Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cosmetic composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable aqueous medium: at least one agent for protecting keratin fibers; at least one aromatic alcohol; and at least one aromatic carboxylic acid or a salt thereof. Also disclosed herein is a method for protecting keratin fibers against the action of atmospheric agents comprising applying the composition above to fibers. Further disclosed herein is a method for the post-treatment of an oxidation dyeing or of a direct dyeing operation on keratin fibers comprising applying the composition described above to the fibers.