Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum Versus Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum
Updated on March 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe hair serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum 20 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum 16 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum 20 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum 16 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
C11-14 Isoalkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethiconol
Emollient
Amodimethicone
Parfum
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningIsododecane, Dimethicone, C11-14 Isoalkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone, Parfum, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Limonene, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Glucomannan
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Zea Mays Germ Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLinalool
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolBenzyl 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 AlcoholCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinLimonene 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 LimoneneTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum 20 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Matrix Food For Soft Multi-Use Hair Oil Serum 20 ingredients
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum 16 ingredients
Best hair oil ever. I have tried many others - Olaplex, argan oil, Fino, schwarzkopf, Paul Mitchell, Elvive (supposed to be a dupe but oh god it’s horrible).
It’s light weight, smells elegant and leaves my hair super soft and minimises frizz.
I apply on damp hair after NAK replends leave in cream, this combo is perfect for me.
So sad that they’ve reformulated and jacked up the price with Show more
Such a good product! Makes my hair super shiny and healthy and smells incredible. It also supports my soft curls and nourishes my hair
