13 Best Polishes for Nail Biters to Break the Habit

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 13, 2024
best nail biting polish
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Proper hygiene is a key to better health. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was the fact that frequent washing of hands and avoiding contact with the face is the secret to better health. It prevents the entry of germs to save you from infections. But let's face it, not all people have ideal hand hygiene. And those with nail-biting habits have their struggles to maintain good hand and nail health. Whatever your reason for biting your nails may be, applying the best polishes for nail biters can help you get rid of this annoying problem. Further, through our trial and error, we discovered that anti-nail biting polishes prevent nail chewing, and cuticle biting, and may also correct nail deformation. 

These polishes typically have a bitter taste, so you avoid putting your fingers into your mouth. This will ensure that you don't bite your nails or cuticles ever. What's more, is that- these nail polishes give a smooth and clean finish to the nails.

Based on our first-hand experience and product analysis, we have curated the list of the best anti-nail biting polish options that will resist nail chewing and result in beautifully shaped nails. 

13 Best Polishes for Nail Biters

The Henitar polish is formulated for kids and adults to prevent thumb-sucking and nail-biting. This gentle and safe formula is formulated with plant-based ingredients like bitter gourd, mint, aloe oil, grapeseed oil, and lemonade, which gives the polish a bitter and bad taste so, your kids won't chew their nails anymore. Each coat of this anti-nail biting polish repairs nails and boosts their overall health. The 2-in-1 bitter formula works as an anti-bite polish and a nourishing and repairing formula. 

Pros
  • Easy to apply 
  • Corrects nail deformation
  • Dual purpose polish 
  • Long-last moderate bitterness
  • Has nail whitening properties  
Cons
  • Not for pregnant ladies 
  • Best Gluten-free

    Nail Quail Strong Will Anti-Nail Biting Click Pen

    Nail Quail Strong Will Anti-Nail Biting Click Pen
  • Get rid of biting nails with this Nail Quail Strong Will nail polish for nail biters. The formula is available in a unique pen-like design and is easy to use to cover your nails precisely. It can layer hard-to-reach surfaces where the brush might not go. Also, you can use this go-to anti-biting nail polish on the cuticles, skin, and other affected areas to promote healthy nail growth. Further, it's formulated with organic ingredients like aloe leaf juice, ginger root extract, oat kernel, and eucalyptus leaf juice that soothe sore fingers. 

    Pros
    • Has anti-inflammatory properties
    • Includes a precise tip
    • Dries invisible 
    • Gluten-free
    • Smell-free
    Cons
    • Might require reapplications 
  • Best Odor-free

    NIXXIT Nail Biting Preventive Treatment

    NIXXIT Nail Biting Preventive Treatment
  • Apply a few strokes of this NIXXIT Nail Biting prevention polish and break your habit of sucking fingers or biting nails. The pen polish goes smoothly and coats nails and cuticles to reduce biting. The bitter flavor never lets you put your fingers into your mouth. Unlike regular polishes that stop nail biting for a short time, this one offers long-lasting results for up to 3 hours, depending on the frequency of hand washing. Thanks to its convenient size, you can store it anywhere or stash it in your pocket for on-the-go applications. 

    Pros
    • Odor-free
    • Non-glossy
    • Purse-friendly 
    • No residue formula 
    • Gives control for application
    Cons
    • Pungent taste 
  • Best Repairing Formula

    Biter Be Goner Nail Biting Deterrent

    Biter Be Goner Nail Biting Deterrent
  • A no-fuss anti-bite nail polish like this Biter Be Goner Nail Biting mixture offers mess-free applications to stop sucking and nail-biting. The roll-on deterrent covers nails and surrounding skin and goes unnoticeable. You only need a few coats to be a no-nail biter. Also, it has a bitter and bad taste to discourage you from biting your nails or sucking thumbs. This is one of the best nail-biting deterrents that is free from paraben and harsh fumes to offer you a worry-free, no-nail-biting experience. 

    Pros
    • Safe formula
    • Unscented
    • Invisible polish
    • Repairs nails 
    • Provides optimum coverage
    Cons
    • Strong stuff for kids
  • Best Vegan

    Barielle No Bite Pro Growth Nail Biting Prevention Treatment

    Barielle No Bite Pro Growth Nail Biting Prevention Treatment
  • The Barielle No Bite Pro Growth is crafted without formaldehyde, toluene, and other harmful chemicals to save you from nail-biting habit. This bite-averting nail polish is infused with proactive growth ingredients that promote better nail health and repair damaged cuticles. Plus, it's intensely filled with a bitter flavor to stop you from biting nails and cuticles. Further, our analysis of the product revealed that this polish doesn't leave a glossy residue and gives natural-looking and smooth nails. 

