Water versus oil-based products for nail care

Oils don't penetrate the nail. Water does. Let's bust the nail-oil myth straight away. Plant and seed oils (such as coconut, castor, argan and olive oils) may be great for your skin — and in some cases hair — but not nails. Oils are not compatible with the hydrophilic nature of nails, which contain as little as 0.1% lipids. Oils will just sit within the very top layers of nails — trapped. Nails are hard barriers. Skin is more fluid and is hydrophobic in nature, containing abundant natural oils in the form of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. Nails and skin are very different. Oils may be useful for moisturising cuticles, but that's because cuticles are skin.

Around 18% of the content of a healthy nail is water. The rest is mainly keratin. Tough polymer fibres. Water is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of nails; specifically, the bonds between those keratin fibres. Water is also the best carrier to deliver hydrophilic ingredients (including Nail ER+'s proprietary TXYL polymers) which are compatible with the nails' natural hydrophilic properties.

Nail ER+ is water-based because that's what nails are made from. It's designed to work with the nail's natural structure. It hydrates not only by being water-based but also by delivering moisturising and conditioning ingredients. Nail ER+ conditions by allowing our TXYL polymers and other conditioning agents to penetrate into the toenail and improve structure and strength, as well as working to improve the appearance and texture of the nail surface. It's unique in this regard. You don't need oils for bright, clear nails with a healthy sheen. A water-based conditioning, hydrating nail-care system like Nail ER+ will do that more effectively because of its compatibility with the toenail's natural composition. Working with it, not against it. Delivering results for the long term.