The 11 Best Products For Ingrown Toenails – 2024
For well-pedicured, healthy nails that do not make movement difficult or painful.
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Nothing is more painful than an ingrown toenail poking away at the side of your beautiful feet. This usually occurs when irregular or delayed trimming leads to making the nails of your toes bend and dig into the surrounding cuticles of your toes. What follows is excruciating pain due to redness, irritation, and inflammation. However, it can be cured easily with the best products for ingrown toenails. If the action is taken at least within a week of growing, the experience would be less painful for you as the healing process would not be too long.
Instead, if you keep neglecting, hoping it would go away on its own, it will only lead to further infections and aggravated skin that burns, hurts, and itches. Products like foot soaks, creams, or oils, can do wonders for your feet. If you are constantly worried about odor problems in the summer or your sweaty feet, this is the best way to go. Here are the 11 best products to choose from. Scroll down to check them out.
In This Article
11 Best Products To Remove Ingrown Toenails In 2024
1. Best For All Skin Types:Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot And Nail Soak
Made for all skin types, the Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot And Nail Soak is a 100% natural blend of pure essential oils that can help you combat the worst foot and nail fungus. This ingrown toenail removal is formulated with Epsom salt, Atlantic sea salt, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, cajuput oil, camphor oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil, this product is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin, even if it is to battle psoriasis and eczema. Not only will this leave your skin clean and odor-free, but it also softens dry and calloused skin, making the removal of ingrown toenails easier. Also, multiple reviewers have shared their positive feedbacks after testing the product.
- No synthetic fragrance
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Softens and moisturizes sore, rough callus patches
- Extra-strength therapeutic grade essential oils
- No added dyes
- Cruelty-free
- It may take time to visibly see the desired effects
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 16,793 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best Easy To Apply:Dr. Scholl’s Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever
The only treatment among over-the-counter products that are proven to relieve ingrown toenail pain is Dr. Scholl’s Ingrown Toenail Pain Reliever. Not only does this medicated gel have amazing healing properties that alleviate pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort, but it also softens nails for easy trimming, and the foam ring and bandage cushion protect the affected area from infections. With 1% purpose sodium sulfide as its active ingredient, this gel is an advanced treatment for ingrown and stubborn toenails. Also, people’s experiences with the product have been overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in their reviews.
- Easy application
- Hydrating
- Relieves ingrown toenail pain at home
- Softens nails for easy trimming
- Prevents infection
- The gel may have a pungent odor.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 9,716 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Hassle-Free Use:Zizzili Basics Premium Stainless Steel Toenail Clippers
Image: Zizzili Basics
Thick, irregular, or ingrown nails can be difficult to trim with regular nail clippers, and that’s where the Zizzili Basics Premium Stainless Steel Toenail Clippers come into the picture. With a large soft-grip rubber handle, this tool is effective for thick and ingrown nails caused by a fungus, diabetes, paronychia, aging, and other health concerns. The wide jaw opens up to 1 inch to easily trim through even the toughest nails and that makes this clipper also a suitable pedicure tool for seniors. This versatile product can be used as a cuticle nipper and cuticle remover and its sharp, hand-sharpened cutting edges give you a smooth and clean cut. Multiple reviews and reviewers have attested to the impressive results this product delivers.
- Cushioned handle for better control
- Hassle-free use
- Reduces swelling
- Heavy-duty spring
- Non-irritating
- Slight contour allows more access
- Versatile product
- For men and women
- The blade may be sharp and requires careful attention while using
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 4,829 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
4. Best Travel-Friendly:Barielle Toenail Softening Cream
If you are looking for something to soften hardened, thick nails to ensure easy cutting and maintenance, then the Barielle Toenail Softening Cream will work wonders for you. This effective solution is a nourishing blend of aloe vera gel and softening agents that temporarily soften hard and thick toenails. It eases discomfort and pain. The nozzle tip of the cream ensures easier application and required product discharge without wasting it. This 10-free formula is cruelty-free, vegan, and pregnancy-safe.