    Pros
    • Hydrates skin 
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Odorless
    • Invisible 
    Cons
    • The taste might remain after the removal
  • Best for Kids

    GiniHomer Nail Biting Treatment

    GiniHomer Nail Biting Treatment
  • Prevent your kids from chewing nails and cuticles with this GiniHomer Nail Biting polish. The dual-purpose polish features two formulas- a slight yellow gel and a transparent gel. Each formula is made with bitter melon, grapeseed extract, almond oil, and Coptis chinensis, a Chinese plant that has medicinal properties. The fusion gives this stop-nail-biting polish a sharp, bitter taste to avoid biting. Moreover, you can use the light yellow polish for anti-biting and the transparent gel to heal damaged nails. 

    Pros
    • Boosts nail growth
    • Fast acting formula
    • Kid safe 
    • BPA-free
    • Prevents nail deformation 
    Cons
    • None 
  • Best for All Ages

    Topkeck Nail Biting Treatment for Kids & Adults

    Topkeck Nail Biting Treatment for Kids & Adults
  • Perfect for kids and adults, the Topkeck Nail Biting polish is here to keep your nails and cuticles bite-free. It’s created with organic herbs like bitter melon, almond oil, etc. The anti-nail-biting polish stops nail chewing and thumb-sucking to ensure your children's health and safety by stopping your kids from putting their thumbs into their mouths. This will prevent germs from entering into their bodies. Also, this no-bite nail polish stimulates nail growth and gives smooth and strong nails. 

    Pros
    • Safe and effective
    • Suits all ages
    • Conditioning oil
    • Smoothes cuticles
    • Simple to apply 
    Cons
    • Not for pregnant and lactating women
  • Most Affordable

    Fidyn No Bite Nail Polish

    Fidyn No Bite Nail Polish
  • A moderately bitter nail polish that tastes bad works just right. Neither too light nor too strong, this Fidyn No Bite Nail Polish tastes medium bitter to avoid messing with the taste buds while discouraging biting. It gets bitterness from natural ingredients like bitter gourd and licorice to make the product safe and effective for everyone. Further, one application lets the bitterness stay for several hours and goes off only after a thorough soap wash or bathing. Moreover, we determined through our tests that the product comes with a soft brush that holds the polish well and spreads it accurately on the applied surface. 

    Pros
    • Economical 
    • Adult and kid-safe
    • Plant-based 
    • Long shelflife 
    • BPA free 
    Cons
    • Washes off after frequent hand washing 
  • Best for Brittle Nails

    ORLY No Bite Nail Bite Deterrent

    ORLY No Bite Nail Bite Deterrent
  • Pamper your nails with this ORLY anti-biting nail care product. It feels gentle on the skin and saves you from that embarrassing nail-chewing habit. This is one of the best nail-biting deterrents that is bitter-flavored and spreads well on the cuticles and nails without giving a shiny look. We know that continuous biting hampers nail growth, but this natural nail growth formula brings nails back to shape. It boosts the regrowth process and results in smooth and healthy nails. In addition, you can apply this anti-nail biting polish alone or over the top of your favorite nail polish color. 

    Pros
    • Camphor free
    • Quick drying polish
    • No shiny formula 
    • Treats brittleness
    • Budget-friendly 
    Cons
    • Might peel off easily 
  • Best for Nail Regrowth

    Chinoxia Nail Biting Treatment

    Chinoxia Nail Biting Treatment
  • The Chinoxia Nail Biting Treatment is a pediatrician-recommended formula to stop your kids from chewing nails and cuticles. This plant-derived stop-nail-biting polish is a perfect fusion of bitter ingredients, including red pepper, bitter melon, and Coptis chinensis extract, that give natural bitterness to prevent nibbling nails. Other ingredients, such as Almond, grapeseed, and lemon oil, repair uneven, broken, and split nail surfaces to ensure a textured look. Besides preventing nail chewing, this anti-biting nail polish relieves dryness and protects the skin against mechanical stress. 

    Pros
    • Enhances nail growth
    • Regains healthy nails
    • Stops chewing habit
    • 2-in-1 bottle design 
    • Precise brush applicators 
    Cons
    • Some may find its consistency sticky 
  • Atrilly Nail Biting Treatment

    Atrilly Nail Biting Treatment
  • You only need a single glide of this anti-nail-biting formula by Atrilly to keep that nail-chewing problem at bay. The formula contains bitterness in limited quantity to make it gentle and safe for all users. It has a bitter flavor that is suitable for adults' and kids' taste buds. Unlike strong no-bite nail polishes, it just gives a taste that your taste senses hate, but it's harmless on the body. Besides solving your biting problem, this is one of the best nail-biting treatments that nourishes and conditions fingernails for better growth and smoothening texture. 

