What you should know when choosing non-toxic nail hardeners on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Nail Hardener

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nail Lacquer with Hardeners - China Glaze

Nail Lacquer with Hardeners - China Glaze
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
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Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-1 indicate a top choice for personal care products, have a low potential hazard rating, and good or robust ingredient transparency. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search/?search=China+Glaze+Nail+Lacquer+With+hardeners" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$7.68

Product Details

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  • Long-wearing nail lacquer
  • Flexible and will not chip
  • Non-thickening formula, no thinner required
  • Free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde
  • Ideal for weddings, proms, and French manicures

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Vibrant
  • Smooth
  • Long-lasting

Cons Mentioned

  • Chips

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite Acrylates Copolymer, Iron Oxides (C177499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (C177510), Titanium Dioxide (C177891)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nail Hardener - L.A. Colors

Nail Hardener - L.A. Colors
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-2 feature a low potential hazard rating and good or robust ingredient transparency.  <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/1001963-La_Colors_Ultra_Nail_Hardener_Blq362/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The PETA certification identifies cosmetics, personal-care, and household products as cruelty-free ensuring no animal testing or animal-derived ingredients are used worldwide. <a href="https://crueltyfree.peta.org/company/la-colors-beauty-21/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$6.88

Product Details

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  • Strengthens nails
  • All LA Colors products are animal cruelty-free

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Effective

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Nitrocellulose, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/ Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Benzophenone-1, Violet 2 (Ci 60725), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nail Hardener for Strengthening Long Healthy Nail Growth Treatment - Londontown

Nail Hardener for Strengthening Long Healthy Nail Growth Treatment - Londontown
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$20.00

Product Details

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  • Designed for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned nail artists.
  • Includes tools like dotting nail design pen with brush, crystal glass double-sided nail file, and pedicure jelly toe separator.
  • Features manicure nail art decals and a clean-up cuticles set.
  • Offers multiple design options such as Lavender, Black, White, Glitter Cosmic, and Petals in Bloom.
  • Easy to use and portable, facilitating salon-worthy nail art at home.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Strengthening
  • Protective
  • Shiny

Cons Mentioned

  • Brittle

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Nitrocellulose, Acrylates/Hydroxyesters Acrylates Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tribuyl Citrate, Adipic Acid/ Neopenyl Glycol/ Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Etocrylene, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Brassica Campestris Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flowe Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Dimethicone, CI 42090, CI 60725

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat - Londontown

kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat - Londontown
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$18.00

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Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Protective
  • Strengthening
  • Shiny

Cons Mentioned

  • Peeling

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Etocrylene, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment, Dimethicone, Calcium Pantothenate, Ci 60725, Biotin, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Hardener with Keratin, Calcium and Garlic - Steel Nails

Hardener with Keratin, Calcium and Garlic - Steel Nails
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
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on Amazon
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User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$8.98

Product Details

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  • Contains keratin, calcium, and garlic to harden and strengthen nails.
  • Designed to improve nail growth and prevent chipping and breaking.
  • Helps nails become harder, longer, and stronger within weeks.
  • Can be used as a base coat or top coat for continuous nail improvement.
  • Recommended for use twice a week on clean nails for best results.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Powerful
  • Protective
  • Strengthening

Cons Mentioned

  • Burning

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Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nail Polish Ridge Filler Base Coat - sundays

Nail Polish Ridge Filler Base Coat - sundays
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$18.00

Product Details

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  • Formulated without ten commonly found harmful chemicals
  • Developed to be long-lasting
  • Creates a smooth and even base, enhancing pre-manicure preparation
  • Leaves a natural shine and healthy finish
  • Pregnancy-safe and free from harsh toxins and odors
  • Designed with an 800 bristles flat brush for clean application
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Neutral
  • Nourishing
  • Durable

Cons Mentioned

  • Sheer

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl, Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride, Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Benzophenone-1, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Mica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Etylene/VA Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Aluminum Powder, Titanium Dioxide, Red 6 BA Lake, Red 7 CA Lake, Red 34 CA Lake, Yellow 5 All Lake, Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Manganese Violet, Chromium Oxide Greens, Ultramarines, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Black 2, Blue 1 Lake, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Calcium Oxide, Polyacrylate-4

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Resurface & Repair Base Coat - Cote

Resurface & Repair Base Coat - Cote
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.6
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GREAT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the middle third of the best products.
Est. Price
$23.00

Product Details

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  • Quickly repairs nails weakened by UV gel, powder, and acrylic products, restoring them to a healthy natural state.
  • Formulated with lavender, ginseng, and calcium to soothe, protect, and harden nails.
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and formaldehyde.
  • Suitable for use alone or as a base coat under polish.
  • Included top-quality brush applicator ensures smooth application.
  • Featured in notable publications including Vogue, Goop, and Allure.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Benzophenone-I, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate. (+/-) Titanium Dioxide, Aluminum Powder, D&C Red 6, D&C Red 7, D&C Red 34, Yellow 5 Lake, Bismuth Oxychloride, Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Black 2, Manganese Violet, Mica

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Nail Hardener Polish for Damaged Nails - Karma Organic

Nail Hardener Polish for Damaged Nails - Karma Organic
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.5
/5
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on Amazon
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Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$11.99

