{"id":11188,"date":"2026-04-01T00:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedermreview.com\/?p=11188"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:20:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T03:20:03","slug":"drunk-elephant-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedermreview.com\/drunk-elephant-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Drunk Elephant Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Rank<\/th>Brand<\/th><\/th><\/th><\/th><\/th>Link<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td> 1<\/td>Carrot & Stick <\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td> 2<\/td>Formulyst<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td> 3<\/td>Skinceuticals<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>Review<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>-<\/td>Drunk Elephant<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

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With their clean formulations and Instagram-worthy packaging, Drunk Elephant is beloved by shoppers, influencers, and beauty editors alike. The brand combines tried-and-true skin care ingredients (i.e. vitamin C, retinol, and peptides) with unique extracts (i.e. marula oil, mongongo oil, and more) to create products that truly stand out from the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, Drunk Elephant leaves out harmful ingredients \u2014 aka the \u201cSuspicious 6\u201d \u2014 that they believe are at the root of almost every skin issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s clear that this brand has a lot of things going for it, but before splurging on this luxury skincare brand, check out our review of the 10 best Drunk Elephant products. We\u2019ve reviewed each product through a scientific lens, meaning we\u2019ve evaluated the research that supports (or doesn\u2019t support) the ingredients that you\u2019ll find in these products. We\u2019ll also share some Drunk Elephant reviews so you can get a better idea of what customers really think about these products.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Drunk Elephant Worth The Money?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In our opinion, Drunk Elephant products are worth the money, but there are other brands that deliver greater value.<\/span><\/p>\n

One brand is\u00a0Carrot & Stick,<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Drunk<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s Inside Drunk Elephant Skincare?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Drunk Elephant takes a \u201cclean clinical\u201d approach to skin care. Put another way, \u201ca product is only as good as its worst ingredient.\u201d Clean clinical means a commitment to only using ingredients that directly benefit the skin\u2019s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of the formulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

One thing we really love about Drunk Elephant is that they don\u2019t obsess about creating \u201cnatural\u201d formulations. Natural does not always equal better, just like synthetic does not always equal toxic.<\/span><\/p>\n

So rather than choosing ingredients based on whether they are natural or synthetic, the brand chooses ingredients based on their biocompatibility. Biocompatibility means they focus on healthy pH levels, formulations the skin recognizes, small molecular structure that\u2019s easily absorbed, and effective active ingredients that also support and maintain the skin\u2019s acid mantle.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the key ingredients used in Drunk Elephant products, we noticed that this brand utilizes a wide variety of unique ingredients that you typically won\u2019t find other skin care brands using, such as pineapple ceramide, acai fruit oil, and cantaloupe fruit extract,\u00a0 just to name a few. They also include tried-and-true ingredients in their formulations, such as vitamin C, peptides, and retinol, just to name a few.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vitamin C
\n<\/b>It’s in Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum, along with additional antioxidants like ferulic acid and vitamin E.\u00a0<\/span>But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum<\/a>. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peptides
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The Drunk Elephant products that contain peptides include Protini Polypeptide Cream, C Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, and A Passioni Retinol Cream.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a peptide serum, recommend <\/span>Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum<\/a><\/strong>. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin. It also has skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retinol
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Drunk Elephant A Passioni Retinol Cream includes 1% retinol, which is a moderate strength when it comes to this ingredient, so this product may not be suitable for newbie retinol users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Look for products that contain Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides the same benefits of retinol but without the irritation. One that we recommend is this <\/span>retinol serum<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are The Top 10 Best Drunk Elephant Skin Care Products?<\/span><\/h2>\n

With a collection of over 25 different skin care products, you may not know which Drunk Elephant products are really worth it. To help you out, we\u2019ll give you the details on the top 10 best Drunk Elephant skin care products. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant A Passioni Retinol Cream<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream combines two of the best anti-aging skin care ingredients \u2014 retinol and peptides \u2014 into one formulation. It comes in an airless, opaque pump bottle (which protects retinol from light and air), and has a creamy texture that absorbs into the skin quickly. <\/span><\/p>\n

The formula includes 1% retinol, which is a moderate strength when it comes to this ingredient, so this product may not be suitable for newbie retinol users. But if you\u2019re ready for this strength, get ready to reap the benefits because there\u2019s a lot! <\/span><\/p>\n

According to a publication in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging, retinol can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and unclog pores. Pretty impressive, right?<\/span><\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget that the Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream also contains a triple peptide blend that will help to stimulate collagen synthesis. The result? Firmer, smoother skin with fewer signs of aging. Plus, a blend of passionfruit, apricot, marula, and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture, while antioxidant-rich kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls help defend against environmental free radicals. No wonder the Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream is one of the brand\u2019s most popular products!<\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream<\/span><\/h3>\n

