15 Best Silicone-Free Hair Serums Of 2023 For Every Hair Goals

If you've been struggling with dull, dry, or frizzy hair, the culprit may be the silicone-based hair serum you're using. Silicone, a common ingredient in hair care products, can build up on your hair over time, leading to damaged follicles and brittle strands/

This is why it's essential to switch to a silicone-free hair serum. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about silicone-free hair serums, including their benefits, how to choose the right one, and the top 15 silicone-free hair serums of 2023.

Let's dive in!

The problem with silicone in hair serums

Silicones are a class of synthetic polymers often used in hair care products for their ability to create a smooth, shiny, and frizz-free appearance. However, they can cause several issues:

1. Build-up: Silicone is water-insoluble, meaning it can accumulate on your hair over time, weighing it down and making it look lifeless. This build-up can also lead to damaged hair and an irritated scalp.
2. Inhibition of natural oils: Silicone can act as a barrier, preventing natural oils from being absorbed by the hair shaft. This can lead to dryness and breakage.
3. Environmentally unfriendly: Silicone is non-biodegradable, meaning it takes a long time to break down in the environment. By choosing silicone-free hair products, you're making a more eco-friendly choice.
4. Difficult to remove: Removing silicone from hair typically requires harsh sulfates, which can further damage the hair and scalp.

How to choose the right silicone-free hair serum?

When looking for a silicone-free hair serum, consider the following factors:

1. Hair type: Different hair types may require different formulations. For example, fine or oily hair may need a lightweight serum, while dry or curly hair may benefit from a more nourishing product i.e. hair serum for dry hair.
2. Hair concerns: Choose a serum that targets your specific hair concerns, such as frizz control, heat protection, or hair growth.
3. Ingredients: Look for serums with beneficial ingredients like natural oils, antioxidants, and proteins to nourish and protect your hair.
4. Brand reputation: Research the brand and read customer reviews to ensure the serum is reliable and effective.

If all of this sounds overwhelming, you can't go wrong with our pick here. Our first pick is aimed at those who are interested in improving the appearance and health of their hair.

Top 15 silicone-free hair serums of 2023

We've ranked the top 15 silicone-free hair serums to see which one is the best hair growth serum or hair loss serum - for all of your needs.

1. Best Overall: Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum

The Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum by Scandinavian Biolabs is a hair care solution designed for men and women. It has been subject to research and evaluation.

The key active ingredient, Capilia Longa, has been studied in clinical settings. Research has focused on its potential effects on the hair growth cycle.

In a period of 150 days, 73% of users reported an increase in hair density in the context of our study. Moreover, the composition of the serum is drug-free.

Scandinavian Biolabs acknowledges the doubts that come with trying a new product, which is why they offer a 150-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum without financial risk.

This product is aimed at those interested in hair care solutions that are backed by research.

Pros:

• Results observed in the context of our 150-day study
• Formulated with the intent of addressing hair loss and hair growth concerns
• Safe experience with a money-back guarantee
• A cost-effective solution with promising results
• Intended for those looking to achieve a fuller, denser appearance of hair
• Formulated with 100% botanical, plant-powered ingredients

Cons: Limited stock due to high demand and curiosity
Key ingredients: Capilia Longa, niacinamide, amino acid complex.
Price: $60.00

2. Best Budget: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

This budget-friendly serum controls frizz and provides a smooth, sleek finish for all hair types.

• Pros:Affordable, effective in controlling frizz, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:May weigh down fine hair
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, apricot kernel oil
• Price: $4.94

3. Best Multi-Tasker: Moroccanoil Treatment

This versatile treatment can be used as a conditioning, styling, and finishing tool. It detangles, speeds up drying time, and boosts shine.

• Pros:Versatile, improves manageability, adds shine, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:Can be expensive, may not suit oily hair
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, linseed extract
• Price: $15.00 (0.85 oz), $44.00 (3.4 oz)

4. Best for Damaged Hair: Herstyler Hair Repair Serum

This serum is designed to repair and rejuvenate damaged hair, making it smooth, shiny, and manageable.

• Pros:Repairs damaged hair, adds shine, detangles, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:May not be suitable for oily hair
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, aloe vera, vitamin E
• Price: $11.99

5. Best for Strengthening: OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

This lightweight serum nourishes hair, prevents breakage, and promotes a healthy scalp.

