The Ordinary vs Drunk Elephant – Which One is Right for You?

The Ordinary vs Drunk Elephant – In the world of skincare, two brands have risen to the top of the popularity charts: The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant.

In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant to help you make an informed decision about which brand is best suited to your skincare needs.

The Ordinary vs Drunk Elephant – A Quick Comparison

Category	The Ordinary	Drunk Elephant
Brand Philosophy	Affordable, science-backed skincare with no frills	Natural, effective, and gentle skincare with a focus on skin health
Product Range	Wide range of products, including serums, moisturizers, and cleansers	Focus on facial care, with a smaller but curated product range
Pricing	Very affordable, with most products under $15	Mid-range to premium pricing, with most products between 20-80
Key Ingredients	Niacinamide, Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid	Marula Oil, Antioxidants, Peptides, and Plant Stem Cells
Formulations	Simple, no-frills formulations with a focus on active ingredients	Complex, synergistic formulations that work together to address skin concerns
Cruelty-Free	Yes, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly	Yes, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
Availability	Widely available online and in-store at Sephora, Ulta, and other retailers	Available online and in-store at Sephora, Nordstrom, and other high-end retailers
Target Audience	Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin	Suitable for all skin types, with a focus on dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Brand Personality	Minimalist, science-focused, and affordable	Fun, playful, and luxurious, with a focus on skin health and wellness

Brand Philosophy: Understanding the Mission Behind Each Brand

Drunk Elephant: A Focus on Biocompatibility

Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, is a brand that’s all about biocompatibility. Founded by Tiffany Masterson, the brand’s mission is to create products that work in harmony with the skin, rather than against it. Drunk Elephant believes that many skincare products on the market are formulated with ingredients that can be irritating or even toxic to the skin, and that a more natural, gentle approach is needed.

This philosophy is reflected in the brand’s focus on using only the most gentle, effective ingredients that are compatible with the skin’s natural pH balance. Drunk Elephant’s products are designed to be free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes, and are instead formulated with natural antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts.

Product Offerings: A Comparison of Skincare Ranges

The Ordinary: A Comprehensive Range of Skincare Essentials

The Ordinary offers an extensive range of skincare products, with over 50 products in their lineup. Their product range includes:

• Cleansers: 5 options, including a gentle cleansing oil and a micellar water
• Toners: 3 options, including a glycolic acid toner and a rosewater toner
• Essences: 2 options, including a hydrating essence and a brightening essence
• Serums: 15 options, including vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide serums
• Moisturizers: 10 options, including a hyaluronic acid moisturizer and a natural moisturizing cream
• Sunscreens: 3 options, including a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen
• Masks: 5 options, including a charcoal mask and a hydrating mask

The Ordinary’s product range is designed to be comprehensive, with a focus on offering a wide range of products that cater to different skin types and concerns.

Drunk Elephant: A Curated Range of Skincare Solutions

Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, offers a more curated range of products, with around 20 products in their lineup. Their product range includes:

• Cleansers: 2 options, including a gentle cleansing balm and a foaming cleanser
• Toners: 1 option, a glycolic acid toner
• Serums: 5 options, including a vitamin C serum and a retinol serum
• Moisturizers: 4 options, including a hydrating moisturizer and a rich moisturizer
• Sunscreens: 2 options, including a mineral sunscreen and a chemical sunscreen
• Masks: 2 options, including a detoxifying mask and a hydrating mask

Drunk Elephant’s product range is designed to be more streamlined, with a focus on offering a smaller range of products that are highly effective and gentle on the skin.

Ingredient Quality: A Deep Dive into Key Actives and Formulations

The Ordinary: Affordable, Effective Ingredients

The Ordinary is known for its commitment to using high-quality, effective ingredients at affordable prices. Some of the key actives used in their products include:

• Vitamin C: The Ordinary offers a range of vitamin C products, including serums and moisturizers, with concentrations ranging from 10% to 25%.
• Niacinamide: The Ordinary’s niacinamide products, such as their 10% Niacinamide Booster, are designed to improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.
• Retinol: The Ordinary’s retinol products, such as their 1% Retinol Night Cream, are formulated to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
• Hyaluronic Acid: The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid products, such as their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum, are designed to provide long-lasting hydration and plumpness.

The Ordinary’s formulations are often praised for their simplicity and effectiveness, with a focus on using high-quality, clinically-tested ingredients at concentrations that are proven to be effective.

Drunk Elephant: Natural, Gentle Ingredients

Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, is known for its commitment to using natural, gentle ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Some of the key actives used in their products include:

• Antioxidants: Drunk Elephant’s products often feature a blend of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, and plant extracts, to help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
• Peptides: Drunk Elephant’s peptide products, such as their Protini Polypeptide Cream, are designed to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
• Plant Extracts: Drunk Elephant’s products often feature a range of plant extracts, including green tea, chamomile, and rosehip, which are designed to soothe and calm the skin.
• Natural Oils: Drunk Elephant’s products often feature a blend of natural oils, including argan oil, coconut oil, and marula oil, which are designed to nourish and moisturize the skin.

Drunk Elephant’s formulations are often praised for their gentle, non-irritating approach, with a focus on using natural ingredients that are compatible with the skin’s natural pH balance.

Pricing and Value: Is Luxury Worth the Cost?

The Ordinary: Affordable Skincare for All

The Ordinary is known for its affordable pricing, with most products ranging from 5 to 20. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or those who want to try out new products without breaking the bank. The Ordinary’s pricing strategy is designed to make high-quality skincare accessible to everyone, regardless of income or social status.

