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Private label hair serum: how can brands design an effective anti-frizz and repair hero product?
A successful private label hair serum balances lightweight frizz control, visible shine, heat protection and damage repair, all in a texture consumers find easy to use across multiple hair types.
Many brands struggle to brief OEMs clearly: they want salon-level results, clean-leaning INCI lists, region-specific compliance and competitive pricing, but are unsure about silicones, oils, claims and stability. A clear specification and active strategy fixes this.
GMP/ISO • EU/US compliant docs • Samples in 3–7 days • MOQ from 1,000 pcs
What are the key specifications of this custom hair serum?
An effective custom hair serum starts with a clear spec: target hair types, priority claims, texture, fragrance direction, “free-from” requirements, regional regulations, packaging format, budget and MOQ. These details keep R&D aligned with your brand vision.
Spec / Parameter Card
| Field | Options / Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Texture Systems | Oil / silicone serum • Silicone-free ester serum • Water-light serum • Bi-phase oil-in-water • Scalp serum |
| Core Actives | Silicones/esters, botanical oils, film-formers, proteins, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, caffeine |
| Claim Focus | Shine • Anti-frizz • Heat protection • Split-end look reduction • Hydration • Fuller-looking hair / density |
| pH Window | Water-based: 4.0–6.0 • Anhydrous oils: n/a |
| Preservation | Mild EU/US-accepted systems; scalp serums designed for daily leave-on use |
| Fragrance Strategy | Signature fragrance • mild “salon” scent • fragrance-free for sensitive users |
| Packaging | Glass or PET serum bottles, droppers, pumps, sprays, ampoules; PCR options |
| Compatibility | Built to sit over conditioners and under styling/heat tools without drag or buildup |
| Stability & QC | Accelerated + real-time stability, micro, actives monitoring, where relevant heat-protect and anti-frizz testing |
| Docs | COA, SDS, stability/micro data; cosmetic safety file inputs (PIF/CPSR where needed) |
| Sampling & Lead Time | Existing bases: lab samples in days; new actives/complexes extend timelines |
| Typical MOQ | Existing base ≥1,000–3,000 pcs/SKU; new systems and custom packaging generally higher |
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Which customers and channels is this hair serum for?
Private label hair serum can be tailored for salon chains, indie haircare brands, e-commerce founders, barbershops, ethnic-hair specialists and retailers needing white-label or exclusive formulas for online and offline shelves.
This tab narrows hair serums into five clear targets: fine hair that hates weight, normal hair needing daily polish, coarse and curly hair needing richer frizz control, colour-damaged lengths needing repair, and scalps wanting fuller-looking hair. Each SKU gets its own texture, actives and usage message to avoid feeling generic.
Fine / Thin Hair (Anti-Flat)
- Texture: Ultra-light serum or oil-gel.
- Core stack: Lightweight silicones/esters, minimal oils, anti-static polymers.
- Notes: Focus on shine and smoothness without collapsing volume; clear guidance on “1–2 drops, mid-lengths to ends only”.
- Micro-CTA: Design a Weightless Shine Serum
Normal / Slightly Dry Hair
- Texture: Classic smoothing serum with soft slip.
- Core stack: Balanced silicones/esters, argan or camellia oil, a touch of humectant.
- Notes: Everyday mid-lengths-and-ends serum; positions around frizz control, gloss and easier styling on damp or dry hair.
- Micro-CTA: Create an Everyday Smoothing Serum
Thick, Coarse or Curly Hair
- Texture: Richer oil-serum or cream-serum hybrid.
- Core stack: Higher oil phase (argan, shea esters, coconut fractions), anti-frizz polymers, film-formers.
- Notes: Targets chronic dryness and frizz; can be positioned for air-dry curls, twist-outs or smoothing blowouts.
- Micro-CTA: Build a Curl & Coarse Hair Anti-Frizz Serum
Colour-Treated & Damaged Hair
- Texture: Lightweight yet cushioning serum.
