Average rating includes incentivized reviews Original

Hard To Resist Neutralize & Brighten Nail Strengthener

Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener provides instant nail strength and resistance and improves fragile, brittle nails. After 3 days: nails are less brittle and nails appear healthy, smooth with natural shine.

  • NEUTRALIZES & BRIGHTENS: Neutralizes the look of yellow tones and provides a sheer, violet tint.

    PROTECTS AGAINST DAILY WEAR & TEAR: Creates a protective barrier against daily wear and tear.

    INSTANT STRENGTH & RESISTANCE: 96% agreed instantly nails feel protected* *in a consumer study.

    NAIL BONDING TECHNOLOGY: Bonds weakened nail surface to improve fragile, brittle nails.

    LESS BRITTLE NAILS IN 3 DAYS: After 3 days nails are less brittle and appear healthy, smooth with natural shine.
  • - Clean nail beds; no base coat needed.
    - Apply 2 coats of Hard To Resist Neutralize & Brighten Nail Strengthener directly to the nail.
    - No top coat needed. Stronger nails in just 3 days.
  • essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.

    • essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.
    • essie is a vegan brand – contains no animal-derived ingredients.

    Full ingredient list:

    BUTYL ACETATE, ETHYL ACETATE, PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/GLYCERIN/GLYCIDYL DECANOATE COPOLYMER, NITROCELLULOSE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE, DIMETHYL SULFONE, ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL, GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER, AQUA / WATER / EAU, HYDROXYETHYL UREA, CITRIC ACID, CANNABIS SATIVA SEED OIL, ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE, SILICA, TRIBUTYL CITRATE, TRIETHOXYSILYLETHYL, POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, ISOPROPYL TITANIUM TRIISOSTEARATE, PROPYL ACETATE, ALUMINA, TOSYLAMIDE/EPOXY RESIN, HYDROGENATED ACETOPHENONE/OXYMETHYLENE COPOLYMER, STEARALKONIUM HECTORITE , ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, BENZOPHENONE-1 [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, CI 15880 / RED 34 LAKE, CI 77007 / ULTRAMARINES, CI 42090 / BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 7, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6 LAKE, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 45380 / RED 22 LAKE, CI 45410 / RED 28 LAKE, CI 60725 / VIOLET 2, CI 15850 / RED 7 LAKE, CI 15850 / RED 6 LAKE ]


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42 reviews with 5 stars.
11 reviews with 4 stars.
6 reviews with 3 stars.
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1 review with 1 star.

overall rating

4.5

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1 to 8 of 62 reviews .
1 – 8 of 62 reviews

terrible

2 years ago
very disappointed nails became brittle and snapped off at very low points!!!!I will not continue to use and will warn others not to use
type of nail polish userregular/average
helpful?

Best strengthener ever!

2 years ago
Best strengthener I’ve ever tried! I have thin nails that split just above the nail bed. I put this on clean dry nails. One coat per day for three days, then after seven days, I remove it. Wash, leave clean for two days and then follow the same schedule for another week. Then I do gel UV/LED cured polish for two weeks then follow the strengthening process again. My nails haven’t broken in 4 months and look better than ever before. Thanks Essie!
favorite essie color family?nudes
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
helpful?

works!

2 years ago
helps to strengthen my natural nails after gel, or jusy when they feel extra weak. it fades into a nice clear shiny polish after a couple days, which i don’t mind because it makes mine more healthy looking
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday
  • Review photo 1.
helpful?

The best

3 years ago
The best I’ve ever had! My nails are beautiful and strong for the first time! I’m in love!!!!
favorite essie color family?sheers
type of nail polish userspecial occasions only
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Essie Neutralize and Brighten

3 years ago
Love this Essie healthy nails polish - neutralize and brighten. I used after having my nails painted multiple times in a row and my nails started to have a weird glow to them - this helped perk my nails back up and looking healthy again!
helpful?

Loved it, but has already lost color

3 years ago
I bought this a few months ago, and while I love the color it gives my nails (very sheer violet!), I just grabbed the bottle and the color has completely faded to a rosy color. Super disappointing, as I bought it for the violet tint.
type of nail polish userregular/average

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
3 years ago
consumer care center
Hi there Meredith14. Oh wow, We want to understand what happened just as much as you do! Stored away from strong indoor or outdoor lighting, none of our color should change their appearance. If you would like to speak to us directly about your recent purchase, give us a call @ 866-313-7845 M-F 9 am-5:30 pm ET

Thank you!

3 years ago
So glad Essie has released strengtheners that have a slight tint. So easy to throw on quickly to have nice nails.
favorite essie color family?pinks
type of nail polish userregular/average
great to wear foreveryday

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Works great!!!

