The 11 Best Leave-In Conditioners That Left Our Hair Soft, Smooth, and Shiny

August 20, 2025
Melanie Rud, Byrdie.com

No other haircare product delivers quite as much power as the humble leave-in conditioner. Nothing against the array of mousses, curl creams, and hairsprays out there, obviously, but the right leave-in conditioner delivers maximum hair benefits, like hydration and shine to smoothness with minimal effort. The formulas are designed to add moisture, promote elasticity, and make hair less prone to split ends and breakage, says beauty and hair expert Gina Rivera, who adds that they can also help protect against environmental damage and aid in detangling.
They’re also great for all hair types, as long as you choose the right one. To help you do exactly that, we tested nearly 50 options. Our testers (with various hair types and textures) used them at least once per week over one month as part of their regular haircare routine, taking note of the texture, application, and effectiveness. When the results rolled in, these 11 outperformed the competition.