Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the products featured were provided for review.
With its strong philosophy in using only the most effective, high-quality ingredients, Drunk Elephant has been making a splash in the skincare scene. I've previously delved into the brand's cleansers (see here) and serums (see here) so today I want to get into the bread and butter of the product line with a detailed look at the Drunk Elephant moisturizers, all formulated without drying alcohols, fragrances, silicones, and a whole list of other "blacklisted" ingredients. Curious to read all about them, including the bestselling Protini Polypeptide Cream? Keep on reading by clicking......
Drunk Elephant | B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel ($65 CAD for 50ml):
Housed in a tall, twist-to-open pump bottle similar to that of the Drunk Elephant serums, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel is a lightweight gel moisturizer designed to boost skin moisturization. Formulated with a unique combination of pro-vitamin B5, pineapple ceramide (a waxy lipid), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and extracts of watermelon rind, apple, and lentil, the gel attracts and retains water to the skin, boosting luminosity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
With a slightly viscous and cloudy appearance, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel applies very nicely on the skin and sets to a natural matte finish. When used alone, the gel is soothing and hydrating but not quite nourishing enough for my skincare needs. The finish feels a little "tight" on the face as the formulation lacks that creamy, softening quality that I personally look for in an everyday moisturizer. However, Drunk Elephant does recommend mixing the gel with any of its serums (the C-Firma Serum, in particular), creams, and Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil (see below). I've been pairing a few pumps of the B-Hydra with two to three drops of the marula oil for daytime use and the two provide just the right amount of hydration and nourishment. So overall, I think the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel is a great moisture booster. As a standalone moisturizer, it might not provide enough nourishment for the skin but when mixed with a cream or beauty oil, it serves as a great carrier base.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cyclodextrin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Drunk Elephant | Lala Retro Whipped Cream ($75 CAD for 50ml):
Packaged in a convenient press-to-dispense jar that preserves the freshness of the product, the Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a deeply nourishing face cream formulated with six rare African oils (passion fruit, kalahari melon, baobab, mongongo, marula, ximenia). With a rich and creamy texture that instantly soothes and nourishes, Lala Retro also contains plantain extract (restores firmness and elasticity), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (retains skin hydration), and fermentoil green tea extract (rich in antioxidants).
I've been using the cream at night time on top of the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum and have noticed great improvements in skin texture and radiance. There's something so luxurious and comforting about this cream that I just can't get over. The formulation is on the heavier side so I wouldn't recommend it for daytime use unless you have dry to very dry skin. With that said, the cream never leaves my face feeling greasy or slick so I can go to bed without worrying about rubbing everything off onto my pillowcase. Overall, if you are looking for a starter product in the Drunk Elephant moisturizer range, this is the one I'd recommend!
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate (Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate), Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceteareth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Drunk Elephant | Protini Polypeptide Cream ($84 CAD for 50ml):
Currently the number one bestseller from Drunk Elephant, the Protini Polypeptide Cream is "protein moisturizer" formulated with an "unprecedented array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, and supportive amino acids" that improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. Also infused with a combination of pygmy waterlily extract and soybean ferment extract, the moisturizer promises to reduce signs of sun damage and visibly strengthen and moisturize the skin.
Also packaged in a press-to-dispense jar, Protini has a milky, lightweight gel-like texture that spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly on bare skin. An issue I've been experiencing with the application is that when used on top of any toner or serum (even the ones from Drunk Elephant), Protini has the tendency to emulsify and almost lather a bit like a face cleanser (but not too that extent, of course), requiring extra smoothing and massaging to make sure it's completely settled onto the skin. It's not a dealbreaker as I've had similar issues with a handful other moisturizers in past but the application just takes more time and care. Once set, however, the moisturizer is hydrating and replenishing. The formulation is definitely not as nourishing as a Lala Retro Whipped Cream but it works great as a daytime moisturizer. I'm not sure I can visibly detect the benefits of the "breakthrough" protein complexes but Protini is certainly a solid daytime moisturizer that provides just the right amount of lightweight hydration.
Ingredients: Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean/ Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14 , Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Acetyl Glutamine, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20 , Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Isomalt, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract.
