Shoppers With Brittle Nails Say This On-Sale Strengthening Treatment Brought Them "Back to Life"

I’m on a nail-health journey in 2024. Years of drilling, gluing, gelling, and filing have left them woefully weak, so I’m investing in strengthening formulas — the likes of which InStyle editors and my 71-year-old mom swear by — from Dermelect. Specifically, I’m loving the brand’s 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover, Bonding Nail Strengthener, and Smoothing Ridge Filler. 

Now is the perfect time to stock up: All Dermelect products are 20 percent off during its Presidents Day Sale when you spend $50 or more. Use code PRESDAY at checkout to score the discount.

The Dermelect 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover is a set of luxuriously thick cloths soaked in acetone-free polish remover. Each box contains 10 pads, and a single cloth effectively nixes polish from all ten fingers. The cloths are individually wrapped, making them perfect for travel. They’re entirely odor-free, too; hypothetically, you could use them on an airplane without offending your seatmate’s olfactories. In addition to their travel-friendliness — which I, as someone who has removed chipped polish in the back of Ubers before, appreciate — they’re notably nail-friendly, as they’re packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that promote stronger nails. This polish remover is, truly, the only formula that’s hydrated, smoothed, and supported my nails instead of leaving them dry and shriveled, as other removers tend to do.

The formula contains two forms of protein-rich ingredients to strengthen nails. Soy, for one, contains protein, and also functions as a solvent. Its polish-dissolving properties make it a common ingredient found in gentle nail polish removers. Secondly, the pads are soaked in a protein peptide that, in addition to fortifying, also improves moisture levels. Vitamin E is also present, as is jojoba oil — a lightweight, fast-absorbing ingredient that leaves cuticles soft.

The Bonding Nail Strengthener is a brush-on fortifier packed with the brand’s aforementioned protein peptides, which restore bendy nails to a stronger state. Perfect for restoring weakened nails, whether from gel polish or simply from aging, the formula hydrates instantly and repairs damage over time. Furthermore, it functions as a base coat, making it perfect for frequent nail-painters and an easy way to incorporate nail strengthening into your manicure.

Similarly, the Makeover Smoothing Ridge Filler is a liquid formula that swipes on like a traditional nail polish. The results — smoother nails with less-visible ridges — are immediate. In addition to its smoothing effect, the polish provides a semi-sheer wash of pinky-beige tint, infused with ultra-subtle iridescent pigments. The result: a healthy glow that flatters all skin tones; Think of it like BB cream for your nails. According to one shopper, the ridge filler, which also contains fortifying ingredients, has brought their brittle nails “back to life.” 

Shop nourishing, strengthening essentials from Dermelect for 20 percent off when you spend $50+ during Presidents Day weekend. Hurry: The sale ends soon.

Shop more manicure must-haves from Dermelect:

Luminous Brightener + Perfector

High Maintenance Instant Nail Thickener Top Coat

Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Treatment