Which Drunk Elephant products are worth the money? A $1,289 review

New York Post

12 hours ago

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It'll only take a few trips to Sephora to make you stop and stare in wide-eyed amazement as you locate the Drunk Elephant shelves. The brand's white-bodied lotions and potions paired with neon-colored caps make its suite of skincare (and haircare!) coveted among beauty lovers.
Founded in August 2013, Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand that always remain on rotation and makes me feel luxurious each morning and evening it's applied to my face, scalp or body. Trust me, I've reviewed plenty of beauty products as a shopping reporter — everything from retinol serums to night creams — and, much to my delight, what's inside the brand's skincare is just as glamorous as its packaging (which you'll want to flaunt on your bathroom counter all day).
'Our approach to skin care is also a little backwards: I don't believe in static skin types, instead I focus on skin behaviors, and those behaviors and needs can and do change on a regular basis,' Tiffany Masterson, founder and chief creative officer at Drunk Elephant, exclusively told the New York Post.
'Our philosophy of what we avoid — the Suspicious 6 — as well as the types of ingredients we use and their levels, is all about respecting and supporting skin's protective barrier and its microbiome. If we feed the skin only biocompatible ingredients that is can accept, understand, recognize, process and benefit from, while avoiding disruptive ingredients (i.e., the Suspicious 6) then the skin can do what it's supposed to do, and our skin is happy and healthy.'
Now, let's get started with our full brand review.
I tried $1,289 worth of Drunk Elephant products so you don't have to — and provided my in-depth overview of each one. Not to mention, Masterson commented on all of these signature products, too, so you can have all the posh and private intel you'll need here.
Be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section highlighting the brand CEO's favorite products, notes on formulating products and more.
How we tested
Victoria Giardina
Though I've been a frequent purchaser of the brand since my high school days (shoutout to the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and Protini Polypeptide Cream for getting me through), I've been seriously testing the brand for two years now. Not only have I been making a rich and whipped smoothie with some products as my knowledge of skincare ingredients grew (side note: those with more sensitive skin should never mix glycolic acid and retinol together at first), but I've been learning the ins and outs of what products work for different skin types.
Which leads me to my skin type. I've always had sensitive skin, so you best believe I try any product on the palm of my hand — as dermatologists would recommend — before applying to my face or body. My skin tends to lean on the dry side, too. Within the review for each product tested, you'll find a comprehensive overview of which skin type certain Drunk Elephant products work best for, so you'll be well-suited on your next shopping trip — which can begin by clicking on each product you'd like to shop from our review.
The Top 5
If I was stranded on a deserted island, these are the five Drunk Elephant products I'd want on deck:
The Best Drunk Elephant Products We Reviewed
Sephora
Why we love it: The D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides are an easy-to-blend way to achieve a bit more of a natural glow, either after applying your foundation or added to your moisturizer for an extra dose. It doesn't appear streaky or stark; instead, its omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oils — along with vitamin F (fatty acids) — provide a healthful antioxidant mix that leans more toward a skincare product than your run-of-the-mill bronzer.
A note from the founder: 'I started working on this in 2016 — I wanted a bronzer, but something I could mix into my routine and also supplied skin with the types of ingredients that helped protect it against the environment, but also strengthen skin. I landed on a blend of peptides, antioxidant-rich marula, black currant seed oils and cocoa extract. It really does help to protect skin against daily pollution, while also delivering on a bronzy glow. It's best mixed into your skincare routine, but you can also use it on the body (either straight up, or mixed into your body lotion). We launched it in 2018, and it's been a daily must have for me ever since.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum is as fresh-as-can-be (and, one of the best vitamin C serums we reviewed) because it contains 15% of antioxidant-rich l-ascorbic acid — the best form of the vitamin, per derms), along with 0.5% ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E. It stands out from its competitor set, much ado to its mix-and-pour design (yes, you'll pour the serum's concentrate into its powder base) to ensure ultimate freshness — like freshly squeezed citrus onto your skin.
