Affordable Alternatives to Drunk Elephant
IN THIS ARTICLE
Hello, everyone, and a warm welcome to But More Importantly. Let's dive straight into it, shall we? Drunk Elephant – it's causing a stir with everyone and their mother going gaga. 10-year-olds are splurging on Drunk Elephant products, wreaking havoc on testers in stores, and shelling out big bucks for skincare. People are going nuts.
Now, let's all take a collective deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Calm down. Personally, I've only recently caught wind of the Drunk Elephant craze because I'm not seeing TikToks of teens on my for you page, so I'm a bit out of the loop. Nevertheless, Drunk Elephant has become the latest obsession among teens and tweens for the ultimate skincare routine. If I could see how many Christmas wish lists feature Drunk Elephant products, it would undoubtedly be mind-blowing. Many are bewildered by this craze, wondering why young people are so fixated on the relatively expensive Drunk Elephant products.
Drunk Elephant Mania: Understanding the Frenzy
I get it, especially because I relate to all of you who are enamored with Drunk Elephant. I was once in your shoes. Here's the deal – Drunk Elephant has some incredible formulas. The packaging is cute, and the ingredient lists are top-notch. I used to be the person always recommending Drunk Elephant products because I genuinely loved them. However, over time, I realized that while Drunk Elephant formulas are fantastic, you can achieve similar results for a fraction of the price. Drunk Elephant's prices are steep. It was only after I moved on from my Drunk Elephant obsession and saw the light that I thought, "I don't need to spend this much on skincare." There are plenty of affordable options out there that offer a nearly identical experience. And I want to share those with you.
So, as someone who once used every Drunk Elephant product, I'm here to provide you with affordable alternatives I've discovered over the years. These dupes deliver similar effectiveness and results to Drunk Elephant but at a much lower price point. Let's explore these budget-friendly alternatives to Drunk Elephant. As always, you can find all the products linked below. If you want to support my channel, I'd really appreciate it if you use those links when shopping.
Budget-Friendly Dupe #1: Indeed Labs Nano Bronze Bronzing Drops
Now, let's dive in. Starting with the widely popular product from Drunk Elephant that seems to be a staple in every TikTok skincare routine – the Drunk Elephant De Bronzy Anti-Pollution Drops.
These drops, featured in numerous routines, bring a bronzy, tanned glow to your skin when added to moisturizers or serums. It's a fantastic innovation, but with a price tag of $38, it's not the most budget-friendly option. However, fear not! Last year, I stumbled upon a gem - the Indeed Labs Nano Bronze Bronzing Drops. At just $19, it offers the same bronzed effect, helps counteract any white cast from sunscreen, and boasts a stellar ingredient list with squalene, caprylic triglyceride, glycerin, cacao cucumber. It's a 50% saving, making it an excellent and affordable alternative.
Unlock Radiant Skin Without Breaking the Bank
Budget-Friendly Dupe #2: Protini Poly Peptide Cream Alternatives
Now, let's talk about another Drunk Elephant crowd-favorite – the Protini Poly Peptide Cream, priced at a whopping $68. Ouch! Finding a dupe for this unique formula was a challenge, but I've got two options based on your budget. For the most affordable alternative, consider the Acure Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream. At $17, it shares many ingredients with the Drunk Elephant cream – marula oil, vitamin C, giving you a substantial 75% saving. However, if you're willing to splurge a bit more, my personal holy grail is the Skin Fix Triple Lipid Barrier Peptide Cream at $54. It delivers the same benefits but, in my opinion, with superior results compared to the Protini Cream. It's a smaller saving, only $14, but the outcomes make it worth considering. So, choose your pick based on your preferences and budget.
Moving on to another Drunk Elephant sensation, the Beste Jelly Cleanser. Despite not being my personal favorite, it seems to have a massive following. This deep-cleansing jelly cleanser might be your go-to, but personally, I've found other cleansers that I prefer. Nevertheless, I understand its popularity. However, it comes with a far-from-basic price tag of $34.
Budget-Friendly Dupe #3: Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser vs. Drunk Elephant Beste
Surprisingly, I found a dupe that's strikingly similar in packaging, experience, and ingredients – the Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, priced at $14. That's a considerable $20 saving on a cleanser with a similar deep-cleansing effect. The Byoma Cleanser even boasts a superior ingredient list with additions like licorice root extract, green tea, and ceramides. For all the Drunk Elephant enthusiasts, especially the younger audience, exploring Byoma could offer fantastic skincare options with a luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost.
