Nail Strength Formulas – Keratin, Collagen & Minerals

Brittle, peeling, or slow-growing nails are a common beauty concern for consumers, and the supplements market for nail health is growing rapidly within the beauty-from-within category.

Keratin, collagen, and key minerals form the backbone of effective nail strength formulas, each addressing a different structural and functional aspect of nail health.

For brands in the EU market, the winning combination is science-backed formulation, stability-focused manufacturing, and compliant marketing.

Keratin – The Nail’s Core Protein

Keratin is the main structural protein in nails, making up over 90% of the nail plate.

Benefits: Improves nail hardness, reduces splitting, and promotes smoother nail surfaces
Supplement sources: Hydrolyzed keratin from animal wool (sheep) or plant-based keratin analogs
Formulation tip: Hydrolyzed keratin peptides offer higher bioavailability in oral supplements
Stability note: Keratin is generally stable in dry formats (capsules, tablets, powders) but sensitive to heat and high humidity during manufacturing

Collagen – Structural Support

Collagen helps maintain nail integrity and growth rate by supporting the nail bed and surrounding connective tissue.

Benefits: Increases nail thickness, reduces breakage, and promotes faster growth
Type: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (types I & III) are most common in nail supplements
Synergy: Works well with vitamin C, which supports natural collagen synthesis
Stability note: Stable in dry powders and capsules; flavored collagen drink powders require moisture-proof packaging

Minerals – The Reinforcers

Zinc
- Supports keratin production and nail bed health
- EFSA-approved claim: “Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal nails”
- Common dose: 5–15 mg/day (avoid exceeding 25 mg/day for adults)
Selenium
- Protects nail cells from oxidative damage
- EFSA-approved claim: “Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails”
- Common dose: 30–55 µg/day
Silicon (Silica)
- Supports nail strength and flexibility
- Often derived from bamboo extract or horsetail herb
Iron
- Prevents brittle or spoon-shaped nails linked to iron deficiency
- Supplementation requires caution to avoid excess

Formulation Strategies

Full-spectrum nail blends: Combine keratin peptides, collagen, zinc, selenium, and silica in balanced doses

Synergistic vitamins: Vitamin C for collagen synthesis, biotin for keratin production
Consumer-friendly formats:

Capsules for complete blends
Gummies with lower doses for beauty maintenance
Sachet powders for multi-benefit “hair, skin, and nails” formulas

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Formats We Can Produce

At BF-EssE, we can develop your custom product in:

All are available flavored or unflavored, natural or colored.
Want your supplement pink, red, green, or gold? We use safe, EU-compliant colorants (natural or synthetic) to match your product vision and branding.

Flavors You Can Choose:

We stock over 12 high-quality flavors — perfect for beauty, wellness, or fitness branding.
Best sellers:

Hibiscus
Peach
Vanilla

Also available:

Chocolate
Pineapple
Green Apple
Blackсurrant
Green Tea
...and more. Custom blends on request.

Capsules

Find out more about encapsulation

Sachets

Find out more about Sachets

Pouch bags

Find out more about bulk packaging

EU Regulatory Compliance

Zinc and selenium have EFSA-approved claims for nail health — a strong marketing advantage
Keratin and collagen currently have no specific EFSA-approved claims; benefits must be described in general beauty support terms
All formulations must comply with Directive 2002/46/EC and Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 for labeling and nutrition information

Ready to Launch?

Contact BF‑EssE’s team for tailored support.

Keratin, collagen, and key minerals form a powerful trio for nail strength supplements. By focusing on bioavailable forms, synergistic formulation, and EU-compliant marketing, brands can deliver effective, high-quality products that appeal to the growing beauty-from-within audience.