Top 5 Nail Fungus Treatments (Updated 2023)
We have studied and reviewed popular nail fungus treatments to help you decide which is the best to cure your nail fungus.
By David R. Brodell
Updated on Mar 06, 2023
David is a wellness blogger and a regular contributor with a passion for health and wellness. As a devoted husband and father of two children, he spends his time researching and reviewing health products available in the market. With a mission to help others make informed decisions, David shares his insights on whether products are worth customers’ time and money.
We understand the frustration of finding the best nail fungus treatments on the market, given the plethora of topical products available. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to review the products that claim to be the best and remove all guesswork for customers. We’ll provide you with a thorough pound-for-pound comparison analysis to assist you in selecting the best nail fungus treatment that will work for you.
1. EmoniNail
1. EmoniNail
$69.95
EmoniNail is known for having all three ingredients designed to kill nail fungus at the source which would allow clear nails to grow again.
Efficacy 9.0/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 9.5/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
Efficacy 9.0/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 9.5/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
- 10% Undecylenic Acid
- Tea Tree Oil
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- 60-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Brush applicator included
- Takes 4 to 6 weeks to see visible results
- Active customer service
- Precise undecylenic acid concentration
- Only available online
- Not available on Amazon
- "Just wanted to let you know that this stuff works!"
- "My suggestion is to keep using EmoniNail 2 times every day until you have the results you want"
- "I started using EmoniNail and slowly but surely my nails began to clear up."
- "By week 4, my nails had softened dramatically. All the brittleness was gone. Now on week 6 and I can see clear nails growing in."
2. My Foot Cure
2. My Foot Cure
$19.97
My Foot Cure is known for its rejuvenating effects to combat athlete’s foot and discoloration. It also has maximum 25% Undecylenic Acid in its formulation.
Efficacy 8.0/10
Value 8.0/10
Ingredients 8.0/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
Efficacy 8.0/10
Value 8.0/10
Ingredients 8.0/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
- 25% Undecylenic Acid
- Tea Tree Oil
- 60-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Brush applicator included
- No reported side effects
- Too strong undecylenic acid causing irritation
- Poor customer service
- "This stuff is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I've been a diabetic for 40 yrs. My toenails were horrible, mainly the big toes ever since I can remember."
- "This stuff cleared up toenail fungus that I've had for a decade! My toenails had even fallen off from the severity of the fungus."
- "The product I got contains 25% undecylenic acid as its “active ingredient,” which is completely omitted from this product’s marketing photo here on amazon.
- "I am reserving rating this product... after nearly finishing a bottle, whilst religiously following the prescribed instructions, I'm uncertain if there has been any effect."
Overall Grade
3. Better Nail
3. Better Nail
$34.00
Better Nail is known for its oil-rich formula and 25% Undecylenic Acid concentration in its formulation.
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 8.5/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 8.5/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
- 25% Undecylenic Acid
- Brush applicator included
- No reported side effects
- Oil-rich Formula
- Active customer service
- Too strong undecylenic acid causing irritation
- Confusing label
- "This is a fungus healer. I've only used it a few times, so I don't know if it works or not. I can read the label, and it says DONT USE ON NAILS. Um that's what I bought it for? Why not?"
- "The directions enclosed with my order "suggested" that I read the warnings on the bottle. They were IMPOSSIBLE to read. I gave this a mediocre review because I don't yet know if it works."
- "After using Better Nail for just TWO WEEKS, the results are amazing! I am beginning to see a normal, clear nail at the base."
- "Wish there was a printed dictions included. Unable to read the ones on the bottle without a magnifying glass. Even with it hard to make out."
Overall Grade
4. Funginix
4. Funginix
$39.99
Funginix is known for its 90-Day money back guarantee. It uses 10% Undecylenic Acid in its formulation.
