Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand that provides a wide range of skincare products that cover cleansing, hydration, and sun protection. Its portfolio includes products such as serums, moisturizers, face oils, masks, and sunscreens.
Drunk Elephant claims to exclude essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS in its product line. The brand also mentions that its product range may help enhance your skin’s natural processes, such as barrier repair, cell turnover, and the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
In this review, we will explore Drunk Elephant’s product line, along with the brand’s advantages and limitations. We will also compare Drunk Elephant with similar brands, including a look at pricing and product options, to help you make a well-informed decision.
As per the official website, Drunk Elephant emphasizes biocompatible, science-backed ingredients in its product range without unnecessary additives.
The brand offers products across three main categories such as Body Care, Skincare, and Hair Care. In skincare, you’ll find moisturizers like Protini Polypeptide Cream and Lala Retro Whipped Cream, serums such as C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, and Amino Rain Glasswater Serum, and masks like Plump-C Tripeptide Lippe Mask.
Drunk Elephant also features a Hair care range, which includes shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in/styling products, while body care covers cleansers, lotions, exfoliants, scrubs, and deodorants.
The brand also offers kits and bundles, allowing you to customize combinations of moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreens. Drunk Elephant provides a Smoothie Glossary, guides on Vitamin C, and tools to help you select the right products for your skin routine. Most of their products are recyclable (with some exceptions), and the brand mentions that it does not test on animals.
As per the makers, Protini Polypeptide Cream is formulated with peptides, amino acids, botanical extracts, and humectants. It is designed for use on the face and can be applied twice daily, including layering with other facial serums.
As per the official website, Protini Polypeptide Cream includes signal peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that can help support collagen and elastin production, potentially contributing to firmer and more resilient skin. The pygmy waterlily stem cell extract in this cream provides antioxidant properties that may help protect your skin from environmental stressors.
Protini Polypeptide Cream also has alanine, glycine, serine, threonine, and valine. These amino acids may work as building blocks for proteins in the skin, supporting structural integrity, repair, and overall skin health.
Sodium hyaluronate, a type of hyaluronic acid in Protini Polypeptide Cream, functions as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin for improved hydration. It also combines virgin marula oil, which contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants that may support your skin’s barrier function and contribute to maintaining smoothness and suppleness.
Drunk Elephant claims that its C-Firma Fresh Day Serum can help improve skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and texture. It is formulated with 15% l-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C, which may support collagen production and provide antioxidant protection.
C-Firma Fresh Day Serum uses a dual-chamber system that keeps the liquid base and vitamin C powder separate until first use, which helps preserve the stability and potency of L-ascorbic acid.
Ferulic acid and vitamin E (tocopherol) are also included in C-Firma Fresh Day Serum. Ferulic acid might help neutralize free radicals and enhance the stability of vitamin C, while vitamin E may protect the skin from oxidative stress and supporting barrier function.
The C-Firma Fresh Day Serum also contains pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme, both of which provide gentle enzymatic exfoliation by helping to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. The formulation has a pH of 2.5, which is optimal for the stability and absorption of L-ascorbic acid.
As per the official website, Lala Retro Whipped Cream combines ceramides, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine that may help support your skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Lala Retro Whipped Cream includes multiple botanical oils such as baobab seed oil, watermelon seed oil, marula oil, passionfruit seed oil, and mongongo nut oil.
Baobab seed oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which may nourish and protect the skin. Watermelon seed oil in Lala Retro Whipped Cream contains linoleic acid, which supports the skin barrier and hydration, while marula oil provides oleic and linoleic acids along with antioxidants to support skin elasticity and protection.
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer in Lala Retro Whipped Cream functions as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin for prolonged hydration. Fermented green tea seed extract contributes antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate oxidative stress.
The T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum by Drunk Elephant is formulated with alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) and a beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic acid).
Alpha-hydroxy acids may help remove dead skin cells from the surface, improving texture and promoting skin renewal, while salicylic acid penetrates pores to help clear congestion and reduce buildup.
The T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum also contains grape juice extract, which provides antioxidants that might protect the skin from oxidative stress. Prickly pear cactus extract in T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum may provide hydration and antioxidant support, while horse chestnut seed extract could support microcirculation and skin health.
As per the official website, the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum has a pH of 3.5, which supports effective exfoliation, and is intended for evening use on the face, chest, and backs of the hands. A tingling sensation might happen due to the acid content, which is a normal response to chemical exfoliation.
Amino Rain Glasswater Serum is formulated with a combination of amino acids, humectants, plant oils, and functional additives. It has a pH of 5.5 and is intended for application on clean, dry skin.
According to the makers, Amino Rain Glasswater Serum contains essential and non-essential amino acids that may work as building blocks for proteins in your skin, supporting structural integrity, repair, and skin health.
Polyglutamic acid and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, including hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate in Amino Rain Glasswater Serum, may help attract and retain water to enhance skin moisture.
Saccharide isomerate in this serum acts as an additional humectant, binding water to the skin for longer-lasting hydration.