- 10-free
- Nozzle dispenser
- Travel-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Pregnancy safe
- Easy to use
- May not treat severe symptoms
5. Best Custom-Designed Applicator:Uriel Ingrown Nail Drops
Best suited for softening embedded toenails and calloused tissue, the Uriel Ingrown Nail Drops prevents ingrowth and enables the straightening of nails. This liquid potion is an advanced over-the-counter treatment that is incredibly effective. As it comes with an easy custom-designed applicator, this product will help you simplify the nail-clipping process, support healthy nail regrowth, and help you in getting rid of ingrown toenails.
- Easy to use
- Softens embedded toenails
- Enables straightening of nails
- Prevents ingrowth
- Not recommended for diabetic patients
6. Best For Skin Hydration:Gold Mountain Beauty Fungal Nail Eliminator
Formulated to eliminate fungus and restore your nail’s natural health, the Gold Mountain Beauty Fungal Nail Eliminator is a remedy that is formulated by expert physicians. With ingredients like nourishing sea buckthorn oil and regenerating omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 to promote skin hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration, and softening of nails. This product works like a charm. Along with tolnaftate, a clinically proven antifungal treatment, this product is recommended for diabetics and you can expect to see a visible improvement in just one week.
- Antifungal foot therapy
- Clinically-proven formula
- Recommended for diabetics
- Contains sea buckthorn
- Brush application maximizes benefits by reaching around and under the toenail.
- The liquid may take some time to dry completely.
7. Best Slim Design:Dr. Frederick’s Original Gel Toe Caps
Dr. Frederick’s Original Gel Toe Caps are big toe guards for the protection of ingrown nails. You can protect yourself from calluses, blisters, and irritation caused by physical activity. Made of a soft rubber called thermoplastic elastomer or TPE, this product easily stretches and slips on. You can even wear it on under socks and shoes without it feeling bulky or uncomfortable. The non-slip material on this ingrown nail removal tool stays on even when you are active and exerting pressure. The cap provides instant pain relief and does not require the complications of bandages or creams to get the work done.
- Easy to adjust
- Latex-free
- Compact size
- Allows walking without discomfort
- Feels like medical-grade silicone cushions
- Slim design
- Made with TPE
- May wear out after intensive use
8. Best For New Nail Growth:Vibrant Glamor Nail Repair Cream
If you are looking to eliminate fungus and accelerate nail metabolism, turn to the Vibrant Glamor Nail Repair Cream for immediate results. Suitable for onychomycosis, atrophy, an uneven surface, stratification, thickening and yellowing, deck shedding, turbidity, and discoloration, this cream pretty much covers all nail problems. It has quick-drying ingredients like water, tocopherol, snake oil, simmondsia chinensis seed oil, hydroxyethyl urea, glycerin, cetostearyl alcohol, and mineral oils in this ingrown toenail ointment give the nails rich nutrients, thus repairing the nails and gradually returning smoothness and shine.
- Easy to use
- Non-greasy
- Regular applications lead to visible results in a few days
- Alleviates discomfort
- Promotes nail growth by strengthening and protecting them
- The product may have a watery consistency.
9. Best For Softening Hard Skin:Skinapeel Toenail Softener And Ingrowing Toenail Prevention Oil
Removing ingrown toenails at home is a piece of cake with the Skinapeel Toenail Softener And Ingrowing Toenail Prevention Oil that is a specially formulated liquid that softens hard and thick nails that are prone to ingrowth. This nail softener for ingrown toenails also treats ingrown nails by softening them and making them easier to trim. You can easily brush this formula generously around and under the nail twice a day for visible results. This oil allows you to remove skin beneath the nail and in the nail fold as well as prevent inflamed and aggravated skin.
