Drunk Elephant has carved out a significant niche in the skincare world, garnering both fervent admiration and strong opinions. This guide delves into a wide array of Drunk Elephant products, offering in-depth reviews and personal experiences to help you navigate this popular brand.
The Philosophy Behind Drunk Elephant: The Suspicious Six
Drunk Elephant's brand philosophy is built around avoiding what they call the "Suspicious Six": essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS. The brand believes these ingredients either cause harm or have the potential to cause harm to the skin. This "clean" formulation approach appeals to many, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as these ingredients are often cited as common irritants and acne triggers.
While the brand's commitment to avoiding these ingredients is commendable, it's important to note that not all "natural" ingredients are universally beneficial, nor are all synthetic ingredients inherently harmful. Drunk Elephant's approach often involves a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients, chosen for their efficacy and safety, a strategy that resonates with those who appreciate a science-backed approach to skincare.
Drunk Elephant Serums: The Stars of the Show
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Often hailed as a holy grail product, the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a potent exfoliating treatment. It features a 12% blend of AHAs and BHAs, including glycolic and salicylic acid, which work synergistically to smooth skin texture, improve tone, and address concerns like bumps, blackheads, and stubborn blemishes. Many users report noticeable improvements in skin texture overnight. It's recommended to start with less frequent application (once or twice a week) and gradually increase usage as your skin tolerates it. For those with dry skin, layering a facial oil or moisturizer over it can help buffer its potency.
Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum
This serum from Drunk Elephant is designed to rebuild and strengthen the skin's barrier. It is particularly effective when paired with the Protini Polypeptide moisturizer. Its formulation includes 10% lactic acid, which is potent enough to effectively slough away dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin.
C-Firma Day Serum (Updated Formula)
Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient for improving uneven skintone. While older formulations of C-Firma were prone to oxidation, Drunk Elephant has updated their packaging to keep the liquid and powder components separate until activation. This ensures the efficacy of the C-Firm Day Serum. Users have reported it effectively lightens acne scars within days of use. The serum has an oily consistency, which can be beneficial for hydration but may be a consideration for those with very oily skin or those who prefer a lighter daytime serum. It has also been noted to help with the healing of acne and fading of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
A-Gloei Maretinol Oil
Combining 0.5% retinol with ceramides and marula oil, the A-Gloei Maretinol Oil aims to provide collagen-boosting benefits without the typical retinol-induced irritation. The ceramides offer soothing properties, while the marula oil adds hydration. This product has been praised for not causing breakouts or irritation, making it a gentler option for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin.
Shaba Complex Eye Serum
This eye serum contains a lower concentration of retinol (0.1%) along with caffeine. It is designed to reduce puffiness and fine lines around the delicate eye area, making it suitable for sensitive skin. While it can help brighten tired eyes and soften fine lines, it may not be sufficient for significant dark circle concerns.
B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Originally known as B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel, this product has been reformulated and renamed. It is a hydrating serum that, while not a moisturizer on its own for many, significantly improves skin texture, especially under the eyes. It is recommended to mix it with a facial oil or moisturizer to enhance its hydrating effects and combat dehydrated skin, which can sometimes lead to increased oil production. It has been noted to improve crepiness and bumpy texture, performing better than many eye creams.
Drunk Elephant Moisturizers and Masks
Protini Polypeptide Cream
This peptide-infused lightweight moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. Its texture is a pleasant balance between a cream and a gel, and the pump dispenser is convenient. It can be used as a serum in winter or layered under heavier moisturizers. It's highly regarded for its peptide content and its ability to not disappoint.
Lala Retro Whipped Cream
The Lala Retro Whipped Cream offers good moisture, but some users find its matte finish less appealing, potentially suiting oily skin types better. The updated formula with ceramides is slightly lighter and more nourishing than the original. It's described as a basic barrier cream that works well when layered with other Drunk Elephant products like B-Hydra or Marula Oil, but may not be sufficiently moisturizing for very dry or irritated skin on its own.
F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
This overnight facial is designed to deeply quench and hydrate the skin, making it an excellent choice for winter. Its lightweight formula provides significant hydration, leaving the skin feeling plump upon waking. It contains ingredients like Vitamin F, electrolytes, and ceramides to replenish the skin's barrier. It offers a cooling sensation and is described as a light cream consistency, suitable as a final step in an evening routine.
Mega-Moisturizer Masker
This product is used as a conditioner for hair. It effectively hydrates hair and rinses out cleanly, making it a desirable option for those seeking a good conditioner. It is also noted as one of the few Drunk Elephant products with a scent.