A note from the founder: 'C-Firma launched in 2013, among the original six, and then we 'renovated' it into its current version, which launched in 2021. It's still the same combination of actives—15% l-ascorbic acid, 1.0% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid— and still contains the blend of powerful supportive antioxidants (licorice, grape and green tea extracts), among others. What we changed, though, was to separate the formula into two phases: a liquid serum and a vitamin C powder phase, allows the user to determine the time of 'activation' for their C-Firma Fresh, which is the moment they mix the two together, a one-time only process. That means the vitamin C is at its freshest and most potent every time.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Protini Polypeptide Cream is — as its name suggests — peptide-packed, helping to improve the skin's firmness though it's butter-soft when it comes out of its push-down-pick-up-product packaging. With nine signal peptides derived from amino acids, it adds a next-level moisture coating to the skin to help plump and restore its vitality and bounce.
A note from the founder: 'Protini Cream launched in 2018, same year as D-Bronzi, and was the result of a conversation and research I did with my mom on a flight to California in the summer of 2016. She had challenged me to develop a formula that firmed, boosting healthy collagen production and protecting against its loss. Protini contains two forms of peptides: signal peptides and plant-derived growth factor peptides, which work together to provide cell communicating, retinol-like benefits: improvement of multiple signs of aging, firming, thickening of thinning skin and texture irregularities. We added them at an incredibly high concentration, too (so high that it's considered a prescription-level in some regions, which is why it can't be sold globally in its current form).'
Sephora
Why we love it: The A-Passioni Retinol Cream, though can't be used if pregnant or nursing (read: best pregnancy-safe skincare products), is gentle enough on the skin to be used every so often by beginners, thanks to its 1% ingredient infusion.Vitamin F, coupled with a blend of soothing passionfruit, apricot, marula and jojoba oils, help replenish the skin's essential lipids and moisture, while its formula as a whole is a premier, must-use item for anti-aging and to help eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A note from the founder: 'A-Passioni was our first retinol, launching in early 2019. I wanted to start at 1.0% because of the amount of research demonstrating that to be the best concentration in terms of improving skin texture, fading the appearance of brown or red spots and clearing troubled skin, but still being safe. We're using a form that is plant-derived, making it more stable, as well as encapsulated and controlled release. Encapsulation enhances the stability of plant-derived retinol, allowing it to remain active for a longer period once absorbed into the skin. Being controlled release also means that skin isn't taking such a direct hit of retinol; instead, the potency of A-Passioni is spread out over the course of several hours, which makes it much better tolerated by skin.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The T.L.C. Sukari Baby Facial AHA + BHA Mask is a ingredient-loaded face mask that is suitable for all skin types, thanks to its thoughtful inclusion of both AHAs (best for dry skin) and BHAs (best for oily skin). Its dream team of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acids work together to help minimize the look of pores while soothing with matcha tea for signature, emollient results. After 20 minutes, rinse and rivet in your now-glowing skin.
A note from the founder: 'Babyfacial really started something—before we launched it, there was nothing like it on the market. Even after, we're the only one using a blend of mostly glycolic acid to make up its 25% concentration of AHAs, and 2% salicylic acid, which is also time-released and proprietary to Drunk Elephant. That plays a major role in its benefits for skin, its results, and its tolerability. Anyone can add any AHAs to a base and call it a day, but without that time-released step, you're hitting skin with that full strength and significantly increasing the likelihood of an irritating response from skin.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream is the brand's most lightweight formula (compared to the Ceramighty AF formula), helping to deliver exceptional brightness to your under-eye area. With eight peptides, five forms of vitamin C and cucumber extract, it helps soothe, brighten and restore your delicate area for a more youthful appearance (that'll have you using this product twice-daily, may I add).
A note from the founder: 'C-Tango, which launched in 2018, right between Protini Cream and D-Bronzi, is our vitamin C and peptide eye cream, which is clinically proven to improve fine lines, deep wrinkles and hyperpigmentation for firmer, brighter and smoother skin around the eye area. It has a medium-weight cream texture and contains five forms of non-acidic vitamin C and eight peptides—at generous doses—to addresses those more stubborn signs of damage, but is still safe for the entire eye area, (lids included).'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Ceramighty AF Eye Cream with Ceramides is a thicker, more moisturizing eye cream compared to its BFF, C-Tango, and can impressively double as a moisturizer if you apply it to your entire face — my little secret. Because of its viscose texture, it delivers long-lasting moisture, elasticity and freshness to the skin, much in part to its calming, dry skin-helping oat extract.
