As you navigate the ever-growing skincare market, you’re likely torn between two popular brands: The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant. Both have gained cult followings, but their approaches couldn’t be more different. You might be wondering which one aligns better with your skin type, concerns, and values. Do you prioritize affordability and customization, or do you prefer a more curated, ethically-driven approach?
The answer lies in understanding their unique philosophies, product ranges, and formulations. But that’s just the beginning – and what you’re about to discover might just change the way you think about your skincare routine forever.
A Quick Overview
- The Ordinary focuses on affordable, clinically-backed ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C, while Drunk Elephant incorporates higher-end ingredients like peptides and antioxidants.
- The Ordinary offers a vast array of products catering to various skin concerns, whereas Drunk Elephant takes a more curated approach with a smaller range of products.
- Both brands prioritize customer loyalty, but their distinct philosophies shape their approaches, with The Ordinary aiming to disrupt the beauty industry with transparency and affordability.
- The Ordinary’s products often feature higher concentrations of active ingredients, while Drunk Elephant’s products may have lower concentrations but still deliver effective results.
- pH levels and moisturizing agents are key formulation variations to consider when choosing between The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant products.
Brand History and Philosophy
When comparing The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, it’s vital to comprehend the brand history and philosophy that drives each company’s product development and customer engagement.
The Ordinary, founded in 2016, is part of the DECIEM group, a company committed to transparency and affordability. Its brand origins stem from a desire to disrupt the beauty industry with innovative, effective products at an accessible price point.
On the other hand, Drunk Elephant, founded in 2014, prioritizes corporate ethics, ensuring its products are free from harsh chemicals and toxins.
Both brands prioritize customer loyalty, but their distinct philosophies shape their approaches. As you dig deeper, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision about which brand aligns with your values and skincare needs.
Product Range Comparison
As you consider the product range of The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, you’ll notice distinct differences in their skincare offerings.
You’ll find that The Ordinary has a vast array of products catering to various skin concerns, from acne to anti-aging.
Meanwhile, Drunk Elephant takes a more curated approach, focusing on a smaller range of products that showcase their signature blend of potent, natural ingredients.
Skincare Product Offerings
Both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant offer a wide range of skincare products, but their product lines cater to different skin concerns and needs.
The Ordinary boasts an impressive product diversity, with over 60 products that tackle various skincare niches, from acne to aging. They’ve a strong focus on specific skin issues, offering targeted solutions for concerns like hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and dehydration.
In contrast, Drunk Elephant’s product range is smaller, with around 30 products, but they’re highly concentrated on addressing specific skin concerns, such as sensitivity, dryness, and dullness.
Their products often combine multiple active ingredients to tackle complex skin issues.
Core Ingredient Focus
Both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant prioritize specific core ingredients in their product ranges, with The Ordinary championing the power of single-ingredient formulations and Drunk Elephant opting for synergistic blends that amplify their products’ effectiveness.
As you explore their offerings, you’ll notice The Ordinary’s focus on affordable, high-potency formulas featuring natural actives like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.
Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, combines potent extracts like antioxidants, peptides, and plant stem cells to create complex blends that tackle specific skin concerns.
While The Ordinary’s approach allows for customization and targeted treatment, Drunk Elephant’s synergistic blends provide a more extensive skincare experience.
Understanding each brand’s core ingredient focus will help you decide which products best align with your skin goals and preferences.
Key Ingredients and Formulations
Six key ingredients set The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant apart, with each brand leveraging unique formulations to tackle specific skin concerns.
You’ll notice that The Ordinary focuses on affordable, clinically-backed ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C, sourced from reputable suppliers. Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, incorporates higher-end ingredients such as peptides and antioxidants, often sourced from natural extracts.
Concentration levels: The Ordinary’s products often have higher concentrations of active ingredients, while Drunk Elephant’s products may have lower concentrations but still deliver effective results.
pH levels: The Ordinary’s products tend to have a lower pH level, which can be more effective for certain skin types, while Drunk Elephant’s products have a more neutral pH level.
Moisturizing agents: Drunk Elephant’s products often contain more moisturizing agents like glycerin and ceramides, making them more suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
Three key formulation variations are worth weighing:
Understanding these formulation variations and ingredient sourcing can help you make an informed decision about which brand is best for your skin.
