Drunk Elephant skincare is known for its colorful packaging, its “Suspicious Six” ingredient rule, and a lineup of powerful serums, creams, and acids that fans call cult favorites. It is also priced at the premium end, and some of its formulas are strong, so a little knowledge goes a long way.
This guide shares 7 must-know secrets for getting glowing skin from the brand, explains what Drunk Elephant is, who owns it, and what “clean” really means, and walks through routines for different skin types. We have not tested these products ourselves, so we separate what is documented from what is opinion, and none of this replaces advice from a dermatologist.
What Is Drunk Elephant Skincare?
Drunk Elephant is a prestige skincare brand founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, built around products that avoid six ingredient groups she calls the “Suspicious Six.” The brand began after Masterson, who has described having sensitive, breakout-prone skin, set out to avoid ingredients she believed were causing problems. When she could not find products without them, she created her own with a chemist.
The brand’s original lineup was small and focused. According to a profile of the founder, the first six products were C-Firma Day Serum, T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Lala Retro Whipped Cream, B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, Pekee Cleansing Bar, and Juju Exfoliating Bar. The range has grown since then to include cleansers, eye creams, retinol, body care, and more.
Who Owns Drunk Elephant?
Shiseido, the Japanese beauty company, announced in 2019 that it would acquire Drunk Elephant, and the brand now operates within Shiseido Americas. A tech and business profile reported the deal at about $845 million. Masterson remained involved as a founding partner and chief creative officer at the time of the announcement. Ownership and leadership details can change, so check the brand’s current information.
What Does “Clean Skincare” Mean?
“Clean” skincare is a marketing term, not an official regulatory category, and different brands define it differently. Drunk Elephant uses the phrase “clean-compatible,” which it describes as free of the Suspicious Six while still using active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and acids.
The Suspicious Six, as the brand lists them, are:
- Essential oils
- Drying alcohols
- Silicones
- Chemical sunscreens
- Fragrances and dyes
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Whether these ingredients are harmful depends on the ingredient, the amount, and the person. Some people react to fragrance or essential oils, while others tolerate them well. The brand’s rule is a design philosophy, not a guarantee that a product will suit every skin type.
Is Drunk Elephant Skincare Good? Is It Worth It?
Drunk Elephant is widely popular and has a loyal following, but we do not have independent lab testing to point to. Here is a balanced view.
It may be worth it if you like the brand’s ingredient approach, want effective actives such as vitamin C or glycolic acid, and will use the products consistently.
It may not be worth it if you have very sensitive skin that reacts to strong acids, you are on a tight budget, or you prefer simple, fragrance-containing products you already tolerate.
Why Is Drunk Elephant So Expensive?
Prices are high compared with drugstore brands. Common reasons include:
- Prestige positioning: it is sold through specialty beauty retailers.
- Active ingredients: many products contain vitamin C, retinol, peptides, or acids.
- Branding and packaging: distinctive packaging and marketing add cost.
- Concentration claims: the brand says it uses high levels of actives, which can raise formulation costs.
Higher price does not guarantee better results for every skin, so consider cost per use and whether a cheaper product could do the same job.
Is Drunk Elephant Safe?
Drunk Elephant products are sold as cosmetics, which are regulated in the United States, but any product can irritate someone. Some of its products, such as the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, are acid-based exfoliants and can cause stinging, redness, or sensitivity if you use them too often or too soon.
Safety tips that apply to most active skincare:
- Patch test a new product on a small area before using it on your face.
- Introduce one active at a time and wait several days before adding another.
- Use sunscreen daily. Exfoliating acids and retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Check with a doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, since retinoids and some acids may not be recommended.
- Stop use and see a dermatologist if you have burning, swelling, blistering, or a persistent rash.
Is Drunk Elephant Good for Sensitive Skin?
The brand says its formulas avoid common irritants, but “clean-compatible” does not mean “hypoallergenic.” Even products without fragrance or essential oils can irritate if they contain strong acids or retinol. If your skin is sensitive, start with gentler products like a cleanser, a hydrating serum, and a moisturizer, and add actives slowly and one at a time.