4 years ago
I purchased Essie neutralize and brighten nail polish because my nails were so dull and brittle it was like nothing worked until I tried this. The polish helped harden my nails so they wasn't splitting or breaking everytime I touched something. The polish just dos everything it says it's going to do and does it great it's my new favorite!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
1 – 8 of 62 reviews

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42 reviews with 5 stars.
11 reviews with 4 stars.
6 reviews with 3 stars.
2 reviews with 2 stars.
1 review with 1 star.

overall rating

4.5

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9 to 38 of 62 reviews .
9 – 38 of 62 reviews

Good strengthening polish

4 years ago
Good strengthening polish. I typically add two layers of this letting each layer dry for five minutes
helpful?

Cute but strong smell

4 years ago
This was a beautiful color. I struggle with brittle thin nails. They're always bending and breaking. I had this on for as long as I could before it chipped at least 2 days. Nail polish chips for me oftentimes from life and everything. Constantly washing hands and dishes and cleaning. I did notice a slight difference withing the duration of wearing it. It's cute and it works for me when it stays on!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Drys fast!

4 years ago
This nail polish is great! It sets very fast. I would definitely recommend this to others if you are looking for a fast drying polish.
helpful?

Good product

4 years ago
I’ve been using this product for a couple weeks now and I like it, but I don’t love it. It seems to be strengthening my nails, and it looks really nice. However I feel like there is an oily residue left on my nails. This causes me to constantly wipe at them and over time the product is no longer on my nails.

no, I do not recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello thereTeachTots21. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the neutralize & brighten nail strengthener. We wish you could see all the results you were hoping for. This next-gen nail strengthener creates a protective barrier against daily wear. The nail bonding technology bonds the weakened nail surface to improve fragile, brittle nails. After 3 days: nails are less brittle and appear healthy, smooth with natural shine. The sheer purple tone neutralizes unwanted yellow.

Works!

4 years ago
I have been taking a break from getting acrylic nails and my nails have been extremely damaged. This strengthener has done wonders to help my brittle nails. I have seen such good improvement in their strength and appearance. It goes on evenly and is clear once dried. It's great to have on hand.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Wow wow wow!!

4 years ago
I so wish I would have known about this product sooner!!! I don't get my nails done Alot but when I do I usually end up breaking them etc and it majorly damages my actual nails. I've tried all sorts of this to help strengthen them and nothing helped. My latest nail adventure left my nails absolutely awful. So I used this stuff and oh my gosh I swear it was sent from heaven! The difference in just a few days was unbelievable! Highly recommend and I will definitely be keeping this in stock at my house and recommending to all my friends.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Great!

4 years ago
In the bottle this has a purple tint which is not noticeable once applied, it goes on completely clear. Instructions say to apply two layers and that's it. The product is a lot thinner than regular nail polish, so you need to make sure you are not picking up too much product! If you do accidentally apply too much it runs quick since it is so thin, and you need to remove it with the brush o make sure it does not spill over onto your skin. Other than that small issue it seems to work, my nails do look better and feel a little tougher. Best part is it just looks like a nice clear polish that gives your nails a lovely shine!
helpful?

Easy to use

4 years ago
I've been using this for a week and have noticed few broken nails by the end of the workday. It's very use to break nails at my job and sometimes it can really hurt. I do also like that the plosh isn't a strong color so it's not super noticeable when it get chips.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Protective

4 years ago
This stuff definitely adds a protective layer to your nails. I bite mine a lot and this helped form a stronger bed. I didn’t like how much two layers added on and it made it peel, but I may be using too much. It definitely adds a light purple tint, I would go with pink for a more natural look.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Good polish!

4 years ago
This polish is great! I feel like it really strengthens and protects my nails and it makes them shiny and the purple tint is super cute.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Helps harden nails

4 years ago
I've been using for a few weeks and I've noticed a difference. I have fragile nails and they always break. It really helped strengthen and brighten my nails. It looks purple but once on your nails is very clear.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Hardener absolutely must have.

4 years ago
I have brittle nails and were badly damaged at the salon, this product really definitely added strength. It does chip however. The brush in the bottle on Essie are always fantastic.

yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
helpful?

Great product

4 years ago
This is a great way to strengthen nails without paying big bucks. I love the fact that you put it on and don’t have to mess with it again it makes taking care of your nails so much easier

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Strength and shine

4 years ago
I tried this out on my weak cracking nails and I am so happy to have come across this. Not only does it give my nails a beautiful shine after a couple wears I could tell the difference in the strenghth of my nails. They are not bending anymore and I can feel them harder. Nail rescue and shine it's a must have.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Essie neutralize & brighten

4 years ago
I got the Essie neutralize & brighten for my mom nails and brighten them up she really loves it and it brightens her nails and her nails are stronger than ever definitely bye her another bottle of it she really loves it

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

My go too

4 years ago
Essie never disappoints. I have seen a noticeable change in my weak and brittle nails after using this a few times! I love it!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Looked good

4 years ago
Well my nails had a bit of a yellow tint to them and this polish certainly did as claimed and took that away. Even after it wore off. And my nails looked beautiful and shiny while on. I recently tried it under some other nail polish and so far, it's made my other polish last. So it definitely works and it works great

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

In love with this strengthening polish!

