Drunk Elephant: The Skincare Brand That Promises a #drunkbreak for Your Skin

If you are a skincare enthusiast, you have probably heard of Drunk Elephant, the cult-favorite brand that claims to use only biocompatible ingredients that benefit skin’s health. But what is the story behind this quirky name? And what are the best products to try from their line? In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about Drunk Elephant, from its background and philosophy to its best-selling products and reviews, to its dupes and discounts. Let’s dive in!

Background of the Brand

Drunk Elephant was founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, a stay-at-home mom who was frustrated with the lack of effective and non-irritating skincare products on the market. She started researching ingredients and discovered that many of them were potentially harmful or sensitizing to the skin, such as essential oils, fragrances, silicones, sulfates, and chemical sunscreens. She decided to create her own skincare line that avoided these “Suspicious 6” ingredients and focused on using only clean, safe, and skin-friendly ingredients that support the skin’s natural barrier and pH.

The name Drunk Elephant comes from a myth that elephants get drunk from eating the fermented fruit of the marula tree, which is native to Africa. Masterson chose this name to reflect the playful and fun nature of the brand, as well as to highlight one of the key ingredients in her products: marula oil. Marula oil is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, and has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and healing properties for the skin.

Drunk Elephant’s philosophy is to help customers achieve healthy and balanced skin by eliminating the Suspicious 6 from their routine and using only biocompatible ingredients that work well with the skin. The brand encourages customers to take a #drunkbreak, which means to stop using other skincare products for a period of time and use only Drunk Elephant products to see the difference. Drunk Elephant also promotes the concept of “smoothies”, which are combinations of their products that can be mixed and matched to create customized skincare cocktails for different skin needs and preferences.

Best-Selling Products

Drunk Elephant offers a range of skincare products for various skin types and concerns, such as cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, sunscreens, and more. Some of their best-selling products are:

• C-Firma Day Serum: This is a vitamin C serum that helps brighten, firm, and even out the skin tone. It contains 15% L-ascorbic acid, which is a potent form of vitamin C that boosts collagen production and fights free radical damage. It also contains ferulic acid and vitamin E, which enhance the stability and efficacy of vitamin C, as well as pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme, which gently exfoliate and smooth the skin. This serum has a pH of 3.3, which is ideal for vitamin C absorption and effectiveness. It has a light orange scent and a slightly sticky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It is recommended to use this serum in the morning, followed by a sunscreen, to protect the skin from UV rays and environmental stressors.
• T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: This is a chemical exfoliant that helps refine, resurface, and renew the skin. It contains a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids, which dissolve the dead skin cells and unclog the pores. It also contains raspberry extract, which gives the serum its name and a subtle fruity scent, as well as cactus, horse chestnut, and white tea extracts, which soothe and hydrate the skin. This serum has a pH of 3.8, which is optimal for the acids to work effectively without irritating the skin. It has a clear gel-like texture that glides smoothly on the skin. It is recommended to use this serum at night, followed by a moisturizer, to reveal a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion.
• Protini Polypeptide Cream: This is a protein-rich moisturizer that helps strengthen, plump, and firm the skin. It contains a blend of peptides, amino acids, and growth factors, which are the building blocks of proteins that support the skin’s structure and elasticity. It also contains pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, which provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as soybean folic acid ferment extract, which helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. This cream has a pH of 4.0, which is compatible with the skin’s natural pH. It has a light green color and a whipped texture that feels airy and silky on the skin. It is recommended to use this cream twice a day, morning and night, to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Reviews

Drunk Elephant has received rave reviews from many customers, celebrities, influencers, and beauty editors, who praise the brand for its clean, effective, and innovative products. Some of the positive reviews are:

• “I love Drunk Elephant products. They’re natural, they work, they last a long time, and they make my skin look amazing.” – Jennifer Aniston, actress and producer
• “Drunk Elephant is hands down one of the best skincare lines I’ve ever tried. I’ve been using their products for over a year now and I’ve seen such a difference in my skin.” – Hyram Yarbro, skincare influencer and founder of Selfless by Hyram
• “Drunk Elephant is a game-changer for me. I have sensitive, acne-prone, and aging skin, and their products have helped me achieve a healthy, glowing, and clear complexion. I especially love their C-Firma and T.L.C. serums, which have transformed my skin texture and tone.” – Kiana Murden, beauty commerce editor at Vogue

However, not everyone is a fan of Drunk Elephant, and some customers have reported negative experiences with the brand, such as:

• “I wanted to love Drunk Elephant, but their products broke me out so badly. I tried their #drunkbreak challenge and used only their products for a month, but instead of seeing improvement, I saw more redness, irritation, and cystic acne. I think their products are too harsh and overpriced for my skin.” – Anonymous customer review on Sephora
• “Drunk Elephant is overhyped and overrated. Their products are nothing special and they use the same ingredients as other brands, but charge a premium price. Their customer service is also terrible and they are very defensive and rude when someone criticizes their products or philosophy.” – Anonymous customer review on Reddit
• “Drunk Elephant is a controversial brand that has lost support from many customers and influencers due to their questionable marketing practices, shady behavior, and lack of transparency. They have been accused of deleting negative comments, blocking customers, suing competitors, and copying formulas from other brands.” – Tristan Lavalette, journalist and author

