Drunk Elephant Dupes: Drunk Elephant, the skincare sensation that’s been making waves in the beauty world for quite some time now. You might have heard of it, seen it on your favorite influencers’ shelves, or even spotted it at your local Sephora. It’s gained popularity for its sleek packaging and claims of being vegan and cruelty-free, which are values many skincare enthusiasts hold dear.
But behind the pretty packaging and the promises of sensitive skin-friendly formulas lies a bit of a wild story. Drunk Elephant was born from the quest of a mother of four who struggled with her skin’s temperamental nature. She set out to create a skincare line that avoided what she dubbed the “suspicious six” ingredients and became a champion for sensitive skin.
I cannot compliment Drunk Elephant’s products enough but they are just too expensive. So, while I was looking for the Drunk Elephant dupes of Drunk Elephant’s best products, I thought of sharing them with you too.
Today, we’re delving into some of Drunk Elephant’s cult-favorite items and the fantastic Drunk Elephant dupes that won’t break the bank. It’s time to get that glowing skin without the hefty price tag! I have matched these products’ ingredients by ingredients and claims by claims so that they come out very similar to the original products (Texture-wise as well as results-wise).
Get That Glowing Skin For Less With These Drunk Elephant Dupes!!!
1. Drunk Elephant Vitamin C-Firma Serum Dupe
This serum has been a crowd favorite for some time now. It’s loaded with a potent 15% vitamin C, the superhero of skincare ingredients. This vitamin C serum can help with fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and more. Plus, it comes with a crew of antioxidants and nutrients that love your skin.
And the best part? It’s suitable for most skin types. Whether you’re dealing with uneven skin tone, texture issues, or just want a bright, healthy glow, you will love this serum.
Clean Beauty Vitamin C Papaya Glow Serum
I rolled up my sleeves and spent my entire weekend hunting for an alternative. And guess what? I found this dupe that’s a near-perfect match, with just a couple of differences, and it’s only $9! Yep, you read that right – nine dollars! Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan.
Let’s break down these ingredients, shall we? Both the C-Firma and this clean beauty serum have a very similar starting lineup. We’re talking water, a form of vitamin C, trusty glycerin for hydration, and then there’s the unique twist – they both have lactobacillus extract. Now, lactobacillus is a friendly probiotic that lives in our guts and bodies, and these extracts are basically good bacteria, fermented for skincare magic. The only twist is that Drunk Elephant goes for pumpkin, while the clean beauty line opts for papaya. But science suggests they work their magic in pretty much the same way!
On top of that, both formulas have ferulic acid – that superhero ingredient that stabilizes the vitamin C. It’s like their secret sauce for keeping that vitamin C effective. They also both rely on radish ferment filtrate, which, by the way, is a natural preservative.
Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting – they both feature licorice extract. That’s a rare gem in skincare ingredients and the fact that both these products have it had my radar buzzing!
There’s one difference to note: the clean serum brings turmeric to the party. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and skin-healing mojo, but it can give a slight yellow tint. Some folks have noticed it, but hey, for nine dollars versus a hefty three-figure price tag, it’s a small trade-off!
2. Drunk Elephant Polypeptide Moisturizer Dupe
This moisturizer is all about strengthening your skin’s protective barrier, and it’s got the ingredients to prove it.
First up, we’ve got nine different peptide complexes, each with a specific mission: making your skin’s defense game strong. These peptides help guard your skin against daily damage and keep it resilient.
Hydration? Check. It’s formulated with sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, a fancy term for a moisture magnet that keeps hydration locked in.
Acure Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream
Let me just say that I couldn’t believe my eyes when I compared the ingredient lists of these two products. The price difference alone had me doing a double-take! Drunk Elephant, we love you, but whoa!
It seems like Acure might have pulled off some skincare wizardry here. Their formula is so darn similar to Drunk Elephant’s that I suspect they might have copied and pasted the ingredient list and decided to make it way more budget-friendly. Both creams share the same base or “vehicle” ingredients like glycerin, alcohol, and more. It’s like they’re long-lost siblings!
Now, let’s talk about the star players – peptides. Drunk Elephant’s Protini has a lineup of peptides that are its claim to fame. Well, guess what? Acure’s Rejuvenating Night Cream has peptides from the same families – polypeptides, hexapeptides, zelenka peptides, you name it! They’re all in there doing their peptide thing. Plus, both creams have lactic acid and vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl glucoside.
Both creams have sodium hyaluronate, a hyaluronic acid, and sodium PCA. They keep your skin plumped and moisturized.
Now, here’s the kicker – both products contain marula oil, that special ingredient that Drunk Elephant is known for.
