Drunk Elephant Skincare Review: My Honest Thoughts After 3 Months of Testing

Hey there, skincare lovers! Today, we‘re diving deep into one of the most buzzed-about brands of the moment: Drunk Elephant. Known for their clean, effective formulas and playful packaging, DE has gained a cult following in recent years. But is this brand truly worth the hype (and the splurge)?

In this Drunk Elephant review, I‘m sharing my honest, unfiltered opinion after putting the brand‘s best-sellers to the test for three whole months. I‘ll be covering everything from the brand‘s philosophy and ingredient standards to detailed product reviews and comparisons. Whether you‘re a DE newbie or a long-time fan, I hope this post helps you make an informed decision about your next skincare purchase. Let‘s dive in!

What Is Drunk Elephant? A Quick Background

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let‘s start with a quick overview of the brand. Drunk Elephant was founded by Tiffany Masterson, a Houston-based mom of four who struggled with skin issues for years. After tons of research, she identified six ingredients that she believed were wreaking havoc on her skin. These "Suspicious 6" include essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS.

Masterson launched DE in 2012 with the goal of creating clean, effective skincare formulas that avoid these potential irritants. The brand‘s name comes from a myth that elephants get drunk off the fruit of marula trees (a key ingredient in the line).

While DE maintains high standards for ingredients, they don‘t claim to be "all-natural." Instead, they focus on using safe, synergistic blends of natural and synthetic actives at ideal pH levels for the skin. The brand also has a strong stance against animal testing and most products are vegan-friendly.

One thing I appreciate about DE is their transparency. Each product page on their website includes a full ingredient list plus a "Suspicious 6" callout. They also offer a helpful "smoothie" guide for pairing products together into a complete routine.

DE has gained a devoted following over the years, with over 1 million Instagram followers and countless rave reviews. The brand is a regular in "best of beauty" roundups and has won several industry awards. But of course, skincare is personal and what works for one person may not work for another.

That‘s why I was excited to personally put some of DE‘s best-sellers to the test. For reference, I have combination skin that‘s prone to hormonal breakouts and sensitivity. I also struggle with hyperpigmentation and early signs of aging (I‘m in my early 30s).

Without further ado, let‘s get into the good stuff: the product reviews!

Drunk Elephant Skincare Review: My Top Picks

Over the past few months, I‘ve been diligently testing out a range of DE‘s best-selling products. Here are my thoughts on the standouts:

C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum

Key Ingredients: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid, 1% Vitamin E, Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Pomegranate Enzyme

Claims: Brightens skin, evens tone and texture, reduces fine lines/wrinkles and photo damage

Review: Vitamin C is a staple in my morning routine for its brightening and free radical-fighting benefits. C-Firma has 15% L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of vitamin C) plus ferulic acid to boost its efficacy. The serum has a lightweight gel texture that sinks in quickly without feeling sticky. It does have a bit of a hot dog smell, but it dissipates fast. After about a month of consistent use, I noticed my post-acne marks were fading faster and my overall skin tone looked more even. While vitamin C can be irritating for some, I had no issues with sensitivity. Just be sure to always apply SPF afterword, as vitamin C can increase photosensitivity.

Rating: 5/5

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Key Ingredients: 12% AHA Blend (Glycolic + Lactic + Tartaric + Citric Acids), 1% BHA (Salicylic Acid), Raspberry Fruit Extract, Horse Chestnut

Claims: Exfoliates dead skin cells, minimizes appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration

Review: As someone who loves a good chemical exfoliant, I had high hopes for T.L.C. Framboos. This serum contains a 12% blend of AHAs and BHA to slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. The texture is lightweight and watery with minimal scent. Upon first use, I felt a slight tingle, but nothing too intense. The next morning, my skin looked noticeably smoother, brighter and more refined. After a few weeks, I was hooked. This serum helped keep my pores clear, skin texture baby-smooth and drastically faded my acne scars. It‘s definitely potent, so I‘d recommend starting at 1-2 times per week and building up slowly.

Rating: 5/5

Protini Polypeptide Cream

Key Ingredients: 9 Signal Peptide Complex, Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract, Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract

Claims: Improves tone, texture and firmness, minimizes lines, wrinkles and sun damage

Review: Protini is DE‘s answer to an anti-aging moisturizer. The cream contains a complex of 9 peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that support skin‘s collagen production. It also features a host of antioxidant-rich plant extracts to further protect skin from damage. Protini has a light, gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. I found it plenty hydrating for my combo skin, even in colder months. After a few weeks of twice daily use, I did notice my skin looked bouncier and felt slightly firmer to the touch. While it didn‘t erase my deeper lines, it did seem to soften the look of fine lines and give my skin a healthy glow.

Rating: 4/5

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Key Ingredients: 1.0% Retinol, Xanthophylls (Vitamin A from Kale, Spinach and Broccoli), Passionfruit, Apricot, Marula and Jojoba Oils

Claims: Improves appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture irregularities and age spots

Review: Retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-aging, so I was excited to try DE‘s A-Passioni cream. It contains 1% retinol, which is a fairly high concentration. To minimize irritation, it‘s balanced with nourishing botanical oils and extracts. The texture is thick and creamy, but not oily. I started by applying it 2-3 times per week, buffered over my moisturizer. There was some initial peeling and redness, but nothing too extreme (just be sure to baby your skin with extra moisture and always wear SPF). After 2 months of consistent use, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin texture, fine lines and stubborn hyperpigmentation. While it‘s not for the faint of heart, this is a powerful retinol that delivers real results.

