Drunk Elephant: What to Buy & What to Skip

If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about testing out some Drunk Elephant products. Maybe you are a bit apprehensive about adding those $80 beauty products to your cart. You want to make sure this skincare line is worth the hype before you make the investment.

If any of the above is true, then you are in the right place. Overall, I’ve had a positive experience with Drunk Elephant’s skincare products. That being said, there are some products that are more worth the hype than others.

Just like my other brand reviews, each product review is based on my personal testing experience and my deep dive into the ingredient list. I’ll be sharing my experience with each product, who I think would like the product, and if I think it is worth the hype.

Disclaimer: I have purchased some of these products myself, but I also received a pr mailing for testing purposes. Also, this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, I will make a small commission. Don’t worry there is no added cost to you.

About The Brand

Before we dive into the products, let us have a bit of a history lesson. Drunk Elephant officially launched in 2014 on the premise that “a product is only as good as its worst ingredient,” sparking a whole new category of skincare that founder Tiffany Masterson coined clean-clinical.

Drunk Elephant is formulated using ingredients that can be recognized, accepted, and used by the skin. Masterson defines clean-clinical as safe, high-performance skincare that will nourish, support, protect and improve the skin without disruption, irritation, or any form of sensitization.

All of the products from the brand are free of essential oils, fragrances/dyes, silicones, SLS, chemical sunscreens, and drying alcohols.

Drunk Elephant Skincare Review

This is a detailed review of the products that I have tried. If you want to skip to the verdict, I share if you should purchase or pass on the product.

Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

The Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a gel cleanser that was formulated to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. With mild surfactants and makeup dissolving emollients, this cleanser is non-stripping.

When I tested this, it produced a foamy lather that rinsed clean without leaving any residue behind. Surprisingly, it also removed the little bit of eyeshadow, mascara, and lipgloss that I wear daily.

While it removed the light non-waterproof makeup that I wear, I wouldn’t reach for this if I was wearing a full face of makeup. I would recommend going in with a cleansing balm and using this as your second cleanse.

This product is best suited for anyone with normal to oily skin.

Verdict: Buy it!

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E-Rase™ Milki Micellar Water

Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water is a gentle micellar cleansing water that removes dirt, makeup, and pollution from your skin. Unlike most micellar waters that are clear and water-like, this one has a milky, serum-like consistency that is meant to nourish the skin.

To test, I applied this micellar water to a cotton round. It took a lot of the micellar water to get the cotton round saturated enough to wipe on my eyes. Once I started to remove my mascara, it took quite a bit of effort and even more of the micellar water to remove it all. I couldn’t imagine using this to remove waterproof makeup or matte lipstick.

If you are looking for traditional micellar water to remove makeup, this is not it.

Verdict: Pass on it. Buy this micellar water instead.

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B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

The B-Hyrda uses a mixture of B5, pineapple ceramides, Niacinamide, and other fruits to help hydrate the skin and even out the skin tone.

I tested the B-Hyrda in a couple of different ways. First, I tried applying it directly to the skin after cleansing. It did leave a slight sticky feeling, which is common for this type of product. I also tried mixing it in with the different serums as a way to make them less intense. I preferred mixing the B-Hydra with a serum but I still use the B-Hydra by itself when I need some added hydration.

This is a product that I would recommend to everyone. It is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin and is light enough for those with oily skin.

Verdict: Buy it!

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C-Firma Day Serum

 Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum is a potent vitamin C day serum formulated with antioxidants, nutrients, and fruit enzymes to visibly firm, brighten and improve signs of photoaging. This formulation also includes ferulic acid to increase the stability of vitamin C.

My skin can be sensitive, so I was not surprised that I had a bad reaction to this product. After a week of testing, I had to quit using this serum. Unfortunately, I am not sure what part of the product my skin didn’t like. It could be the high concentration of vitamin C or it could be the combination of the vitamin C and fruit enzymes. Either way, it made my face red and irritated.

If your skin can handle aggressive ingredients, you may like this serum. But if you are sensitive or new to Vitamin C, you should pass.

Verdict: Pass on it. Buy this Vitamin C serum instead.

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C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

The Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream is a moisturizing eye cream that brightens and firms the skin around the eyes. This eye cream is formulated with five different forms of vitamin C, eight different peptides, ceramides, and emollients.

Given my experience with the C-Firma, I wasn’t surprised that I had a negative experience with this eye cream. Unfortunately, I had to quit using this eye cream because it made my under eyes dry and flakey.

