Drunk Elephant had its moment.
The neon packaging, the cute branding, the “clean beauty” hype — it all worked.
But let’s be real… the formulas? Overpriced and overhyped.
So if you’re ready to upgrade your skincare routine, here are five brands that are doing it better…
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
The OG of medical-grade skincare.
If you’re after results, SkinCeuticals is the gold standard.
This brand didn’t just hop on the vitamin C trend — they literally pioneered it.
Their CE Ferulic serum? Iconic.
Their sunscreens? Dermatologist-approved.
While Drunk Elephant’s vitamin C serum has a reputation for oxidizing way too fast, SkinCeuticals delivers stabilized, clinically tested formulas that actually work.
Yes, it’s pricey. But if you want serious results, it’s worth every penny.
Shutterstock
If your skin is sensitive, dry, or just mad at you, Skinfix is the answer.
Their clinically-backed Barrier+ line is packed with lipids, peptides, and a “Triple Lipid Complex” that actually repairs your skin barrier.
Bonus: Dermatologists love this brand, and for good reason.
Shutterstock
Naturium is what happens when you take Drunk Elephant’s aesthetics but swap in better formulas and way lower prices.
Their serums are potent, their cleansers are gentle, and their moisturizers are actually hydrating (without making you feel like you need to spend $100 to complete your routine).
Plus, they’re transparent about ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re putting on your face.
Luxury performance at drugstore prices? Yes, please.
Shutterstock
If you love skincare but hate long routines, check out Allies of Skin.
Their multitasking products combine multiple actives in one step — think vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid all in a single formula.
It’s not the cheapest brand out there, but if you want science-driven skincare that actually delivers, this is where you should be investing.
Shutterstock
If your skin is constantly thirsty, Isntree is about to be your new best friend.
This Korean skincare brand has one of the most raved-about sunscreens in the skincare community — no white cast, no pilling, just *chef’s kiss* perfection.
While Drunk Elephant’s hydration lineup can feel heavy (or weirdly sticky), Isntree’s hyaluronic acid products are super lightweight.
And the best part? You won’t be dropping $80 on a basic moisturizer.
Shutterstock
Whether you want science-backed skincare or affordable clean beauty that actually works, these five brands are better than Drunk Elephant:
- SkinCeuticals
- Skinfix
- Naturium
- Allies of Skin
- Isntree
Which of these brands are you trying next? Let me know in the comments!
Shutterstock
Leave a Comment