4 years ago
Love love love this essie nail strengthener, makes my nails look so healthy after quickly applying. Really easy to apply and goes on super smoothly. I love the slightly purple tint, so cute!! My nails really do feel stronger which has been such a luxury as I’m constantly washing my hands which has led to rough looking fingers. Absolutely love this polish!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Works well!

4 years ago
I used this polish to help repair my nails after a few months of wearing gel nails. I usually apply 2-3 coats, leave it on for 3 days and reapply as needed. It seems to thicken my nails and protect them, and the purple color counteracts any yellow in my natural nail.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Average

4 years ago
I was so excited to try a vegan friendly nail strengthener by such a well known brand. The Essie neutralize & brighten hard to resist paints on just like a normal nail polish. The packaging says to apply two coats. I applied the first and let it dry before applying the second. With normal use of my hands it was already wearing off by the first day. I was a bit disappointed that it just peels like regular nail polish. After 3 days there was barely any left on my nails. I didn't notice any difference at all.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello Caye. Thank you for sharing your experience our neutralize & brighten nail strengthener. We wish you could see the results you were hoping for. This strengthener creates a protective barrier against daily wear, while the tint neutralizes yellow nail beds. The nail bonding technology bonds the weakened nail surface to improve fragile, brittle nails. After 3 days: nails are less brittle and appear healthy, smooth with natural shine.

Impressed

4 years ago
I usually struggle with very thin breakable nails so I’ve been looking to add a strengthened to my routine. This has worked quite well so far for me adding a very subtle hue while maintaining a mostly natural look.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Smooth application

4 years ago
I like how just barely-there purple this nail treatment is. I can wear it for any occasion. It has a really smooth application, and after putting on a few coats, I did feel that my nails looked healthier and felt a bit stronger. The polish flakes off very easily, though, so I did not feel that it was able to fully deliver like I wanted it to. It is an okay nail treatment, I just wish that it had more staying power.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
response from essie:
4 years ago
Consumer Care Center
Hello there Khant55512! Thanks for sharing your experience with the neutralize & brighten! nail strengthener. We love hearing that your nails feel and look great using this nail strengthener....we just wish you saw the staying power you were hoping for. The sheer purple tone neutralizes yellow nail beds as it creates a protective barrier against daily wear Instant nail strength and resistance with nail bonding technology. It bonds the weakened nail surface to improve fragile, brittle nails. after 3 days: nails are less brittle and appear healthy, smooth with natural shine.

Amazing

4 years ago
After getting acrylics on my nails, they were completely destroyed so I’ve been looking for something good to help repair them. I absolutely love Essie, all their products are so high quality. This nail strengthener does not disappoint either. Nails feel better just after one use
helpful?

Too many good qualities

4 years ago
I gave this to my sister for her birthday because she paints her nails often and knows a thing or two about nail polish. She had nothing but great comments with this brightening nail polish. She loved the smell for one. Most the nail polish she has used does not smell well but this one does and it smells great even after applied and dried. She loves that it does not chip easy and she hasn't had to reapply the nail polish as often as the others she has used. I would say this is a winning nail polish!

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Promising

4 years ago
After wearing this strengthener for a few days, I feel like my nails are less weak and bendy. It applied easily and dried quickly. The violet tint is pretty nonexistent though which was a bit disappointing.
helpful?

Nice polish.

4 years ago
I got this polish a little while ago and it is super nice. The way it brightens and strengthens my nails is amazing.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love this stuff !!!

4 years ago
This stuff works great! From the first time using it, i Could instantly tell my nails were stronger. It’s nice and clear it goes on nicely no clumping or anything like that. I would definitely continue to use this stuff

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Works perfectly!

4 years ago
Wearing this has definitely made a difference. My nail health has been kinda declining, so this has been so helpful. The coating has protected my nails and as a plus leaves a nice sheen over them.

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Different.

4 years ago
I put this on according to directions and the next day I broke a nail it was funny to me. In all honesty I feel strength is hard to build immediately- so I’ve continued to wear it and honestly my nails aren’t as brittle- but I’m still breaking them; but they’re also still healing from damage I’ve done. I think this is a lovely product and suggest you try it if you’re anything like me and a little rough on your nails

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?

Love it

4 years ago
This works very good for people who have stained or yellow nails due to polishing a lot. I love polishing my nails with different colors and nail are so my nails turned a bit yellow and this really worked! It neutralized my original nail color. It doesn't chip easily which is amazing

yes, I recommend this product.

helpful?
9 – 38 of 62 reviews