I could only recommend this product if you know you do not have sensitive skin under your eyes.

Verdict: Pass on it. Buy this eye cream instead.

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Protini™ Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum is an AHA-based exfoliating serum. it is formulated with lactic acid, peptides, and amino acids to remove dead skin cells while also plumping the skin.

When I first heard about this serum, I thought it was going to be the DE equivalent of Sunday Riley’s Good Genes since they both feature lactic acid. But honestly, this serum is SO MUCH BETTER. The texture is thinner, the smell is pleasant, and it feels better on the skin.

If your skin is sensitive, I would recommend picking this serum over the DE Glycolic Night Serum.

Verdict: Buy it.

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T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is an acid-based exfoliating serum formulated with high concentrations of AHAs ( tartaric, lactic, citric, and glycolic acids) and BHAs (salicylic acid). This combination resurfaces congested skin by lifting away dead skin cells to visibly improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.

Knowing that my skin is sensitive, I used this serum two times a week instead of nightly. But even with reduced usage, it irritated my sensitive skin. There was no way I could work up to using this product every night.

If you have been using acids for a while and have skin that can handle aggressive ingredients, you may want to try this serum. Otherwise, I would stick with the Powerpeptide Serum.

Verdict: Buy it, if your skin can handle strong actives.

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Protini™ Polypeptide Moisturizer

This moisturizer is a medium-weight cream formula. As the name suggests, it relies on peptides as well as Vitamin B, to hydrate the skin.

When I tested this, my skin absolutely loved this moisturizer. It provided a good amount of moisture without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

If you have acne-prone skin, I would skip it. Otherwise, it is a great moisturizer for normal and combination skin types.

Verdict: Buy it.

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Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 is a tinted, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen for the face.

When I applied the tinte, my skin immediately started to burn. In addition to the burning, this sunscreen felt very thick and greasy on the skin. The tint does keep it from giving a white cast, but it provides no actual coverage. Overall, this is one of the worst sunscreens I have ever tried.

I can’t recommend this product to anyone.

Verdict: Pass on it.

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D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi is a tinted serum that defends against pollution and environmental stressors, while also providing a hint of bronzy glow.

Honestly, I didn’t care about the skincare benefits when trying this product. I was more interested in adding some much-needed glow to my skin. Honestly, I was blown away by this product. You can mix it in with your moisturizer, sunscreen, or tinted moisturizer.

If you like a no-makeup makeup look or just want to add a little warmth to your skin, you will LOVE this product.

Verdict: Buy it.

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T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a 20-minute acid-based exfoliating peel formulated with a high concentration of AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores.

As someone that suffers from uneven skin texture, acne scars and pits, and dullness, this is a miracle product. That being said, it is a strong mask. The first few times I used it, I only left it on for half the recommended time. After continued use, I was able to leave the Babyfacial on for the full amount of time. After washing the treatment off, I always follow with facial oil.

I know that it can be difficult to spend $80 on one product, but if you can afford it, the price is worth it. While there are cheaper alternatives, this product performs better than any alleged dupes.

Verdict: Buy it.

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Virgin Marula Luxury  Face Oil

DE’s Virgin Marula Oil is a face oil rich in critical antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9 that moisturizes, nourishes, and visibly balances while restoring a youthful-looking glow.

As someone prone to breaking out, I am very hesitant to put oil on my face. Plus, marula isn’t my oil of preference. I did use this product after the Babyfacial as a way to soothe the skin. It did its job just fine. I just prefer squalane.

The decision to pass has nothing to do with my oil preference and everything to do with the price. I am sure the process they use and the quality of the oil make the product more expensive, but you can find a cheaper marula oil to use.

Verdict: Pass on it. Buy this marula oil instead.

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Overall Thoughts On Drunk Elephant

All in all, Drunk Elephant offers a variety of powerful products. With high percentages of active ingredients, Drunk Elephant is an ideal brand for those that have experience using strong ingredients and those with hardy skin. If you have sensitive skin, consider a different brand or proceed with caution.

Let’s talk a bit about price. Drunk Elephant products are expensive. Given the research, quality of ingredients, and concentration of actives in each product, the price point of most of their products is justified. However, if you can’t afford Drunk Elephant’s prices there are plenty of affordable alternatives.

*** Still not sure about Drunk Elephant prices? Check out this Drunk Elephant Dupes post.***

Shop Drunk Elephant

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