Discoloration in nails can be unsightly. Nail brighteners can fix these yellowing problems.
What are nail brighteners?
Nail brighteners are treatments that help reduce yellow discoloration from nail polish or harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. They often contain oxidizing agents like citric acid for natural bleaching and exfoliants such as malic, glycolic, and lactic acids for gentle lightening. Some also offer UV protection and antioxidants to shield nails from further yellowing. Nail brighteners act like filters, concealing imperfections and ensuring future nail brightness, making them essential for maintaining healthy, stain-free nails.
Here are some nail brighteners to try.
Olive & June Nail Brightener
Olive & June's Nail Brightener is a must-have for brightening stained or discolored nails. Priced at $14, this vegan and cruelty-free formula features a double team of lemon peel and lemon extract to brighten nails and conceal stains.
The UV filters absorb and reflect light, instantly brightening nails with a pearlescent shimmer finish. It also acts as a stain shield from the environment, ensuring new nail growth remains unstained.
To use, apply a thin coat to prepped nails, let dry, and then finish with a top coat. For a more opaque shimmery effect, apply two coats, allowing each to dry for at least five minutes in between, and, as always, finish with your choice of top coat.
Butter London Mellow The Yellow
Mellow the Yellow, priced at $18, is a game-changer for brightening yellowing nails made by Butter London. This opalescent nail brightening treatment combines vitamin E and natural exfoliants like lemon fruit extract to gently exfoliate dry, damaged nails.
It conceals yellow stains upon application while targeting the root cause. The formula leaves nails brighter, smoother, and renewed, with a pearly white finish reminiscent of a glazed donut manicure.
Apply one coat to clean and dry nails, or layer two or three coats for a more opaque look. Finish with a UV topcoat for extra shine and longer wear.
Le Mini Macaron Je Glow Nail Brightener
Le Mini Macaron's Je Glow Nail Brightener offers a quick fix to brighten and whiten nails for only $16. This treatment contains citric acid to neutralize yellow or discolored nails, leaving them with a translucent pale pink glow. It is ideal for use on clean, bare nails between gel manicures to give your nails a break. Simply apply two coats and let them air-dry between coats for brighter, whiter nails. Remove with nail polish remover and a cotton pad.
Sally Hansen Repair + Rescue
Sally Hansen's $14 Repair + Rescue Illuminating Color Corrector is designed to instantly brighten nails and reduce the appearance of discoloration. The formula contains iridescent pearl and brighteners to even out natural nail color and conceal imperfections. Sally Hansen suggests applying up to two coats of its nail brightener to your bare nails and reapplying every other day for buildable coverage to get better results.
Barielle Nail Whitener
Barielle Nail Whitener, priced at $10, is formulated to brighten and whiten nails. With a slightly tinted shade, it provides a satin, natural look while nourishing and hydrating nails with vitamin E, lemon, and lime tree extracts. This innovative concealer hides visual imperfections and prevents further yellowing of the nails. Barielle recommends applying one coat to your clean nails or use as a base coat before applying nail polish.