- Core stack: Shine agents, amino acids, proteins, bond-support or repair tech (where allowed), heat-protect polymers.
- Notes: Bridges colour-care and repair stories; ideal after bleaching, highlights and frequent heat styling.
- Micro-CTA: Launch a Color & Repair Hair Serum
Scalp & Density Focus (Thinning or Fine at Roots)
- Texture: Water-light, non-greasy dropper or nozzle serum.
- Core stack: Peptides, caffeine, plant extracts, humectants, scalp-comfort actives; no heavy oils.
- Notes: Built as a daily or nightly scalp treatment with cosmetic “fuller, thicker-looking hair” language and minimal residue at the roots.
- Micro-CTA: Develop a Daily Density Scalp Serum
Different age groups and routines bring different needs: heat styling in the 20s, humidity and stress in the 30s, colour and thickness in the 40s, chronic dryness in later decades. This tab shows how we adapt oils, polymers, heat-protect and treatment stories so your serums track real-life hair journeys.
20s – Styling, Experiments & Heat
- Texture: Lightweight heat-protect serum.
- Core stack: Heat-protect film-formers, light silicones, UV story where allowed.
- Notes: For frequent styling, colouring and social-media looks; focuses on preventing hair from looking fried.
- Micro-CTA: Create a 20s Heat Protect & Shine Serum
30s – Frizz, Stress & First Damage
- Texture: Smoothing serum for daily use.
- Core stack: Balanced oils + polymers, anti-frizz agents, pollution/UV story.
- Notes: Talks to busy routines, city life and humidity; supports air-dry and quick blow-dry habits.
- Micro-CTA: Design a 30s Anti-Frizz City Serum
40s – Colour, Thickness & Smoothness
- Texture: Polishing serum with fullness focus.
- Core stack: Shine agents, volumising polymers, colour-care antioxidants.
- Notes: Bridges anti-frizz and perceived thickness; works with colour and volume shampoos.
- Micro-CTA: Build a 40s Volume & Gloss Serum
50s+ – Dryness, Coarseness & Breakage
- Texture: Rich yet controlled oil-serum.
- Core stack: Nutritive oils, ceramide-like lipids, smoothing agents.
- Notes: Focuses on softer-feeling, more manageable hair that still looks polished, not oily.
- Micro-CTA: Launch a 50+ Nourishing Hair Serum
Over-Processed / Bleached Users
- Texture: Bond-supporting treatment serum or oil.
- Core stack: Bond-support ingredients (where available), amino acids, light oils, heat protection.
- Notes: Aligns with professional blonding and vivid colour services; strong salon storytelling.
- Micro-CTA: Develop a Bond-Support Finishing Serum
What can top-selling hair serums teach your formula design?
Leading hair serums show clear patterns: lightweight feel, multi-benefit claims, recognizable hero ingredients, simple usage directions and packaging that looks premium but is practical in the bathroom and handbag.