The makers also added oat kernel oil in Amino Rain Glasswater Serum, which may help maintain the barrier and smoothness, while allantoin and panthenol may provide soothing effects and support the skin barrier.
Mica, iron oxides (CI 77491), and titanium dioxide (CI 77891) are used as colorants and light-reflecting agents in Amino Rain Glasswater Serum, contributing to the serum’s visual effect on the skin.
Drunk Elephant claims that its B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum supports skin hydration. B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum has glycerin and pentylene glycol, which can attract water to the skin, helping to maintain surface hydration. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) in this serum may support your skin barrier and help improve texture.
As per the official website, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum has panthenol, which aids in hydration and barrier support, while wheat amino acids may help maintain skin structure and repair. This formula could also support collagen synthesis and skin resilience.
According to the makers, Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit. The oil is unrefined and cold-pressed, which may preserve its natural composition and nutrient content.
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil contains polyphenols, which function as antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative stress. The oil includes omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which may support the skin barrier, help maintain hydration, and contribute to skin smoothness and elasticity. It is said to be free of chemical solvents, synthetic fragrances, and potentially irritating additives, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream by Drunk Elephant contains peptides, vitamin C derivatives, antioxidants, emollients, and humectants. It has a pH of 6.8 and is intended for application to the under-eye area in the morning and evening.
As per the official website, C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream contains a multivitamin C complex, including sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl glucoside, and ascorbyl palmitate. These derivatives of vitamin C provide antioxidant support, help protect against oxidative damage, and may contribute to maintaining skin tone and collagen support.
C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream also combines palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl dipeptide-5 diaminohydroxybutyrate, and dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate. They may work as short chains of amino acids that can support your skin’s structural proteins, promoting firmness and potentially improving skin texture around the delicate eye area.
Avocado oil in C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream provides essential fatty acids and antioxidants that might nourish your skin and maintain barrier function. The makers state that to use C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, apply it gently, patting one pump under and around the eyes, including along the orbital bone.
Drunk Elephant claims to be cruelty-free and carries the Leaping Bunny certification, which guarantees that no animal testing is conducted at any stage, including ingredient sourcing, formulation, and final product testing. This ensures that you’re choosing skincare that aligns with ethical standards, supports brands that actively avoid animal cruelty. This can give added confidence when selecting products like the C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, or Protini Polypeptide Cream, knowing they are developed without animal testing.
Drunk Elephant offers a minimalist product line that could benefit you by simplifying your skincare routine. With a carefully curated selection, products like T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum and Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil focus on delivering visible results, reducing the time and guesswork involved in choosing the right products.
Drunk Elephant also offers formulations guided by the “Suspicious 6” philosophy, which eliminates essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS, ensuring that what you apply is gentle, safe, and less likely to irritate your skin.
Drunk Elephant offers distinctive, playful packaging that makes products easy to identify and enjoyable to use, while emphasizing biocompatible ingredients that support skin health. The brand also offers bundled options like the “Smoothie Bundles,” which provide a complete routine of cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens, saving you effort and helping you maintain a consistent routine. Drunk Elephant may help you minimize complexity in your daily skincare by focusing on simplicity, clean formulations, and user-friendly routines.
One limitation of Drunk Elephant is that its do not always disclose the exact concentrations of active ingredients in its products. For example, the Protini Polypeptide Cream contains a blend of peptides, amino acids, and plant extracts, but the precise percentages are not shared. Similarly, while the C-Firma Fresh Day Serum lists 15% ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, such detailed information is not consistently available across all products. This opaque labeling can make it difficult for you to assess the potency and effectiveness of a product. Without knowing exact ingredient ratios, it can be challenging to determine whether a product will deliver the desired results or to layer multiple actives in a skincare routine safely. While Drunk Elephant emphasizes safe and clean formulations, the lack of transparency regarding ingredient concentrations may limit your ability to make fully informed decisions about which products could be suited to your skin’s needs.
SkinCeuticals and Drunk Elephant are both science-driven skincare brands, but they differ in philosophy, product range, and consumer approach.
As per its official website, SkinCeuticals is a medical-aesthetic brand focused on clinical formulations and integrates professional support with at-home care. On the other hand, Drunk Elephant follows an ingredient-elimination approach, avoiding its “Suspicious 6” ingredients and using biocompatible actives rather than focusing on clinical or professional-grade options.
The product offerings of the two brands reflect these differences. SkinCeuticals focuses on skincare, including serums, anti-aging creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, antioxidants, exfoliators, eye and lip care, and travel sets. Its product options include C E Ferulic® Serum, Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, and Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan. Pricing of its hydrating serums ranges from $95 to $441 for premium discovery sets.
On the other hand, Drunk Elephant offers skincare, hair care, and body care. Its skincare range includes serums, moisturizers, masks, cleansers, and sun protection, while hair and body care include shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and deodorants.