Dupes

Drunk Elephant products are not cheap, and many customers are looking for more affordable alternatives that offer similar results. Fortunately, there are many dupes or comparable products from other brands that can replace or supplement Drunk Elephant products in your skincare routine. Some of the dupes are:

• C-Firma Day Serum: A dupe for this product is the Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, which also contains 20% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, as well as hyaluronic acid and panthenol, which add extra hydration and plumpness to the skin. This serum has a pH of 2.4, which is slightly lower than the C-Firma, but still within the effective range for vitamin C. It has a clear liquid texture and a mild citrus scent. It costs $25.95 for 1 oz, which is much cheaper than the C-Firma, which costs $80 for 1 oz.
• T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: A dupe for this product is the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, which also contains a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, as well as flower acids, which gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It also contains honey, propolis, and royal jelly, which provide antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as hyaluronic acid and squalane, which moisturize and soothe the skin. This serum has a pH of 3.8, which is the same as the T.L.C. Framboos. It has a light-yellow color and a smooth serum texture. It costs $58 for 1 oz, which is cheaper than the T.L.C. Framboos, which costs $90 for 1 oz.
• Protini Polypeptide Cream: A dupe for this product is the Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream, which also contains a blend of peptides, amino acids, and growth factors, as well as ferulic acid and vitamin C, which boost collagen production and fight free radical damage. It also contains turmeric, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, as well as argan oil and cocoa butter, which nourish and hydrate the skin. This cream has a pH of 5.5, which is slightly higher than the Protini, but still within the normal range for skin, which is between 4.7 and 5.75. This means that this cream is mildly acidic and compatible with the skin’s natural barrier and pH. The Protini Polypeptide Cream price varies depending on the retailer, but it is generally around $68 for 1.7 fl oz (50 ml). The Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream is more affordable than the Protini Polypeptide Cream, and it is usually around $21.99 for 1.7 fl oz (50 ml). 

Coupon Codes and Loyalty Programs

If you want to save some money on Drunk Elephant products, you can look for coupon codes and discounts from various sources, such as:

• Drunk Elephant’s official website: The brand occasionally offers promotions and deals on their website, such as free samples, free shipping, or discounts on bundles and kits. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get notified of their latest offers and news.
• Sephora: Sephora is one of the main retailers that carry Drunk Elephant products, and they often have sales and discounts on their website and app, such as the VIB sale, the Spring Savings Event, or the Weekly Wow deals. You can also use your Sephora points to redeem Drunk Elephant rewards or samples, or get a birthday gift from the brand if you are a Beauty Insider member.
• Amazon: Amazon is another online retailer that sells Drunk Elephant products, and they sometimes have lower prices or discounts than other sources. However, you should be careful and check the seller’s ratings and reviews before buying, as there might be some counterfeit or expired products on the platform.
• Other websites: There are also other websites that offer coupon codes or discounts on Drunk Elephant products, such as RetailMeNot, Rakuten, or Honey. You can use these websites to find the best deals and save some cash on your purchases.

Drunk Elephant also has a loyalty program called Drunk Rewards, which allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend on their website, as well as for completing certain actions, such as writing reviews, referring friends, or following them on social media. You can then redeem your points for rewards, such as discounts, free products, or exclusive access to events and experiences. You can join the program for free by creating an account on their website and start earning points right away.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Drunk Elephant and their products:

• Are Drunk Elephant products vegan and cruelty-free? Yes, Drunk Elephant products are vegan and cruelty-free, which means they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, and they are not tested on animals. The brand is certified by Leaping Bunny, which is a global program that verifies that cosmetic companies do not conduct animal testing.
• Are Drunk Elephant products safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women? Generally, Drunk Elephant products are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as they do not contain any harmful or sensitizing ingredients that might affect the baby. However, some products, such as the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, the A-Passioni Retinol Cream, or the Sukari Babyfacial, contain acids or retinoids, which are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as they might cause irritation or sensitivity. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using these products, or avoid them altogether during this period.
• How long do Drunk Elephant products last? Drunk Elephant products have a shelf life of 12 months after opening, or 24 months unopened. You can check the expiration date of each product by looking at the batch code on the bottom of the bottle or jar, which consists of four digits. The first digit indicates the year of production, and the next three digits indicate the day of the year. For example, a batch code of 9012 means that the product was made on January 12, 2019, and it will expire on January 12, 2021, if opened, or January 12, 2022, if unopened. You can also use the website CheckFresh to check the expiration date of your products by entering the brand name and the batch code.

Conclusion

Drunk Elephant is a popular and innovative skincare brand that offers clean, effective, and biocompatible products that suit various skin types and concerns. The brand has a loyal fan base and a strong reputation in the beauty industry, as well as some controversies and criticisms. Whether you are a fan or a skeptic, you can always try their products for yourself and see how they work for your skin. You can also look for dupes or discounts to save some money and still enjoy the benefits of their products. We hope this blog post has given you some useful and interesting information about Drunk Elephant, and we would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with the brand in the comments below. Thank you for reading!