7 Must-Know Secrets for Glowing Skin
1. Know the Suspicious Six, and Its Limits
The first secret is understanding what the brand’s philosophy does and does not promise. The Suspicious Six rule means the products avoid those six ingredient groups. It does not mean every product is gentle, and it does not mean all ingredients outside the list are safe for you.
What to do:
- Read the full ingredient list for any product you buy.
- Note your own triggers, such as fragrance, certain acids, or retinoids.
- Treat the brand’s philosophy as one factor among many, not a guarantee.
2. Start With a Few Hero Products
You do not need the whole range. These products are often named among the brand’s best-known items:
| Product | What it is | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| C-Firma Day Serum | A vitamin C serum | Brightening, dark spots, dull skin |
| Protini Polypeptide Cream | A peptide moisturizer | Hydration, firmness, mature skin |
| T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | An acid-based night serum | Texture, glow, exfoliation |
| B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum | A hydrating serum | Dryness, plumpness, all skin types |
| Lala Retro Whipped Cream | A rich moisturizer | Dry skin |
| Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser | A gel cleanser | Daily cleansing |
| A-Passioni Retinol Cream | A retinol cream | Fine lines, texture, night use |
We describe these by category and not by testing, so check each product page for the current formulation and directions. For skincare, the best products are the ones your skin tolerates and that you will actually use.
Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum (C-Firma)
C-Firma is the brand’s best-known vitamin C product, called a day serum or fresh day serum depending on the version. Vitamin C is an antioxidant commonly used to help brighten the look of skin and reduce the look of dark spots. Because vitamin C can degrade with air and light, check storage instructions and the product’s directions, and note that some versions are packaged to be mixed fresh.
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Protini is a peptide moisturizer. Peptides are small chains of amino acids commonly used in moisturizers to support skin’s look and feel. It is often described as a good fit for dry or mature skin, but check the texture to see if it suits your skin type.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos
T.L.C. Framboos is a glycolic night serum, an exfoliating product that contains acids. The founder has said that sensitive skin can build up tolerance to acids if you avoid stripping the skin barrier and go slowly. Start with a small amount once or twice a week and increase only if your skin is comfortable.
3. Build Up Slowly
The most common mistake with active skincare is using too much too soon. This applies to any brand.
A simple ramp-up plan:
- Week 1: use only a cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Week 2: add one product, such as a vitamin C serum in the morning.
- Week 3 or 4: if your skin is calm, add a night product such as a retinol or an acid, once or twice a week.
- Then: increase slowly, and stop if you see irritation.
If your skin feels tight, stings, or looks red, scale back.
4. Get the Order Right
What Order to Use Drunk Elephant Products
A general order for most skincare:
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse or gentle cleanse | Cleanse |
| 2 | Vitamin C or antioxidant serum | Treatment (acid or retinol, not both on the same night when starting) |
| 3 | Hydrating serum | Hydrating serum |
| 4 | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 5 | Sunscreen | Eye cream or face oil if you use one |
The founder has said she only cleanses at night and uses a mixture of several products in the morning, but that is her personal approach, and it may not suit everyone. If you wear sunscreen or makeup, or if your skin is oily, cleansing in the morning can also make sense.
Drunk Elephant Products to Avoid Together
These combinations are generally better separated, especially when you are starting:
- Acid exfoliants and retinol on the same night. Both can irritate.
- Multiple exfoliating acids at once. Layering several can over-exfoliate.
- Strong acids and vitamin C together at first. Both are active; introduce one at a time and see how your skin responds.
- Several new products at the same time. If irritation happens, you will not know the cause.
When in doubt, use acids and retinol on separate nights and give your skin rest nights with only a moisturizer.
5. Never Skip Sunscreen
Exfoliating acids and retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, and sun exposure is the main cause of visible skin aging and dark spots. For glowing skin, daily sunscreen is as important as any serum. Drunk Elephant also makes sun care that avoids chemical sunscreens, in keeping with its philosophy, and mineral sunscreens are one option. Any broad-spectrum sunscreen that you will wear every day is a good choice, and the American Academy of Dermatology is a reliable source for sun protection guidance.
