materials that your nails need to repair, strengthen and grow. It should also be free from other harsh chemicals, such as DBP and toluene, and be easy and versatile to use. Karma Organic Deep Nutrition is an excellent choice.
Having weak, brittle nails that snap is probably one of the most infuriating things that can happen; especially when you just want your natural nails to grow out for your next nail design.
If you have weak and brittle nails, you really should get a Nail Hardening Product and focus on strengthening them.
When I first wanted to grow my natural nails, I didn’t have strong enough nails due to years of neglect, poor decisions and poor nail-health habits.
I thought that I could get away with it until I realized that I would never get the nails I wanted if they continued to be so weak.
I was even applying Hardeners to my nails that did more harm than good, and actually caused damaged to not only my nail beds but to the cuticles themselves.
As my nails started to grow out, SNAP! My nails snapped right off.
All that time, effort, and money and my nails were right back to where they started… short and weak.
Why You Need A Nail Hardener
Nail hardeners are an ideal way to strengthen weak nails.
Their pro-growth formulations, enriched with proteins, help to restore nail strength and replenish lost or limited essential oils that can occur as a result of trauma, use of harsh nail products (like polish removers) or from day to day wear and tear on your nails.
Nail Hardeners simply provide results; because they work with the natural protein in your nails to create chemical bonds that tie the protein chains together.
This adds balance to your nail plates and makes your nails sturdier.
Professional Manicurists and Nail Technicians often recommend applying a nail hardener several times weekly.
They suggest that you wear it alone or with a nail polish color. In my experience for getting the best results, I suggest you apply a thin layer daily.
But here lies a problem. A BIG problem. It’s why you’re probably hear reading…
Not all Nail Hardener products are made from safe ingredients.
One chemical that is often widely used, is Formaldehyde.
Whats Wrong With Formaldehyde?
Whilst Formaldehyde is included in many Nail Hardeners and can be beneficial in the short term.
Eventually it causes nails to become brittle whereby your nails could lift and separate from their nail bed.
It’s also quite irritating to nail folds, and can promote allergic reactions where it comes into contact with skin (results in skin becoming painful and damaged).
There’s also another health risk widely associated with Formaldehyde – cancer, because it is carcinogenic… not good!
Now, I don’t want to scare you and make you feel that there is no hope for strengthening your nails…. there is!
Thankfully, there are a number of reputable Nail Hardeners on the market that base their formulations on natural and non-harsh chemical formulas, and do not include Formaldehyde.
From my years of experience in the industry, and from extensive research, I have compiled a list of the best options that do not include these nasties so that you can restore and repair the health of your natural nails quickly, effectively and easily.
So without further ado, lets get started.
Nail Harder Recommendations
Karma Organic Deep Nutrition Nails Strengthener (Editors Choice)
As soon as you start looking for natural and chemical free Nail Hardeners and Strengtheners, you soon notice that the majority consist of just plain old harsh chemicals.
When I first read the ingredient list of Karma Organic Deep Nutrition Nails I was blown away. The only ingredients in the formulation are just highly regarded essential oils.
These powerful oils, which include Coconut, Passiflora, Apricot, Avocado and Salicornia have been used for centuries due to their health-boosting properties and ability to regenerate damages tissue.
They are also incredibly soothing when applied to your nails which I noticed from the very first time I used them.
An added benefit to Karma Organic Deep Nutrition, is that the oils work to smooth the nails too and help with overall growth and structure.
I have been incredibly impressed with the results of using this hardener on my own nails, and in just a few days I noticed that splitting has dramatically reduced.
There is also considerable positive reviews on Amazon really support my experience.
One user reports that in as little as three weeks her nails were pretty much restored, and that her nails were longer than she has managed to get them in years.
Plus its vegan and cruelty free; what more could you ask for!
All in all, this is a fantastic nail hardener, and as such, comes out on our list at number 1.
Click Here to Check Customer Reviews & Price on Amazon
2. Barielle Instant Liquid Nail Hardener (&/Or Cream)
Its time for our first ‘instant’ hardener, and it comes from on of Americas original Nail Treatment brands.
Brielle has solidified its reputation in the market for their continuous and effective product lines in the health, beauty and vitality of nails space.
This is a high quality premium product that stops nails from breaking, thinning, and cracking.
Where this product differs from the list, but is why I am including it as this may benefit you as opposed to the others, is that its actually a nail polish.
It can be used as a base coat, top coat or on its own to harden nails instantly. Its therefore incredibly versatile and can be a great alternative to the options listed above.
Regardless of how you decide to work with it, the Barielle Instant Nail Hardener is renowned for providing maximum protection against breakage for healthy nails.
Like many others on the list, its formula includes Vitamin E and natural proteins that are scientifically proven to build healthy nails
Its fully Dibutyl-Phthalate Free, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free, and whilst it is a very useful product due to its versatility, its not a completely all natural product.
The formula and ingredient list does include some chemicals, which is why I think you would be better off with one of the hardeners above.
Having said this, the ingredient list is far better than many other hardeners on the market, and if you are looking for an ‘instant’ product where you can use it as a base or top coat, then this would probably be your best bet.
If you didn’t want to get a Liquid hardener, Barielle also provide a cream which boosts the same benefits and is also very effective in terms of its results.
Click Here to Check Customer Reviews & Price on Amazon
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Nail Hardener
Next up on the list is the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Nail Hardener.
This is another fantastically formulated hardener; containing minimal ingredients and only those that are natural and proven to restore the strength of nails.
I was very impressed with the abundance of nail health-promoting ingredients, which include vitamin B5 and green tea.
Moreover, it’s clear so does not even show that you are wearing it.
Users of Sally Hansen have similarly reported that this product gets to work in as little as a few days; preventing splits, chips, peels & cracks in even the most severe cases.
All in all this is another terrific nail hardener, and at such an affordable price, should be well worthy of your consideration.
Click Here to Check Customer Reviews & Price on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Purchasing and using chemical-free formulations is a critical, but often overlooked step to looking after your nails long term.
If you arrived at this guide, then it is likely that something you have been using, or something you have been doing has resulted in your nails becoming weak over time.
Whilst it may or may not be the result of using nail products with Formaldehyde, you are better off without it.
Instead, you will do much better with products like Karma Organic Deep Nutrition Nails Strengthener, which will not only negate the damaging effect of other products but will actually restore your nails to their natural strength and healthy look and feel.
Hey – I’m Jemma – a certified nail technician and manicurist with over fifteen years of hands-on industry experience. I created AlmondNails.com to share all that I have learned about the nail industry – from the different types of manicures available, suggestions for wear, recommendations for keeping nails strong and healthy, all the way through to providing the best nail salon tips and practices.