    Pros
    • Non-toxic 
    • Gives strong nails 
    • Reduces nail pain 
    • Doctor-recommended
    • Corrects nail deformities
    Cons
    • None 
  • Essential Values Nail Biting Treatment

    Essential Values Nail Biting Treatment
  • Kick out that bad habit of chewing nails or sucking your thumb with this Essential Values anti-nail biting polish. The brand claims to solve this nasty issue in just 30 days with regular use. What you'll love about this ultimate nail treatment deterrent polish is that it's derived from trusted ingredients that only give a bitter taste to keep fingers out of your mouth. Further, our research indicates that the product comes with an instruction label to ensure correct and easy application. 

    Pros
    • Extra concentrated taste
    • Safe and effective
    • Precise brush tip
    • Dries instantly 
    • Goes clear 
    Cons
    • Not for allergy-prone people 
  • Thum Thumb Sucking & Nail Biting Treatment

     Thum Thumb Sucking & Nail Biting Treatment
  • Just paint this Thum fingernail polish and say goodbye to nail chewing. The organic concoction helps break sucking and biting problems while strengthening and growing nails. The infused cayenne pepper extracts, citric acid, and other effective ingredients give it a bad taste and make it a perfect anti-biting polish for adults, teenagers, and children. Unlike other stop-biting nail products, this mild yet effective polish prevents nausea or stomach upset. Additionally, this go-to formula is packed in a convenient-sized container so that you can take it anywhere.

    Pros
    • Economical 
    • Travel-friendly
    • Quick applicator
    • Reshapes nails
    • Comes in a protective plastic cover
    Cons
    • Might require reapplications 

    The best polishes for nail biters may help you break that annoying issue of nail chewing and cuticle biting. We hope our top recommendations for these no-bite polishes will solve your nail-biting problem. Here's our buying guide that will assist you in filtering the options to find the best pick.

    How to Pick the Best Polish for Nail Biters?

    Here are a few points you can keep in mind before choosing a nail polish for you or your kids. 

    Ingredients 

    While looking for the best polish for nail biters, ensure you go through the ingredient list. Choose formulas made with natural and organic ingredients, like vitamins, plant extracts, etc. These formulas are gentle but have mild to strong bitterness as per the ingredients' concentration. Avoid polishes with harmful chemicals like parabens, alcohol, gluten, sulfates, etc. 

    Taste 

    The best nail polish for nail biters typically has a bitter taste. Whenever you put your nails in your mouth, that unpleasant and bitter taste will prevent you from biting the nails, and you will refrain from repeating it. Some bitter polishes have a strong bitter taste due to higher concentrations of bitter ingredients like bitter melon, bitter gourd, etc. Others may have mild to moderate taste due to lower concentrations.  

    Ease of removal 

    Some nail polishes for nail biting may not taste bitter after removal, while others may taste unpleasant even after several washes. A thorough soap wash can help remove the product entirely. Also, some polishes might transfer easily to your food, so ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before eating your favorite delicacies. 

    Odor 

    You may want an odorless formula that doesn't irritate your olfactory senses. In this case, you can choose a low or no-odor polish. 

    Consult a doctor 

    Allergy-sensitive people, pregnant ladies, lactating women, and those with existing health issues may consult a doctor before applying nail polish to discourage nail biting. Also, if you experience irritation or discomfort, you can stop using the product and seek professional help. 

    Conclusion 

    Using the best polish for nail biters is one of the easiest ways to tackle your thumb-sucking, nail-biting, and cuticle-biting problems. While they may not taste like your favorite eatables, they can effectively prevent you from putting your fingers into your mouth. Moreover, they repair damaged nails and correct deformations for smooth and natural-like nails. The above-mentioned products contain growth-inducing ingredients that keep your nails healthy while solving your nail-biting issue. You can look for some factors like ingredients, odor, ease of removal, etc., to find the best-suited product. 

    FAQ's

    What are non-toxic nail polishes for nail biters?
    Non-toxic anti-biting nail polishes are free from chemical ingredients like sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, and other nasty additives. These are safe to use and are gentle on the skin.
    Are anti-nail-biting polishes safe?
    Yes, anti-biting nail polishes are safe. However, some polishes may have an intense bitter taste that might be too strong for kids. You can choose one that is specially formulated for kids.
    Why do people bite their nails?
    Nail biting habit typically begins in childhood and may last till adulthood if not taken care of at the early stages. It can be a nervous habit associated with stress and anxiety. For some people, it gives temporary relief from stress and regulates their emotions. However, this habit may cause dental problems, infections, and illness.
    How can you wipe off no-bite nail polish?
    You can remove the nail polish using a normal acetone nail paint remover. Dab a cotton ball into the formula and wipe the nails. You can use normal acetone nail polish removers to wipe off anti-nail-biting polishes.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, our beauty expert, has carefully curated this list of the best polishes for nail biters that will discourage chewing on them. After thorough research and product trials, she found the NIXXIT Nail Biting Preventive Treatment is odor-free and breaks the nail-biting habit. You can try the GiniHomer Nail Biting Treatment, as it's BPA-free and heals damaged nails. The others on the list have exemplary results too. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More