Revitalize your hair with Kérastase Chronologiste
Hello and welcome to the most luxurious line from the French brand Kérastase for hair and scalp. With a unique combination of abyssine, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E, the hair feels reborn.
This is the most expensive line in Kérastase. It began as a salon-only treatment, featuring ingredients like caviar, hyaluronic acid, and abyssine—a unique molecule sourced from the ocean depths. The line’s popularity led the brand to create products for at-home use, making this beauty ritual more accessible and turning the collection into an iconic haircare.
The uniqueness
As with many Kérastase lines, this one is rooted in extensive research on hair aging. Over time, the scalp is affected by dryness, sensitivity, and loss of elasticity. Environmental stressors—such as vitamin deficiencies, UV exposure, and daily stress—contribute to these changes, ultimately leading to the shrinking of hair follicles. This process can change the hair fiber itself, resulting in a noticeable loss of volume, shape, and overall resilience in the hair.
The advanced formula in this line combines hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and abyssine to target the six signs of hair aging directly. Each product in the range is designed to work together, restoring the hair’s vitality and protecting it against the effects of time. The line aims to “revitalize” hair, from the Latin meaning “to bring back to life,” by helping it regain its strength, resilience, and youthful appearance.
In other words, Chronologist gives your strands a little bit of everything.
The line is formulated for all hair and scalp types, providing soothing care for the scalp while polishing the hair without weighing it down. It also offers the added benefits of frizz control for up to 24 hours and enhanced smoothness and shine.
The ingredients
Hyaluronic acid + Vitamin E + Abissine are the key ingredients that are the core ingredients of the line, work together to deliver hydration, protection, and a smooth hair surface:
Hyaluronic acid - can hold up to 1000 times more water molecules than its weight. Fills the hair with moisture, and penetrates deeply. Takes care of the scalp and length. Visually increases hair thickness by attracting water molecules.
Vitamin E - a natural antioxidant, that protects hair from aggressive environmental influences, improves blood circulation and elasticity of skin and hair, and protects against UV radiation, pollution, and free radicals.
Abyssin (Alteromonas enzyme extract) - a unique molecule in the cosmetics market, extracted from ocean depths only once a year. Due to its limited availability, quantities may sometimes fall short of production needs. It penetrates deeply into the hair cortex, enhancing elasticity and strength while supporting the scalp’s resilience against inflammation. Rich in antioxidants, this ingredient also works to restore and fortify hair with each use.
The products
There are five main products that you can use at home: a pre-shampoo (deeper cleansing version), shampoo, mask, heat protectant and hair oil:
Pre-shampoo treatment includes charcoal, which is highly effective at cleansing the hair of metals, styling product residues, and pollution particles (according to the research - up to 90 percent better, than just shampoo).
Shampoo offers effective cleansing properties while being gentle on the hair and scalp.
Mask nourishes length and soothes the sensitive scalp.
Heat-protectant (Kérastase uses the term Thermique) protects for up to 450°F and offers 24H frizz control.
Oil completes the ritual and gives a unique transparent gloss to the hair.
You can use all five products in the line to achieve salon-quality results or stick with the classic shampoo-mask-oil combination. These products are designed to work seamlessly with other lines from the brand and mix well with products from other brands on the market.
If you want to elevate your routine, there’s a sixth and most exclusive product in the line: the Chronologiste Serum. Infused with caviar, scalp soothing and revitalizing ingredients it is packed into caviar beads and a moisturizing transparent base. When mixed with a pump this elixir provides long-lasting hydration and frizz control. I do not own it myself but look how pretty it is (the magnificent photo from brushsalon.ca):
Before we dive into the specifics of each product, let’s talk about the scent profile of the line. The fragrance opens with freesia notes, has a heart of tea rose, and finishes with a base of soft musk. This aroma enhances the overall experience.
The oil in this line has a distinct scent, with notes reminiscent of fresh jasmine. This lighter, floral fragrance sets it apart from the rest of the line, adding a refreshing touch to the overall experience. The renowned perfumer Alberto Morillas crafted this unique fragrance bouquet exclusively for the brand. Known for his sophisticated and layered scent compositions, Morillas designed this aroma to bring a luxurious and memorable sensory experience to the haircare line:
It’s always exciting to see the results on the hair. Mine is porous, wavy, and prone to shedding and breakage, but this line gives it a luxurious look. The ends:
The roots:
Let’s talk in depth about these sleek black bottles.
Pré-Cleanse Régénérant: Pre-shampoo
A unique black textured gel with charcoal and hyaluronic acid deeply but delicately cleanses the scalp and lengths. It does not leather much but leaves roots feeling squicky-clean. According to research, it removes up to 96% more pollution particles than shampoo.
This sulfate-based formula includes softening ingredients like betaine, glycerin, argan shell powder, bisabolol, ceramides, and safflower glycoside. It also contains hydrolyzed pearl—a rare and powerful antioxidant packed with 15 amino acids and essential microelements like magnesium, calcium, vitamins, and other minerals. This ingredient helps slow scalp aging, removes toxins, protects against UV damage, and offers a brightening effect. Remarkably, hydrolyzed pearl is effective even in minimal concentrations, making it a potent addition to the formula.
In short, this black cocktail is a deep-cleansing treatment enriched with vitamins and minerals. It regenerates the hair fiber while providing anti-inflammatory benefits for scalp.