These two creams are practically twins, with the Acure one being just a tad thicker. But here’s the real kicker – $17 vs. $68! You can have a similar skincare experience without breaking the bank.
3. Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops- Anti-pollution Dupe
Drunk Elephant’s bronzing drops have been creating quite the buzz in the beauty community. You’ve probably seen them all over TikTok and on the radars of the trendiest “it” girls. They’re practically flying off the shelves!
Now, these drops aren’t your typical self-tanners. They’re designed to instantly warm up your complexion, giving you that sun-kissed glow without the beach vacation. You can use them as a bronzer or mix them with your moisturizer for that quick and easy, radiant look.
Indeed Nanobronze Bronzing Drops
Indeed Labs Bronzing Drops have stepped up to the plate, offering you an alternative at just $24. Sure, it’s only about $10 less, but here’s the catch – the Drunk Elephant drops are practically impossible to get your hands on. When a product goes viral, it can be as elusive as a unicorn!
Let’s talk ingredients. Both of these gems are vegan and have cocoa seed extract, known for giving that youthful, rejuvenated glow. They’re more than just makeup – they’re skincare with a little extra pizzazz!
Indeed Labs adds hyaluronic acid into the mix for hydration, while Drunk Elephant features marula oil for that extra touch of nourishment.
Both products are fantastic at delivering that sun-kissed radiance. Drunk Elephant has a subtle shimmer that gives you that JLo glow, while Indeed Labs goes on evenly, blending like a dream.
Indeed Labs Bronzing Drops are a tad more hydrating, blend seamlessly, and offer the same gorgeous glow.
4. Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Dupe
Babyfacial is all about turning up the glow. It’s designed for those who crave a deep, intense cleanse that can help reveal radiant skin hiding underneath. Just imagine putting on a thin layer of this magic potion for 20 minutes – like a mini spa experience at home.
It exfoliates and deeply cleanses your skin and makes your face look brighter and healthier.
Biossance Squalene Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask
Drumroll, please… Introducing the Biossance Squalene + Glycolic Renewal Facial – a fabulous dupe for Drunk Elephant Babyfacial for just $28! Unbelievable right?
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The first few ingredients, that make the product’s texture, both these have glycerin. So, texture-wise, they’re practically twins! But that’s not all they share.
Both of them feature a trio of exfoliating powerhouses – salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. They renew your skin and give you that fresh, radiant look. And they both include sodium hyaluronate cross polymer, which is like a hydrating hug for your skin.
Now, here’s a small note– the Biossance Renewal Facial is designed for use for about 10 minutes, three times a week. Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, recommends a 20-minute session once a week.
5. Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum Dupe
This serum is designed for various skin types, including normal, dry, combination, and oily. It’s a versatile option for many folks out there. If you’re dealing with concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness, or uneven texture, this serum might be calling your name.
This serum is designed for various skin types, including normal, dry, combination, and oily. It’s a versatile option for many folks out there. If you’re dealing with concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, dullness, or uneven texture, this serum might be calling your name.
Finding a dupe for the B-Hydra was no small feat. Drunk Elephant really likes to pack a bunch of different ingredients into one cream, which makes it quite unique (and sometimes a bit challenging to match). But fret not, because I’ve got something close that might just be your skincare budget’s new best friend!
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum, coming in at a wallet-friendly $38. While it’s not an exact carbon copy, it’s pretty darn close, and it’s here to quench your skin’s thirst just like the B-Hydra.
Both of these hydrating wonders share some key ingredients that make them ultra-hydrating. You’ve got glycerin, which is like a drink of water for your skin, sodium PCA to lock in moisture, and panthenol (also known as vitamin B5) for an extra boost of hydration. They both have that soothing, skin-loving quality that leaves you feeling refreshed and moisturized.
So, if you’re eyeing the B-Hydra but want to save a few bucks without compromising on hydration, the First Aid Beauty serum is a stellar option at $38.
6. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream Dupe
Lala Retro is packed with skin-loving ingredients like six rare African oils, which work to lock in moisture like a champ. There’s also plantain extract for firmness and brightness, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer to keep your skin hydrated, and antioxidant-rich fermented grain tea to fight the signs of aging and protect against environmental stressors.
Now, keep in mind that this cream might be better suited for those with drier skin types, as it’s a rich hydrator. If you’re in the oilier skin club like me, you might find it a bit heavy, especially during those hot summer months.
Paula’s choice Omega+Complex Moisturizer
The key ingredients we’re after here are ceramides. These naturally occur in our skin and play a crucial role in locking in moisture and maintaining that supple, smooth complexion. They come in various forms, like ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, and, boy, are they hard to find all together in one product.