A note from the founder: 'Ceramighty is our richest, most soothing eye formula, super nourishing and loaded with ingredients to strengthen and repair the skin barrier, especially for those who feel they can't ever get enough moisture around the eye area and lids. When skin is chronically dry, that means it has a shortage of the substances responsible for maintaining a healthy barrier, of which ceramides, fatty acids and lipids are all major components. Ceramighty is a highly specialized formula targeting those specific concerns, and it contains quite a high concentration of them as well. Traditionally, skincare products use 0.3% to 1.0% of ceramides, as they are quite effective even in lower amounts. Ceramighty, however, uses them at 3.0% concentration, making this an incredibly effective formula at repairing delicate, dry and irritated skin around the eye area.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is, by far, my favorite Drunk Elephant Serum — and just shy of $50! Because its star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, my skin has more of a youthful and bouncy appearance (which I love) and it's that 'cool drink of water for thirsty skin,' as the brand notes. Its unique lentil-apple-and-watermelon complex aids in diminishing dryness and that 'blah' feeling nobody wants — making it the best product from the brand's collection for dry skin, IMO.
A note from the founder: 'B-Hydra is one of our earliest products, which launched back in 2016, and is loaded with ingredients that help boost the water content of skin, as well as protect against its loss. Think of it like a hyaluronic acid serum on steroids, with ingredients like niacinamide, watermelon, lentil, apple and amino acids to rehydrate and soothe skin. Like you would have a glass of water with a meal, add this to your day and night routine.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The T.LC. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum, replicating the same ingredient approach as its T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask, contains a wonderful ingredient mix of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acids that help curb excess oil and offer the skin greater clarity and luminosity. If you're looking for an extra douse of moisture, I find mixing it with the brand's Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil ($68) yields great results.
A note from the founder: 'T.L.C. Framboos was one of the original six products I launched with in 2013. It's a blend of 10% AHAs, glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids, along with 1.0% salicylic acid to refine, smooth texture and unclog congestion. I also added a mix of powerful antioxidants to help protect against environmental free radical damage, so it works as an antioxidant serum, too.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum with Lactic Acid is one of the best precursors to use before the Protini Polypeptide Cream, especially for its well-formulated blend of lactic and amino acids — offering a rich hydrating factor to your skin. Along with 11 peptides, its formulation at large also helps minimize the appearance of pores and reverse the impact of sun damage.
A note from the founder: 'Protini Serum was our second launch of 2021, with a blend of 10% lactic acid, and our highest even array and concentration of peptides—11 in all—and full of water-boosting ingredients (such as snow mushroom extract, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium PCA) replenish hydration levels) that is clinically proven to improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, tone and congestion. Lactic acid is one of the most gentle AHAs, due to its larger molecular size (meaning it cannot penetrate as deeply as others, like glycolic acid). It's also the only form of AHA that can trigger healthy collagen production.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is an easy-to-blend, full-coverage facial sunscreen that doesn't clog pores and keeps your skin protected from both UVA and UVB rays (aka, helping to prevent your skin from aging and burning simultaneously). It's more moisturizing than other facial SPFs I've used on the market, though it may not be the best for melanated skin as it leaves a slightly white cast, though that fades once blended well.
A note from the founder: 'Umbra was another from the original six formulas, a totally silicone-free sunscreen—meaning it is completely water soluble and cleanses easily from skin—that relies only on mineral sunscreen actives. I used pure zinc oxide, which also makes Umbra reef safe, too. It was important to me that we include a range of antioxidants as well, as research is very clear about their benefits in boosting your skin's defenses against sun damage. I included an array that have powerful UV free-radical protection: Seaweed-derived astaxanthin, raspberry seed oil, sunflower sprout extract and vitamin C.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is one of my go-to products to use twice daily. It has a true jelly consistency that is suitable for all skin types — including sensitive (simply put, it works wonders when I'm at my driest and oiliest). It even doubles as a makeup remover and does a great job of washing away impurities on the skin without stripping its barrier.
