A Dermatologist Tells Us the Best Drunk Elephant Products Money Can Buy

When Drunk Elephant launched back in 2013, the brand hit the market with six clean complexion products that founder Tiffany Masterson deemed as the “essentials” for any solid skin-care routine. Now, eight years (and a $845 million sale) later, the line is stocked with 20 different SKUs to help keep any skin type and concern healthy. There are peptide-spiked serums,peptide-spiked moisturizers, retinols and gycolic serums that can be used together (we repeat!), and an entire hair and body line that our editors don’t go a day without using.

With so many fan-favorites—all of which have received rave reviews online and from our team—it’s become admittedly challenging to suss out which ones are worth adding to your regimen… especially because they all work wonders, and happen to look pretty dang cute in an Instagram shelfie. To help you navigate the selection, we tapped board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, to tell us his favorite products from the line. And—spoiler alert—we’ve already added them all to our carts.

Best Drunk Elephant Products

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum — $78.00

Any dermatologist will tell you that vitamin C should be part of any good skin-care routine thanks to its antioxidant properties (which help fend off UV, pollution, and free radical damage), and Drunk Elephant’s C serum pairs the powerhouse ingredient with . “This serum delivers a trifecta of antioxidants to the skin,” says Dr. Zechner.  The combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and ferulic acid not only work together to maintain stability but also enhances the efficacy of the ingredients.” The three ingredients together help to nourish and protect skin all day long.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Frambroos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum — $90.00

This chemical exfoliants was a part of Drunk Elephant’s initial six-product launch, and has since earned a reputation as one of the best that money can buy. “This serum contains a cocktail of alpha hydroxy acids to effectively exfoliate without overly drying out the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. For many beauty editors (myself included) it’s a “desert island product” that they can’t live without thanks to the fact that it’s great for all skin types and will resurface your complexion while you sleep.

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer With Ceramides — $60.00

The brand reformulated its cult-fave moisturizer with ceramides back in 2019, and the 2.0 version is even better than its predecessor. “This moisturizer has a light, whipped texture and helps repair the skin barrier with ceramides that fill in the cracks between cells in the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. It’s ultra-hydrating, but its got a marshmallow texture that doesn’t feel goopy or heavy… even in 90-degree summer heat.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum — $48.00

“This light hyaluronic acid serum helps plump and hydrate dry skin,” says Dr. Zeichner, adding that it’s great to layer as a base under your moisturizer. It acts as a sponge to help other moisturizing ingredients permeate your skin more deeply, hydrating from the inside out. This particular formula combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5, which adds another element of complexion-nourishing benefits.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Cream — $74.00

When Drunk Elephant hopped on board the retinol train in 2019, the brand did so with a formula users were sure to love. “The  serum contains a stabilized form of retinol in a hydrating base to minimize irritation, and specialized peptides also help enhance cell turnover for a complementary benefit,” says Dr. Zeichner. Thanks to this combination, A-Passioni won’t irritate skin the way other retinoids might, and can be safely used during the day (with lots of SPF, of course).

Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial — $80.00

You may not have time to go out and get a full facial, but you can get a babyfacial at home. With a blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, this product exfoliates and resurfaces your skin to minimize pores and give your complexion a refresh.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 — $34.00

You should never leave the house without some sunscreen on your face, and this one not only has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, but also ingredients like sunflower shoot extract, algae extract, and raspberry seed oil to protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage.

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser — $32.00

With a light jelly consistency, this cleanser is gentle and hydrating for all skin types It also has a blend of mild cleaning agents that will lather up and remove the day’s grime and makeup to leave your face feeling soft and clean.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil — $72.00

Moisturize your skin with this pure, unrefined oil that comes from the marula fruit and is a powerful antioxidant. The oil absorbs quickly so you’ll be left with a healthy, but not overly greasy, glow.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream — $68.00

Unfortunately, you can’t turn back time, but you can keep your skin looking plump and healthy with this cream. It’s formulated with peptides to help firm, pygmy waterlily to moisturize and soothe, and soybean folic acid ferment extract to help maintain youthful-looking skin.

Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream — $64.00

It’s hard to cover up not enough hours of sleep, but this eye cream might help. With five forms of vitamin C, cucumber extract, and a peptide-blend, it can help firm and brighten up the sensitive area around your eyes. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use both morning and night.

Drunk Elephant Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream

You’ve already gone clean with your beauty products, do the same for your deodorant. Drunk Elephant’s deodorant contains no aluminum-derived ingredients or baking soda so it’s great for sensitive skin. Instead, it uses mandelic acid, arrowroot powder, and shea butter to combat odor-causing bacteria, absorb excess moisture, and protect your pits.

Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm — $18.00

If you love chapstick, you’ll love this moisturizing balm that will nourish your lips with avocado and mongongo nut oils. You can also use it alone or under lipstick to provide that smooth lip look.

Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray — $25.00

Make every day a good hair day. This lightweight mist will help detangle your locks and add hydration and shine without weighing them down. It also has plant oils that act as a heat protectant for dryers and flat irons.

Need help figuring out how to add these to your routine? Press play on the video below for a derm’s take on how to craft the perfect regimen for your skin.

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