Top-Rated Brands for Stellar Top Coats

When it comes to achieving a flawless finish in any paint or nail project, choosing the right top coat brand is pivotal. The perfect top coat not only enhances the appearance but also provides crucial protection and durability. From household names in beauty and automotive industries to niche players specializing in eco-friendly solutions, the market offers a wide array of options to suit various needs and preferences. To help you make the right choice for your next project, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best top coat brands. Discover the top performers and what makes them stand out below.

Illustration of top coat

Best brands of top coat in 2025

Seche Vite

Seche Vite is widely regarded as one of the best top coat producers, praised for its fast-drying properties and ability to create hard, shiny, and professional-looking nails. It has earned an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 250 reviews on Beautylish. The top coat excels by drying nails in just one minute, maintaining a gel-like appearance for days. Despite its popularity, it contains toluene, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, though it is benzene-free and considered safe under cosmetic use conditions. Seche Vite has been a favorite among nail enthusiasts since its introduction, with many users swearing by its effectiveness. For more details, check out Seche Vite's top coat reviews on Beautylish.

Essie

Essie is renowned as one of the leading producers of top coats in the nail polish market, known for its high-quality formulas and reliable performance. The brand has cultivated a devoted fan base, contributing significantly to the nail lacquer segment, which is expected to account for 44.5% of the market share in 2024. Essie, along with other major brands like OPI and China Glaze, has established a strong presence in North America, which dominates the nail polish market with a 35.7% share in 2024. The brand's products, such as Essie Expressie, are praised for their pigmentation and ease of application. Essie's commitment to innovation and customer loyalty has made it a staple in the beauty industry. For more details on their products, visit their official website.

OPI

OPI, a leading brand in the professional nail care industry, is renowned for its high-quality products, including top coats that are highly pigmented, long-wearing, and fade-resistant. With a commanding lead of around 20% in the global professional nail care market, OPI's top coats are part of a comprehensive range of nail care treatments that include base and top coats, and Avoplex creams and oils. Founded in 1981 by George Schaeffer, OPI has maintained its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, making it a trusted name worldwide, available in over 100 countries. OPI's products are developed by a dedicated team of scientists to ensure the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. The brand's top coats are integral to its award-winning nail lacquer formulas, such as the Infinite Shine and Gel Nail Polish lines.

Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen is a leading brand in the nail care industry, particularly renowned for its top coat products. The company's Insta-Dri Top Coat, for instance, is celebrated for its quick-drying formula that hardens nail color in just 60 seconds and provides a long-lasting, chip-resistant finish that lasts up to 10 days. As a key player in the global nail polish market, Sally Hansen contributes to the sector's anticipated growth at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030, with the market expected to reach USD 25.82 billion by 2030. Sally Hansen's products are popular globally, especially in regions like North America, which accounts for a significant share of the nail care market. The brand's innovative solutions and salon-tested products have solidified its position as America's #1 nail brand.

CND Vinylux

CND Vinylux is renowned for its high-quality, long-wear polish system, particularly its top coat, which ensures 7+ days of wear and high shine. This 2-step system features a self-adhering color coat with adhesion promoters, eliminating the need for a base coat. The fast-drying formula is ready in just 8 1/2 minutes, making it ideal for natural nail services, pedicures, and nail art. As part of the broader nail care market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032, CND Vinylux stands out for its innovative and durable products. The global nail polish market, valued at USD 16.23 billion in 2023, highlights the significance of brands like CND Vinylux in the industry. For more detailed information about their products, visit the CND Vinylux official website.

Orly

ORLY is renowned as one of the best producers of top coat nail polishes, offering a cruelty-free and vegan formula that is 12-free and non-toxic. Their advanced formula provides lasting protection and a gorgeously glossy finish, making it a favorite among those who follow the latest fashion trends. ORLY's top coats, such as the Glosser cruelty-free vegan nail polish, are designed to give your polish a super high-shine finish. The brand is also notable for its halal-certified nail polishes, which are particularly popular in regions like the Middle East and Africa. With a wide range of vibrant and fashion-forward colors, ORLY continues to be a leader in the nail polish market.

Zoya

Zoya is renowned as one of the best producers of top coat in the nail polish industry, with its Armor Top Coat receiving praise for its durability and glossy finish. Many users have reported that the top coat extends the life of their nail polish, with some experiencing no chipping or wear for up to two weeks. Despite some variability in user experiences, professional nail technicians and consumers alike have praised Zoya's products for their quality and longevity. Zoya is part of the broader nail polish market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030, with Asia Pacific dominating the market share. The brand's commitment to quality has made it a staple in many salons and homes.

Deborah Lippmann

Deborah Lippmann is a renowned brand in the nail care industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality top coats. The brand, founded by the esteemed nail expert Deborah Lippmann, is known for its healthy-ingredients approach and innovative products. As part of the growing nail treatment products market, which was valued at $3.23 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030, Deborah Lippmann's top coats are favored for their long-lasting and quick-drying formulations. The brand's products are available through various channels, including specialty beauty stores, which account for 27.03% of the market share, and online platforms. Deborah Lippmann's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made it a key player in the industry.

Butter London

Butter London is renowned as one of the best producers of top coats, particularly with their Hardwear Shine UV Top Coat, which helps prevent nail polish chipping and smudging while providing UV protection to prevent color fading. This top coat features key ingredients like horsetail extract, biotin, vitamin B, and calcium, ensuring a radiant and long-lasting finish. Butter London's products are 10-FREE, meaning they are formulated without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the growing demand in the nail treatment products market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. With a focus on vegan and cruelty-free formulations, Butter London appeals to a wide range of consumers seeking high-quality nail care products.

Dior Vernis

Dior Vernis is renowned for its high-quality top coats, offering a gel formula that ensures smooth, rich, and creamy application with fast-drying properties. The Dior Vernis Top Coat, particularly the Gel Coat and Top Coat Abricot, are favorites among users for their versatility and wearability, although some note that the Gel Coat may not be as long-lasting as other brands, lasting around 7 days compared to Chanel's 2 weeks. The top coats are available at various retailers such as Sephora, Nordstrom, and Macy's, priced at $27. The brand's attention to detail, including a wide and precise brush applicator and a mild scent, enhances the user experience. For special occasions, Dior also releases seasonal collections, like the 2023 holiday collection featuring a sparkling top coat. More information on their top coats can be found on the Harrods website.