6. Match Your Routine to Your Skin Type
Skin type changes which products you reach for. Here is a guide to the routines below.
| Skin type | Focus | Texture to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Balance, light hydration | Gels, lightweight serums |
| Dry | Moisture, barrier support | Rich creams, oils |
| Combination | Balance by zone | Light serums, a medium moisturizer |
| Sensitive | Gentle, minimal | Simple formulas, slow introduction |
| Mature | Firmness, hydration, texture | Peptides, retinol, richer creams |
| Acne-prone | Gentle care, see a dermatologist | Non-heavy moisturizers, careful actives |
7. Watch the Cost Per Use, and Compare Alternatives
The last secret is to be strategic. A premium product is worth it only if it works for you and fits your budget. Compare the cost per use, check whether a simpler product does the same job, and consider smaller sizes or minis first.
Drunk Elephant vs. The Ordinary
The two brands take different approaches. We have not tested them side by side, so use this as a framework.
| Factor | Drunk Elephant | The Ordinary |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Prestige, premium | Budget-friendly actives |
| Approach | Avoids the Suspicious Six, curated range | Single-ingredient and targeted formulas |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | A curated routine with a design philosophy | Building a custom routine on a budget |
Drunk Elephant Skincare vs. CeraVe
CeraVe is a drugstore brand known for ceramide-focused cleansers and moisturizers developed with dermatologists. Drunk Elephant is a prestige brand focused on actives and its ingredient philosophy. If your skin is dry or compromised, a basic barrier-supporting moisturizer can be a great choice at a lower price. If you want targeted actives like vitamin C or acids, a specialized product may be useful. Compare ingredient lists and your own needs.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routines
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Beginners, Step by Step
Morning:
- Rinse with water or use a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a vitamin C serum if your skin tolerates it.
- Apply a hydrating serum.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Finish with sunscreen.
Night:
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen and makeup.
- Apply a hydrating serum.
- Apply a moisturizer.
- Once or twice a week, add an exfoliating or retinol product in place of the hydrating serum.
This keeps things simple while your skin adjusts. Add one product at a time.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Oily Skin
Choose lightweight textures. A gel cleanser, a vitamin C serum in the morning, a hydrating serum, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen make a good base. Use exfoliating acids a couple of times a week, and avoid heavy oils if they make your skin feel greasy.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Dry Skin
Prioritize moisture. Use a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, a rich cream, and, at night, an oil or richer moisturizer. Introduce acids slowly and watch for stinging, since dry skin can be more reactive.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Combination Skin
Use light products on oily areas and richer ones on dry zones. A gel cleanser, vitamin C in the morning, and a medium-weight moisturizer work for many people. Exfoliate a few times a week.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
Focus on hydration, firmness, and gentle exfoliation. A peptide cream, a retinol product at night introduced slowly, a vitamin C serum in the morning, and daily sunscreen cover the basics. If you have sensitive or thin skin, build up slowly.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin
For a glowy look, combine consistent hydration with gentle exfoliation and sun protection. A vitamin C serum in the morning, a hydrating serum, a moisturizer, and weekly exfoliation can help skin look more radiant. Glow comes from healthy skin, not a single product.
Drunk Elephant Skincare Routine, Morning and Night: Quick Reference
| Time | Steps |
|---|---|
| Morning | Rinse or cleanse, vitamin C, hydrating serum, moisturizer, sunscreen |
| Night | Cleanse, treatment (acid or retinol, a few nights a week), hydrating serum, moisturizer |
For more beauty ideas to pair with fresh skin, browse our beauty section.
Best Drunk Elephant Products for Your Concern
There is no single best product. Here is a guide to the usual choices, based on how the brand and beauty retailers describe them.
Best Drunk Elephant Products for Dark Spots
Vitamin C serums, like C-Firma, are commonly used to help brighten the look of dark spots, and acid exfoliants can help with texture. Sunscreen is essential, since sun exposure can make dark spots worse. For stubborn or changing spots, see a dermatologist.
