Review

While exploring options for a leave-in serum, I stumbled upon this product and tried it out. After reviewing the ingredients and testing it, I want to share my impressions.

Advertised qualities of the product:

• strengthens fragile, damaged strands
• smoothes frizz and enhances shine
• fortifies fragile hair from the inside-out for stronger, healthier hair
• cruelty-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free

Instructions for use: Distribute a small amount evenly throughout damp or dry hair, then blow dry or style as desired.

Country of origin: made in the USA.

Volume: 100 ml.

Product texture and scent: The hair serum has a soft, oily feel and a pleasant aroma.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Dimethiconol Cysteine, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone PEG-8 Meadowfoamate, Sodium PCA, Magnesium PCA, Zinc PCA, Manganese PCA, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Fumaria Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Squalane, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Water (Aqua), Benzophenone-4, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Fumaric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, PVP, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Isopentyldiol, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal

Breakdown of the components in the Lanza Neem Plant Silk Serum

This leave-in serum is rich in moisturizing components (e.g., Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA, Magnesium PCA, Zinc PCA, Manganese PCA, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin). Ingredient lists typically reflect concentration in descending order. In this serum, everything listed before Phenoxyethanol is present at 1% or more, while those after are below 1%. Since most moisturizing components appear before Phenoxyethanol, the hair serum likely delivers strong hydrating benefits.

Emollients (lipids) are also present in this product at meaningful levels, contributing to hair nourishment. For instance, the serum includes triglycerides (such as Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil), which help restore the lipid layer between the hair cuticle and cortex. Additionally, triglycerides create a protective emollient coating that helps retain internal moisture and contributes to hydrated hair. The leave-in hair serum also contains Ceramide NP, a specialized complex lipid that plays a crucial role in nourishing the deeper layers of the hair structure.

The product also includes certain proteins with restorative properties. For instance, the leave-in serum contains a low-molecular-weight protein like Cysteine, which can penetrate deep into the hair cortex, attracting and retaining moisture. Cysteine doesn’t form a layer on the hair surface—it works from within to repair the most damaged areas of the hair.

Film-forming or occlusive ingredients in the serum enhance the hair’s appearance by adding shine, reducing tangling, and smoothing the hair cuticle. Dimethicone, specifically, provides limited thermal protection. Additionally, Cyclopentasiloxane and Benzophenone-4  in the product offer some UV protection. However, the product likely won’t be sufficient for high-heat styling tools or intense UV exposure (e.g., beach days or sunbathing).

Based on the ingredient list, the product appears suitable for most hair and scalp types.

Do the hair serum’s ingredients meet the producer’s promises?

According to the producer, the leave-in hair serum helps strengthen fragile and damaged hair. Moisturizing agents and lipids in the formula may indeed aid in this effect. Deep structural repair, however, usually requires more intensive treatments (e.g., protein masks).

The product is described as reducing frizz and enhancing hair shine. This is accurate: the film-forming ingredients in the product help add shine, smooth the hair cuticle, and minimize tangling. 

Additionally, based on the ingredient list, the leave-in hair serum is both sulfate-free and paraben-free. Overall, the product appears to live up to its advertised properties.

My individual insights regarding the Lanza Neem Plant Silk Serum

In general, leave-in serums serve as the final step in a hair care routine and are applied over a leave-in spray or cream.

That’s why I washed and towel-dried my hair, sectioned it, and first applied the Angel Fantasy Party Goddess Spray.  Next, I distributed the serum from the ends upward, leaving about 10–15 centimeters from the roots untouched. After drying, my hair felt smooth, silky, and full of shine. I was pleased with the outcome.

PROS: 

• helps to restore the lipid layer between the hair cuticle and cortex
• retains internal moisture and contributes to hydrated hair
• nourishes the deeper layers of the hair structure
• adds shine, reduces tangling, and smoothens the hair cuticle

CONS:

• offers limited thermal and UV protection

MY RATING: 5/5

You can buy the product here.