The ​3 Best Drunk Elephant Skincare Dupes Worth Trying

Most popular brands seem to blow up out of nowhere; sometimes, they become involved in a scandal and effectively disappear and Drunk Elephant is on the edge of being no exception. The skincare brand, which launched in 2012, has been raved about by big names in the skincare world, such as "skinfluencer" Hyram Yarbro. But it's since become slightly untrustworthy for their involvement in various controversies. If you aren't aware of what happened, that is okay; we can catch you up to speed. Though popular YouTuber Hyram Yarbro used to love and promote Drunk Elephant, he made a YouTube video on why he no longer supports it. In 2019, Yarbro's video titled "No More Drunk Elephant" had since gained thousands of views. He says one of his most significant problems with the brand is how they treat its customers. Yarbro speaks about how customers reported irritation side effects, but the brand refused to take accountability, accusing them of lying. Yarbo also said many customers reported their comments being deleted from the brand's Instagram posts if they weren't positive. Some customers were even reportedly blocked for disagreeing with the brand. Though Yarbro hadn't experienced anything like this himself, he allegedly received a rude, public response to a question he had about an ingredient. He no longer supports Drunk Elephant because of how the company treats influencers, mentioning one, in particular (Caroline Hirons), who was questioning a retinol cream the brand carries. A representative from Drunk Elephant reportedly said Hirons doesn't understand beauty products or skincare and made insulting comments about her credentials.

So why should anyone care, right? If a brand seems untrustworthy or may have unethical practices, don't purchase the products; however, since skincare is about quality and effective ingredients, we have decided to make some significant comparisons. Whether or not you support Drunk Elephant or want to see if there is a better product out there, we have your back. Drunk Elephant has many popular products, with some of the most famous promoting everything from SPF to AHAs. Let's dive into the esthetician-recommended versions!

Which Drunk Elephant serum is best?

The Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is the best seller for Sephora.

What it is: A cool drink of water for thirsty skin, this hydrating serum visibly replenishes the complexion and improves skin texture and tone.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

Highlighted Ingredients:

- Pineapple Ceramide

- Provitamin B5

- Sodium Hyaluronate

Which Drunk Elephant serum is the best dupe?

The professional skincare brand BiON has a Pure Hydration Hyaluronic Serum that is a superb choice for a natural facial moisturizer and dupe for B-Hydra.

What it is: This serum can carry as much as 1000 times its weight in moisture to the skin. Adding water and locking it beneath the skin allows sagging areas to fill out while the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles diminishes. Also, since this serum has no creams or oils, it works great for skin prone to acne. In addition, this serum contains an industry-leading 1% of pure hyaluronic acid.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

Highlighted Ingredients:

-Hyaluronic Acid

-Gluconolactone

-Sodium Benzoate

Who owns Drunk Elephant skincare?

On October 8, 2019, the Shiseido Company Limited in Tokyo signed a definitive agreement to acquire Drunk Elephant. Masahiko Uotani is President and Group CEO of Shiseido.

What Drunk Elephant products are pregnancy safe?

Drunk Elephant claims, "Our entire product line is safe for pregnant or nursing women, except for A-Gloei, A-Passioni, and Babyfacial. However, always check with your doctor before using any new products while pregnant or nursing." In addition, it is essential to know that Skin Beauty does not recommend using any products with retinol or salicylic acid if pregnant or nursing.

Which Drunk Elephant moisturizer is best for oily skin?

The Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer is best for oily skin.

What it is: A protein moisturizer that combines signal peptides, growth factors, amino acids, and pygmy waterlily to improve skin tone, texture, and firmness visibly.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Dullness and Uneven Texture, and Loss of Firmness and Elasticity

Highlighted Ingredients:

- Signal Peptide Complex (Growth Factors)

- Pygmy Waterlily Stem Cell Extract

- Soybean Folic Acid Ferment Extract

Which Drunk Elephant moisturizer is the best dupe for oily skin?

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer is a lightweight moisturizer that minimizes wrinkles and lines, dryness, and uneven skin tone, the perfect dupe for the Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer.

What it is: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Lift & Firm Moisturizer is formulated with 21 Peptides and Neuropeptides, and 2 Gamma Proteins provide intensive hydration, leaving skin feeling firm and bouncy and returning the younger-looking and radiance. In addition, Squalane, Phytofleur Cactus, and a Hyaluronic Acid Complex moisturize while Trehalose helps control future moisture damage.

Skin Type: All

Highlighted Ingredients:

• Gamma Proteins
• Neuropeptides
• Peptides

Which Drunk Elephant products are vegan?

Not all Drunk Elephant products are vegan, so we made a list of the ones that are:

• A-Passioni Retinol Cream
• B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
• Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
• C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream
• D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
• E-Rase Milki Micellar Water
• Juju Bar
• Kamili Cream Body Cleanser
• Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer with Ceramides
• NightBright Duo
• Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
• Shaba Complex Firming Eye Serum
• Sili Body Lotion
• Salai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
• Sweet Pitti Deodorant Cream
• T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
• T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (not safe for pregnancy)
• Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Are Drunk Elephant products safe and cruelty-free?

Fortunately, brands like Drunk Elephant offer safe, accessible, and practical solutions to common skin concerns without risking your health and safety. In short, the answer is yes; Drunk Elephant products are safe to use and cruelty-free, and the company claims they do not include essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, or SLS.

A Dupe for Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Cream with Ceramides

The Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Cream:

What it is: A replenishing eye cream with ceramides and plant oils delivers long-lasting moisture, visibly restores elasticity, and soothes signs of fatigue.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

Highlighted Ingredients:

- Ceramide Blend

- Plant Omega-Lipid Complex

- Kernel Oil

Skin Beauty's Dupe:

Bioelements Sensitive Eye Smoother

What it is: A gentle aloe cream that hydrates and soothes. At the same time, ceramides and lipids help to restore the thin barrier around the eyes and shield against irritants as it restores the thin barrier around the eyes. Formulated with Rhodiola root, Chinese silver ear mushroom, and linseed improve the appearance of darkness, reduces the look of puffiness, and target inflammation and dark circles, brightening and de-puffing.

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

Highlighted Ingredients:

- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice

- Silver Ear Mushroom

- Green Tea Extract

Drunk Elephant Skincare Dupes in Conclusion

You want skincare that works for your skin type and balances the oil on your face (or lack thereof.) Regardless of the brand or what a brand is known for, we recommend always going with the purest and most tested ingredients possible. Esthetician-approved and professional skincare are products we can depend on. Though Drunk Elephant is a non-professional line, we can find comparable professional skincare that works and is possibly a more ethical choice.