• Pros:Lightweight, strengthens hair, promotes scalp health, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:May not be suitable for oily hair
• Key ingredients: Coconut milk, coconut oil, whipped egg white proteins
• Price: $7.99

6. Best for Hair Density: The Ordinary Multi-peptide Serum For Hair Density

This concentrated serum aims to increase hair density and thickness while promoting a healthy scalp.

• Pros:Encourages hair growth, increases thickness, suitable for all hair types, vegan, cruelty-free
• Cons:Can take time to see results
• Key ingredients: REDENSYL™, Procapil™, BAICAPIL™, AnaGain™, and CAPIXYL™
• Price: $17.90

7. Best for Manageability: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

This serum provides a smooth, polished finish and increases manageability for all hair types.

• Pros:Versatile, improves manageability, adds shine, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:Can be expensive
• Key ingredients: Patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), patented Volumizing Molecule (PBAE)
• Price: $29.00

8. Best Overnight Treatment: Kerastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

This overnight treatment nourishes and repairs hair while you sleep, leaving it soft and manageable in the morning.

• Pros:Intensive overnight treatment, nourishes and repairs, no need to rinse, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:Can be expensive
• Key ingredients: Iris Root Extract, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5
• Price: $55.00

9. Best for Frizz Control: John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum

This extra-strength serum eliminates frizz and repels humidity, providing a smooth, sleek finish to even the most unmanageable hair.

• Pros:Extra-strength frizz control, repels humidity, suitable for thick, coarse, and frizzy hair
• Cons:May weigh down fine hair
• Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed silk, seaweed extract
• Price: $9.99

10. Best for Fine Hair: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Hair Serum

This lightweight serum is infused with keratin and marula oil, leaving hair silky, smooth, and manageable without weighing it down.

• Pros:Lightweight, suitable for fine hair, smooths and adds shine
• Cons:May not be suitable for very oily hair
• Key ingredients: Keratin, marula oil
• Price: $4.99

11. Best for Color-Treated Hair: Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier

This multi-tasking serum protects and preserves color-treated hair while providing 21 essential benefits, including detangling, heat protection, and frizz control.

• Pros:Protects color-treated hair, 21 benefits, suitable for all hair types
• Cons:Can be expensive
• Key ingredients: Camelina oil, coconut oil, olive oil
• Price: $28.00

12. Best Vegan: Hairfinity Infinite Edges Spot Serum

• Pros:Vegan, promotes hair growth, strengthens edges, suitable for all hair types, cruelty-free, free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
• Cons:May not suit all hair types, some users may not see immediate results
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Licorice root extract, White tea leaf extract, Vitamins E, A, and C, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
• Price: $29.99

13. Best for Scalp Health: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum

This unique serum, infused with charcoal and tea tree oil, detoxifies and soothes the scalp while reducing itchiness and irritation.

• Pros: Detoxifies and soothes the scalp, reduces itchiness, suitable for all hair types, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
• Cons: Can be expensive
• Key ingredients: Binchotan charcoal, tea tree oil, witch hazel, aloe vera
• Price: $32.00

Best for Smoothing: Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer'

The Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer is a silicone-free, multitasking serum that provides 10 benefits to your hair, including detangling, heat protection, and frizz control. Formulated with argan oil and sunflower seed oil, it nourishes and strengthens hair, leaving it smooth, manageable, and healthy-looking.

• Pros: Silicone-free, multitasking, suitable for all hair types, nourishes and strengthens hair, heat protection, detangles, and controls frizz
• Cons: May not be suitable for very fine hair or those sensitive to fragrance
• Key ingredients: Argan oil, sunflower seed oil
• Price: $13

15. Best for Scalp Health: PURA D'OR Scalp Therapy Energizing Scalp Serum

This invigorating scalp serum is formulated to nourish, soothe, and energize the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. Enriched with niacin, biotin, argan oil, this serum provides a cooling sensation while helping to combat common scalp issues such as dryness, itchiness, and flaking.

• Pros: Nourishes and soothes the scalp, promotes a healthy scalp environment, suitable for all hair types, cruelty-free, free of sulfates, parabens, and silicones
• Cons: May not suit those sensitive to essential oils, some users may not see immediate results
• Key ingredients: Amla, tea tree, kahai seed, sacha inchi seed & bilberry
• Price: $24.99

What are silicone-free hair serums?