According to the official website, Drunk Elephant’s pricing for skincare ranges from $22 to $134, with products like C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum, T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum ($90–$134), and Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream ($22–$66).
The brands also differ in consumer engagement. SkinCeuticals provides services such as virtual consultations with licensed aestheticians, a routine builder quiz, access to in-office procedures, auto-replenishment discounts, and occasional gift promotions. Drunk Elephant focuses on educational content, ingredient transparency, and customizable bundles, offering resources like the Smoothie Glossary and Drunk Mag, and free gift items with qualifying orders. While SkinCeuticals relies on professional guidance and integration with procedure, Drunk Elephant emphasizes consumer education, ingredient safety, and flexible routines.
Drunk Elephant and La Roche-Posay approach skincare with distinctly different philosophies and product focuses.
La Roche-Posay emphasizes clinical efficacy and dermatologist-backed formulations. Its range is organized into Face, Body, Sun, and Kids categories, covering face washes, moisturizers, serums, toners, acne products, eye creams, lip balms, and makeup.
The brand’s product lines include Anthelios (sunscreens), Cicaplast (soothing repair), Effaclar (acne option), Lipikar (body moisturizers), Toleriane (sensitive skin), and Pigmentclar (dark spot correction).
La Roche-Posay also offers products like the Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum, and Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer illustrate La Roche-Posay’s focus on targeted skin concerns.
La Roche-Posay also provides value sets such as the Anti-Aging Four Serum Set, ranging from ($148–$174). The brand also offers an AI-powered skin analysis tool and quizzes for product recommendations, alongside auto-replenishment programs. Returns are accepted within 30 days with prepaid shipping, and customer support is available via phone and live chat.
Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, centers its approach on ingredient elimination, avoiding ingredients like drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS that the brand considers potentially irritating. Its product range spans skincare, hair care, and body care.
As per its official website, Drunk Elephant’s skincare product range includes moisturizers such as Protini Polypeptide Cream and Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream, serums like C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Amino Rain Glasswater Serum, and B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum.
The brand also offers masks, cleansers, sun care, and eye and lip products. Drunk Elephant pricing for skincare ranges from $22–$134, generally higher than the mid-range products from La Roche-Posay. Returns are allowed within 30 days for a refund, but exchanges, partial kit returns, and returns to retailers are not accepted.
The key differences between the brands lie in their approach and product focus. La Roche-Posay emphasizes clinical guidance and personalization through AI tools, focusing on acne, anti-aging, sensitive skin, and sun protection. Drunk Elephant focuses on ingredient transparency and avoidance, with a wider inclusion of hair and body care options.
To evaluate Drunk Elephant, we considered the brand’s history, reputation, and customer feedback. Founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, Drunk Elephant has gained attention for its “clean-clinical” approach, avoiding essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS in its offerings.
We also examined customer feedback on platforms like Trustpilot, where Drunk Elephant has a 2.3-star rating based on over 85+ reviews. Common concerns included missing or damaged products, delayed customer support responses, and challenges in resolving issues.
Another factor in our evaluation was the brand’s absence on the Better Business Bureau website, which limits external verification of complaint resolution and transparency.
Our evaluation shows that while Drunk Elephant claims to offer science-backed formulations, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against the noted service and support challenges.
Our evaluation of Drunk Elephant is based on customer experiences shared on Trustpilot from 2024 and 2025, which shows a highly mixed perception of the brand. Several users praised the brand for its clean formulations, effectiveness, and visible improvements in skin texture and hydration. Positive feedback highlights that some products work well for sensitive skin, and customers often feel that the perceived quality and thoughtful packaging might justify their higher price.
At the same time, many reviewers reported serious issues with both products and customer service. Reports included breakouts, irritation, discoloration, and in some cases, severe reactions affecting daily life. Frustration with customer service was a recurring theme, with complaints about unresponsive or unhelpful support, delayed or denied refunds, and difficulties resolving order issues. Other concerns included high pricing and product-specific problems, such as eyebrow discoloration from certain formulations.
While some customers experienced positive outcomes and satisfaction with Drunk Elephant products, the frequency and severity of negative experiences, particularly regarding skin reactions and after-sales support, highlight significant risks.
Drunk Elephant focuses on clean, clinically informed skincare, combining scientifically supported ingredients with botanicals while avoiding potentially irritating additives. It claims that its formulations may help address hydration, anti-aging, brightening, and barrier support through multi-functional products.
Drunk Elephant emphasizes biocompatible, cruelty-free formulations and a minimalist product line, which simplifies routines and reduces the risk of irritation. Despite these strengths, there are notable limitations. The brand does not consistently disclose exact concentrations of active ingredients. This lack of label transparency can make it difficult to assess potency or safely combine multiple actives in a routine.
So, if you are considering Drunk Elephant, you should patch-test its products, introduce actives gradually, and consider your skin’s specific sensitivities before combining the full range.
While Drunk Elephant prioritizes clean, science-driven formulations, its higher price point, selective suitability, and limited ingredient label transparency may influence whether it meets your personal skincare needs.
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