Millennial and Gen Z cult-following brand Drunk Elephant was founded in 2012 by former Houston stay-at-home-mom Tiffany Masterson. Frustrated with bouncing back and forth between different skincare to address her own skin issues, she took matters into her own hands and formulated a unique line of products based on what she was looking for as a customer.
The brand launched in 2013 and helped pioneer the clean beauty movement. Today it attracts a huge fan base with its simple packaging and bright neon lids. Masterson turned Drunk Elephant into one of the fastest-growing prestige skincare brands ever, which global beauty giant Shiseido acquired in 2019 for $825 million.
Drunk Elephant products are suitable for all skin types and ages because Masterson believes different skin types don’t need wildly different ingredients to thrive. This also means all the products easily mix and match across the line to create the perfect routine for every need.
The brand boasts skincare “smoothies,” where you pick morning and evening products based on how your skin feels and what it needs, then “blending” that into a unique routine for what your body craves. It’s important to listen to what your skin needs during different stages of life, climate, and season.
However, the ingredients left out of the Drunk Elephant formulas are as important as what are put in. Referred to as the Suspicious 6, none of the products contain essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrance/dyes, or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Deemed potentially toxic, Masterson believes these six ingredients are the root of almost every skin issue. When removed entirely from a routine, the skin can reset and return to its healthiest, most balanced state. Unable to find skincare without at least one of the Suspicious 6, Masterson created a line herself.
Drunk Elephant combines natural and synthetic ingredients with a focus on biocompatible skincare. This means only additives included are ones that skin can recognize, process, absorb, and benefit from, including powerful natural actives as well as non-toxic synthetics.
From the line, I went through and pulled some of my favorite products, and what they do. However, this wasn’t an easy decision because there are so many Drunk Elephant products I adore. But without further ado:
My Top Drunk Elephant Product Picks
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C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum is packed with powerful antioxidants and 15% vitamin C for a brighter, firmer, more even complexion. It hydrates and soothes the skin while minimizing signs of aging and photodamage by removing dead cells on the surface of the skin.
Protini Polypeptide Cream is a protein moisturizer that improves the skin’s tone, texture, and firmness while reducing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It creates a more youthful appearance with skin that feels strong and hydrated.
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum easily absorbs to chemically exfoliate the skin with AHAs and BHAs. This gentle gel formula resurfaces dull, congested skin by lifting dead cells for a smooth, clear, and radiant complexion without any dryness or irritation.
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial dramatically smooths the skin’s texture with a 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend. It also improves the skin’s elasticity and brightens while minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles to reveal a more even, soft, and luminous complexion.
A-Passioni Retinol Cream combines 1.0% vegan retinol with supportive peptides to restore the skin’s elastic bounce and radiance. A nourishing blend of vitamin F and comforting oils replenish essential lipids and moisture to smooth fine lines, deep wrinkles, and sun damage, while antioxidants defend against environmental stressors.
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil absorbs quickly to nourish and balance the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful glow. Powerful antioxidants in this unrefined oil defend against pollution and free radical damage.
B-Hyrda Intensive Hydration Serum uses pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide to hydrate the face throughout the day while alleviating dryness and the look of fine lines. Like a drink of water for the skin, this texture and tone-improving serum reveals a brighter, more illuminated complexion.
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