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 8.0/10
Return Policy 9.5/10
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 7.5/10
Ingredients 8.0/10
Return Policy 9.5/10
- 10% Undecylenic Acid
- 90-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Brush applicator included
- No reported side effects
- Takes 4 to 6 weeks to see visible results
- Precise Undecylenic Acid
- Poor customer service
- Lacks penetrating ingredients
- "Still not completely gone, but I'm not mortified to wear sandals anymore."
- "First off, if you don't use the product correctly, it will not work. I've been using this product religiously and I've been amazed."
- "This product does work but you need to read and follow the directions for use."
- "Been using Funginix for about 2 1/2 weeks and I see amazing difference in my toenails!"
Overall Grade
5. Dr. Luke
5. Dr. Luke Fungal Nail Renewal
$13.99
Dr. Luke Fungal Nail Renewal is known for its classic and all-herbal formulation. It is also used to fight athlete’s foot and renew nail color.
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 8.5/10
Ingredients 7.0/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
Efficacy 6.5/10
Value 8.5/10
Ingredients 7.0/10
Return Policy 9.0/10
- Sophora Flavescens
- Stellerae Chamae Jasmis
- Cnidium Monnieri
- Golden Larch Bark
- Cheapest among the top brands
- Active customer service
- 2 - 4 months before visible results
- Should be combined with oral drugs
- Side effects reported
- Smells like vinegar
- No website
- "Great product. Was a bit skeptical at first, but it is really making a difference. Kinda smells like vinegar."
- "Horrible and dangerous product!! First, the medication is dark and ended-up turning my toenail brown"
- "I have been using Dr Luke’s for about three weeks and I can see a definite improvement of my finger."
- "I noticed a difference after a couple of days and then, after a week or so, I was able to clip my nails more easily than ever."
Overall Grade
NAIL FUNGUS TREATMENTS CHART
Brand Name | EmoniNail | My Foot Cure | Better Nail | Funginix | Dr. Luke |
Price | $69.95 | $19.97 | $34.00 | $39.99 | $13.99 |
Website | www.emoninail.com | www.myfootcure.com | www.dermaced.com | www.amazon.com | www.amazon.com |
Known For | • Kills nail fungus at the source • Known for allowing clear nails to grow again | • Designed to penetrate the core • Rejuvenating effect | • Maximum 25% Undecylenic Acid • Penetrates deep to get to the source | • Kills nail fungus at the source | • Athlete's foot • Classic formulation |
Active Ingredients | • 10% Undecylenic Acid • Tea Tree Oil • Sunflower Seed Oil | • 25% Undecylenic Acid • Tea Tree Oil | • 25% Undecylenic Acid | • 10% Undecylenic Acid | • Sophora Flavescens • Stellerae Chamae Jasmis • Cnidium Monnieri • Golden Larch Bark |
Pros | • 60-Day Money Back Guarantee • Brush applicator included • No reported side effects • Takes 4 to 6 weeks to see visible results • Active customer service • Precise undecylenic acid concentration | • 60-Day Money Back Guarantee • Brush applicator included • No reported side effects | • Brush applicator included • No reported side effects • Active customer service | • 90-Day Money Back Guarantee • Brush applicator included • No reported side effects • Takes 4 to 6 weeks to see visible results • Precise Undecylenic Acid | • Cheapest among the top brands • Active customer service |
Cons | • Only available online • Not available on Amazon | • Too strong Undecylenic Acid • Poor customer service | • Unclear money back guarantee policies • Too strong Undecylenic Acid • Confusing label | • Poor customer service • Lacks penetrating ingredients | • 2 - 4 months before visible results • Should be combined with oral drugs • Smells like vinegar • No website |
Reported Efficacy | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Value | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
Ingredients | 9.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
Return Policy | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 |
Overall Score | 8.8 | 8.3 | 7.9 | 7.9 | 7.8 |
WHAT INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR
- 10% Undecylenic Acid – or Undecylenate, it is a naturally occurring antifungal acid that has strong properties against fungal infections on the skin such as eczemas and other related conditions. It works by preventing candida albicans, a yeast that lives on the skin turning into fungus if untreated. Undecylenate and its other byproducts are commonly found in many prescribed over-the-counter products as topical antifungal treatment. (1)
