Cosrx Peptide-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum Review | Is It Worth It?
Cosrx became the K-beauty brand, due to its sensitive formulas and thoughtful ingredients. Utilizing viral influencers, they promoted simple and easy ingredients that blended well with all skin types and created pure benefits. Their haircare line took a different philosophy and instead was based on hard research and cutting-edge hair treatment. They focused on the cellular level and make-up of hair and created formulas that would deeply penetrate hair strands and focus on real repair, rather than artificial softening. They made a hairline for all hair types; from boosting growth, strength to treating dandruff and irritation. It would balance oily scalps, whilst exfoliating and hydrating dry scalps and became a popular hairline quite quickly.
What Is Hair Serum?
Hair serum is a leave-in treatment designed specifically for frizzy hair and to protect against hair treatments. It’s not as widely used as shampoo and conditioner, so the Cosrx Peptide-132 serum became their least selling item. But does it deserve that treatment?
Well, plainly put hair serum can be beneficial for more hair types than those that generally reach for it. It creates a deep shine for dry hair and seals in moisture for softer and refreshed hair. For curly hair, it helps create an outer seal for more pronounced curls and bounce. The hair serum is most likely to see benefits in thick, curly hair that need a reduced frizz and enhanced hydration.
What's In The Bottle?
Tripeptide-132 HCI: the patented Peptide-132 provides a targeted bonding of keratin, to help seal hair strands and build proteins for genuine hair repair.
Botanical Oils: a rich blend of 7 oils [Argan, Olive, Camellia, Jojoba, Rice Bran, Macadamia and Grapeseed] to deeply hydrate individual strands and reduce friction, preventing frizz from forming.
Peptides: provides building blocks to moisturize and strengthen individual hair strands. Taurine boosts hair longevity, arginine improves circulation to aid scalp health and cysteine boosts keratin formation.
Biotin: vitamin B7 helps support keratin structure and improve hair strength and density, for fuller and brighter appearance.
Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant that helps heal and protect hair strands, whilst improving natural circulation for better hair density and tensile strength.
Dimethicone: provides a light, smooth coating for hair to improve natural shine and create a soft, feathery texture to hair.
Fragrance: a blend of molecular fragrances and botanical extracts such as cinnamon and limonene to create a herbal, rich scent to hair.
Who Should Avoid?
This serum is designed for dry hair and curly, oily hair alike. It however, does contain rich oils, which creates its glossy finish. These can irritate skin (especially acne-prone and oily skin), so if your hair has contact with your face, be wary that it can cause breakouts. Similarly, with very fine hair it can create a ‘slicking’ effect if not applied carefully, so take care with how you use it in thin hair.
The Results
After reviewing the Cosrx Peptide-132 Shampoo and Hair Treatment, I was curious about the hair serum. A shampoo and conditioner are easy and common in a routine, for general cleansing and hydration. But hair serum was more niche and often went un-noticed compared to the other products. But, as a daily user of a hair serum – I really, really wanted to test it out. The shampoo and conditioner create such delightfully soft hair, I wanted to know, does adding the serum give even more benefit?
It’s a deep, penetrating serum – which can feel unpleasant on your hands as you apply. I have fine, frizzy and curly hair, so typically start my day applying a serum to semi-damp hair and scrunching into curls. The serum has the same feel as argan oil and clings to hair in a light coating. It takes about an hour to fully dry and helps slick hair into stronger curls. It also has a nice herbal scent, which permeates the hair and hangs around for hours (which can be polarizing to some). I did notice that it helped soften hair further (beyond just the shampoo or treatment alone), making it a great addition to the trio if you are aiming for absolutely whisper-soft hair.
It really helped my curls form definition and was really good at tackling frizz. I think it was better at tackling frizz than my usual hair serum (a coconut-based hair cream), but didn’t create as much definition in the curls. It’s genuinely designed for all hair types, helping infuse more moisture and creating a soft and bouncy texture.
As mentioned above in the ‘who should avoid’ if your hair tends to brush against your cheeks, do take care as it triggered acne spots across my jaw. The oils in the serum (although great for your hair) are not so good for sensitive or acne-prone skin, which is a shame. If it didn’t have this weakness, I’d probably have considered swapping out my other hair cream for it. I wish it did dry quicker, but the softness it creates is unparalleled.
Final Thoughts
This hair serum does form a great haircare trio, along with the shampoo and hair treatment by Cosrx. It was carefully designed to improve moisture and hair softness and the serum helps deliver that. It’s not ideal for acne-prone skin due to the oils in it, but it’s genuinely well designed for any hair that needs more hydration.
I wouldn't say it's a necessary addition to enjoy the benefits of the Cosrx Peptide-132 line; but is most beneficial to reduce dryness and frizziness. If that's you, check out our new Cosrx Peptide-132 Hair Trio Bundle; which gets you all three in one at a neat price. Get your hair shining with high-quality haircare.
Curious about our original review? Check out our in-depth review of the Cosrx Peptide-132 Shampoo and Hair Treatment below. Or check out our guide to caring for thinning hair for hot tips for thicker, stronger hair,