Retinol often gets all the attention when it comes to anti-aging skin care ingredients, but a good peptide moisturizer can really help to promote more youthful skin. Why? Well, peptides are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins \u2014 like collagen and elastin \u2014 are important components of your skin that keep it firm and youthful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream contains 9 signal peptides, which are peptides that <\/span>signal<\/i><\/span> cells in the skin called fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Remember, more collagen equals firmer, tighter skin. The formula also includes pygmy waterlily extract, which helps to moisturize and soothe the skin thanks to its rich source of antioxidants and nutrients.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s lightweight gel-cream texture makes Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream a good option for all skin types \u2014 even those with acne-prone skin \u2014 since the formula is non-comedogenic (won\u2019t clog your pores). However, we noticed that this cream doesn\u2019t absorb very fast. But give it time because once it absorbs, your skin will feel hydrated and supple without any greasy residue. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no such thing as a miracle treatment when it comes to combating age, though vitamin C comes pretty close. It\u2019s a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals, helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn\u2019t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis. A vitamin C serum is the best way to deliver this active ingredient into the deeper layers of your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

This Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum includes 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) combined with 0.5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E. These antioxidants work synergistically to protect your skin from environmental free radicals. Plus, the serum also includes pumpkin ferment and pomegranate, which work together to enzymatically dissolve dead surface skin cells, minimizing the appearance of pores and reviving dull, tired-looking skin.<\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Baby Facial<\/span><\/h3>\n

No time to go see your esthetician for a facial? Then it may be time to add the Drunk Elephant Baby Facial into your routine. This at-home facial is recommended to be used weekly to smooth texture while minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The formula features high concentrations of the exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids (25% AHA and 2% BHA).<\/span><\/p>\n

The BHA (salicylic acid) deep cleans pores in order to reduce blackheads and breakouts, while the AHAs increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and help the skin retain moisture. We also love that the brand includes a soothing antioxidant blend of matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple extract to help reduce any irritation that may occur. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum<\/span><\/h3>\n

Skin looking a little dull? If so, adding in a product that exfoliates (aka removes dead skin cells) can help to revive dull, tired skin. Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a chemical exfoliant that contains a blend of 12% AHAs (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric acids) and 1% BHA (salicylic acid). These exfoliating acids will help to slough off dead surface cells, revealing healthier skin underneath. And as with all Drunk Elephant products, the formula contains supporting ingredients to nourish and protect the skin, such as raspberry fruit extract, horse chestnut, and marula oil. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant C Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream<\/span><\/h3>\n

This Drunk Elephant vitamin C eye cream has a rich texture that leaves the eye area feeling hydrated but not heavy or greasy. The formula is pretty impressive with 8 peptides, 5 forms of vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase, ubiquinone, and several more antioxidants. There are also soothing ingredients like cucumber and licorice extract, as well as hydrating ingredients like panthenol and hyaluronic acid. The formula truly contains everything your skin needs to stay healthy and youthful. One reviewer even said this Drunk Elephant eye cream \u201cTook a few years off my under eye area\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser<\/span><\/h3>\n

This jelly cleanser contains a blend of mild coconut-derived surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients to gently remove all traces of makeup, excess oil, pollution, and any other impurities, leaving skin clean and soft. The cleanser also includes hydrating ingredients, like glycerin and cantaloupe fruit extract in order to prevent dryness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil<\/span><\/h3>\n

Marula oil is a key ingredient that you\u2019ll find infused in all Drunk Elephant products, and it\u2019s the only ingredient in Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil. It\u2019s derived from the South African marula fruit tree, which actually inspired the name of this brand. Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson read about the myth that elephants become drunk after eating marula fruit that has fallen to the ground and fermented. According to Vanity Fair, the phrase \u201cdrunk elephant\u201d stuck in her mind and the brand name was born.<\/span><\/p>\n

So is marula oil actually a beneficial skin care ingredient? One of the main benefits of marula oil is its ability to absorb into the skin quickly, strengthen the skin barrier, and help other ingredients absorb better. This is because marula oil contains about 70 to 78% oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that functions as a penetration enhancer. You can use Drunk Elephant Marula Oil if you want to get the full experience of this oil, or you can find marula oil in nearly all of the other products in the Drunk Elephant skin care line. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum<\/span><\/h3>\n

When skin is lacking moisture, it not only leads to dry patches and flaking, but could make signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, look worse than they really are. That\u2019s where a hydrating serum can help. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel helps to tackle dryness and plump out lines and wrinkles thanks to the humectant panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and sodium hyaluronate (aka the salt form of hyaluronic acid). Additional hydrating ingredients in this gel-like serum include pineapple ceramide, lentil-apple-and-watermelon complex, and squalane. <\/span><\/p>\n

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser <\/span><\/h3>\n

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is a luxurious cleansing balm that\u2019s activated by water, turning it into a milk that melts away all traces of dirt, makeup, and sunscreen from skin, even water-resistant formulations. The formula contains what the brand calls a \u201cnourishing fruit salad blend\u201d, a mix of non-fragrant soothing fruit extracts (blueberry, kiwi, and strawberry) and replenishing fruit oils (cranberry seed oil, acai fruit oil, and watermelon seed oil). <\/span><\/p>\n

Is The Drunk Elephant Retinol Cream Right For You?<\/span><\/h2>\n

We already mentioned that the Drunk Elephant A Passioni Retinol Cream is one of the brand\u2019s most popular products. But before hitting \u201cAdd to Cart\u201d, we recommend reviewing these important factors to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n