Top Builder Gel Brands for Perfect Nails

In recent years, builder gel has become an essential tool for nail technicians, offering both strength and flexibility for creating stunning, long-lasting manicures. With a multitude of brands on the market, finding the best builder gel can be overwhelming, as each brand boasts unique formulas and benefits. From ease of application to durability, these products aim to meet the high standards set by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Curious about which brands have risen to the top in this competitive field? Discover our curated list of the best builder gel brands below.

Illustration of builder gel

Best brands of builder gel in 2025

Gelish

Gelish, a pioneering brand in the nail industry, is renowned for its innovative and high-quality builder gel products. Founded in 2009 by Danny Haile, Gelish revolutionized the market with the first brush-in-bottle gel-polish, making gel application quick, easy, and efficient. The brand has produced over 100 colors and is sold in more than 80 countries worldwide. Gelish is part of Nail Alliance - North America, which operates a 220,000 square foot facility in Brea, California, supported by approximately 300 employees. With a strong commitment to quality and customer success, Gelish continues to be a leading name in the professional nail care industry.

IBD

The UV nail gel market, particularly the builder gel segment, is dominated by prominent brands like Creative Nail Design (CND) and OPI, which are renowned for their high-quality and durable products. These brands have seen significant growth, with the global UV nail gel market valued at USD 5,564.03 million in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2032. The North American region, driven by the U.S. and Canada, holds the largest share of the market, with consumers willing to pay premium prices for these products. Technological advancements and the increasing preference for gel over acrylics have fueled this growth. The shift towards organic and eco-friendly formulations also presents a significant opportunity for these brands.

Valentino Beauty Pure

Valentino Beauty Pure is a renowned brand in the nail industry, particularly known for its high-quality builder gel products. Their builder gels, available in both self-leveling and non-self-leveling varieties, are composed of high-quality resins that prevent cracking or chipping, ensuring a safe and hypoallergenic experience. These gels have a medium thick viscosity and are UV/LED compatible, with a cure time of just 60 seconds. The brand's commitment to excellence is evident in their meticulous research and development process, which can take months to years before a product is released. This dedication ensures that their builder gels last up to three to five weeks when applied correctly.

Young Nails

Young Nails is a prominent brand in the nail care industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality builder gel products. The company is part of the competitive landscape in the artificial nails market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2031. Young Nails, along with other key players like American International Industries and KISS Products Inc., contributes to the market's expansion driven by increasing fashion and beauty trends. The brand's products are popular in regions such as North America, which is a highly attractive market for nail care vendors. Young Nails' commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as one of the best producers of builder gel.

Light Elegance

Light Elegance is a renowned brand in the nail industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality builder gels. Their Lexy Line products, such as the Fiber Gel, are infused with 10% fiberglass for exceptional strength and are known for their self-leveling and rock-hard finish, making them ideal for long-lasting nail extensions and repairs. These gels are 100% HEMA monomer free, reducing the risk of allergies and skin irritation. Light Elegance has been voted the best hard gel system by nail professionals for three consecutive years, highlighting their commitment to quality and safety. Their products are manufactured responsibly in Redmond, Oregon, ensuring high standards of safety and performance.

The GelBottle Inc

The GelBottle Inc is a leading brand in the nail care industry, renowned for its innovative Builder In A Bottle (BIAB™) gel, which is harder than regular gel polish but kinder to the nail than acrylics. Founded in 2015 by Daisy Kalnina, the company has transformed nail care for millions, with one bottle of BIAB™ sold every minute. The GelBottle Inc is also notable for its 100% vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free products, appealing to a wide audience. With a strong social community of over 1 million followers, the brand continues to innovate and educate in the beauty industry. The GelBottle Inc has expanded to include several brands such as TGB US, Peacci Brand, and DKollection.

Akzentz

Akzentz is renowned as one of the best producers of builder gel in the nail industry, particularly with their Trinity Clear Proformance Gel, which combines the functions of a bonding gel, a builder gel, and a gloss gel, making it a versatile and efficient choice for nail technicians. This gel is part of Akzentz's commitment to delivering high-quality, solvent-free products that are easy to apply and provide maximum control. The brand's Luxio line is also highly praised for its long-lasting, color-stable gel polishes that do not fade or change color over time. Akzentz products are exclusively sold through a network of carefully selected distributors and are popular among professionals for their durability and ease of use. The company's focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices further enhances its reputation. For more details, explore their extensive range at Akzentz Collections.

Kiara Sky

Kiara Sky is renowned as one of the top producers of builder gel in the nail industry, particularly praised for its high-quality and versatile products. Founded in February 2013, the company has grown significantly, offering a range of nail supplies including builder gels that are favored by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The builder gel from Kiara Sky is noted for its excellent performance in structured manicures and its ease of use, even for those new to gel nail applications. With a strong presence in the market, Kiara Sky continues to innovate and expand its product line, contributing to the overall growth of the nail art gel market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.02% from 2024 to 2032. The company's products, such as the builder gel, are highly recommended by users for their consistency and effectiveness.

Mia Secret

Mia Secret is a leading brand in the nails and beauty industry, renowned for its high-quality professional-grade products, particularly its builder gel kits. These kits are favored by both beginners and professionals for their ease of use, excellent consistency, and long-lasting results. Mia Secret products are trusted by renowned manicurists who create stunning nail designs for top celebrities, highlighting their reliability and versatility. The brand offers a wide range of products, including gel polishes and acrylic powders, which are made in the USA and serve over 120 countries. With a strong customer base and positive reviews, Mia Secret continues to be a go-to choice for nail technicians and enthusiasts alike. For more information, visit their official website.

Orly

Orly is a leading brand in the nail care industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality builder gel products. The Orly Builder in a Bottle, for instance, is praised for its strength and ease of application, reducing the need for multiple layers of dip powder. This product is part of the broader UV nail gel market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% in North America from 2024 to 2032. Orly's commitment to innovation and customer preferences has helped it maintain a strong market presence, alongside other major players like OPI and Sally Hansen. The brand's products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without harmful ingredients, making them a popular choice among professionals and consumers alike.