Over the past decade, Drunk Elephant has emerged as a transformative force in the beauty industry. The brand boldly tackled the challenge of eliminating what it aptly named the “Suspicious 6,” a feat that seemed almost insurmountable in the world of skincare, where product efficacy made possible by using some of these traditional ingredients is part of the rule book. Today, the brand founded by beauty fanatic turned global beauty mogul Tiffany Masterson continues to thrive with its exceptional reputation. Its steep price point, however, has been a deterrent for some. Is Drunk Elephant worth its price tag? We explore what makes it worth discovering.
We can get behind Drunk Elephant’s ingredient elimination philosophy. By making sure it doesn’t formulate with what it calls the Suspicious 6, which are essential oils, silicones, chemical sunscreens, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), fragrances and dyes, and drying alcohols, it actually creates products with ingredients that the skin will love and to which it won’t typically react. This is “driven by science and supported by research,” the brand states. While those with reactive or sensitive skin would seem ideal for this, we think everyone would benefit from this regimen that resets, balances, and brings the skin back to a happy, healthy state.
Everything you need to know about a Drunk Elephant product is in the name.
Whether it’s the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum that has pro-vitamin B5 for truly replenished skin or the Protini Power Peptide Resurf Serum that combines peptides and amino acids with lactic acid for better skin texture, every Drunk Elephant product will tell you what it does by its name and on the packaging.
And what about its actual name—why ‘Drunk Elephant’?
The African Marula Oil is not only a star product of Drunk Elephant but an ingredient found in all of its products. When founder Tiffany Masterson was researching this powerful oil, she was fascinated by the funny myth that elephants get drunk after eating marula fruit. This was how the brand’s name was born. It couldn’t be more apt. It’s telling of the brand’s seriousness when it comes to formulations but likewise reflective of its fun and modern nature.
Drunk Elephant brought focus on the skin barrier and on keeping its acid mantle at its optimal state.
Our skin is slightly acidic, with a film over it composed of lipids, proteins, and even peptides and bacteria that are called the acid mantle. This helps create a healthy skin barrier that functions well and protects the skin from bad bacteria and pollution. The ideal pH for healthy skin is 5.5. The pH of water is 7; anything lower is considered acidic and higher, is alkaline. 
Most, if not all, of Drunk Elephant’s products indicate their pH level on the packaging. Its formulations are all pH-balanced to be as compatible with the skin as possible. Depending on the product and its purpose, Drunk Elephant’s sweet spot for its pH levels is between 2.5 and 6.8.
Drunk Elephant only creates products that are biocompatible and bioavailable, making them highly absorbable.
This means its formulations support and respects the natural makeup and function of the skin, first, by using active ingredients that are already present in or are easily recognizable by the skin; second, by using science-backed and validated ingredients; and lastly, by and making sure everything is in the ideal pH to be optimal for the skin.
Why layer when you can mix?
Drunk Elephant encourages making “smoothies” with its key products, which are actually made possible because of its bioavailable and biocompatible formulations! “We think of our skincare routines as smoothies. Create a routine by selecting products to mix together for a custom skincare smoothie. Don’t forget to pick a cleanser and top off with one of our Umbra sunscreens of F-balm,” the brand states.
Ready for a drunk break?
Eliminate the Suspicious 6 entirely from your routine by using nothing but Drunk Elephant products for 30 days. This is the ingredient-elimination philosophy for a total skin reset.
There are so many products! Where do I begin?
We hear you. We’re longtime users of Drunk Elephant and have tried perhaps 80% of its entire line, but we were once newbies too. Here are our top recommendations.
In the Philippines, Drunk Elephant is exclusively available at LOOK At Me online and at SM Aura Premier SM Mall of Asia.