But here’s the magic – Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer has them all! Plus, both creams feature cholesterol, which is another fatty substance our skin loves, no matter if we’re talking about animal animals or human animals. And don’t forget about sodium hyaluronate cross polymer – it’s like a hydrating superhero that absorbs beautifully into your skin.
Paula’s Choice goes the extra mile by adding omega fatty acids into the mix. Beyond any brand politics, the ingredients list alone suggests that this might be an even better choice for your skin.
When it comes to price, you’re looking at $35 versus $60. Quite the difference, right? So, not only did we hit the jackpot in terms of ingredients, but we’re also winning in the savings department.
7. Drunk Elephant Beste no 9 Jelly cleanser Dupe
First off, let’s talk about the good stuff. This cleanser is designed to be gentle on your skin while still doing the heavy lifting of cleansing. No harsh sulfates here! If you’re looking to wash away impurities without stripping your skin dry, this cleanser is a top contender.
One of the standout features is how it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s like a gentle hug for your face. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types, whether you’re on the oilier side or have sensitive skin.
Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser
You’ll be surprised to see that both cleansers share some common features in their ingredient lists. They both include a gentle surfactant (cleansing agent) to effectively remove impurities from the skin while maintaining a skin-friendly pH. They also contain citric acid, which helps balance the skin’s pH and offers a mild exfoliating effect.
Additionally, both cleansers incorporate ingredients like mannitol, xylitol, and rhamnose. These components are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties, making them suitable for sensitive or dry skin types. They work to maintain the skin’s hydration levels while cleansing, helping to prevent excessive dryness or tightness.
Moreover, both products contain tocopherol (Vitamin E), which serves as an antioxidant to protect the skin from environmental damage. This is an excellent addition to support skin health.
8. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil Dupe
Let’s dive into this golden elixir of skincare. First off, this isn’t just your average run-of-the-mill oil. Nope, it’s pure, unrefined marula seed oil. Think of it as a super absorbable oil that’s rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. That’s a whole bunch of goodness packed into one bottle.
What’s it do, you ask? Well, it’s like a superhero for your skin. It swoops in, moisturizes like a champ, nourishes your skin, and leaves you looking like you just came back from a spa day. You know, that youthful, radiant glow we all crave? Yeah it gives that kinda look.
The Ordinary Marula Oil
This is one of my favorite Drunk Elephant Dupes because these two are literally identical. Drunk Elephant was selling their 100% unrefined Marula Oil for a whopping $72. But I will never pay that kind of money for such a product.
The Ordinary stepped onto the scene with their Marula Oil, and it’s only for around $10: just $10 for a product with the exact same ingredient: 100% cold-pressed virgin marula oil. It’s like a skincare bargain that’s too good to pass up!
Now, a bit of background – The Ordinary stirred up some drama. They were pretty bold in calling out the high price of Drunk Elephant’s Marula Oil. Although, it’s true that you must be drunk to splurge $72 on an oil, LOL.
So in short, you can get the same or very similar Marula Oil benefits from The Ordinary for just $10, instead of forking out $72.
9. Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum Dupe
This serum is armed with 10% lactic acid and a whopping 11 peptides! Lactic acid, our star ingredient here, is a gentle yet effective exfoliator. It works its magic by sloughing away dead skin cells, revealing a fresher, more radiant complexion.
Now, let’s talk about those peptides. These are like little messengers that signal your skin to boost collagen and elastin production.
Biossance Squalene + 10% Lactic Acid Serum
Let’s dive into the showdown between Biossance Squalene + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum and Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum.
Both serums have lactic acid to help you shed those old, dull skin cells and reveal your freshest face. It is a powerful exfoliant that promotes skin cell turnover, helping to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and address concerns like dullness and uneven skin tone.
These serums also share squalane, which is like the sidekick that keeps your skin hydrated and happy.
Both serums feature sodium hydroxide, which helps balance the pH levels. Maintaining the right pH level is crucial for the effectiveness of chemical exfoliants like lactic acid.
While Biossance’s serum keeps its ingredient list relatively straightforward, focusing on the key exfoliant (lactic acid) and moisturizer (squalane), Drunk Elephant’s serum incorporates a more extensive range of ingredients, including peptides and additional beneficial components.
But both of them share the same key ingredients and give the same result in the long term.
10. Drunk Elephant C-tango Multivitamin Eye Cream Dupe
This eye cream is all about giving your delicate eye area some much-needed TLC. It’s formulated with a power-packed lineup of skin-loving ingredients that aim to brighten, firm, strengthen, and refresh your peepers.
One of its star players is the Power 5 C Vitamin Complex. This blend brings five different forms of vitamin C to the table, working together to brighten, tone, and firm your eye area. Think of it as a dose of radiance for your skin!
