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 | Popularity | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Formulation | Hair Type Suitability | Ingredient Simplicity | Chemical-Free | Key Ingredients | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Perfect Serum Super Rich mise en scène |  | No.1 | Oil-Based | Ultra-Damaged, Dry, Chemically Treated Hair | Argan Oil, Camellia Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Marula Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E | 80 mL | |||
2 | Smoothing & Nourishing Hair Serum Human Nature |  | No.2 | Oil-Based | All Hair Types, Especially Frizzy And Unruly Hair | Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Broccoli Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E | 50 mL | |||
3 | Elseve Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum L’Oréal Paris |  | No.3 | Oil-Based | Dry, Frizzy, Colored, And All Hair Types | Six Flower Oils/Extracts, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Bisabolol | 100 mL | |||
4 | Hair Protecting Serum Spray Bremod |  | No.4 | Spray Serum, Lightweight | Colored, Sensitized, And Damaged Hair | Amodimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Mineral Oil, Oleyl Oleate, Propylene Glycol | 150 mL | |||
5 | Perfect Serum Hydrating mise en scène |  | No.5 | Oil-Based | Fine, Oily Hair | Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Marula Oil, Camellia Oil, Coconut Oil | 80 mL | |||
6 | Peptide Bond Repair Hair Serum + Oil Spray Dove |  | No.6 | Oil-Based, Lightweight Spray Serum | Brittle, Damaged, Colored, And Chemically Treated Hair | Peptides, Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Quinoa Seed Extract | 77 mL | |||
7 | Hair Rescue Thickening Serum HairReve |  | No.7 | Water-Based Scalp Serum | Thinning Hair And Scalp | Green Tea Leaf, Larch Tree Wood, Rosemary Leaf, Coffee Seed, Zinc | 100 mL | |||
8 | Hair Strength Serum Buds & Blooms |  | No.8 | Watery | Sensitive Scalp And Hair Prone To Postpartum Shedding | Sophora Flavescens, Aloe Vera | 70 mL | |||
9 | Straight & Smooth Serum Hair Oil Luxe Organix |  | No.9 | Oil-Based | Dry, Frizzy, And Unruly Hair | Quinoa Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Vitamin E | 60 mL | |||
10 | Shittori Japan Premium Hair Serum RyxSkin |  | No.10 | Oil-Based | Dry, Frizzy, And Unruly Hair | Sesame Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Job’s Tears Seed Oil, Yuzu Seed Oil, Vitamin E | 40 mL | |||
mise en scène Perfect Serum Super Rich
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Ultra-Damaged, Dry, Chemically Treated Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Camellia Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Marula Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 80 mL |
Human NatureSmoothing & Nourishing Hair Serum
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | All Hair Types, Especially Frizzy And Unruly Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Broccoli Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 50 mL |
L’Oréal Paris Elseve Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Dry, Frizzy, Colored, And All Hair Types |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Six Flower Oils/Extracts, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Soybean Oil, Bisabolol |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
| Formulation | Spray Serum, Lightweight |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Colored, Sensitized, And Damaged Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Amodimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Mineral Oil, Oleyl Oleate, Propylene Glycol |
| Net Weight | 150 mL |
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Fine, Oily Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Marula Oil, Camellia Oil, Coconut Oil |
| Net Weight | 80 mL |
DovePeptide Bond Repair Hair Serum + Oil Spray
| Formulation | Oil-Based, Lightweight Spray Serum |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Brittle, Damaged, Colored, And Chemically Treated Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, Argan Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Quinoa Seed Extract |
| Net Weight | 77 mL |
| Formulation | Water-Based Scalp Serum |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Thinning Hair And Scalp |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Green Tea Leaf, Larch Tree Wood, Rosemary Leaf, Coffee Seed, Zinc |
| Net Weight | 100 mL |
Buds & BloomsHair Strength Serum
| Formulation | Watery |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Sensitive Scalp And Hair Prone To Postpartum Shedding |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sophora Flavescens, Aloe Vera |
| Net Weight | 70 mL |
Luxe Organix Straight & Smooth Serum Hair Oil
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Dry, Frizzy, And Unruly Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Quinoa Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 60 mL |
RyxSkin Shittori Japan Premium Hair Serum
| Formulation | Oil-Based |
|---|---|
| Hair Type Suitability | Dry, Frizzy, And Unruly Hair |
| Ingredient Simplicity | |
| Chemical-Free | |
| Key Ingredients | Sesame Seed Oil, Camellia Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Job’s Tears Seed Oil, Yuzu Seed Oil, Vitamin E |
| Net Weight | 40 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.