Budget-Friendly Dupe #4: Peach and Lily Glass Skin Serum & CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Next in line is a product that I used to recommend frequently as a moisturizer, although it's not intended for that purpose – the B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum. Priced at a steep $49, this serum is known for its lightweight feel and a burst of hydration. Finding a dupe for this unique serum was challenging due to its distinctive smoothing effect on the skin while hydrating.
During my research, I tried to think about the most similar serum I've encountered, and the Peach and Lily Glass Skin Serum came to mind. Priced at $39, it offers a better experience with a more loaded ingredient list. While the saving might not be substantial, the Peach and Lily Serum stands out with its remarkable ability to provide a glass-like appearance to the skin, enriched with ingredients like madecassoside, niacinamide, and peptides. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum at $15 serves as a good dupe, delivering the desired hydration without the hefty price tag.
Controversial Products: Dupe Options for TLC Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Now, let's delve into the two products that have sparked considerable controversy within the Drunk Elephant hype. First on the list is the TLC Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum, an overnight exfoliating treatment with a formidable price range of $90 to $134. The sheer cost of this product raises eyebrows, not to mention its potent glycolic acid content. This serum has stirred controversy, particularly due to its recommendation for individuals as young as 10 or 11. It's crucial to emphasize that such a powerful exfoliating serum may not be suitable for younger skin. The hefty price point aside, using this product at a young age could potentially lead to breakouts, sensitivity, rashes, and irritation.
If you're looking for a more age-appropriate alternative that offers a luxurious overnight exfoliation experience without the exorbitant price tag, exploring other options could be beneficial.
Firstly, the Pixi Clarity Concentrate priced at $24. It's a rare occasion for me to feature Pixi on my site, but when I stumbled upon this gem, I was astounded by its loaded ingredient list. The presence of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid makes it a potent yet reasonably priced formula. However, limit usage to a few times a week. Remarkably, it provides comparable results but with a saving of $111. Quite a steal, right?
Now, if you're seeking my personal top pick for a glycolic acid exfoliant, look no further than the Krave Beauty Kaleleujaha Glycolic Acid Exfoliant, priced at only $25. While it lacks the serum feel of the Drunk Elephant counterpart, its toner consistency delivers unparalleled exfoliation benefits. Having been a devoted user of the TLC Drunk Elephant serum, I can confidently say that the Krave Beauty option surpasses it in efficacy.
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
Ultimate Dupe: The Ordinary AHA BHA Peeling Solution vs. Drunk Elephant Sukari Baby Facial
Lastly, let's discuss the controversial TLC Sukari Baby Facial from Drunk Elephant, priced at a staggering $80. This intense exfoliant mask, although effective, has raised eyebrows, especially concerning its use by teenagers. My advice is crystal clear: this product is not suitable for tweens; those in their pre-teen years should steer clear. Now, if you're on the lookout for a dupe, brace yourself for a surprising revelation—the Ordinary AHA BHA peeling solution. Yes, the TikTok-famous product that left many startled due to its strength. Strangely enough, it's the most similar experience I've encountered compared to the Drunk Elephant counterpart. The formulas are almost identical, with the Ordinary option boasting 5% more exfoliation power. While the delivery methods differ, the results are undeniable. Despite attempts to find alternatives, the consensus is clear—the Ordinary Peeling Solution is the ultimate dupe for the Drunk Elephant facial. Plus, the price difference is staggering, with Drunk Elephant costing $80 and the Ordinary a mere $8. That's a jaw-dropping 90% savings for equivalent results.
As a quick aside, addressing the Drunk Elephant craze, while I appreciate the enthusiasm for skincare, it's crucial to recognize that skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. Starting early is commendable, but blindly following trends without considering your skin's needs can lead to issues like irritation and sensitivity. For younger individuals, a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen is sufficient. It's about finding what works for your skin, exploring different brands, and prioritizing your skin's unique needs, rather than succumbing to the hype of a single brand.
Let me emphasize that you don't need an extensive array of products for great skincare. A gentle reminder to everyone: the most effective skincare formulas in my personal routine, which have yielded fantastic results, all fall under the $50 mark. There's absolutely no need to splurge $90 to $130 on a single skincare item for radiant skin. While it's entirely acceptable for adults to invest in a luxurious skincare routine, teenagers spending excessive amounts on products their skin doesn't require is ridiculous.
If you're keen on more content like this, drop your ideas in the comments. Looking forward to seeing you in the next one.
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