Paula’s Choice Ceramide Enriched Firming Eye Cream
Meet Paula’s Choice Ceramide Enriched Firming Eye Cream, your wallet-friendly alternative. When we dive into the ingredients, both these eye creams have some impressive similarities. They both have ceramides, vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl glucoside, and peptides. Plus, the main formula base in both is Cetearyl alcohol, which is a hydrating, fatty alcohol that feels oh-so-nice on your skin. To top it off, they also both contain panthenol (vitamin B5) and sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid. Sounds almost identical right?
But here’s a plot twist– they both have mica in them. Mica is like that magical, shimmery pigment you’ll find in eyeshadows and facial highlighters. It’s the secret sauce that gives you that luminous, shimmery look. But the reality is, it’s not doing any heavy lifting in terms of skincare. In essence, it’s makeup in your eye cream.
So, here’s the friendly advice – I personally wouldn’t splurge on either of these. While they may be dupes for each other, they’re essentially overpriced facial moisturizers with a dash of makeup magic. You’re essentially paying for the privilege of having a glittery under-eye area that makes you look more awake and less sleep-deprived. Why not save some money, grab a regular moisturizer, and pop a bit of highlighter under your eyes?
11. Drunk Elephant TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum Dupe
This serum is loaded with some serious skin-loving ingredients. We’ve got glycolic acid, a potent exfoliator that helps shed dead skin cells and keep your complexion fresh. Then, there’s lactic acid, derived from milk and sugars, which helps with exfoliation and keeps your skin hydrated. Add citric acid, salicylic acid (the BHA that dives into your pores), and sodium hyaluronate (the hydration hero), and you’ve got a power-packed formula.
It’s a result-driven product. You can expect to wake up with brighter, smoother, and more luminous skin after using it. This stuff works!
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow
This dupe is pretty darn close for $58. Not perfect, but very similar, and it might just become your new go-to.
The star ingredient in Drunk Elephant is alpha hydroxy acid, specifically glycolic acid. It’s a powerhouse exfoliator that dives deep into your skin. And you’ll find this same glycolic acid in the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Night Serum. Not only that, but it also has lactic acid, just like the Drunk Elephant.
Drunk Elephant has its trusty salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and fantastic for acne-prone skin. But Farmacy’s serum counters with willow bark extract. While not the exact same thing, willow bark is where salicylic acid originally comes from. They work in similar ways on your skin.
You’ll spot some cross polymers in both products and while Drunk Elephant features grape seed oil, Farmacy goes for grape extract. Slightly different, but they’re both on the grapevine!
12. Drunk Elephant A Passioni Retinol Cream Dupe
This cream contains a solid 1% of retinol, which is potent but not overpowering. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to venture into the world of retinol without feeling like their face is falling off.
Drunk Elephant has packed this cream with goodies like ceramides, niacinamide, marula oil, and sodium hyaluronate. These ingredients soothe, nourish, and hydrate your skin, ensuring that while retinol works its magic, your skin is also well taken care of.
Elta MD Renew Eye Gel
Elta MD Renewal Eye Gel, aka the daily eye therapy. Is more wallet-friendly at $56. It took me good hours of sleuthing to find this because it’s not every day that you come across eye creams packing retinal peptides, niacinamide, and various plant extracts all in one formula!
First things first, both the A-Passioni Night Cream and the Elta MD Renewal Eye Gel have a glycerin base, so they feel quite similar when you apply them. One tiny difference – the Drunk Elephant one has a slightly yellower hue, but that’s not a deal-breaker, right?
Now, let’s talk about ingredients. They both have peptides and retinol. Drunk Elephant goes all in with 1% retinol, while Elta MD opts for retinol palmitate. Both have sodium hyaluronate and sodium hydroxide, plus a medley of plant extracts.
And don’t forget about niacinamide, that trusty vitamin B3 that’s excellent for fighting redness and taming a bit of oiliness. Both these creams have your skin’s back in that department.
Wrapping Up: Drunk Elephant Dupes
Did you like all the Drunk Elephant dupes? Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about Drunk Elephant products. Their formulations are top-notch, and the results speak for themselves. However, when it comes to my hard-earned cash, I can’t help but think about all the fantastic drugstore finds that give me the same glow without burning a hole in my wallet.
Sure, the allure of those cute little elephant logos is tempting, but personally, I’d rather save some bucks and still slather on skincare goodness. Drugstore brands have seriously upped their game, offering comparable ingredients and results without the hefty price tag.
So, my fellow budget-savvy beauty enthusiasts, let’s keep our skin happy without breaking the bank.
So have you tried any of these Drunk Elephant dupes? Let me know in the comments down below!
[…] Top 12 Drunk Elephant dupes for half price […]