- Toenail softener oil
- Softens hard skin
- Easy to use
- Prevents inflammation
- Keeps nails safe from ingrowth
- It may take some time to absorb
10. Best User-Friendly:Purely Northwest Tea Tree Nail Blend
Purely Northwest Tea Tree Nail Blend is formulated to moisturize the fingernails and improve the appearance of dull-looking nails. The nail blend is packed with the power of Oregano & Tea tree oil that eliminates the yeast, molds, and fungi. Jojoba oil, infused in the nail blend, hydrates the nail cuticle and the surrounding skin. The nail brush applicator is useful for a mess-free application. The formula also helps to soften the dry, rough, cracked heels.
- Travel-friendly packaging
- User-friendly
- Natural formula
- Greasy
11. Best Stainless Steel Tool:Tweezerman Professional Pedicure Plus
The Tweezerman Professional Pedicure Plus is a stainless steel pedicure tool that can be used as an ingrown toenail file and doubles as a nail cleaner. It effectively files thinner portions and shaves ingrown nails to relieve the pressure that may cause you extreme discomfort. It also has a curved end that can be used to clean under the nails and get into the tricky corners. For both home and salon use, this pedicure tool will help you get rid of the problem before it becomes worse.
- Easy to use
- Fast-acting
- Shaves ingrown nails and relieves pressure
- Cleans under nails by getting under corners
- Stainless steel tool
- This product may be a little thick
The Bottom Line
Ingrown nails are quite common when your nails are not maintained properly. It is essential to trim your nails regularly to prevent the growth of nails. Sometimes if the ingrown nails are untreated, it may lead to infection, inflammation, and irritation. So it’s ideal to invest in the best products for ingrown toenails. The Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot And Nail Soak helps to cleanse, soothe, and rejuvenate tired and achy feet while targeting common foot issues like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. The Zizzili Basics Premium Stainless Steel Toenail Clippers are specifically crafted for trimming thick and tough toenails with precision and ease. The Tweezerman Professional Pedicure Plus is a comprehensive pedicure tool designed to provide professional-grade foot care at home with features like a callus rasp, nail file, and ingrown toenail lifter. From nail soak to pain reliever, and from clippers to toe protection caps, there is a wide range of products available above. Also, stay away from products that are not comfortable to use.
How To Choose Products For Ingrown Nails: A Buying Guide
There are a few main causes of ingrown toenails:
- Footwear that’s ill-fitting leading to poor arterial blood circulation
- Trauma to the toe, caused by stubbing or jamming
- Improper trimming
- Heredity causes
- Exertion with physical activities like running, soccer, or ballet
While the first 3 causes may be avoided, there are some people who are only susceptible to them. It’s common for ingrown toenails to recur, especially if you don’t take preventive steps.
Preventive Tips To Avoid Ingrown Toenails
- Walk carefully to avoid toenail trauma.
- Trim your nails straight across and never too short.
- Wear protective gear if you are at risk of toenail injury.
- Choose footwear that fits you properly and allows your toes to breathe.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Krati Darak loves reviewing skin care products for her readers. After considering her reader’s uses and requirements, she has curated the above list of best products for ingrown toenails. In addition, she has created articulated content about the product’s best features. She has also analyzed many customer reviews for the pros and cons list using a research-driven approach. Sneha has also shared a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can one prevent ingrown toenails?
It is important to maintain foot care and regularly trim and file your toenails.
How long does it take for ingrown toenails to heal?
Depending on the degree, it may take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks.
Why do I keep getting ingrown toenails?
Wearing tight shoes or cutting your toenails too short or injuring a toenail may cause you to have an ingrown toenail.
Does hydrogen peroxide help ingrown toenails?
Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a great option to treat an ingrown toenail at home.
Does Vicks VapoRub cure ingrown toenails?
Vicks VapoRub can help you with the pain of an ingrown toenail and soften it before clipping it.
Will an ingrown toenail eventually grow out?
Ingrown toenails sometimes grow out and can be clipped easily. However, sometimes they dig deeper and cause complications. So, it is wise to take care of an ingrown toenail as soon as you see it.
What is the best treatment for an ingrown toenail?
You can try soaking your feet in warm soapy water for 10-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. Then apply petroleum jelly or a special formula for softening ingrown nails. Clip it off and wear comfortable footwear.
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