| Brand / Product | Core Features (typical) | Texture / Format | Strengths | Gaps / Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum | Argan oil + conditioning silicones; anti-frizz and humidity protection for dry, frizzy hair. | Lightweight oil-serum | Strong frizz-control story at value price; very high review count; clear “smooth & shine” positioning in humid climates. | Silicone-forward and fragranced; some “clean” or ultra-fine-hair shoppers look for lighter or silicone-free options. |
| Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil | Bond-building technology with lightweight oil; heat protection up to high temperatures; for all hair types. | Concentrated oil-serum | Premium “bond-repair + shine” narrative; huge fanbase and strong Amazon ratings; tiny dosage needed; hero for damage stories. | Higher price; dosage must be explained clearly; bond language must be used carefully for your own cosmetic claims. |
| L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Moisture Plump Hair Serum | Water-based serum with hyaluronic acid complex for dehydrated, dry hair; paraben-free. | Water-light serum pump | Bridges skincare-style hyaluronic story into hair; easy “dehydrated hair” message; good mass price and brand recognition. | Primarily lengths-focused; may not address frizz in very humid conditions without pairing with richer products. |
| L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil | Blend of lightweight oils for shine, softness and nourishment on wet or dry hair. | Classic multi-use hair oil | Iconic multi-purpose oil with strong salon-dupe narrative; loved for softness and gloss without heavy feel on most hair types. | Oil-forward; can feel rich on very fine or oily roots; pack style feels more beauty than clinical/derm. |
| The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density | Peptide complex + other actives designed to support thicker, fuller-looking hair at the scalp. | Water-light scalp serum | Very strong value and “science-first” branding; clear density message; fragrance-free and suitable for nightly use. | Primarily scalp/density focused, not styling; longer timeline for perceived results; claims must stay cosmetic. |
| Garnier Fructis Hair Filler Strength Repair Serum | Vitamin C derivative + ceramide-like actives to smooth and strengthen damaged hair. | Leave-in serum | Budget-friendly “strength + shine” positioning with celebrity stylist usage; good for repair-focused lines at mass price point. | Damage story depends on broader routine; may not fully satisfy bond-repair seekers without extra communication. |
Custom Funtion Formula for your brand? You can review hair function formulation page:
Custom Hair Growth Formulations→, Custom Hair smooth and shine formulations→, Custom anti hair loss formulations→, Custom anti frizz formulations→, Custom hair gloss formulations→
Hair Serum Finish Products you may want to reference:
Make A Sample First？
If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. We’re excited to help you bring your personal care product ideas to life through our sample development process.
How should you design the formula and active stack for hair serum?
Start with a clear base system (silicone vs silicone-free) and build an active stack around frizz control, shine, protection and repair, using oils, esters, film-formers and conditioning agents that suit your brand philosophy.
Step-by-step formula design approach
- Step1. Choose the base system
- Silicone-forward: excellent slip and gloss, very easy combing
- Silicone-reduced: combine light silicones with esters and oils
- Silicone-free: use natural oils, esters, sugar-derived and plant polymers
- Step2. Define core functional actives
- Anti-frizz polymers and conditioning agents
- Bond-support, peptide or protein derivatives for repair claims
- Moisturizers: glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, amino-acid complexes
- Step3. Build your oil and emollient blend
- “Hero” oils (argan, marula, macadamia, avocado, camellia)
- Fast-spreading esters for slip without heaviness
- Optional scalp-friendly components if leave-on near roots
- Step4. Add protection and stability elements
- Heat-protect polymers or film-forming systems
- UV-filtering or color-protect supporting ingredients (where regulations allow)
- Antioxidants (vitamin E, specific stabilizers) for oil stability
- Step5. Fine-tune sensory and finish
- Adjust viscosity, spread, dry-down time and gloss level
- Ensure serum works on both damp and dry hair
- Conduct combing tests and consumer-style use tests where possible
- Step6. Align with regulatory and “free-from” expectations
- Avoid restricted or controversial ingredients in your target markets
- Match vegan, halal or “clean” positioning, if required
- Prepare safety, stability and microbiological testing plans
| Active (Use Range) | Key Features | Suitable Hair Types / Uses | Recommended Combinations | Suggested Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Silicones / Esters | Slip, shine, frizz control, heat spread | Most hair types, especially frizzy or dull | With oils + film-formers for anti-frizz | Pumps, droppers |
| Botanical Oils (Argan, Camellia etc.) | Nourish, smooth, gloss; sensorial richness | Dry, coarse, curly, coloured | With silicones/esters + antioxidants | Glass or PET bottles |
| Film-Formers / Heat-Protect Polymers | Help protect from styling heat; smooth cuticle | Heat-styled hair, coloured or damaged | With silicones, amino acids, humectants | Pumps, sprays |
| Proteins / Amino Acids | Support feel of strength and elasticity | Damaged, bleached, long hair | With oils + cationic conditioners | Any serum bottle |
| Hyaluronic Acid / Humectants | Surface hydration, plumpness, improved feel | Dry, dehydrated lengths | With light oils + film-formers | Water-based pumps/sprays |
| Peptides (Hair / Scalp) | Scalp-care and density narratives | Thinning, sparse-looking hair | With caffeine, plant extracts, humectants | Droppers, nozzle bottles |
| Caffeine / Energising Actives | Support circulation messaging at scalp level | Density-focused, stressed scalps | With peptides + soothing bases | Dropper or nozzle |
| Ceramide-Like Lipids | Help smooth cuticle and reduce rough feel | Dry, damaged, ageing hair | With oils + proteins + heat protect | Pumps, luxury glass bottles |
| Anti-Frizz Polymers | Humidity resistance, smoother surface | Frizzy, high-humidity environments | With silicones/esters + light oils | Pumps, sprays |
| Soothing / Scalp-Comfort Botanicals | Comfort, freshness, cosmetic anti-irritant story | Sensitive scalp or nightly serums | With peptides, humectants, mild preservatives | Droppers, nozzles |
Which textures work best for hair serum?
