Kérastase Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo

A luxurious, revitalizing shampoo formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamins to cleanse the scalp while intensely moisturizing the hair fiber.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula represents a high-performance salon-grade shampoo designed for revitalizing hair. It utilizes Sodium Laureth Sulfate balanced effectively with Coco-Betaine and Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid for a deep, rich lather that cleanses thoroughly. The inclusion of Amodimethicone is excellent for damaged hair as it selectively adheres to compromised cuticles to provide smoothness without excessive buildup. The addition of luxury skincare-grade actives such as Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration), Ceramides (2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol for barrier repair), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), and Alteromonas Ferment Extract indicates a strong focus on both scalp health and hair fiber regeneration.

Safety Rating: 3.2

While safe for general use under cosmetic regulations, this ingredient list contains several components often flagged by ‘clean beauty’ standards. It uses SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin, alongside various PEGs (polyethylene glycols). The formula is heavily fragranced, containing numerous sensitizing fragrance allergens (Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, etc.) which pose a risk for contact dermatitis. It also contains BHT, a preservative with some controversy regarding potential endocrine disruption, and Salicylic Acid, which is generally beneficial for the scalp but is an exfoliant that can irritate sensitive skin types.

Final Rating: 3.9

This is a sophisticated, technical formulation typical of high-end luxury haircare (likely Kérastase). It prioritizes cosmetic elegance and immediate results—smoothing, shine, and structural reinforcement via Ceramides—over natural or minimal chemistry. While it will likely perform exceptionally well for managing damaged or aging hair, the presence of sulfates, silicones, and a complex fragrance profile makes it less suitable for those seeking hypoallergenic or eco-natural products.

Verdict

This formulation presents itself as a sophisticated, high-performance cleanser that bridges the gap between deep purification and intense conditioning. At its core, the presence of Sodium Laureth Sulfate indicates that this shampoo is designed to provide a rich lather and effective removal of oils and styling residue. While sulfates can sometimes be perceived as drying, this formula effectively counterbalances that potential stripping effect with a robust suite of conditioning agents like Coco-Betaine and Polyquaternium-10, ensuring the hair remains manageable and soft during the washing process.

The star ingredients here point clearly toward a focus on anti-aging and deep hydration. The inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate is a standout feature, utilizing this famous skincare humectant to draw moisture into the hair fiber and scalp. This is reinforced by Tocopherol (Vitamin E), which provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, helping to preserve the integrity of the hair. Furthermore, the addition of 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, a type of ceramide, suggests a capability to repair and strengthen the hair cuticle, making it ideal for hair that feels brittle or devitalized over time.

Scalp health is heavily emphasized in this ingredient list. We see Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid known for gently exfoliating dead skin cells and clearing pores, paired with Bisabolol, a soothing agent often derived from chamomile that helps calm irritation. This duality makes the product excellent for those who want to treat their scalp without sacrificing the cosmetic feel of their hair. The inclusion of Alteromonas Ferment Extract further emphasizes a goal of soothing and regenerating the scalp environment.

However, the texture and finish are influenced by Amodimethicone. This is a smart silicone that selectively bonds to damaged sites on the hair shaft. While it provides a sleek, glossy finish and excellent slip, it renders the product unsuitable for those strictly avoiding silicones. Additionally, the ingredient list concludes with a significant number of fragrance components and potential allergens like Benzyl Salicylate and Hexyl Cinnamal. While these contribute to a luxurious sensory experience, they may pose a risk of contact dermatitis for individuals with highly sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. Overall, this is a potent revitalizing cocktail for dull, dry hair that tolerates sulfates and silicones well.

Who Is This Product For?

People with dry or brittle hair needing moisture.
Those concerned with scalp aging or lack of vitality.
Individuals dealing with mechanical damage who need strengthening ceramides.
Users who prefer a luxurious, highly fragranced shower experience.

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Followers of the Curly Girl Method (contains sulfates and silicones).
Individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Those looking for 100% natural or organic formulations.

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua / Water / Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: Low risk of irritation in sensitive skin

Notes: Helps ingredients penetrate the hair.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Humectant, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves texture and hydrates.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Primary Cleanser, Foaming Agent

Concerns: Can be drying; potential for stripping hair oils

Notes: A very common, effective anionic surfactant.

🧪 Coco-Betaine / 椰油酰基甜菜碱

Purpose: Secondary Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild amphoteric surfactant used to reduce irritation from sulfates.

🧪 Laureth-5 Carboxylic Acid / 月桂醇聚醚-5 羧酸

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild cleaning agent.

🧪 Cocamide Mipa / 椰油酰胺 MIPA

Purpose: Foam Stabilizer, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps create a creamy lather.

🧪 Peg-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate / PEG-55 丙二醇油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, Surfactant

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient

Notes: Used to thicken formulas containing propylene glycol.

🧪 Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil / PEG-60 氢化蓖麻油

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient

Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.

📁 Conditioning Agents & Actives / 调理剂与活性成分

🧪 Polyquaternium-10 / 聚季铵盐-10

Purpose: Antistatic, Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Forms a film on hair to reduce static and improve manageability.

🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Silicone Conditioner

Concerns: Potential for buildup if not washed out

Notes: Selective conditioner that targets damaged areas of hair.

🧪 Isostearyl Neopentanoate / 新戊酸异硬脂酯

Purpose: Emollient, Binder

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a silky feel.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects product and scalp from free radicals.

🧪 Bisabolol / 红没药醇

Purpose: Soothing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Anti-inflammatory, derived from chamomile.

🧪 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol / 2-油酰胺基-1,3-十八烷二醇

Purpose: Restorative Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A ceramide mimic that helps reinforce the hair fiber.

🧪 Safflower Glucoside / 红花葡糖苷

Purpose: Conditioning, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from Safflower oil.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Powerful hydrator for scalp and hair.

🧪 Alteromonas Ferment Extract / 交替单胞菌发酵产物提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Hydrating

Concerns: None

Notes: Marine-derived ingredient.

📁 Preservatives, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers / 防腐剂、pH调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations

Notes: Table salt, thickens the surfactant system.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in pure form

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance pH.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps smooth hair cuticle by lowering pH.

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant, Preservative

Concerns: Avoid if allergic to aspirin

Notes: Helps with dandruff and scalp health.

🧪 Bht / 丁羟甲苯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: Controversial preservative

Notes: Prevents oils in the formula from going rancid.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent, pH Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

📁 Fragrance Components / 香精成分

🧪 Parfum / Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer

Notes: Gives the product its smell.

🧪 Benzyl Salicylate / 水杨酸苄酯

Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient