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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner versus Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask .

Published on December 25, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Conditioner French Brand France
Hair Mask French Brand France

Conditioner

Moisturizing agents for hair.

Hair Mask

Hair masks provide intense nourishment to your hair and usually need to be washed out. They can be used to treat specific hair conditions.

Price

Shop

Buy Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner

Starts at $35.58
Shop

Buy Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask

Starts at $39.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
BHA

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores (2)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 1.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 2.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 4.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 3.

4
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Cetyl Esters is a synthetic wax made up of mostly fatty acids and fatty alcohols. It is strcturally similar to wax taken from whales.

As an emollient, it creates a thin barrier on the skin. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Cetyl Esters

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 5.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 6.

5
What it does: Antimicrobial, Emulsifying, Preservative
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.

Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 6.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 16.

Dipalmitoylethyl Hydroxyethylmonium Methosulfate is a type of sulfate.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 7.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 5.

7
What it does: Perfuming, UV Absorber
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.

In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".

While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.

However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.

Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Learn more about Benzyl Salicylate

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 10.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does: Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.

Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.

Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Learn more about Benzyl Alcohol

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 13.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 22.

9
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.

Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.

Learn more about Linalool

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 14.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 19.

10
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Limonene

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 15.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 21.

11
What it does: Buffering, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 16.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 11.

12
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil is derived from the kernels of the argania spinosa tree. You may know it as argan oil.

Argan Oil is an antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing ingredient.

Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.

Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.

Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.

Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.

Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.

Argan Trees are native to Morocco.

Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 19.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 7.

13
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.

Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.

Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.

Learn more about CI 19140

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 24.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 18.

14
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Fondant Conditioner contains this as ingredient number 28.

Garnier Argan Richness Argan Oil and Almond Cream Hair Mask contains this as ingredient number 24.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

14% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
25% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
21% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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