Rating: 4.5/5

Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

Key Ingredients: 100% Unrefined Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Kernel Oil

Claims: Deeply moisturizes and nourishes, improves skin‘s elasticity and texture, calms redness/irritation

Review: Face oils have become a staple in my routine, especially for combating dryness and dullness. Marula oil is DE‘s signature ingredient, known for being ultra-hydrating yet non-comedogenic. This face oil contains 100% pure, unrefined marula oil – that‘s it. The texture is lightweight and silky with a slightly nutty scent. 2-3 drops is the perfect amount to seal in moisture and give skin a healthy glow. I love mixing it into my moisturizer or patting it on as the last step in my routine. It never feels greasy and won‘t clog pores. While it‘s definitely a luxury, a little goes a long way. After using it consistently, I‘ve noticed my skin is softer, more supple and less reactive.

Rating: 4.5/5

Other Drunk Elephant Best-Sellers to Check Out

In addition to the products I‘ve personally tried, DE offers an extensive range of cleansers, serums, masks and more. Here are a few other fan favorites worth checking out:

• Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser: A gentle, pH-balanced gel cleanser that removes makeup and grime without stripping the skin.

• B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum: A hydrating serum that replenishes skin with vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramides.

• Lala Retro Whipped Cream: A rich, whipped moisturizer that nourishes skin with six African oils while supporting barrier function.

• T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial: A pro-level at-home facial with 25% AHA and 2% BHA to dramatically resurface skin.

• C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream: A brightening, nourishing eye cream with five forms of vitamin C and eight peptides.

DE also recently launched body care products, including a scrub, lotion and deodorant. I‘m excited to try these out and report back!

Drunk Elephant vs. Other Popular Skincare Brands

One question I often get is how DE compares to other popular skincare brands. While there are many great options out there, here are a few key things that set DE apart in my opinion:

• Commitment to clean, non-irritating ingredients: DE has some of the strictest standards when it comes to avoiding potential irritants and using skin-friendly pH levels. This is huge for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

• Focus on efficacy: DE doesn‘t use any "filler" ingredients. Every formula is purposefully crafted to deliver maximum results with minimal fluff. They also use active ingredients at clinically-proven concentrations.

• Cruelty-free and mostly vegan: DE is committed to being cruelty-free and most products are vegan (with the exception of a few that contain honey or beeswax).

• Recyclable packaging: DE uses mostly recyclable packaging and offers tips on how to properly recycle each component on their website.

Of course, DE products are on the pricier side compared to some other popular brands. For example, a 1 oz bottle of DE‘s C-Firma serum retails for $80, while a similar vitamin C serum from Paula‘s Choice is $49. However, I personally believe that the quality and efficacy of DE‘s formulas justify the higher price point. They also offer mini sizes and value sets that allow you to test out products before committing to a full size.

At the end of the day, skincare is highly personal and what works for one person may not work for another. It‘s all about finding the right products for your unique skin type and concerns. If you‘re looking for clean, effective, no-frills formulas, I highly recommend giving DE a shot.

Drunk Elephant FAQ

Before I share my final thoughts, I want to address a few common questions I get about Drunk Elephant:

Is Drunk Elephant good for acne-prone skin?
In my experience, yes! DE offers several products that can be helpful for managing and preventing breakouts. The T.L.C. Framboos serum and Beste No. 9 cleanser are great for unclogging pores and balancing oil production. The B-Hydra serum and Lala Retro cream are also excellent for hydrating the skin without clogging pores. Just be sure to patch test and introduce new products slowly.

What are the "Suspicious 6" and why does DE avoid them?
The Suspicious 6 are essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS. DE believes these ingredients are common irritants/sensitizers that can disrupt skin‘s natural balance. By eliminating these ingredients, DE aims to create formulas that are safe and effective for all skin types.

In what order should I apply Drunk Elephant products?
DE offers a handy "smoothie" guide on their website that shows how to layer their products for maximum efficacy. In general, you want to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Start with cleansers, toners and serums, then follow with moisturizers, oils and sunscreen.

Do I need to use all Drunk Elephant products to see results?
No, you can definitely mix and match DE products with your existing routine. However, the brand does formulate their products to work synergistically. If you‘re new to the brand, they offer several curated skincare sets that take the guesswork out of building a routine.

How to Get the Best Deals on Drunk Elephant

As much as I love DE, there‘s no denying that their products are an investment. Luckily, there are a few ways to save money on the brand:

• Sign up for DE‘s email list to get 15% off your first order and be notified about exclusive sales and promotions
• Shop value sets and minis to test out products before committing to full sizes
• Take advantage of Sephora‘s annual sale events (typically in April and November) to score 10-20% off DE products
• Use a cash back credit card or shop through a rewards site like Rakuten to earn money back on your purchase

DE also offers free shipping on orders over $50 and hassle-free returns within 30 days.

Final Thoughts on Drunk Elephant

Phew, that was a lot of information! I hope this in-depth review has given you a better sense of what Drunk Elephant is all about and whether their products are right for you.

After testing out the brand for several months, I can confidently say that DE has earned a permanent spot in my skincare routine. No, they‘re not the most affordable option out there. But for me, the quality, efficacy and commitment to clean ingredients are worth the splurge. My skin has never looked clearer, brighter or healthier.

Of course, everyone‘s skin is unique and what works for me may not work for you. If you‘re on the fence, I recommend starting with one of DE‘s mini sets or best-sellers like the C-Firma serum or Protini cream. And remember, consistency is key when it comes to seeing results from any skincare product.

I hope you found this review helpful and informative. If you have any other questions about Drunk Elephant or skincare in general, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I‘m always happy to chat all things beauty!

Until next time, here‘s to healthy, glowing skin and finding products that make you feel like your best self. Cheers!