10 Best Hair Serums in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Heat styling and chemical treatments aren't the only things that can leave hair looking dry and damaged. Frequent sun exposure, humidity, and everyday friction can also affect the hair's appearance and manageability. A hair serum can help by coating the strands to smooth the hair surface, reduce frizz, add shine, and make hair easier to manage. Some formulas also provide additional benefits, such as heat or UV protection.
If you’re dealing with dryness, frizz, or damaged hair, a hair serum can be a convenient addition to your routine. In the buying guide below, we list the features you’d best look into before buying so you can get the best hair serum. We also rounded up 10 of the best options you can get from Lazada and Shopee for your shopping convenience.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Do You Need a Hair Serum or a Hair Oil?
Both hair serums and hair oils can help improve the appearance and feel of your hair, but they generally serve different purposes. Hair serums are primarily used to smooth the hair surface, tame frizz and flyaways, and add shine. They're often made with silicones, oils, or other conditioning ingredients that coat the strands and improve hair’s manageability.
Hair oils provide richer conditioning and lubrication, helping soften dry hair, reduce friction, and minimize moisture loss. Some oils, such as coconut oil, can also penetrate the hair fiber and help reduce protein loss. Choose a serum for lightweight smoothing and everyday manageability, while a hair oil may be better if your hair needs richer conditioning.
There is actually no standardized definition of what a hair serum is. Generally speaking, hair serums are typically silicone-based products that aim to protect the hair from the external environment (heat from the sun and styling, too!). On the other hand, hair oils are more geared towards addressing hair damage and/or breakage.
How to Choose a Hair Serum – Buying Guide
A hair serum that works for other people may be too greasy for you, offering little to no benefit for your hair. To ensure that a product can give your locks the protection and much-needed refresh that it needs, choose a serum based on your specific hair concern and hair type, and be meticulous about the ingredients list. Consider the guide below as your shopping baseline.
Choose a Serum Formula Based On Your Main Hair Concern
Not all hair serums are formulated for the same purpose, so start by identifying your main concern. This can help narrow down your options when browsing different products online.
Dryness & Frizz: Moisturizing and Smoothing Serums
For dry or frizzy hair, look for serums containing conditioning ingredients, hair oils, or silicones that help smooth the strands and improve manageability. Ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, dimethicone, and amodimethicone are commonly used in hair products for this purpose. If your hair is easily weighed down, opt for a lighter formula.
Argan oil is prepared from the fruits of argan trees (Argania spinosa), which have been found to have hair-protective effects. Interestingly, a study by Faria et al., entitled Hair Protective Effect of Argan Oil (Argania spinosa Kernel Oil) and Cupuassu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum Seed Butter) Post-Treatment with Hair Dye, showed that the addition of argan oil reduced protein loss in hair.
Heat & Styling Damage: Serums With Heat Protection
If you frequently blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair, look for a serum that explicitly states “heat protection” or “thermal protection” on the product listing. Don't assume a serum provides heat protection just because it smooths the hair. Prioritize this feature if you regularly use styling tools, especially at higher temperatures.
Dullness & Split Ends: Shine-Boosting Hair Serums
For dull-looking hair or visibly dry ends, look for a smoothing serum that helps add shine and improve softness. Ingredients such as silicones and lightweight oils can coat the hair surface and create a smoother, glossier appearance. Keep in mind that serums can only improve the appearance of split ends temporarily, but they cannot permanently repair a split end.
Check for Targeted Ingredients in the Formula
When choosing a hair serum, focus on common ingredients that target your specific hair concern rather than simply choosing a product with a long ingredient list. Silicones such as dimethicone and amodimethicone can smooth the hair surface and reduce frizz, while plant-derived oils such as argan and jojoba oil can help condition and soften the strands.
If your hair is prone to dryness or sensitivity, consider avoiding formulas with high concentrations of drying alcohols or ingredients you know your hair doesn't tolerate well.
Remember, simple is key. The fewer ingredients, the better, as there's less chance of developing a bad reaction to any of the component ingredients in that product. As long as the product has its key ingredient that addresses your hair concern, then you're good to go!
Pick the Right Texture for Your Hair Type
The texture of a hair serum matters just as much as its ingredients. The same active oil can feel like a total game-changer or a greasy mess depending on whether it comes in a weightless, watery formula or a rich, concentrated one.
Fine or Thin Hair: Choose a lightweight or watery serum that won't easily weigh down the strands or make them look flat.
Thick or Coarse Hair: Consider a richer, more emollient serum that provides enough slip to smooth and tame unruly strands.
