While the effects of climate change such as rising humidity affect everything on a global scale, closer to home, beauty consumers experience them alterations in their hair and skin. Hair texture is one example, which drove demand for anti-frizz solutions to US $1.5 billion in 2024, per Verified Market Reports. This market, including serums, sprays, creams and treatments, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% (2026 to 2033), the firm adds. Pantene's Smooth & Sleek Conditioner provides this week's product example.
Hair serum is usually a leave-on product with volatile silicones and high molecular weight silicone-based gums. Once applied to hair, it begins to lose volatile silicones, leaving the non-volatile gums to deposit as a thin hydrophobic layer on the hair shaft. This seals off surface pores, significantly restricting moisture sorption and giving anti-frizz benefits.
Hair conditioner, unlike serum, is a wash-off product whose active constituents like quaternary ammonium salts, cationic polymers and silicones are deposited onto hair. Their hydrophobic nature resists moisture sorption.
Hair oil, on the other hand, is often used in an oiling cycle of application overnight followed by washing. It, too, can decrease water sorption, especially in the case of coconut oil, whose mid chain triglycerides have been proven to penetrate the hair shaft. This fills the pores in damaged hair, slowing water sorption and reducing frizz.
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While the effects of climate change such as rising humidity affect everything on a global scale, closer to home, beauty consumers experience them alterations in their hair and skin. Hair texture is one example, which drove demand for anti-frizz solutions to US $1.5 billion in 2024, per Verified Market Reports. This market, including serums, sprays, creams and treatments, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% (2026 to 2033), the firm adds. Pantene's Smooth & Sleek Conditioner provides this week's product example.
Pantene Smooth & Sleek Conditioner
P&G's Pantene brand Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner is designed to tame frizz for smooth, sleek tresses that "won't fluff up with any sign of moisture." According to the company, the formula visibly transforms dry, parched hair, making it smooth and manageable without weighing it down.
"Micro-moisturizers" in the conditioner wrap each strand from root to tip to replenish dry hair and seal in smoothness, per the company. The product is reportedly suitable for every time hair is washed and for all hair types, including permed or color-treated.
The product is also highlighted as free of parabens and colorants.
*Ingredients are listed as shown on CVS website Aug. 22, 2025
User Feedback: Pantene Smooth & Sleek Conditioner
Following are example user reviews (edited for style), selected for their anecdotal insights on product form and function.
My thin, fine wavy/curly hair looks great — a lot smoother and shiny. It feels awesome and I could actually sleep on my hair and brush it the next day, which rarely happens because it gets so tangled.
It’s weightless and deeply conditioning
The new formulation of this conditioner is wonderful. I used this one for many years but had to stop when new ingredients made it too heavy. It seems like it’s back to how it used to be! It smooths better, yet feels so light and clean on my hair. If you prefer the heavier version, it looks like the moisture formula will still give you that.
This is a game changer. I cannot believe it's my hair.
It leaves my hair soft and smooth, and I think my hair looks shinier. It also helps with the frizziness. With this conditioner, I don't have to use a lot to get a great result. It also has a great smell.
Anti-frizz Mechanisms and Formulating
All anti-frizz products are not equal — or at least, the ways they work aren't equal. According to Chavan's work, in an upcoming feature in Cosmetics & Toiletries (watch for it in October!), when hydrophilic and porous bleached hairs are treated with hair care products like serum, conditioner and oil, the moisture sorption decreases, along with frizz.
However, different products work differently:
Hair serum is usually a leave-on product with volatile silicones and high molecular weight silicone-based gums. Once applied to hair, it begins to lose volatile silicones, leaving the non-volatile gums to deposit as a thin hydrophobic layer on the hair shaft. This seals off surface pores, significantly restricting moisture sorption and giving anti-frizz benefits.
Hair conditioner, unlike serum, is a wash-off product whose active constituents like quaternary ammonium salts, cationic polymers and silicones are deposited onto hair. Their hydrophobic nature resists moisture sorption.
Hair oil, on the other hand, is often used in an oiling cycle of application overnight followed by washing. It, too, can decrease water sorption, especially in the case of coconut oil, whose mid chain triglycerides have been proven to penetrate the hair shaft. This fills the pores in damaged hair, slowing water sorption and reducing frizz.
With the consumer shift toward hair health, it will be critical to not only tame the surface fly-aways and frizz, but also nourish and protect hair health.
