A luxe, silicone-and-plant-oil blend that delivers instant glass-like shine, frizz control, and smoother ends without a greasy film when you dose it right. The new refillable glass bottle looks premium and cuts plastic waste.
Overall rating: 4.6/5
What it is & who it’s for
A multi-use finishing and nourishing oil from Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime line. It combines lightweight silicones for slip and heat spread with camellia, argan, marula/pracaxi and maize oils for softness and gloss.
- Best for: normal to dry, frizzy, colour-treated, or heat-styled hair that needs polish and smoother ends.
- Hair types: straight to 4C; fine hair can use a half-pump; medium–coarse can use 1–2 pumps.
- Skip if: you’re strictly silicone-free or prefer a protein/bond treatment over a cosmetic finisher.
Scent, texture & finish
- Scent: soft floral-woody (salon-clean with a little warmth); lingers lightly.
- Texture: thin, silky oil that spreads easily and disappears when you don’t overdo it.
- Finish: high gloss with soft touch, reduces flyaways, makes colour look freshly done.
Performance & results
Immediate (first use)
- Adds shine and slip; detangles mids/ends.
- Flyaways flatten; ends look “sealed,” especially on blowouts.
Over 2–4 weeks
- Less snapping at the brush; rough ends feel softer between trims.
- Helps maintain colour glow thanks to cuticle smoothing and the low-drag finish.
- With heat tools, hair looks smoother with fewer passes.
Heat protection
Brand-claims up to 230°C / 450°F. It’s best as a topper/primer under a dedicated heat protectant for very high-heat sessions, but works well for daily blow-dry levels.
How to use (dosage that actually works)
| Hair density/length | Damp hair (pre-dry) | Dry hair (finish) |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/short | ½ pump emulsified in palms, mids-to-ends | 1 pea rubbed over flyaways |
| Medium/shoulder | 1 pump mids-to-ends | ½–1 pea for polish |
| Thick/long/coarse | 1–2 pumps comb through | 1 pump focusing ends |
Extra use cases
- Pre-shampoo: 2–3 pumps 10–20 mins before wash to cushion a clarifying shampoo.
- Overnight: 1 pump on ends only; braid.
- Mix-in: ½ pump into a leave-in cream for softer hold.
Formula highlights (why it works)
- Dimethicone & light silicones for slip, humidity resistance and gloss.
- Camellia/argan/maize/pracaxi oils for softness and emollience without heavy waxes.
- UV & heat claims; colour-safe; works on both natural and processed hair.
Comparisons — which one should you pick
- Elixir Ultime vs Moroccanoil Treatment: Moroccanoil is heavier/richer and can overwhelm fine hair; Kérastase is silkier and more sheer.
- Elixir Ultime vs Olaplex No.7: No.7 is very light with bonding claims and strong heat protection; gloss is subtler. Choose Kérastase for shine and salon feel, No.7 for featherweight + bond care.
- Elixir Ultime vs Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil: Argan-6 is richer and nourishing; Kérastase gives a cleaner, higher-shine finish.
- Oil vs cream leave-in (e.g., Redken ABC Leave-In): Use Elixir Ultime to finish/polish; use a cream for heat protection + repair on damp hair, then a drop of oil to gloss.
Refillable bottle — does it matter
Yes. The glass bottle feels luxe, pumps cleanly, and the refill reduces plastic compared with rebuying a full unit. If you go through shine oils regularly, the refill route makes both cost and waste friendlier.
Who should buy / who should skip
Buy if:
- You want instant shine + frizz control that doesn’t feel greasy.
- Your colour looks dull between appointments.
- You like a salon-polished finish and care about refillable packaging.
Skip/consider alternatives if:
- You follow strict silicone-free routines (try a silicone-free dry oil instead).
- You need bond repair more than gloss (see K18 or a bond-building leave-in).
- You dislike any lingering fragrance.
Value & verdict
Elixir Ultime is expensive, but a little goes a long way and the refill softens the cost over time. As a finishing step that makes hair look freshly styled with minimal effort, it earns a spot on the vanity.
Rating: 4.6/5
Pros & cons
Pros
- High, salon-level shine and frizz control
- Lightweight when dosed correctly; works across hair types
- Multi-use: pre-dry, finish, pre-poo, overnight
- Refillable glass bottle looks and feels premium
Cons
- Pricey at full retail
- Contains silicones (not CG-method friendly)
- Scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
FAQs
Will it weigh down fine hair
Not if you use ½ pump on damp hair, mids-to-ends only, and a pea to finish.
Can I use it with heat protectant
Yes. Apply your heat protectant on damp hair first, then add ½ pump of Elixir Ultime through mids-to-ends before blow-drying; finish with a drop on dry hair.
Is it colour-safe
Yes. The oil helps reduce cuticle roughness, which can enhance colour shine.
How often can I use it
Daily as a finisher; 1–2× weekly as pre-shampoo or overnight treatment for ends.
Does the refill fit older bottles
Does the refill fit older bottles
Kérastase’s current refill pouches are designed for the latest glass pump bottle.
See also
Building a smooth, protected routine Start with Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Review for heat defense and breakage reduction, compare dryers in our Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Review, and choose a shampoo/conditioner duo with the Redken All Soft Shampoo Review and Redken All Soft Conditioner Review. For broader picks by hair type and budget, visit the Ultimate Hair Care Guide (2025).
