Meet the Epres ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment

If your nails are weak, peeling, or you are over your nails being brittle after too many gels, you’re not imagining it, regular manicure treatments do take a toll. But here’s the upgrade: this treatment doesn’t just coat your nail. It rebuilds it from inside the structure.

Why this matters

Most “nail-strengtheners” act like a fresh coat of paint over damage. But the science behind this formula is different. Epres uses a waterless formula of just two ingredients, synthetic ethyl acetate and diethylhexyl maleate. to target the cross-linked bonds in keratin that break down with repeated polishing.

It’s developed by Eric Pressly (yes, the same materials-science pro behind Olaplex) who launched the brand based on his patent portfolio.

Featured in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025

The Epres ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment wasn’t just another new release, it earned a spot in TIME’s “Best Inventions of 2025” list under the Beauty category.
TIME writes:

“Repeated polishing weakens fingernails by breaking down their keratin. But most nail-strengthening products on the market only work superficially, “like a landlord…painting over damage,” says Epres founder and doctor of materials science Eric Pressly. Pressly cofounded cult hair repair brand Olaplex a decade ago, and went on to launch Epres in 2022 based on his dozens of bond repair patents. The company’s new treatment uses just two ingredients—a synthetic form of ethyl acetate (found in fermenting fruits and vegetables) and the emollient diethylhexyl maleate—to repair the broken cross-linked bonds in nails, rebuilding them from within."

What it delivers

Vegan, polymer-free, biodegradable formula.
Designed for nails that are brittle, dry, peeling or discoloured, especially post-gel or heavy polish wear.
Use it as a base before your usual polish/gel or on its own when you’re giving nails a break.

How to use it

Start with clean, bare nails. Remove any polish, clean nail bed.
Apply a thin layer of the treatment. Brush under the free edge if you already have polish but want repair.
Once it’s fully absorbed / dry, proceed with your usual base + polish or leave nails bare if you’re going natural.
For best results use daily until strength improves; once repair is achieved maintain 2-3× per week.