Best Overall Fungi-Nail Anti-Fungal Ointment

$12

“Fungi-Nail is one of the few OTC products that actually contains an antifungal: tolnaftate,” explains Zubek. The formula uses 1% tolnaftate, the maximum strength allowed by the FDA, which penetrates around the nail and skin to stop fungal growth at the source. Effectively treating toenail fungus (and preventing it from returning) requires an ingredient that targets the infection itself. 

Fungi-Nail is also full of skin-supporting ingredients that the podiatrists we interviewed recommend, like aloe vera, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, lavender, olive oil, and vitamins E and C, which help soothe irritation, hydrate dry or cracked skin, and support healing.

We tested all three versions—ointment, pen, and liquid—and while they share the same antifungal power, the format makes a difference depending on your needs. The ointment is thicker and ideal for covering wider areas, like cracked skin between the toes. It comes with a dual-angled brush for targeted application, though it takes a bit longer to absorb. The pen stood out for its clean, hands-free, and precise delivery—our tester found it especially convenient for getting around nail edges and cuticles. The liquid, applied with a brush, works best for full nail coverage, especially on larger nailbeds. Ultimately, all three versions offer effective, accessible antifungal treatment—the best one for you depends on how and where you plan to apply it.

This ointment and other Fungi-Nail products do have a noticeable chemical scent when first applied. Testers reported that although the smell is quite strong initially, it fades quickly within a few minutes.

Product Details
Active Ingredient   Tolnaftate 1%  
Frequency of Use   Apply twice daily (morning and night)  
Application methods   Ointment, pen, or liquid (applied with a nail polish brush)   

Best for Thick, Discolored Nails Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal

$27

If your nails are thick, brittle, or discolored, Kerasal is a helpful option for improving their appearance. It’s formulated to reduce toenail thickness and surface damage over time, making it ideal for people dealing with lingering symptoms of fungal damage. “Kerasal has urea and salicylic acid that can help break down the thickened nail. You’re not killing the fungus per se, but it can improve the nail’s appearance,” explains Cohen. 

“The applicator has a soft, silicone tip, which makes it easy to target just the right areas without making a mess,” our tester noted. “It dries in just a few minutes, and I didn’t have any issues with leaks or residue. Plus, there’s no scent, which I really appreciated.”

Compared to other products we tested, especially traditional antifungal creams and polish-like solutions, Kerasal stood out for its clean application, non-greasy texture, and overall ease of use in a daily routine. ​​If you have an active fungal infection, consider using Kerasal in conjunction with Fungi-Nail. Fungi-Nail will kill the fungus, while Kerasal will improve the appearance of the nail. 

While it’s effective on thickened and discolored nails, it may not be the best choice for active fungal infections that require direct antifungal treatment, like tolnaftate or clotrimazole.

Product Details
Active Ingredient   Urea, Salicylic Acid, Propylene Glycol  
Frequency of Use   Apply once daily  
Application methods   Cream, applied with a targeted silicon tip  

Best for Fungal Infections on Skin Globe Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream

$5 at Amazon

Fungal infections don’t always stay confined to the nail; they can often begin or spread to the surrounding skin, including the toes, cuticles, and the spaces between them. That’s where a skin-focused antifungal like Globe Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream comes in. “Clotrimazole is an actual antifungal agent,” says Cohen, noting that it’s especially effective for treating fungal infections on the skin, where it can penetrate more easily than it can through thickened nails.

Formulated with 1% clotrimazole—the maximum strength available without a prescription—this cream is designed to treat a range of skin-based fungal conditions, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.

In our testing, it stood out as a no-frills, budget-friendly option. The thick, soothing texture is easy to apply, and its fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin. Our tester summed it up best: “It’s basic, but it works—and it’s way cheaper than similar antifungal creams.”

While clotrimazole is a proven antifungal, it’s not ideal for treating fungus buried deep within thickened toenails. It works best on the skin, like the soles, between the toes, or around the nail, rather than directly on the nail plate itself.

Product Details
Active Ingredient   Clotrimazole 1%  
Frequency of Use   Apply twice daily (morning and night)  

How We Selected the Best Toenail Fungus Treatments

To find out which over-the-counter treatments actually work for toenail fungus, our team consulted with two board-certified dermatologists and asked which ingredients they trust most and what products they commonly recommend to patients.

Based on their guidance, we selected six treatments that contain clinically backed antifungal agents like clotrimazole and tolnaftate, along with nail-softening ingredients such as urea and salicylic acid to help reduce thickening and improve absorption. We also included a range of application styles—creams, ointments, brush-on liquids, and precision pens—to evaluate how easy they are to use in real-life routines. We evaluated them based on these traits: 

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