Which Drunk Elephant skin care product is best?
Drunk Elephant is a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand dedicated to all-natural, pH-balanced skin care. Though more expensive than average skin care, it can leave a long-lasting, positive effect on skin. The philosophy of this brand is that when you strip products of six specific harmful chemicals and fragrances, you’re left with balanced formulas that help perfect the look of skin in the present while providing anti-aging effects over time.
If you are looking for an all-natural, age-defying moisturizer with vital nutrients and proteins that replenish the skin, the Protini Polypeptide Cream is the top choice.
What to know before you buy a Drunk Elephant skin care product
Ingredients
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a product that will be directly applied to your skin is the ingredients. Located on the side of the packaging, the ingredients will tell users if the product contains chemicals or substances that won’t benefit their skin type. Drunk Elephant is very transparent about the ingredients used in its products and does its best to formulate them without chemicals and skin-harming ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, fragrances and SLS. It’s still a good idea to be aware of each ingredient going on your skin.
Formulas
Products formulated as creams will typically be oil-based. These products tend to provide a smooth application but take longer to absorb into the skin. Depending on the ingredients, they are extensively moisturizing and can benefit those needing to repair dry or damaged skin. These products can leave streaks and are usually white.
Water-based products are typically lighter and safer for use on oily and combination skin types. This type of product has less chance of clogged pores and build-up on the skin; however, it does not deeply moisturize as well as a product that uses a creamy formula. These products are typically colorless and absorb quickly into the skin while hydrating.
Skin type
Purchasing the right product and formula for your skin type will ensure that your skin remains hydrated as needed. People with dry skin should consider a cream formula. When applied to dry skin, this formula will deeply hydrate. Lightweight water-based formulas may not moisturize as effectively if a user has extra dry skin.
People with oily skin should consider an oil-free, lightweight, water-based skin care product. This will lessen the chances of the pores getting clogged and the skin looking extra shiny. If you have oily skin, avoid heavy products containing many oils.
It’s trickier for people with combination skin types to find products that match their needs. This skin type does well with hydrating formulas that are oil-free. Users with this skin type will experience oil in their T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and can use different types of formulas accordingly. To find the right product for you, test a few different formulas.
Those with sensitive skin should avoid chemical fragrances. Drunk Elephant doesn’t use sulfates or parabens in its products, making them safer for use on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation. If a product is particularly good for sensitive skin, it will likely be mentioned in the product description.
What to look for in a quality Drunk Elephant skin care product
Cruelty-free
Most brands have adopted a more natural, eco-friendly way of life, including a reduction of animal testing on products. Just because a product claims to be natural and organic does not mean it is cruelty-free. Drunk Elephant has run an entirely vegan and cruelty-free operation since opening their doors in 2013. To make sure an item is not tested on animals, look for a PETA-approved bunny, a leaping bunny, or the words “not tested on animals” directly on the packaging.
Mission
Drunk Elephant is committed to using only ingredients that directly benefit the skin’s health. They source ingredients based on biocompatibility, meaning the product is effective without affecting the skin’s physiology and causing a negative reaction. Drunk Elephant uses an ingredient elimination philosophy. Less is more for the maximum results in skin care. They run a campaign called #BareWithUs where users can post selfies of themselves after using their Drunk Elephant skin products to promote confidence in one’s own skin and beauty. A few of their products directly support the International Elephant Foundation.
Skin smoothies
Skin smoothies are unique to the Drunk Elephant brand. A skin smoothie is a specific skin care routine put together by the experts at Drunk Elephant to aid whatever skin problems you’re trying to target. This idea got its smoothie name because you add ingredients to a smoothie to benefit specific regions of heath, just as you should do for your skin. Each different skin smoothie has a different purpose.
Because the products are silicone-free and biocompatible, they mix easily and absorb into the skin. The only product in a skin smoothie that does not absorb into the skin is its sunscreen, as the zinc used sits on the face as a protective barrier against the sun. In the skin smoothie glossary section of the Drunk Elephant website, users can find out what products mix and for what purpose.
How much you can expect to spend on Drunk Elephant skin care products
Drunk Elephant products range in price depending on the quantity and ingredients of the products. You can find less-expensive skin care products for around $18, midrange products for $40, and high-end products with added benefits for your skin for around $140.
Drunk Elephant skin care products FAQ
How do I know when these products expire?
A. On the bottom or the side of the products container there will be a small jar graphic. Inside this jar will be a number. That number will specify the time that the product can be used effectively before the ingredients expire. For example, if the product that you purchase says 12 inside of the jar graphic, that means that the product expires after 12 months and should no longer be used. You can also find the expiration date in the product FAQ on the website listing.
How do I know how much I am paying per ounce for the product?
A. To know how much money you’re paying per ounce and to discover if it is a good deal, divide the price by the number of ounces the product contains. For example, if a product is $40 and it is four ounces, then you are paying $10 per ounce of the product. This is important to know when comparing the product to similar products when trying to find the best deal.
What’s the best Drunk Elephant skin care product to buy?
Top Drunk Elephant skin care product
Protini Polypeptide Cream
What you need to know: Protini’s formula restores skin and provides a youthful appearance. It reduces signs of aging, fine lines and sun damage.
What you’ll love: This product contains an abundance of proteins and nutrients to replenish the skin barrier and is formulated at a 4.0 pH. Its 100% free of essential oils, silicones and fragrances, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free with proceeds supporting the International Elephant Foundation.
What you should consider: It’s difficult to get the cream out of the dispenser for some users.
Top Drunk Elephant skin care product for the money
Lippe Balm
What you need to know: This product contains an antioxidant-rich blend of avocado and mongongo nut oils, tripeptide and sea fern algae. The formula is buttery and absorbs while leaving a lasting shine.
What you’ll love: This product plumps while providing hydration to the lips and softens coarse lips with vitamin C and green tea extracts. You can use this product under your eyes to prevent crows’ feet and soften the cuticles.
What you should consider: There isn’t much product for the money, and it runs out quickly.
Worth checking out
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
What you need to know: This product uses retinol and peptides to restore bounce within the skin and brighten it. It evens the skin tone without causing redness and irritation and improves the skin’s texture.
What you’ll love: The ingredients replenish essential lipids and moisture while antioxidants fight environmental stressors. This formula is lightweight, and proceeds benefit the International Elephant Foundation.
What you should consider: In rare cases, this product has been known to cause burning on those with extra-dry skin.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