Drunk Elephant: Luxury Skincare at a Premium

Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, is positioned as a luxury skincare brand, with prices ranging from 20 to 90. While this may seem steep to some, Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients and are designed to provide long-term benefits to the skin. The brand’s pricing strategy is based on the idea that investing in high-quality skincare is an investment in one’s overall health and well-being.

Skincare Routine Essentials: Which Brand Offers the Best Basics?

The Ordinary: Affordable Basics for Every Skin Type

• Cleansers: The Ordinary offers a range of cleansers, including a gentle cleansing oil, a micellar water, and a foaming cleanser.
• Toners: The Ordinary’s toners are designed to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for further products.
• Moisturizers: The Ordinary’s moisturizers are formulated to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to the skin.
• Sunscreens: The Ordinary’s sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The Ordinary’s skincare routine essentials are designed to be affordable and accessible to everyone, with prices starting from just $5.90.

Drunk Elephant: Luxury Basics for Sensitive Skin

• Cleansers: Drunk Elephant’s cleansers are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients and are designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
• Toners: Drunk Elephant’s toners are designed to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for further products.
• Moisturizers: Drunk Elephant’s moisturizers are formulated to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to the skin.
• Sunscreens: Drunk Elephant’s sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Drunk Elephant’s skincare routine essentials are designed to be gentle and effective, with prices starting from $20.

Targeted Solutions: How Each Brand Addresses Specific Skin Concerns

Acne and Breakouts

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary offers a range of products to help combat acne and breakouts, including their Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel, and Tea Tree Oil.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, making them suitable for acne-prone skin. Their Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and Virgin Marula Toner are popular choices for acne-prone skin.

Aging and Fine Lines

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary offers a range of products to help combat aging and fine lines, including their Retinol 1% Night Cream, Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, and Peptide Solution 10%.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated to address signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Their Protini Polypeptide Cream and C-Firma Day Serum are popular choices for anti-aging.

Hyper-Pigmentation

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary offers a range of products to help combat hyper-pigmentation, including their Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Booster, Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, and Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated to address hyper-pigmentation, including their C-Firma Day Serum and Protini Polypeptide Cream.

Dehydration and Dryness

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary offers a range of products to help combat dehydration and dryness, including their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum, Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, and 100% Plant-Derived Hemi-Squalane.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated to provide long-lasting hydration, including their Protini Polypeptide Cream and Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.

Sensitivity and Redness

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary offers a range of products to help combat sensitivity and redness, including their Soothing Solution, Redness Relief Serum, and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant’s products are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Their Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and Virgin Marula Toner are popular choices for sensitive skin.

Cruelty-Free and Sustainability: A Comparison of Brand Ethics

Cruelty-Free Credentials

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary is a cruelty-free brand, certified by the Leaping Bunny Program. They do not test on animals and are committed to being free from animal-derived ingredients.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is also a cruelty-free brand, certified by the Leaping Bunny Program. They do not test on animals and are committed to being free from animal-derived ingredients.

Sustainability Efforts

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including using recyclable packaging, reducing water usage in its manufacturing process, and implementing sustainable shipping practices.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant has also made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, including using eco-friendly packaging, sourcing ingredients from sustainable suppliers, and implementing a recycling program for its packaging.

Social Responsibility

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary is committed to social responsibility, including supporting charitable organizations and promoting diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is also committed to social responsibility, including supporting charitable organizations and promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in the beauty industry.

Real-Life Results: User Reviews and Experiences Compared

When it comes to skincare, there’s no substitute for real-life results. In this section, we’ll compare the user reviews and experiences of The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, highlighting the common themes and trends that emerge from real users.

User Reviews

• The Ordinary: The Ordinary has a 4.5-star rating on average, with users praising its affordability, effectiveness, and gentle formulas. Common complaints include dryness, irritation, and lack of results.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant has a 4.7-star rating on average, with users praising its luxurious feel, gentle formulas, and noticeable results. Common complaints include high price point, slow absorption, and lack of results.

Common Themes

• Both brands have a strong following among users who appreciate their gentle, non-irritating formulas.
• Both brands have a loyal customer base, with many users reporting long-term benefits and satisfaction.
• Both brands have a strong online presence, with many users sharing their experiences and results on social media.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant?

A: The Ordinary is known for its affordable, no-frills approach to skincare, offering a wide range of products at an affordable price point. Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients and unique formulations to create products that are often more expensive than The Ordinary.

Q: Which brand is more affordable?

A: The Ordinary is generally more affordable than Drunk Elephant, with most products priced between 5-15. Drunk Elephant products tend to be pricier, with most products ranging from 20-60.

Q: What is the philosophy behind The Ordinary?

A: The Ordinary is committed to making effective skincare accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. They achieve this by cutting out marketing and advertising costs, and instead, focus on using high-quality ingredients at an affordable price point.

Q: What is the philosophy behind Drunk Elephant?

A: Drunk Elephant is founded on the principle of using only the best, natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and the environment. They focus on creating products that are free from harsh chemicals, toxins, and irritants, and instead, use natural ingredients that work in harmony with the skin.

Q: Which brand has a wider range of products?

A: The Ordinary has a much wider range of products, with over 60 products in their lineup. Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, has around 20 products in their lineup.

Q: Are both brands cruelty-free and vegan-friendly?

A: Yes, both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Neither brand tests on animals, and they both offer a range of vegan-friendly products.

Q: Which brand is better for sensitive skin?

A: Drunk Elephant is often recommended for sensitive skin, as their products are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating. However, The Ordinary also offers a range of products that are suitable for sensitive skin, including their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA product.

Q: Can I use products from both brands together?

A: Yes, you can definitely use products from both brands together. In fact, many skincare enthusiasts mix and match products from different brands to create a customized skincare routine that works best for their skin.