Silicone-free hair serums are hair care products designed to smooth, soften, and add shine to the hair without the use of silicones, which can cause buildup and prevent moisture absorption.

Silicone-based hair serums create a slippery, water-repellent layer on the hair, giving it a smooth and frizz-free finish. However, they can also lead to product buildup and prevent the hair from absorbing moisture. Silicone-free hair serums, on the other hand, use natural ingredients to achieve similar results without causing these issues.

What are the benefits of using silicone-free hair serums?

Benefits of silicone-free hair serums are convincing more and more people to make the switch.

Improved hair health

1. Lighter formula, less buildup: Silicone-free hair serums have a lighter formula, which minimizes the risk of product buildup on the hair and scalp, allowing the hair to breathe and absorb moisture more effectively.
2. Better moisture absorption: Since silicone-free hair serums do not create a barrier on the hair shaft, they allow for better moisture absorption, leading to healthier, more hydrated hair.

Suitable for various hair types

1. Curly hair: Silicone-free hair serums are particularly beneficial for curly hair, as they help to enhance the natural curl pattern without weighing the hair down.
2. Damaged hair: For those with damaged or chemically treated hair, silicone-free hair serums can provide a gentle alternative, helping to repair and nourish the hair without causing further damage.

How do silicone-free hair serums work?

1. Protective barriers against humidity and frizz: Silicone-free hair serums create a natural barrier on the hair, blocking out humidity and locking in moisture, which helps to reduce frizz and keep the hair smooth.
2. Locking in moisture and smoothing hair cuticles: By using natural oils and hydrolyzed proteins, silicone-free hair serums work to lock in moisture and smooth the hair cuticles, resulting in soft, silky, and manageable hair.

What ingredients should hair serums without silicone contain?

1. Natural oils: Silicone-free hair serums often contain natural oils, such as sunflower, argan, jojoba, and olive oil, which help to moisturize and smooth the hair, while controlling frizz.
2. Hydrolyzed proteins: Some silicone-free hair serums also contain hydrolyzed proteins, such as silk and keratin, which help to strengthen the hair and protect it from damage.

How to use silicone-free hair serums effectively?

For optimal results, it is best to apply silicone-free hair serums on clean hair, as this ensures that the product can penetrate the hair shaft and provide the desired benefits without being hindered by product buildup.

Frequency

The frequency of application may vary depending on your hair type and needs. For some, daily application may be beneficial, while others may find that applying the serum every few days or after washing their hair is sufficient.

Amount

The amount of silicone-free hair serum needed may vary depending on your hair type, length, and thickness. It is essential to find the right balance to ensure that the product is effective without weighing the hair down.

Start with a small amount and gradually increase: As a general guideline, start with a small amount of silicone-free hair serum and gradually increase if needed.

Avoid roots

When applying silicone-free hair serums, avoid applying the product directly to your roots, as this can cause them to become greasy or weighed down.

Be mindful of the weather

Consider the weather and your activities when applying silicone-free hair serums. For example, if it's a humid day, you may want to apply a bit more serum to help combat frizz. If you're planning to exercise, you may want to apply the serum after your workout instead of before to avoid sweating it out.

Conclusion

Silicone-free hair serums are an excellent choice for individuals looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair without the potential drawbacks of silicone-based products.

By opting for a silicone-free serum, you can enjoy smooth, shiny, and frizz-free hair without the buildup or weighed-down feeling often associated with traditional hair serums. So, explore the options mentioned above and find the perfect silicone-free hair serum to suit your hair goals.

Check out our other hair serum rankings:

• Hair Serum For Men: A Simple Guide
• Top 7 Biotin Hair Growth Serums to Supercharge Your Hair Regrowth Journey

Read more:

• Trioxidil vs Minoxidil: Which One Is Better For Your Hair Loss?
• Best Supplements To Prevent Hair Loss During Chemotherapy
• Procapil Vs Minoxidil: Which One Is Better In 2023?

Reference

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33061509/
• https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/5.0063780
• https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1045713
• https://opendermatologyjournal.com/VOLUME/15/PAGE/52/FULLTEXT/