The best texture depends on climate, hair type and channel, but most successful hair serums feel lightweight, non-sticky and spread easily through mid-lengths and ends without leaving hair flat, greasy or crunchy.
Considerations by market and user:
Climate:Hot/humid regions: ultra-light, fast-absorbing serums and thin oil-gels.Cold/dry regions: slightly richer oil blends for extra smoothing and protection.
Hair type:Fine or oily roots: very light, silicone-reduced or silicone-free textures that avoid build-up.Thick, curly or coily hair: creamier or richer oil-serums that control frizz and add slip.
Channel:Amazon / e-commerce: “non-greasy”, “no build-up” and “lightweight shine” language supports good reviews.Salon / clinic: a slightly more indulgent, silky feel can match professional positioning and in-chair finishing rituals.
Classic clear, oil-like serum
A medium-density liquid oil with smooth slip that is neither too runny nor thick; typical viscosity around 2,000–6,000 cps.
- High-gloss look, great slip
- Works well in pumps or droppers
- Ideal for anti-frizz and shine hero positioning
Gel-serum or jelly formats
A fresh, low- to medium-density gel that holds shape in the palm but melts quickly on strands; typical viscosity around 1,500–5,000 cps.
- Modern sensorial, easy to dose
- Helps reduce oiliness perception on thin hair
- Can double as a finishing product for lightly defined waves
Richer oil-blend for curly hair
A higher-density oil blend that feels more cushioned and cocooning, designed for textured or very dry hair; typical viscosity around 4,000–10,000 cps.
- Higher oil content for strong nourishment
- Targets dryness, shrinkage and high-humidity frizz
- Suitable as a night-treatment or pre-wash oil
Which packaging options make sense for hair serum?
Choose packaging that protects oils and light textures, feels aligned with your price point and is practical in the bathroom—pumps, glass droppers and compact bottles are the most common hair serum choices.
Factors to align with your brand
Brand image:Clinical and minimalist (clear or frosted glass droppers, simple labels) vs. fashion / salon style (sleek pumps, tinted bottles, metallic accents).
Sustainability direction:Options for PCR PET bottles, recyclable glass, or larger refill formats feeding smaller retail packs where feasible.
Label and artwork space:Enough room for INCI, hair-type icons, claims, usage instructions and brand story, especially on small 30–50 ml formats.
Channel needs:Amazon and e-commerce need strong front visuals, leak-resistant pumps and good in-hand photos. Retail and salon can emphasise shelf presence, tactility and easy one-hand dosing at the backbar.
Glass Dropper Bottle (30–60ml)
Perfect for concentrated hair oils and shine serums; instantly reads “treatment”; allows precise dosage while looking premium on shelf.
PET or Glass Pump Bottle (30–100ml)
Great for anti-frizz and heat-protect serums used daily; hygienic, easy to control; works well for both salon backbar and e-commerce.