Drunk Elephant Cleansers
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
This jelly cleanser is formulated without SLS and is intended to be non-drying and non-irritating. While some find it to be an okay gel cleanser, others experience a slightly drying sensation, leaving the skin feeling tight. It is not recommended for makeup removal on its own, and some users report it stings their eyes. It is considered more suitable for oily skin types.
Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
This oil-based balm cleanser effectively removes impurities and sunscreen. It transforms from an oil to a milk upon rinsing with water. It contains virgin marula oil and is formulated without essential oils, making it a good option for sensitive skin. It requires a second cleanse to ensure all residue is removed, but it is praised for hydrating the skin without causing tightness or dryness.
Pekee Bar Cleanser
This bar cleanser is formulated for dry and sensitive skin. It lathers well and leaves the face feeling clean. Some users find it to be too drying for mature or sensitive skin types and prefer the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.
Juju Bar Cleanser
This exfoliating bar cleanser is gentle and has a fine grit texture, making it feel pleasant on the skin. It is particularly recommended for use on the upper body (back, chest, and shoulders) to address rashes, bumpy texture, and clogged pores. It holds up well over time.
Drunk Elephant Hair Care
Silkamino Moisturizing Shampoo
Although on the pricier side, this shampoo is appreciated for its beautiful packaging and creamy texture, which is different from traditional shampoos. It is designed to be moisturizing.
Drunk Elephant Oils
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
This pure, cold-pressed marula oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. It is free from essential oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is described as a joy to use for normal to dry complexions and can be mixed with other Drunk Elephant products for a personalized approach.
Drunk Elephant Sunscreens
Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
This physical sunscreen uses 20% zinc oxide. While it's commendable for using a physical filter, it can be difficult to blend and may leave a white cast. It's noted that it can make the skin feel dry and is not considered a must-have by some users. It's suggested it might not be the best option for oily or combination skin types.
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
Similar to the Umbra Sheer, this is a physical sunscreen with 20% zinc oxide. Users tend to prefer the tinted version as it is slightly easier to blend than the sheer version, though it can still leave a white cast. Both are noted to be felt on the face and may not be ideal for oily/combo skin.
Drunk Elephant Other Products
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
These drops offer a bronzed glow and can be mixed with other skincare products for a radiant look. They can also be used as a liquid bronzer, applied with fingers or a brush. While the concept is cool and the added ingredients benefit the skin, users need to be cautious not to apply too much to avoid a ridiculous look. It's advised not to mix them with sunscreen, as this can affect the sunscreen's efficacy.
C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
This eye cream has a luxurious texture and is rich in ceramides and plant-based complexes. It's good for hydrating and strengthening the eye area, providing a subtle blurring effect on fine lines. Its lightweight consistency makes it suitable for daytime use under makeup, and its plant-based lipid omega complex adds a mild scent. However, it's noted that it can pill, making it difficult to use under makeup for some, and it may not effectively erase deep dark circles.
Lippe Balm
While convenient and aesthetically pleasing, recommending a $24 lip balm can be difficult for some. However, with consistent use, it can lead to smoother lips, even in harsh winter conditions.
Drunk Elephant Hair Care Products
Silkamino Moisturizing Shampoo
This shampoo is noted for its beautiful packaging and creamy texture, offering a departure from traditional shampoos. It's positioned as a moisturizing option for hair care.
Mega-Moisturizer Masker
This product functions as a conditioner, providing hydration to the hair and rinsing out cleanly. It's considered a complete conditioner by users.
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A lightweight cream that can be used to tame flyaways and smooth hair, making it look sleeker, especially after styling with heat tools.
Drunk Elephant Bar Soaps
Drunk Elephant offers bar cleansers like the Juju Bar and Pekee Bar. While some users are hesitant about bar cleansers due to perceived messiness, they can be advantageous for travel and reducing plastic packaging. The Juju Bar is an exfoliating option, while the Pekee Bar is formulated for dry skin.
The "Drunk Elephant" Experience: Hype vs. Reality
Drunk Elephant has cultivated a strong following, often described as an "it-girl brand," with highly "photo-ready" products and appealing packaging. The brand's commitment to avoiding the "Suspicious Six" is a significant draw. However, the price point is a recurring consideration, with products ranging from $20 to $120.
Reviews are often polarized, with users either deeply devoted or firmly against the brand. This division can stem from differing opinions on marketing, ingredient philosophy, and personal skin responses. Ultimately, whether Drunk Elephant products are "worth it" often comes down to individual skin needs, preferences, and budget. While some products are consistently lauded as must-haves, others may be considered "meh" or skippable.