Curly Hair: Look for a lightweight-to-medium formula with good slip that helps smooth and condition curls without making them feel heavy.
When in doubt, go lighter rather than heavier. It's easier to layer on a second application than to strip out a formula that's already sitting too heavily on your hair.
Select an Applicator Based on Everyday Convenience
How you apply your serum can significantly impact your daily routine and the final finish of your hair. You will often find hair serums in these three packaging options:
Drops: Best for precise dosing and applying small amounts to specific areas, such as the ends.
Sprays: Convenient for quickly distributing product across long or thick hair.
Pumps: Easy to dispense and practical for consistent everyday use.
None of these applicators is objectively better. Pick whichever you can easily integrate into your hair care routine, so you can ensure consistent use.
Look for Added Benefits for Your Hair
If you want more than basic smoothing and shine, check whether the serum offers additional benefits suited to your routine. UV protection can be useful if your hair is frequently exposed to the sun, while color protection may be worth considering if you regularly dye your hair. Check the product listing for these claims rather than assuming they come with every serum.
10 Best Hair Serums to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Formulation | Hair Type Suitability | Moisturizing Strength | Ingredient Simplicity | Chemical-Free | Key Ingredients | Net Weight | ||||
1 | Human Nature 100% Natural Smoothing & Nourishing Hair Serum |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | All Hair Types | Medium | Broccoli Oil、Sunflower Oil、Avocado Oil、Soybean Oil | 50 mL | |||
2 | mise en scène Perfect Serum Watery |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight, Watery | Normal, Fine, Oily | Light | Argan Oil, Camellia Oil, Silicones | 80 mL | |||
3 | d'Alba Repairing Hair Oil Serum |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | Brittle, Dry, Damaged | Intense | Argan Oil, White Truffle Extract, Calendula Flower Extract | 75 mL | |||
4 | Moringa-O2 Herbal Hair Relaxing Serum with Argan Oil Leave-on Conditioner |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | Thick, Dry, Curly, Normal | Medium | Moringa Oil, Argan Oil | 55 mL | |||
5 | Luxe Organix Scalp Therapy Anti-Hair Fall Energizing Hair Serum |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | Normal, Falling, Thin | Light | Caffeine, Ginseng Extract, Biotin | 80 mL | |||
6 | TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum |  | Lightweight, Silicone-Based | Dry, Frizzy, Normal | Light, Medium | Silicones, Keratin | 97 mL | |||
7 | Dove Peptide Bond Repair Hair Serum + Oil Spray |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | Brittle, Colored/Chemically-Treated, Damaged | Medium | Peptides, Oils | 77 mL | |||
8 | Bremod Hair Protecting Serum |  | Oil-Based, Lightweight | Colored/Chemically-Treated, Sensitized, Damaged | Medium | Coconut Oil, Natural Extracts | 150 mL | |||
9 | Pantene Daily Serum Treatment |  | Lightweight, Silicone-Based | Normal, Dry, Damaged | Light, Medium | Pro Vitamin B5, Silicones | 180 mL | |||
10 | Vitress Keratin Shine Hair Serum |  | Lightweight, Silicone-Based | All Hair Types | Light | Silicones, Keratin | 30 mL | |||
Human Nature100% Natural Smoothing & Nourishing Hair Serum
Reviews mention:
The serum’s lightweight, non-greasy texture quickly controls frizz while adding a natural shine that doesn’t weigh hair down. A nourishing blend of soybean, sunflower, and broccoli seed oils visibly restores softness and overall hair health. It is also appreciated as a gentle alternative to silicone-based serums, with some users noting a reduction in dandruff. The pleasant, mild aroma and eco-conscious ingredients often stand out, though occasional heaviness may occur if applied excessively.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | All Hair Types |
| Moisturizing Strength | Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Broccoli Oil、Sunflower Oil、Avocado Oil、Soybean Oil |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
Reviews mention:
Users love its fresh, non-greasy feel that adds shine without heaviness, making it perfect for humid climates. It hydrates hair lightly while effectively controlling flyaways, though some find it less moisturizing for very dry hair. The serum's fast absorption and subtle scent also receive positive remarks, making it a favorite for daily use.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight, Watery |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Normal, Fine, Oily |
| Moisturizing Strength | Light |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Camellia Oil, Silicones |
| Net Weight | 80 mL |
Reviews mention:
Reviewed as a highly effective reparative serum, users commend its ability to restore softness and reduce breakage. Its pleasant fragrance and light texture make it easy to apply without weighing hair down. Some highlight visible improvement in damaged strands and a smoother overall feel after consistent use.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Brittle, Dry, Damaged |
| Moisturizing Strength | Intense |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, White Truffle Extract, Calendula Flower Extract |
| Net Weight | 75 mL |
Moringa-O2Herbal Hair Relaxing Serum with Argan Oil Leave-on Conditioner