With its unique and natural antifungal properties, it has been proven to prevent and kill topical fungus on skin, which are oftentimes found on the feet, under the nails, and around the toes. Undecylenic Acid is also proven to treat infections on the skin including Athlete’s foot and other associated conditions that cause itching, irritation, and burning. (1)
However, Undecylenic Acid is always mixed with other ingredients to be effective. It is also proven that with too much concentration of Undecylenic Acid, redness and irritation may occur. With this, the mixture of the acid is preferred at around 10% concentration. Clinical trials evaluated that when using 10% Undecylenic Acid concentration, lesions and other skin condition can be completely healed in as fast as 10 days. (1)
- Tea Tree Oil – or Melaleuca alternifolia, is an essential oil with lots of therapeutic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Tea Tree Oil has been evaluated effective against various strains of dermatophyte (yeasts on skin) and all growths of nail fungus. It is as well effective in reducing growth of particular fungus known as Trichophyton rubrum, a well-known to cause common nail fungus and moderate to severe infections. It is proven that with consistent usage, it yields beneficial results over time, in as short as 14 days. (1) (2) (3)
However, it is to take note that it’s possible for the oil to cause allergic reaction if not applied properly such as in unprecise amounts or concentration. Nonetheless, clinical trial proved that pure Tea Tree Oil is equally effective as antifungal clotrimazole in treating fungal toenail infections. (1) (2)
Sunflower Seed Oil – This essential oil is composed of oleic acid, Vitamin E, sesamol, linoleic acid, and hypoallergenic contents that act as a skin conditioning to prevent irritation caused by harsh ingredients. Sunflower Seed Oil is also non-comedogenic, which means it is non-irritating and can be used on different types of skin – dry, oily, and acne-prone. (1) (2)
With its properties and nutrients, it helps protect skin from free radicals, locks moisture into the nails to keep it hydrated and illuminated, and provides anti-inflammatory effects when used topically on skin and nails. (1) (2)
Other Beneficial Ingredients To Look For (1):
Snakeroot Extract
Coconut Oil
Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil
Rosehip Oil
Almond Oil
Lavender Oil
WHAT INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
- Hydrogen Peroxide – It is found to be corrosive on organic tissues like skin and fungi, causing unwanted skin irritation. However, similar to household bleach, it is notably toxic in high concentrations. It is not recommended to apply hydrogen peroxide as a topical ingredient against nail fungus due to insufficient evidence that it works. (1) (2)
- Bleach – Although bleach contains antimicrobial properties for curing infections, it also has highly toxic compounds that can cause serious side effects like irritation and burning sensation. It is also found that some nail fungus strains can survive on bleach concentrations making it unnecessarily painful while being at the same time ineffective. (1)
- Isopropyl Alcohol – Alcohol is much effective in sterilizing regions around the bacteria, but does very little against fungal infections like yeasts and common nail fungus strains. When applied, it produces painful burning sensation on infected skin and open tissues, but doesn’t treat the nail fungus on the nail bed. (1) (2)
INSIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS
Products shouldn’t be evaluated by the number or how fancy the name of ingredients are in their solution, but what list of effective ingredients are in it and if these ingredients have the correct amount of concentration. We should be more cautious of the ‘popular’ and ‘catchy’ brand slogans. We should always scrutinize products’ claims if they are supported by credible clinical studies so we can be assured that the products we’re using are safe, and most of all, effective.
HOW DID WE ARRIVE WITH THE RANKING
The comprehensive list presented above was done after extensive research, market study, direct comparison, and analysis measuring the full value of each product by studying the ingredients, safety, efficacy, refund policies, and customer satisfaction of the studied products. Our team compiled researches from up-to-date and reliable journals and clinical trials to ensure the criteria we use are trustworthy and take only the important factors into account. We present those results in a concise and graphic manner to save our readers time, and especially, money before buying.