Natural beauty: Drunk Elephant's non-toxic cosmetics eschew irritants
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Although there are many beauty companies espousing the value of natural ingredients, few go to the lengths that the non-toxic skincare brand Drunk Elephant proudly upholds.
The Houston-based label, founded by Tiffany Masterson, utilises virgin Marula oil as the foundation of each of its products. Rich in monosaturated fats and antioxidants, the nut oil is easily absorbed by the skin. Drunk Elephant’s non-toxic mantra also means that the label has even avoided ingredients that may cause potential irritation, such as essential oils, natural and synthetic fragrances, in addition to obvious toxins and synthetics like parabens, phthalates, lanolin, alcohol and dyes in its products. What’s left? A range of balanced skincare products that deliver goodness optimally to the skin.
For example, under Drunk Elephant’s watch, a bar of exfoliating soap boasts a pH of 6.34 (vs a pH of 9 for regular soaps) to prevent drying and stripping the skin. Thermal mud and bamboo powder withdraw oil while removing impurities in skin’s pores. The same can be said about products that cater to higher demands, such as the label’s broad spectrum SPF, which counts on raspberry seed oil (the most effective natural sunscreen) and sunflower shoot extract to preserve cells’ energy. Drunk Elephant’s glycolic night serum even offers resurfacing effects the natural way; a 12 per cent blend of alpha hydroxyl acids is combined with cactus plant enzyme to reduce inflammation.
The brand’s wholesome philosophy clearly works. In business since 2012, Drunk Elephant will bring out two new products in April: an intensive hydration gel formulated with pro-vitamin B and pineapple ceramide, along with an intensive night repair cream that firms and hydrates with a blend of marula, baobab, passion fruit and Kalahari melon oils.
The range uses virgin Marula oil as the foundation of each of its products. Rich in monosaturated fats and antioxidants, it is easily absorbed by the skin
Under Drunk Elephant’s watch, a bar of exfoliating soap (left) boasts a pH of 6.34 (versus a pH of 9 for regular soaps) to prevent drying and stripping the skin
The same philosophy holds up in the products that cater to higher demands, such as the label’s complex eye serum, which tackles the signs of aging with black tea ferment and copper peptides – ingredients that support collagen and elastin production
Its antioxidant-rich face oil (left) is comprised of virgin Marula oil in its purest form, while its broad spectrum SPF (right) counts on raspberry seed oil (the most effective natural sunscreen) and sunflower shoot extract to preserve cells’ energy
The goodness of each product is mirrored in the line's colourful, eye-catching packaging
INFORMATION
Drunk Elephant, $22–$85, is available from Sephora. For more information, visit Drunk Elephant’s website (opens in new tab)
Pei-Ru Keh is the US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru has held various titles at Wallpaper* since she joined in 2007. She currently reports on design, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru has taken a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars and actively seeks out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
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