Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant was founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, a Houston mother with no formal chemistry background who became frustrated that her sensitive skin reacted to most products on the market. She identified six ingredient categories she believed caused most skin problems -- which she dubbed the 'Suspicious 6' (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrance/dyes, SLS) -- and formulated products without any of them. The approach resonated enormously: Shiseido acquired Drunk Elephant in 2019 for $845 million. The brand's color-coded packaging and playful naming convention (Protini, T.L.C. Framboos, C-Firma) made clinical actives feel approachable. Their 'smoothie' philosophy encourages mixing products together for customized routines. With 17 products across 10 categories averaging 82/100 at the premium tier, Drunk Elephant delivers strong formulations with genuinely clean ingredient profiles, though the premium pricing means value-conscious consumers can find similar actives for less.
Brand Philosophy
Drunk Elephant formulates around biocompatibility -- using only ingredients that the skin recognizes, benefits from, or needs. The brand eliminates the 'Suspicious 6' categories of ingredients from every product and focuses on a philosophy of skin that is given only compatible ingredients will return to a healthy, balanced state. pH optimization is central to their acid and vitamin C products.
Consumers with sensitive skin seeking clean-formulated products with effective actives. Good for those willing to pay premium prices for the Suspicious 6-free guarantee.
- Suspicious 6 elimination
- C-Firma vitamin C serum
- T.L.C. Framboos glycolic serum
- Protini peptide moisturizer
- Smoothie mixing philosophy
- L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C)
- Glycolic Acid
- Retinol
- Marula Oil
- Peptides
Drunk Elephant at a Glance
Strongest Categories
Drunk Elephant performs best in: Mask (1 product, avg 91/100); Brightening Treatment (1 product, avg 89/100); Anti-Aging Treatment (1 product, avg 87/100).
Best Conditions Served
Across all products, Drunk Elephant scores highest for: Aging/Mature Skin (avg 88/100); Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 86/100); Dull/Uneven Texture (avg 84/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Drunk Elephant products are particularly worth considering.
Certifications
Common certifications include Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Fragrance-Free, Clean at Sephora, Dermatologist-Tested, Dermatologist Tested.
Best Drunk Elephant by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring Drunk Elephant product for each condition we evaluate.
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
All Drunk Elephant Products (17)
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream with Ceramides
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
