essie Strong Start strengthening base coat — 8‑Free vegan biotin formula, 0.46 fl oz, fast‑drying

essie Strong Start is a vegan, 8-free strengthening base coat formulated with biotin to firm nails and create a resilient foundation for long-lasting manicures.

Developed by essie—America's salon nail expert—this clear base coat is designed to reinforce fragile nails and improve polish performance. Lightweight and fast-drying, Strong Start gives nails extra structure to resist peeling, chipping and breakage while remaining compatible with any essie color or top coat. It’s an easy add-on step to help your at-home manicure look neater and last longer without adding bulk.

How does this base coat make nails stronger?

Strong Start uses a biotin-enriched formula that helps support the nail surface, reducing the appearance of weakness and brittleness. The result is a firmer nail plate that holds color and top coats more securely for fewer chips and splits.

• Infused with biotin to support nail integrity.
• Creates a thin hardening layer that resists peeling.
• Fast-drying, lightweight finish that won’t feel stiff.

Will it work with my existing polish routine?

This base coat is designed to integrate smoothly into any manicure workflow: one coat of Strong Start, two coats of your chosen shade, then a protective top coat. It’s formulated to be compatible with all essie lacquers and most other professional polishes.

• Use as a single preparatory layer before color application.
• Pairs well with essie top coats for glossy or long-wear finishes.
• Non-yellowing clear base preserves true color payoff.

Is this product clean, cruelty-free, and suitable for sensitive users?

essie Strong Start is made without animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals. The 8-free formulation excludes common controversial chemicals, aiming to be gentler while still delivering professional-strength performance.

• Vegan formula with no animal-derived components.
• 8-free: omits several commonly avoided ingredients.
• Designed for routine use as part of a salon-grade manicure.

How should I apply and maintain results?

Apply one thin, even coat of Strong Start to clean, dry nails and allow it to dry fully before adding polish. For best outcomes, follow with two color coats and a sealing top coat; reapply base coat between color changes to keep nails protected.

• Prep: remove old polish and lightly buff nails if needed.
• Apply: one thin layer of base coat; wait until dry before color.
• Maintenance: reapply with each new manicure to sustain strength benefits.

Who is this for: essie Strong Start is ideal for anyone who frequently experiences flaking, splitting or fragile nails and wants a salon-style base to improve polish longevity. It’s a practical choice for at-home mani enthusiasts, professional nail techs seeking a reliable strengthening base, and shoppers looking for a vegan, 8-free option that enhances nail resilience without compromising finish or shine.

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS BUTYL ACETATE ETHYL ACETATE PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE/GLYCERIN/GLYCIDYL DECANOATE COPOLYMER NITROCELLULOSE ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ACETYL TRIBUTYL CITRATE DIMETHYL SULFONE ADIPIC ACID/NEOPENTYL GLYCOL/TRIMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER BIOTIN [+/- MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR CI 60725 / VIOLET 2 ] D221742/1