A note from the founder: 'Beste is a deceptively simple formula—it was our first liquid cleanser after our solid bars, and we wanted something that would easily remove the bacteria, dirt, and pollution from the day, but still not strip skin or compromise the balance of lipids and emollients in its barrier. Beste relies on mostly plant-derived amphoteric surfactants, which are notable for their incredibly mild treatment of skin and barrier-friendly pH levels and paired them with a blend of vegetable-based cleansing agents to give the formula just enough oomph to remove makeup and sunscreen, without taking too much away. We also added a touch of moisture—plant glycolipids, linoleic, linolenic and marula oil—to soothe skin.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Lala Retro Whipped Cream with Ceramides will forever be a top brand product (see: The Top 5 section above) and it differs from the Protini Polypeptide in that it's more cloud-like and doesn't have that refreshing cooling effect characteristic of its green-capped counterpart. Instead, Lala Retro focuses on replenishing the skin's barrier — a dreamboat for dry skin, to say the least — and its six African oil blend and plant ceramide complex add to its all-around soothing nature.
A note from the founder: 'I take inspiration from health and wellness, which has led to ingredient combinations and formulation methods that may have been unexpected, but have worked incredibly well for us. The oil-whipping emulsion technology we use for Lala, for example, was inspired by me whipping salad dressing, if you can believe that. It's how we created the classic cream texture without the use of silicones.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil isn't your best friend if you want to eliminate shine because, even though I love it, it'll give your skin a layer of sheen. For this reason, I love using it before bed to allow its antioxidant-rich, glowing serum to seep into my skin overnight. Because it contains greater concentrations of polyphenols than antioxidant-infused dark chocolate or green or black teas, it's a fortifying blend and defense against pollution and environmental stressors.
A note from the founder: 'Virgin Marula was among those first six products I launched with in 2013, and it's an ingredient I believe very strongly in due to its benefits for skin. It was always my goal to find an oil that did more than just moisturize skin, going above and beyond to soothe, protect and reinforce skin's barrier. When I learned about Marula oil I was in love! It is rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and not for nothing, it gives skin the prettiest glow. I knew that it had to have a starring role in skincare. Marula oil goes above and beyond, with anti-inflammatory, barrier reparative and free-radical defense abilities, and it works for all skin—which is why it is included in all of our formulas at varying levels.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is another Top 5 product in my book (and I've used plenty of cleansing balms). It's the most gentle yet effective I've used — seriously, go buy it and you'll fall in love — and I love using the included applicator to dab product in a cross-shape (forehead, chin and each cheek), then using water to erase the day away. Sometimes, I'd forego the rest of my skincare routine because it leaves a baby-soft finish to your skin that feels well-moisturized, making it even more iconic to travel with if you want to eliminate your product load.
A note from the founder: 'Slaai, which launched in the early spring of 2019, was our first oil-based cleansing formula, using a blend of plant oils and our mildest blend of surfactants (so gentle they can be used on the eye area, by even the most sensitive of skin) to melt away sunscreen, makeup (even water-resistant forms), dirt and pollution. Slaai is able to cleanse without influencing the pH level of skin or disrupting the balance of (or stripping away) lipids in the skin barrier. Those lipids and other protective substances are what keeps the acid mantle healthy and thriving, which is why it is incredibly important to us that every formula we create only supports its health.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Mask has been my ride-or-die overnight face mask as of late. It's one I've kept closely on my counter for years now, thanks to its refreshing finish that leaves your skin naturally radiant and fades the look of texture from your skin (assuming you don't have cystic acne or another skin condition). This electrolyte cocktail contains niacinamide, five forms of ceramides, omega fatty acids and powerful antioxidants — along with tiny beads of vitamin F that are gentle on even the most sensitive of skin — to deliver extra nourishment and grandeur appeal. Dare I say it's the most clever ingredient blend the brand has set forth?
A note from the founder: 'F-Balm was our second ever mask, after Babyfacial, launching in January of 2020. I wanted to develop a hardworking, intensive repair treatment for when skin is extra parched, stressed or just needs a little extra love. F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial does the job using a blend of ingredients focused on replenishing and strengthening skin's acid mantle via high doses of electrolytes, omega fatty acids, ceramides and powerful antioxidants. Electrolytes help maintain and protect the balance of hydration and moisture levels in skin, improve barrier strength and calm redness. We added four—coconut water, sodium PCA, magnesium PCA and prickly pear extract—all of which are powerful antioxidant-rich humectants.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask with 10% Azelaic Acid + 1% Salicylic Acid is one of the brand's most recent launches and mimics its C-Firma Fresh Vitamin-C Day Serum in brightening factor and efficacy. Helping to fade dark spots and reduce the look of redness, it's the niacinamide- and ceramide-infused product to use if brightening is more of a priority to you than anti-aging.