Reviews mention:
Favored for its use of natural ingredients, customers find it smoothening for thick or frizzy hair while enhancing softness. It gives hair a manageable texture and shine with a light herbal aroma. A few note it leaves hair easier to style and feel less tangled after use.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Thick, Dry, Curly, Normal |
| Moisturizing Strength | Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Moringa Oil, Argan Oil |
| Net Weight | 55 mL |
Luxe OrganixScalp Therapy Anti-Hair Fall Energizing Hair Serum
Reviews mention:
Many users see a decrease in hair fall and report improved scalp comfort. The serum's lightweight feel and refreshing scent are often highlighted. Some mention increased hair strength and less scalp irritation, though visible hair regrowth may take longer to notice.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Normal, Falling, Thin |
| Moisturizing Strength | Light |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, Ginseng Extract, Biotin |
| Net Weight | 80 mL |
Reviews mention:
Consumers appreciate its strong frizz control and smooth finish, which lasts throughout the day. The serum’s shine-enhancing effect receives positive feedback, though overuse can cause slight greasiness. It is praised for protecting hair from heat damage during styling.
| Formulation | Lightweight, Silicone-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Dry, Frizzy, Normal |
| Moisturizing Strength | Light, Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Silicones, Keratin |
| Net Weight | 97 mL |
Reviews mention:
Users find the peptide repair technology effective for strengthening brittle hair and restoring smoothness. The convenient spray form is praised for even application. While some seek more intense moisture for very dry hair, most appreciate the product’s ability to reduce heat damage and enhance manageability.
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Brittle, Colored/Chemically-Treated, Damaged |
| Moisturizing Strength | Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, Oils |
| Net Weight | 77 mL |
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Colored/Chemically-Treated, Sensitized, Damaged |
| Moisturizing Strength | Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Natural Extracts |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
Reviews mention:
Many enjoy its ability to add shine and tame frizz with regular use. It pairs well with other Pantene products for comprehensive care. A few users find the scent strong but overall it is praised for daily protection and hair smoothness.
| Formulation | Lightweight, Silicone-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Normal, Dry, Damaged |
| Moisturizing Strength | Light, Medium |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Pro Vitamin B5, Silicones |
| Net Weight | 180 mL |
Reviews mention:
Users highlight its shine-boosting and frizz-reducing benefits for daily use. The serum is appreciated for its light texture and ability to leave hair soft without heaviness. Some wish for improved hydration, but it remains popular for maintaining smooth, manageable hair.
| Formulation | Lightweight, Silicone-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | All Hair Types |
| Moisturizing Strength | Light |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Silicones, Keratin |
| Net Weight | 30 mL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina!
How Much Hair Serum Should I Apply?
Just 2-3 drops of hair serum would be enough. This is just enough to gently coat the hair strands from the tips up.
How Often to Can I Apply Hair Serum?
Serums can be used as needed before (as it acts as a heat protectant) and even after styling. Remember though, you'd want to keep styling to a minimum, especially if you use heat, to prevent hair damage
If I Have Oily Hair, Should I Still Use Hair Serum?
Yes. The key would be in choosing the right serum and/or formulation. Typically, a lightweight serum would be a good choice for oily hair.
How to Use Hair Serums
You might probably think that applying a hair serum is the same as applying shampoo or conditioner on your hair, but it most definitely is not. Here are some tips from Redken and SkinKraft on how to properly apply hair serums.
Tips:
- To apply a hair serum, make sure your hair is damp. Not too wet, but also not when it's all dried out.
- Putting 2-3 drops is enough so that your hair won't feel too greasy. Apply this to your hair very gently, working from the ends up to the middle.
- However, avoid applying it on your scalp, especially for those that are not specified to work on it.
- Style hair as you like.
- One of the misconceptions in applying hair serum is applying it on unwashed hair. Not only could it make your unwashed hair greasier, but hair serum also works best on clean, washed hair. This way, hair serum could protect your hair better from environmental stressors.
Hair serums are meant to be applied to washed hair! Remember, they're meant to protect the hair from the harmful external environment not lock in the oil and dirt into those locks.
Level Up Your Hair Care Game
Your hair is dubbed as your "crowning glory" for a reason. Check out these links to level up your hair care routine!
Author: Maureen Kate Basa
Editor: J. Cuizon
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
