Why Drunk Elephant Will Always Be at the Top of Our Beauty Wishlist

What Is DRUNK ELEPHANT?

We briefly mentioned “biocompatible skincare,” but what does that mean, exactly? It’s important to touch on how DRUNK ELEPHANT really brought that term to the surface. This is used to describe products and ingredients that won’t compromise the skin barrier. Whether by irritation, sensitivity, or other disruption, a biocompatible product will work with the skin, rather than against it. It makes the skin feel good.

The skincare line also initially garnered attention for avoiding what it calls “Suspicious 6” ingredients. These are essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and sodium lauryl sulfate (aka SLS). At the rise of the clean beauty movement, the brand was praised for aligning with the terms of “clean beauty,” while also maintaining prestige formulas and cutting-edge packaging that didn’t scream “earthy” or too natural.

10 Popular Skincare Products From DRUNK ELEPHANT That We Refill Every Time

1. DRUNK ELEPHANT D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops

When we think of writing a DRUNK ELEPHANT skincare review, this is one of the first products that comes to mind. These frequently sold-out bronzing drops dominated TikTok, as often seen mixed with the brand’s Protini Polypeptide Cream (see No. 4). Needless to say, they’re a hit among our IPSY community. “I mix this with my foundation, and it gives me a nice sheen,” said one user. “Not too dark or heavy. By itself it blends nicely and is not harsh.” The easy-to-use product is encouraged to be mixed with any of the brand’s serums, oils, or creams for an added boost of color.

2. DRUNK ELEPHANT O-Bloos Rosi Drops

An accompaniment to the bronzing drops, these rosy dew drops offer on-the-go flush. “I love these drops—a light layer gives my skin a glowy finish,” one of our IPSY community members commented. “The formula is buildable for a more dramatic flush.” The shade offers a flirty, feminine peach hue, formulated with omega fatty acids. 

3. DRUNK ELEPHANT Bouncy Brightfacial 

Cancel your in-office appointment—this bad boy does all the work for us from home. The leave-on mask features 10% azelaic acid to clarify skin tone, fade stubborn spots, and ultimately leave us with a more even complexion. Consider it a jack of all trades, at least according to one of our IPSY community members. “This leave-on mask is a game changer for dull, uneven skin,” they commented. “With this acid, it helps fade dark spots, reduce redness, and smooth texture—all without irritation. It’s lightweight, absorbs fast, and leaves my skin glowing by morning. Great for sensitive skin, too!”

4. DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Firma Fresh Day Serum 

If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s the importance of antioxidants (like vitamin C) in your skincare routine. DRUNK ELEPHANT was at the height of the vitamin C skincare boom approximately a decade ago, so they know a thing or two about formulating a vitamin C serum. Firming, brightening, and tackling signs of photoaging are what you can expect from this all-star, and our community agrees it’s a winner. “My favorite vitamin C of all time!” exclaimed one commenter. “Not only is it one of the only ones derms recommend, it’s also super light on my skin.” 

5. DRUNK ELEPHANT Protini Polypeptide Cream 

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably had a run-in with this game-changer. It’s a viral hit for a reason. It’s a peptide-packed gel-cream moisturizer that blends effortlessly with SPF, bronzing drops, you name it. And it sits on our skin like a dream. 

6. DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 

They don’t call it a Babyfacial for nothing. Thanks to a blend of acids and chickpea flour (yes, you read that right), this powerhouse leaves us with fresh and refined baby-smooth skin. We love applying this before a big event or when we want our skin to look especially soft under makeup.

7. DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

You can never go wrong with a solid cleanser, and this removes grime without stripping our skin. When we say good as new, we mean it. A combination of fatty acids, glycerin, and fruit extract leave us without a trace of gunk in the morning and at night.

8. DRUNK ELEPHANT A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Every good skincare routine deserves a trusty retinol, and this is one we’ll always come back to. This peptide-packed game changer helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while restoring bounce, brightness, and a youthful, lit-from-within glow. 

9. DRUNK ELEPHANT Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

When we’re looking for something slightly heavier than a hydration serum, we turn to this product right here. It’s an award-winning best-seller for a reason. Featuring 100% virgin marula oil, it nourishes, balances, and restores the skin to a youthful glow.

10. DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

“We woke up like this,” is our usual reaction the morning after using this acid-packed powerhouse product. With just one use, it resurfaces our skin and dramatically improves the look of pores, blemishes, and fine lines.

What to Know Before Trying DRUNK ELEPHANT

Despite what TikTok may have led your kids or young family members to believe, DRUNK ELEPHANT isn’t really for them. These products are packed with high-performance actives that are designed for users over 18. 

The brand has been in the business considerably longer than much of the new skincare we see pop up. At this point in the game, they know what they’re doing. They’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to vitamin C and face oils, so those may be a good place to start. That said, their releases aren’t cheap. The active-heavy products start at around $60 and go up from there. Luckily, however, they offer travel sizes and bundles so you can curb your curiosities if you so choose. 

Is DRUNK ELEPHANT Worth It?

When it comes to whether or not the brand is worth your money, it comes down to your discretion. When you opt in for a DRUNK ELEPHANT purchase, you’re really paying for their research and development, product testing, and trustworthy name.

Final Thoughts on DRUNK ELEPHANT Skincare

DRUNK ELEPHANT is more than just a trendy beauty brand with eye-catching packaging. The brand gained initial popularity in the beauty industry for many reasons, including its effective, non-toxic formulas that are biocompatible with the skin. Some key standouts over the years and on social media are their bronzing drops, moisturizers, and vitamin C offerings. The brand caught heightened buzz in 2024 when teens flocked to Sephora to stock up, causing a stir because (despite colorful packaging) DRUNK ELEPHANT is designed for an older audience. 

If you’re curious to try a product or two and make the decision on your own, check out the selection we’re now offering on IPSY, including some of the favorites listed above!