A note from the founder: 'Bouncy Brightfacial was our last launch of 2022, and is like nothing we've ever made. I wanted to create a skincare product that would smooth and even out signs of photodamage and make the skin as soft and plump as possible. Skin-soothing azelaic acid and exfoliating salicylic acid work together to correct the appearance of blemishes and discoloration while improving skin's texture and tone. A triple-antioxidant brightening complex targets dark spots, hyperpigmentation, visible signs of photodamage, and post-acne marks to promote dramatically more radiant and clearer-looking skin. Moisturizing plant oils—marula, chia, fermented green tea, and pumpkin seed—replenish, while ceramides, niacinamide, tocotrienols, and fatty acids strengthen and support a healthy skin barrier. All of which adds up to brighter, clearer, and happier skin—and mood.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream is excellent if you detest deodorant stains of all kinds (OK, so all of us) and doesn't spill over onto your clothes. It's like your powdered sugar dispenser, but one that dashes only to your skin and nowhere else. As someone who's more accustomed to the typical stick of Native, I was colored impressed by its nurturing, easy-to-use and aluminum-free design (read: best natural deodorants).
A note from the founder: 'Sweet Pitti is an acid-based antibacterial deodorant, and was part of our original six body care products that launched in 2020. Acid-based deodorants have a great edge, not only do AHAs kill odor-causing bacteria, but they are also friendly and supportive of skin's acid mantle. It's really what makes this formula special, because many deodorants use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as their active ingredient, for example, which has a high, alkaline pH level and is inherently sensitizing.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion is a luxury body lotion in every sense of the word, helping to soothe and add some vitality to dull skin. Its 10% AHA formulation allows it to be apt for dry skin, especially, and it does a phenomenal job at resurfacing your skin post-shower. However, allow yourself about 20 to 30 minutes before applying, as it can 'sting' when in contact with damp or freshly shaven skin.
A note from the founder: 'People kept asking for T.L.C. Framboos for body, so here we are. T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion, which launched in 2021, a year after our core hair and body line, gently smooths and refines rough, bumpy skin while improving uneven tone with the same 10% AHA blend. A mix of antioxidant-loaded nonfragrant plant oils and butters—think green tea seed, passionfruit, apricot, marula, and shea—soothes and goes deep to moisturize dry, irritable skin, while squalane, vitamin F, sodium hyaluronate, and niacinamide work to create a stronger, healthier acid mantle. Powerful electrolytes (coconut fruit juice and sodium PCA) provide critical hydration and help defend against environmental stressors.'
Sephora
Pairs well with: Drunk Elephant Marula Cream Conditioner
Why we love it: The Cocomino Glossing Shampoo is one of the best for shine, though it didn't quite combat my frizzy hair. However, it's still one I reach for because of its highly lathering formulation and ability to hold a curl once dried and styled (the most important factor, at least for me). With the matching Marula Cream Conditioner, your hair will be smooth and well-moisturized, making it one of the best shampoos for dry hair.
A note from the founder: 'These two are some of my favorites! I created my line of hair care to focuses on the scalp—products that dissolve years of buildup while nourishing hair. Our Cocominos have no sulfates (or any harsh surfactants). For the Shampoo, that means a gentle, low-foam cleanse that's safe for color-treated hair and won't strip or rob your hair of its natural shine but will help reboot your scalp and strands by washing away styling-product buildup. We left out the artificial thickeners, too, which means Cocomino Shampoo has a lightweight liquid feel, and a little goes a long way. It contains a blend of moisturizing sweet almond oil and almond extract, which gives this formula a naturally nutty scent that vanishes quickly.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Body Scrub is a brand product that truly deserves more hype than it currently confers. If you love all things coffee-scented but are looking for an exfoliant that won't irritate sensitive skin, this is the solution to gently sweep away dead skin cells — especially on your ankles and kneecaps. Its brown sugar crystals have a texture like that of sand (which, unfortunately, has the caveat of being left at the base of your bathtub or shower floor), but a simple rinse after you hopped out of the shower will do. It's a product I love to use every few days or so.