Best Drunk Elephant Products for Dull Skin
Exfoliating acids, vitamin C, and hydrating serums are common choices for a brighter look. Build up slowly to avoid irritation.
Drunk Elephant Skincare for Acne
Drunk Elephant is not an acne treatment brand, and acne can be complicated. Gentle cleansing, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen are good basics. For persistent or severe acne, see a dermatologist, who can recommend proven treatments. Avoid layering many actives, and avoid picking at breakouts.
Drunk Elephant Skincare for Glowing Skin
The brand’s hydrating serums, vitamin C, and acids are often used for a glowy finish. Consistent routines and sunscreen matter most.
Drunk Elephant Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Start with the simplest products, patch test, and add actives gradually. If you have rosacea, eczema, or very reactive skin, ask a dermatologist before using acids or retinol.
Drunk Elephant Products Worth the Money
This is personal, but many people consider the vitamin C serum, a good moisturizer, and a hydrating serum the most useful places to spend. Products you will use daily, like moisturizer and sunscreen, may offer more value than occasional treatments. Compare minis and travel sizes before committing.
How to Use Drunk Elephant Products
- Read the directions on each product. Some are meant to be used daily, others a few times a week.
- Use small amounts. A pea-sized or few-drop amount is often enough.
- Apply on clean, dry or slightly damp skin, following the product’s directions.
- Wait between actives. Give each product a minute or so to absorb.
- Store properly. Keep products away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Check expiration. Many products have a period-after-opening symbol.
A Note for Teens and Young Skin
Strong actives such as acids and retinol are generally designed for adult skin. Younger people usually need only a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and sunscreen. If a teen has acne or skin concerns, a dermatologist can recommend suitable products.
Common Drunk Elephant Mistakes
- Starting everything at once. Introduce one active at a time.
- Layering multiple acids or retinoids. This can irritate and damage the skin barrier.
- Skipping sunscreen. Actives increase sun sensitivity.
- Expecting overnight results. Most active products take weeks to show effects.
- Ignoring skin signals. Stinging, redness, and peeling mean you should scale back.
- Assuming clean means gentle. Strong actives can irritate any skin.
- Buying the whole range. Start with a few products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Drunk Elephant skincare?
It is a prestige skincare brand founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, known for avoiding six ingredient groups called the Suspicious Six and for products like vitamin C serums, peptide creams, and acid exfoliants.
Who owns Drunk Elephant?
Shiseido announced the acquisition of Drunk Elephant in 2019, and the brand now operates within Shiseido Americas.
What does clean skincare mean?
It is a marketing term, not an official category. Drunk Elephant uses the term clean-compatible to mean free of the Suspicious Six.
Is Drunk Elephant good for sensitive skin?
It can be, if you choose gentle products and introduce actives slowly, but strong acids and retinol can irritate sensitive skin. Patch test and talk to a dermatologist if you have a skin condition.
What order should I use Drunk Elephant products in?
Cleanse, apply treatments such as vitamin C in the morning or acids and retinol at night, then a hydrating serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.
Why is Drunk Elephant so expensive?
Prestige positioning, active ingredients, concentration claims, and branding all play a part. Compare cost per use and alternatives.
What is the difference between Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary?
Drunk Elephant is a premium brand with a curated range and an ingredient philosophy, while The Ordinary is a budget-friendly brand known for targeted single-ingredient formulas.
Is Drunk Elephant worth it?
It can be if you like the formulas, use them consistently, and your skin tolerates them. Start with a few products and compare alternatives.
Conclusion
Drunk Elephant skincare works best when you treat it as a few well-chosen products instead of a full shelf: start with a cleanser, a vitamin C serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen, add one active at a time, and match everything to your skin type. The Suspicious Six rule is a useful design idea, but it is not a guarantee that a product will suit your skin.
For your next step, pick one or two products that fit your skin type, patch test them, and build up slowly over several weeks. If you have acne, rosacea, or very sensitive skin, ask a dermatologist before adding strong actives. For more beauty inspiration, see our eyeshadow palette guide and our gel nail kit picks.