Drunk Elephant | Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($50 CAD for 15ml or $90 for 30m):
Consisting 100% of unrefined, cold-pressed marula (Sclerocraya Birrea) kernel oil rich in antioxidants, omega 6, and omega 9, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is a surprisingly lightweight beauty oil suitable for all skin types. With a thin, quick-to-absorb consistency, the oil can be applied directly to the face and body, or mixed with serums and moisturizers for a boost of hydration and nourishment. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, marula oil reduces visible signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone) and improves skin elasticity. I've been using it in combination with the Lala Retro Whipped Cream for my nighttime skincare routine and my skin is so hydrated and baby soft in the morning. Because the oil is not too greasy, I can also use it in the daytime mixed with the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel. Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a skincare essential but if you are a fan of beauty oils, then this is definitely a good one to check out!
Have you tried any of these products from Drunk Elephant? What recommendations do you have from the brand? Share with me in the comments below!
Availability:
Drunk Elephant is available in stores and online at Sephora and www.drunkelephant.com.
Drunk Elephant | B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel ($65 CAD for 50ml):
Housed in a tall, twist-to-open pump bottle similar to that of the Drunk Elephant serums, the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel is a lightweight gel moisturizer designed to boost skin moisturization. Formulated with a unique combination of pro-vitamin B5, pineapple ceramide (a waxy lipid), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, and extracts of watermelon rind, apple, and lentil, the gel attracts and retains water to the skin, boosting luminosity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
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| Drunk Elephant | B-Hydra Virgin Marula Facial Oil |
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Berberis Vulgaris Root Extract, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cyclodextrin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
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| Drunk Elephant | Lala Retro Whipped Cream & Protini Polypeptide Cream |
Packaged in a convenient press-to-dispense jar that preserves the freshness of the product, the Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a deeply nourishing face cream formulated with six rare African oils (passion fruit, kalahari melon, baobab, mongongo, marula, ximenia). With a rich and creamy texture that instantly soothes and nourishes, Lala Retro also contains plantain extract (restores firmness and elasticity), sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer (retains skin hydration), and fermentoil green tea extract (rich in antioxidants).
I've been using the cream at night time on top of the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum and have noticed great improvements in skin texture and radiance. There's something so luxurious and comforting about this cream that I just can't get over. The formulation is on the heavier side so I wouldn't recommend it for daytime use unless you have dry to very dry skin. With that said, the cream never leaves my face feeling greasy or slick so I can go to bed without worrying about rubbing everything off onto my pillowcase. Overall, if you are looking for a starter product in the Drunk Elephant moisturizer range, this is the one I'd recommend!
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate (Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate), Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceteareth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
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| Drunk Elephant | Lala Retro Whipped Cream |
Currently the number one bestseller from Drunk Elephant, the Protini Polypeptide Cream is "protein moisturizer" formulated with an "unprecedented array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, and supportive amino acids" that improve skin tone, texture, and firmness. Also infused with a combination of pygmy waterlily extract and soybean ferment extract, the moisturizer promises to reduce signs of sun damage and visibly strengthen and moisturize the skin.
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| Drunk Elephant | Protini Polypeptide Cream, Lala Retro Whipped Cream & B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel |
Ingredients: Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean/ Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14 , Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Acetyl Glutamine, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20 , Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Isomalt, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract.
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| Drunk Elephant | Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil |
Consisting 100% of unrefined, cold-pressed marula (Sclerocraya Birrea) kernel oil rich in antioxidants, omega 6, and omega 9, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is a surprisingly lightweight beauty oil suitable for all skin types. With a thin, quick-to-absorb consistency, the oil can be applied directly to the face and body, or mixed with serums and moisturizers for a boost of hydration and nourishment. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, marula oil reduces visible signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone) and improves skin elasticity. I've been using it in combination with the Lala Retro Whipped Cream for my nighttime skincare routine and my skin is so hydrated and baby soft in the morning. Because the oil is not too greasy, I can also use it in the daytime mixed with the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel. Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a skincare essential but if you are a fan of beauty oils, then this is definitely a good one to check out!
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| Drunk Elephant | Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil |
Availability:
Drunk Elephant is available in stores and online at Sephora and www.drunkelephant.com.