This pre-shampoo really helps keep my sensitive scalp thoroughly cleansed and nourished with selected ingredients. I use it twice a month and always get refreshed, clean hair with shiny lengths and added volume.
Bain Régénérant: Shampoo
The second step in the cleansing ritual, whether in the salon or at home, is the shampoo. If you've already used the pre-shampoo, one application of shampoo is enough. If you're using the shampoo alone, you can apply it twice for a more thorough cleanse. This is a gel-textured deep-cleansing shampoo that keeps hair moisturized for up to 48 hours. I have the travel-sized version (which, by the way, has never let me down on vacation).
It has good cleansing power but doesn’t strip the hair or remove the color.
This formula combines a sulfate-based cleanser with the line’s signature ingredients, a touch of amodimethicone, ceramides, and calming agents. It cleanses effectively without stripping hair or fading color, while its rich lather makes it economical to use. Anti-inflammatory ingredients help keep the scalp balanced, and it relaxes the curls slightly. My sensitive scalp appreciates this shampoo a lot.
This shampoo is a perfect companion for those "in-between" moments. Whether your hair’s texture is starting to change, grays are becoming more visible or you're in a mid-season transition - it brings your hair back to life after just one wash.
This is my go-to shampoo whenever I want to look my best or when I'm unsure what my hair needs. Its texture and cleansing properties make it versatile across different hair types—from a monthly treatment for low-porosity or natural hair to a few times a week for porous, colored, or damaged hair. It strikes a unique balance between effective cleansing and moisture retention.
Masque Intense Régénérant: Mask for hair and scalp
This mask is part of the salon and home care line and offers a truly transformative experience, customizable to suit your hair and scalp needs. The brand calls it a “cream” (in the salon treatment, it's blended with caviar beads). It promises to deliver moisture, softness, frizz control for up to 48 hours, shine, and resilience.
You can apply it not only to the lengths but also directly to the scalp, where it revitalizes, hydrates, and soothes.
With core ingredients like bisabolol, three types of ceramides, lecithin, and a light fragrance as the final note, it offers effective calming and desensitizing benefits.
The mask can be used on its own—simply apply it to both scalp and lengths for 10 minutes. It’s lightweight and free from heavy ingredients, so it won’t leave the scalp feeling oily afterward. The brand states:
"The Kerastase Chronologiste Masque Intense Regenerant Hair Mask is completely safe for all skin types as it doesn’t have any type of harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, petroleum derivatives, and more. So, even if you have sensitive skin, you won’t have to worry about suffering from allergies, rashes, or burns. Unlike other masks that you can find in the market, it is completely lightweight and will add a lot of nutrients to your scalp and hair."
To enrich the mask for the lengths, you can add a few drops of Elixir Ultime Oil and blend them together, or try layering the Chronologist mask over your favorite lipid-rich mask, like the one from the Nutritive line.
To boost its effectiveness even more, leave it on for 15–20 minutes and cover your hair with a shower cap or a warm towel. The shine and manageability this ritual gives are incredible. I love this product for its versatility, soothing effect on the scalp, thickness and shine it gives to the hair, and the fact that a little goes a long way. Truly, the rare black diamond.
Thermique Régénérant: Youth Revitalizing blow-dry care
The sleek Thermique blow-dry cream offers heat protection up to 230°C, delivers 24-hour frizz control, speeds up blow-dry time, and adds moisture to the lengths.
Its heat-activated formula means the nourishing ingredients penetrate deeper with heat, increasing protection as you style.
The formula includes polymers and silicones to help lock in your hairstyle, along with the line's signature ingredients and softening agents to keep hair looking and feeling healthy. Its lightweight texture makes it easy to apply, keeping hair frizz-free for days. It also boosts shine, keeps the ends well-moisturized and doesn’t weigh the hair down.
Huile de Parfume: Fragrance in oil
The brand's thinnest oil, with its unique scent of fresh jasmine, boosts shine and keeps split ends at bay. The renewed formula contains twice as much fragrance, but it is not overpowering so it blends nicely into any perfume you wear. It is a unique blend of Corn oil, Argan oil, Camellia oil, Jasmine oil, Emblica extract, and Myrrha resin extract.
This product combines nourishing and smoothing ingredients to provide excellent care while delivering an impressive shine.
It leaves my hair feeling enlightened from within—see for yourself:
If you want to use this oil as a stand-alone fragrance, it’s best applied to dry hair—it won’t make it oily thanks to its gel-like texture. When applied to wet hair, the scent is more refined and subtle. The oil is nearly colorless and is safe for color-treated hair. I have the travel-sized 50 ml plastic version. But the 100 ml bottle comes in pretty black glass packaging.
If you have very dry skin, you can massage a drop or two into the scalp. You can also use this oil as a pre-shampoo treatment—just apply it to the ends for 20 minutes before washing or leave it on overnight for deeper nourishment. Plus, it provides bonus heat protection.
Final thoughts
The Chronologiste line from Kérastase is one of my favorites. It’s not only a luxurious range, but it truly revitalizes my hair, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and youthful. My scalp feels calm and nourished, while the lengths are deeply moisturized, shiny, and full. The indulgent fragrance makes the whole experience truly unique. Each product is like a piece of a puzzle, working in synergy. However, if you’re only looking to buy one product, rest assured—they all blend well with other brands and textures.
With everything from its elegant packaging to its signature scent, Kérastase has truly outdone itself with this line. For anyone wanting to try it, Chronologiste is now available in a beautiful Holiday Set:
Some images have been taken from kerastase-usa.com