Drunk Elephant is a popular skincare brand that claims to use clean, non-toxic ingredients and effective formulas. However, the brand has recently faced some controversy over its products being used by young kids, especially after a viral TikTok video showed a 9-year-old girl asking for Drunk Elephant products for Christmas. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, the potential benefits and risks of using Drunk Elephant products for kids, and the opinions of experts and consumers on this issue.
Why do so many kids want Drunk Elephant products?
One of the main reasons why Drunk Elephant products are appealing to kids is the influence of social media and influencers. According to Adrianna Crossing, an assistant professor in applied psychology at Northeastern University, teens and tweens are undergoing a developmental shift and looking to their peers and online personalities for guidance on how to look and behave. Drunk Elephant has a strong presence on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where it showcases its colorful packaging, fun names, and positive reviews. The brand also collaborates with celebrities and influencers, such as Chrissy Teigen, Drew Barrymore, and Hyram Yarbro, who have millions of followers and fans.
Another reason why Drunk Elephant products are attractive to kids is the perception of quality and luxury. Drunk Elephant products are sold at high-end retailers like Sephora and Cult Beauty, and have a premium price range, with some items costing upwards of $50. Many kids see these products as a status symbol and a way to express their identity and taste. Some parents also buy these products for their kids as a way to pamper them and show their love.
Are Drunk Elephant products safe and effective for kids?
The answer to this question depends on the type of product and the age and skin condition of the kid. Drunk Elephant products are formulated with clean, non-toxic, and cruelty-free ingredients, and are free of common irritants and allergens, such as fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens. However, not all products are suitable for young or sensitive skin, especially those that contain active ingredients, such as acids, retinol, and vitamin C. These ingredients can cause irritation, dryness, peeling, and sun sensitivity, and are not recommended for kids under the age of 18.
On the other hand, some Drunk Elephant products are gentle and hydrating, and can be used by kids with dry, normal, or combination skin. These products include the Lala Retro Whipped Cream, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, the Lippe Balm, and the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser. These products can help moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin, and are safe to use as long as the kid does not have any allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients.
However, it is important to note that most kids do not need a complicated skincare routine, and that using too many products can do more harm than good. According to Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine, the best skincare routine for kids is to wash their face with a gentle cleanser, apply a moisturizer with SPF in the morning, and a moisturizer without SPF at night. She also advises parents to consult a dermatologist before introducing any new products to their kids’ skincare routine.
What are the opinions of experts and consumers on this issue?
The controversy over Drunk Elephant products being used by kids has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among experts and consumers. Some experts, such as Crossing, argue that this phenomenon is a reflection of the pressure and influence that social media and influencers have on kids, and that parents should be more aware and involved in their kids’ online activities and purchases. She also suggests that parents should help their kids develop a healthy and positive self-image and teach them that beauty is not defined by products or brands.
Some consumers, especially parents, are concerned about the safety and necessity of Drunk Elephant products for kids and question the ethics and intentions of the brand. They wonder if the brand is deliberately targeting and exploiting kids, and if it is creating unrealistic and unhealthy expectations and standards for kids’ appearance and self-esteem. They also criticize the brand for being too expensive and overhyped, and for contributing to consumerism and environmental issues.
However, some consumers, especially fans and users of Drunk Elephant products, are supportive and defensive of the brand, and argue that it is not responsible for the choices and behaviors of kids and parents. They praise the brand for its quality and effectiveness, and for being transparent and honest about its ingredients and formulas. They also claim that the brand is not marketing to kids, and that it is up to the parents to decide what is best for their kids. They also point out that some Drunk Elephant products are safe and beneficial for kids, and that using them can be a fun and bonding experience for kids and parents.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Drunk Elephant products and kids:
- Q: What is Drunk Elephant?
- A: Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand that was founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson. The brand’s philosophy is to use clean, non-toxic, and effective ingredients that are compatible with the skin’s natural pH and biome. The brand’s name comes from the myth that elephants get drunk from eating marula fruit, which is one of the key ingredients in the brand’s products.
- Q: What are some of the most popular Drunk Elephant products?
- A: Some of the most popular Drunk Elephant products are the C-Firma Day Serum, the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, the Protini Polypeptide Cream, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, and the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.
- Q: Where can I buy Drunk Elephant products?
- A: You can buy Drunk Elephant products online from the brand’s official website, or from authorized retailers, such as Sephora, Cult Beauty, Space NK, and Mecca. You can also find some Drunk Elephant products in physical stores, such as Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom.
- Q: How much do Drunk Elephant products cost?
- A: Drunk Elephant products range from $16 to $90, depending on the type and size of the product. The average price of a Drunk Elephant product is around $50.
- Q: How do I use Drunk Elephant products?
- A: You can use Drunk Elephant products according to the instructions on the packaging, or follow the brand’s suggested routines, which are based on different skin types and concerns. You can also mix and match different Drunk Elephant products to create your own customized routine, as the brand claims that all of its products are compatible and complementary.
- Q: Are Drunk Elephant products vegan and cruelty-free?
- A: Yes, Drunk Elephant products are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand does not use any animal-derived ingredients, and does not test its products or ingredients on animals. The brand is also certified by Leaping Bunny, a program that verifies that brands are cruelty-free.
- Q: Are Drunk Elephant products organic and natural?
- A: No, Drunk Elephant products are not organic and natural. The brand does not claim to be organic or natural, and does not use these terms to describe its products or ingredients. The brand uses both synthetic and natural ingredients, and focuses on the safety and efficacy of the ingredients, rather than their origin. The brand also avoids using ingredients that are known or suspected to be harmful, such as fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens.
- Q: Are Drunk Elephant products gluten-free and nut-free?
- A: Yes, Drunk Elephant products are gluten-free and nut-free. The brand does not use any ingredients that contain gluten or nuts and does not process its products in facilities that handle gluten or nuts. However, the brand advises customers to check the ingredient list of each product before using it, and to patch test the product on a small area of skin before applying it to the face.
- Q: Can I use Drunk Elephant products if I have acne, rosacea, eczema, or other skin conditions?
- A: It depends on the type of product and the severity of your skin condition. Some Drunk Elephant products, such as the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, the F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, and the Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, can help improve the appearance and texture of acne-prone, red, or dry skin. However, some Drunk Elephant products, such as the C-Firma Day Serum, the A-Passioni Retinol Cream, and the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, can irritate or worsen these skin conditions, and should be used with caution or avoided altogether. If you have a skin condition, you should consult a dermatologist before using any Drunk Elephant products and follow their advice and recommendations.
- Q: Can I use Drunk Elephant products if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
- A: It depends on the type of product and the stage of your pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some Drunk Elephant products, such as the Lala Retro Whipped Cream, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, the Lippe Balm, and the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, are safe and gentle to use during pregnancy