PCR Options
Post-consumer recycled versions of key formats with matte or frosted finishes to support sustainability messaging and eco badges.
What do brands most often ask about this hair serum?
Most brands ask about performance vs weight, silicone-free options, compatibility with curly or color-treated hair, required testing, MOQs and how fast they can move from lab sample to market launch.
1. Can you create a silicone-free hair serum that still controls frizz?
Yes. We can formulate silicone-free systems using lightweight esters, plant oils and advanced polymers that still deliver slip, gloss and frizz control.
- We adjust oil blend and polymer levels to avoid greasiness
- Textures can be milky, gel-serum or clear fluid
- Claims can focus on “silicone-free,” “clean,” “vegan” and “everyday use”
2.Is the serum safe for curly and textured hair routines (CG-friendly)?
We can design formulas aligned with curly-hair preferences, reducing or removing certain silicones, drying alcohols and heavy build-up agents.
- Emphasis on moisture, elasticity and frizz control in humidity
- Gentle, curl-respecting actives and emollients
- Clear INCI and usage guidance for your marketing team
3. What tests do we need before launching this hair serum?
Required tests depend on your market, but a typical roadmap includes:
- Stability and compatibility testing in relevant temperatures
- Microbiological / preservative efficacy tests (for water-containing formats)
- Safety assessment and documentation (e.g. CPSR / PIF for EU/UK)
- Optional: combing, breakage and consumer-use tests for marketing claims
4. What are your typical MOQs and lead times for hair serum?
MOQs and timings depend on formula complexity and packaging choice, but in general:
- Lab samples: around a few working days after brief confirmation
- Pilot orders at relatively low MOQ for test markets (exact quantity to be agreed)
- Standard production lead time after approval and deposit, with staggered shipment options
5. Can we match or “take inspiration from” a benchmark hair serum?
We can study your benchmark serum and design an “inspired by” concept, not a direct copy.
- Analyze texture, fragrance, shine, spread and claims
- Decide what to keep, improve or change for your brand
- Ensure compliance with your target markets and retailer policies
6. How many fragrance options can we test for one hair serum project?
We usually recommend a small, focused fragrance selection so teams can decide quickly.
- 2–4 initial fragrance directions aligned with brand moodboards
- Adjust intensity and allergen profile as needed for each market
- Option to keep one hero scent and build a line extension later
7. Can one hair serum work across multiple channels and regions?
Yes, if we design with a broad brief from the beginning.
- Balanced claim set suitable for salons, retail and online
- Regulatory review for each target region
- Packaging sizes and artwork versions tailored per channel
How will Zerun Cosmetic support private label hair serum projects?
- Our team will answer your inquiries within 12 hours.
- Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Zerun supports haircare brands with evidence-aware active stacks, texture design, packaging choices and realistic claim language, helping you build a hair serum hero that fits your market, price point and brand story.
We start from your reality:
Your target hair types (fine, thick, curly, coily, color-treated), key concerns (frizz, dryness, split ends, heat damage), channels and price positioning.
We co-develop formulas and formats:
Lightweight, anti-frizz and shine serums mapped to your routine – plus bonding, curl-defining or scalp-friendly variants, mini sizes for travel kits, and line extensions when you are ready.
We help plan claims, tests and documentation:
Frizz-control, shine, breakage and heat-protection claims, with sensible stability, compatibility and tolerance testing support for your main markets and retailers.
We think in routines, not single SKUs:
Hair serum concepts that anchor simple, repeatable wash–care–finish routines your customers can understand, follow and repurchase.
If you already have reference products or ideas, share:
- Links or photos of hair serums you like today.
- Your target consumers, priority benefits and main markets.
- Your initial volume expectations and desired launch timing.
Based on this, we can propose a clear hair serum development roadmap and sampling plan.
Use the contact form, email or WhatsApp on this site to start your private label hair serum project with Zerun.
