If you’re yet to hear the Drunk Elephant hype, allow me to fill you in: it’s a US skincare brand with a cult-like following, thanks to its clinically proven ingredients and the fact that its products are actually capable of working small miracles.
It’s also one of the fastest growing skincare companies in the history of Sephora, according to WWD, and here in Australia, it sold out within three days of launch.
What sets Drunk Elephant apart? As far as skincare goes, we seem to have two options: the entirely natural, but-does-it-actually-do-anything category, and the chemicals-that-may-one-day-kill-me route.
Drunk Elephant takes the best of both. It’s free from proven nasties like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and artificial fragrance (and in the case of some products in the range, even gluten), but doesn’t shy away from synthetics if they’re clinically proven to be effective, non-irritating and safe.
I’ve been using two of the brand’s hero products – the C-Firma Day Serum and T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum – for about six weeks now, and while I wasn’t sold initially, I am now well and truly smitten.
At first I alternated the products as my skin is on the sensitive side, and both serums are packed with some pretty potent ingredients. The C-Firma contains 15 per cent L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as well as ferulic acid and Vitamin E – a proven combination to improve skin’s tone and texture.
The day serum also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. It’s a golden, oil-like consistency that has a slightly off-putting bacon smell (anyone who’s used Skinceuticals CE Ferulic will know what I’m talking about) that comes from the Vit C and E. It absorbs quickly into the skin and a little bit goes a long way – one pump gives enough to cover my face, neck and chest.
As for the night serum, my major gripe is that the consistency is quite sticky and doesn’t absorb as quickly as I’d like. But the issues end there – it’s gentler than other chemical exfoliants I’ve tried (read: minimal tingling) and doesn’t dry my skin out.
With 12 per cent glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid, as well as raspberry extract, it’s designed to clear pores and resurface the skin to target dullness, congestion and fine lines while you sleep.
My major skin concerns are oiliness, the occasional breakout and redness. While I haven’t noticed any difference on the shine front, the standout for me has been that my redness has practically disappeared. In an I-am-surprised-every-time-I-look-in-the-mirror-every-morning kind of way.
I don’t think I’m kidding myself when I say my skin is looking brighter, less stressed and generally happier than it was in my dark, pre-Drunk Elephant days. I’m already contemplating my next purchase from the range (B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel, I’m coming for you) and in a moment of great-skin-induced madness, considered a spontaneous trip to the US to buy the brand’s new T.L.C Sukari Baby Facial, which isn’t yet available in Aus.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