Product Details

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  • Infused with essential vitamins, proteins, and other ingredients to strengthen and repair nails.
  • Dries quickly and prevents staining and discoloration of natural nails.
  • Enhances nail shine and brightness with a mega gloss effect.
  • Use as both a base and top coat for maximum benefit, enhancing adherence and preventing chipping.
  • Removes easily with Karma Organic nail polish remover.
  • Does not contain DBP, toluene, or formaldehyde, minimizing brittleness and promoting healthier nails.
  • Includes calcium and coffee extract to combat nail dryness, with a subtle peach hue for a healthy, glowy look.
  • Features a special grippy brush for precise application.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free formulation.
  • Provides a long-lasting, high-shine finish on nails.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Strengthening
  • Cruelty-free
  • Quick-drying

Cons Mentioned

  • Peeling

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/ Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Styrene /Acrylates Copolymer, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Titanium Dioxide/Cl 77891, Persea, Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil Trimethylpentanedivl Dibenzoate, Red Iron Oxide/Cl 77491, Water, Acetyl Methionine, Acetyl Cysteine

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Powerful Acrylic Gel Strength Hardener - Sally Hansen

Powerful Acrylic Gel Strength Hardener - Sally Hansen
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.4
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-3 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/873473-Sally_Hansen_Hard_as_Nails_Wraps_2019_formulation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$11.45

Product Details

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  • Makes nails hard as wraps in 60 seconds.
  • Instantly seals and hardens in one step.
  • Offers powerful acrylic protection to strengthen nails.
  • Provides a clear, smooth, wrap-like surface.
  • Designed for fragile, soft, torn, chipped, or cracked nails.
  • Delivers a shiny finish.
  • Single-step application with no mixing required.

Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Strengthening
  • Protective
  • Durable

Cons Mentioned

  • Thick

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Acrylates Copolymer, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Butylphthalimide, Isopropylphthalimide, Isopropyl Alcohol, Camphor, Benzophenone-1, D&C Violet No. 2 (CI 60725)

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

The Foundation Fortifying Base Coat - tenoverten

The Foundation Fortifying Base Coat - tenoverten
Welpr Rating
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Welpr rating icon
4.4
/5
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on Amazon

Certifications

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<p>Products rated EWG-4 feature a moderate potential hazard rating and fair ingredient transparency. <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/products/920674-tenoverten_The_Foundation_Base_Coat_2020_formulation/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

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<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

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We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$18.00

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Pros & Cons

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Pros Mentioned

  • Strengthening
  • Quick-drying
  • Non-toxic

Cons Mentioned

  • Yellows

Ingredients

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Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Isopropyl Alcohol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Silica, N-Butyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Talc, Ethyl Tosylamide, Benzophenone-1, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Red 6 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140)

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Nail Hardener

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent smell that's naturally produced in small quantities in human bodies and is also known as methanal amongst other names. It's used in the production of various items such as fertilizers, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins as well as in some foods and household products like antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Exposure to formaldehyde, which can occur through breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air can lead to respiratory symptoms, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and has been linked to lung and nasopharyngeal cancer as well as leukemia. The EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1) and inhaling it can cause bronchospasm and pulmonary edema. Commercially, it's sold as formalin in solutions of 37%, 44%, or 50% and long-term exposure can cause first-degree burns, skin sensitization, squamous cell nasal cancer, and chronic pulmonary obstruction.

Polyacrylamide

Acrylamide is a man-made white crystalline solid primarily used in the production of polymers and copolymers. In humans, it is toxic and irritates the skin and mucous membranes, and can affect the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems leading to symptoms like memory difficulties, confusion, slurred speech, and excessive sweating. It may cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in loss of sensation and muscle wasting. Recovery after exposure can take months to years. Animal studies indicate acrylamide accumulates in the nervous system, liver, kidney, and male reproductive system, causing degenerative changes. It might disrupt metabolism, induce oxidative stress, cause chromosomal aberrations, and tumor initiation. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans or causing cancer. It has also shown genotoxic effects in some aquatic species like C. Auratus and mussels.

Triethanolamine

Triethanolamine appears to cause occupational asthma and allergic contact dermatitis in machinists and photographers, as well as liver and kidney damage in animals with high-dose feeding. It's noted to be an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, with potential to cause skin sensitization, though the rate of skin sensitization in humans is low. Triethanolamine has low acute toxicity, with median oral LD50 values of 4,190-11,260 mg/kg in rats and 5,300-8,000 mg/kg in guinea pigs, and a median dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg in rabbits. Triethanolamine is not carcinogenic, developmental toxicant, or toxic to the reproductive system. However, chronic exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage.

Phthalate

Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

Toluene

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.

Benzophenone

Benzophenone (BZP) is a photoinitiator, fragrance enhancer, and ultraviolet stabilizer, used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite not being registered as a pesticide in the U.S., it's involved in the production of insecticides and agricultural chemicals. Its toxic effects on humans are scarcely documented, but it presents little hormonal activity on cell lines. Animal studies show it possesses no estrogenic activity, but it can transform into derivatives with such activity under UV irradiation. It did not show reproductive toxicity or carcinogenicity in rats and mice, respectively, even at high doses. It can be bioactivated through specific enzymes. For aquatic life, fathead minnow larvae were more sensitive to BZP, ranking it in the middle of the toxicity order of six benzene derivatives.

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About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.