A note from the founder: 'Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Body Scrub smells exactly like it sounds, which is all due to the blend of almond milk, coffee bean extract, and coffee seed oil that it contains. It's sweet and rich, but it doesn't contain fragrance or essential oils. This softening blend of moisturizing plant oils nourishes skin, while roasted and powdered coffee bean and brown sugar crystals exfoliate. Formulated with a blend of skin-nourishing almond milk and moisturizing, antioxidant-rich coffee seed, passionfruit, and marula oils, Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Body Scrub rinses easily while keeping everything below the neck soft, flake-free, and balanced.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Silkamino Mega-Moisturizing Masker is the once-a-week replacement to your Marula Cream Conditioner ($27), helping to strengthen, soothe and soften the tips of your hair from the scalp-down. A little goes a long way, too, and your hair will beautifully reap its benefits whether you air-dry or use a blow dryer.
A note from the founder: 'Silkamino Masker was part of our Silkamino hair line, which launched in 2022, all designed to deliver deep moisture to the driest, most damaged or coarse of hair types. It has marula butter, sunflower fatty acids, and panthenol penetrate to replenish and seal in moisture while a fortifying blend of hydration-boosting and hair-smoothing agents restores shine and touchability, along with a system of silk-derived ingredients that function together to provide a rebonding, deep-conditioning benefit for hair.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub does a wonder on both dry and oily hair alike (thanks, AHA and BHA!) and contains a blend of six antioxidant and fatty acid-rich plant oils (including marula, mongongo, baobab and maracuja), along with amino acids. Upon use, your scalp will be more well-nourished, flake-free and balanced than ever before (though, if you have serious flakiness, check out our expert-backed guide to the best dandruff shampoos).
A note from the founder: 'T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub, with its 10% AHA/1% BHA blend of exfoliating acids, keeps the scalp nourished, flake-free, and balanced. We paired that AHA/BHA blend with plant cellulose beads, housed in a tube that dispenses via a needle-nose spout, making it easy to apply directly to the scalp. The combination of AHA/BHA and plant cellulose beads helps to rid the scalp of buildup, while keeping the hair follicles clear and able to do their job unimpeded. Unlike our other AHA/BHA exfoliants, T.L.C. Happi Scalp Scrub is specially designed to work within a short period of time (10 minutes). After that time, gently massage the exfoliating cellulose beads through and rinse thoroughly for a minute or two before you shampoo. Just be sure you always start with a completely dry scalp and dry hair, otherwise it just won't work as well!'
Sephora
Why we love it: The Scrubbi Bamboes Body Cleanser has gentle exfoliating beads that help wash, purify and rid dead skin cells in a gentle and hydrating way. Its jelly-to-foam consistency is quite revolutionary, scaling up the list of my favorite shower products to use. With a mild, natural vanilla scent, it's heaven in a bottle.
A note from the founder: 'Scrubbi is an exfoliating, antioxidant-rich jelly-to-foam body cleanser that thoroughly cleanses, softens, hydrates, and soothes with a mild, naturally sweet vanilla scent. Ultra-mild surfactants remove sweat, grime, and excess oils, while ultrafine, biodegradable bamboo beads gently buff dry, rough areas, leaving skin cushiony soft and silky smooth. A mix of fatty-acid-rich chia seed, flax seed, and marula oils moisturizes, and a quick-absorbing multi-amino-acid blend helps strengthen skin. Sodium PCA and squalane maintain hydration levels, prevent water loss, and improve barrier strength; antioxidant compounds help to calm and soothe. It contains vanilla fruit extract, which we added for its antioxidant and skin-calming benefits—it has a slightly sweet scent as a result.'
Sephora
Why we love it: The E-Rase Milki Micellar Water is a great makeup-removing option that won't strip your skin. I love pouring the liquid onto a cotton round and dabbing it on my face to remove my face makeup from the day (if I'm not using the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, that is). With soothing vitamin E and replenishing fatty acids and antioxidant-rich plant oils — marula, baobab, mongongo, wild melon seed, ximenia seed, passionfruit and sweet almond — rest assured it'll take the day away in only a few sweeps and is a step above your average micellar water pick.
A note from the founder: 'I love this formula, and use it almost daily! E-Rase launched in 2020, and is our most flexible 'cleanser' formula, precisely because it is such an incredibly mild formula that doesn't use traditional surfactants. It may be used in place of a cleanser, as quick refresh after a workout or whenever going 'full cleanser' isn't really practical. Because E-Rase doesn't use traditional surfactants, it's fine to use it with a soft cloth and no water as an 'in-between' cleansing refresh, or as a dedicated makeup remover, before your traditional nighttime cleanser. You can use E-Rase with your hands too, or with cotton rounds.'
An FAQ with Drunk Elephant's Founder
Victoria Giardina
How did Drunk Elephant get its start?
Interestingly, Masterson started from a place that many will probably recognize — she was a curious consumer, who was frustrated with the skin issues that she was unable to resolve, and researching, looking for solutions. Who knew where that would lead?
'I studied ingredients non-stop for about three years, which led me to a process of elimination, taking things out, adding them back and that's what would evolve into the Suspicious 6,' Masterson tells The Post. 'This was shorthand for the six categories of ingredients that I felt were at the root of the skin issues I and others had battled: Essential oils, fragrance/dyes, silicones, sodium lauryl sulfate, drying alcohols and chemical screens.'
Research led Masterson to think about skin differently, too. 'It was my experience that many of the skin behaviors that people struggle with, including myself—acne, sensitivity, dryness, excessive oiliness—are caused or worsened by the very products we are using to treat those concerns,' she adds. 'For example, products that are designed to treat acne or oily skin often use harsh ingredients like drying alcohols and those that are marketed to dry and sensitive skin often contain fragrances/dyes and essential oils.'
What's more, these types of ingredients interfere with skin's ability to function at its best and of the ability of the actives to do their job. 'Sensitized and congested skin cannot truly benefit from beneficial actives because it is too distracted trying to repair the all the damage that irritating and in most cases, inflammatory ingredients cause,' she explains. 'Ingredients like silicones interfere with the absorption of actives (vitamin C or retinol, for example), which means your skin is only getting a fraction of those actives when they're formulated in a silicone base.'
She's convinced that often, these behaviors or conditions (as she likes to call them) are ingredient-induced. Far worse, the ingredients responsible can be found in some combination in almost every skincare product on the market.
'That's why I developed Drunk Elephant in the first place — I was excited to help any and everyone I could, and, it turns out, starting with what not to use, and sticking to benefit-driven actives, really resonated with the consumer. It's how Drunk Elephant was born, and always coming back to the research and sticking to our philosophy has been the reason we've thrived.' Tiffany Masterson, founder and chief creative officer at Drunk Elephant
Your step-by-step Drunk Elephant skincare routine — the same one its founder follows
As you can imagine, Masterson is always working on new formulations, testing and experimenting, so her day and night routines have products on rotation always.
'I have something new coming out late summer that we have been working on for a few years, and it's been part of my daytime routine consistently — I can't live without it and I'm so excited to see it launch,' she teases. 'I can't say what it is, though — I wish i could!'
While it's difficult for Masterson to choose favorites, she dishes out some specifications just for you, New York Post Shopping readers.
'C-Firma Fresh, D-Bronzi, O-Bloos, A-Passioni or A-Gloei, Protini Polypeptide and my Umbra sunscreen are some of my most frequently used formulas for day,' she lists. 'At night, Lala, T.L.C. Framboos, Brightfacial, F-Balm and Virgin Marula Oil are my go-to products.'
She only cleanses at night, using the Slaai Cleansing Balm. 'Cleansing twice daily can really do a number on your skin, so in the morning I wake up and like to gently wipe a soft damp cloth over my eyes, with a bit of micellar milk just to refresh,' she elaborates.
For her hair, she (of course) uses the Cocomino Glossing Shampoo, followed by the Silkamino Masker, which she uses as her regular conditioner — you just use less of it!
The most popular Drunk Elephant products, explained by its founder
'So many have taken turns at the top, but Protini Cream, D-Bronzi, C-Firma Fresh, Lala and B-Hydra are having a big moment right now,' Masterson shares. 'I don't have a hero product, which is not typical for a brand, at least that's what I've been told. However, I really think the most popular thing about my line is the philosophy, which all the products fall under, which is about helping consumers understand that skin is skin, and it knows what it needs to be healthy.'
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what's truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria's latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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