Skincare Routine Essentials
As you build your regimen, you’ll want to prioritize products that tackle specific concerns, such as cleansing, exfoliating, and protecting your skin.
For a solid morning routine, both brands offer gentle cleansers and toners to prep your skin for the day. The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser and Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser are great options.
At night, your nighttime prep should focus on deep cleansing and exfoliating. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial can help you achieve a smoother, brighter complexion.
Moisturizers and Hydrators
As you’ve set the stage with a solid cleansing and exfoliating routine, it’s time to lock in hydration and nourishment with the right moisturizers and hydrators. Your skin is thirsty for the right products to seal in the goodness and prepare it for the day or night ahead.
Daily Moisturizing: Look for lightweight, oil-free formulas that won’t clog pores or feel greasy under makeup.
Nighttime Hydrating: Opt for richer, more emollient products that can provide intense hydration while you sleep.
Customization: Consider your skin type, concerns, and goals when selecting products – don’t be afraid to mix and match to find the perfect combo for you.
Acne and Blemish Treatments
Your skin is now ready to tackle acne and blemish treatments, the next crucial step in your skincare journey, where targeted products can help you combat and prevent breakouts.
Understanding acne triggers is key to choosing the right products.
The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Spot Treatment is a great option for blackhead and whitehead removal, while Drunk Elephant’s Breakout-Fighting Spot Treatment contains a blend of salicylic acid and tea tree oil to combat acne and reduce inflammation.
When it comes to spot treatments, look for products containing beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that can effectively penetrate pores and unclog them.
Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Solutions
As you explore the domain of anti-aging and wrinkle solutions, you’re likely looking for products that can effectively combat fine lines and wrinkles, as well as restore your skin’s natural texture.
Both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant offer solutions that promise to tackle these concerns, but which brand’s approach is more effective?
Let’s examine their strategies for addressing fine lines and wrinkles, and restoring skin texture to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
When it comes to tackling fine lines and wrinkles, you’re likely looking for products that can deliver on their anti-aging promises, and both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant offer solutions that claim to do just that.
To achieve a smoother, more youthful complexion, you’ll want to focus on wrinkle prevention strategies and facial firming techniques.
Peptides and retinol: Both brands offer products containing these powerful anti-aging ingredients, which can help stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturizing and hydrating: Rich moisturizers and hydrating serums can help plump up fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking smoother and more radiant.
Exfoliation and skin resurfacing: Regular exfoliation and skin resurfacing can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin.
A few key takeaways to ponder:
Skin Texture Restoration
Frequently, you’ll find that restoring skin texture requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the signs of aging, including wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven tone.
To achieve facial rejuvenation, you’ll want to focus on skin renewal, which involves stimulating collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and enhancing skin brightness.
The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant offer various products that cater to these needs.
The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution and Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream are excellent options for skin renewal.
These products work together to exfoliate, nourish, and protect your skin, resulting in a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Exfoliants and Peeling Agents
You’re likely no stranger to the concept of exfoliation, which is why you’re probably keen to know how The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant stack up when it comes to their exfoliants and peeling agents. Both brands offer an array of products that cater to different skin types and concerns.
Glycolic benefits: The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a popular choice for its ability to exfoliate the skin, revealing brighter, smoother skin. Drunk Elephant’s Glycolic Night Serum, on the other hand, combines glycolic acid with other alpha-hydroxy acids for a more intense exfoliating experience.
Enzyme actions: Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial features a blend of enzyme-rich ingredients that break down dead skin cells, while The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution uses a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and brighten the skin.
Exfoliant intensity: If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliant, The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% might be the better choice. For a more intense exfoliating experience, Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a popular option.
Sunscreen and SPF Options
Now that you’ve got your skin exfoliated and brightened, it’s time to shield it from the sun’s harmful rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant offer a range of SPF options to suit your needs.
The Ordinary’s Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 provides daily protection with its lightweight, non-greasy formula.
Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, on the other hand, features Mineral Actives that work to defend against environmental stressors.
If you’re looking for a higher SPF, Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 offers a tinted option.
Both brands prioritize daily protection, so you can choose the one that fits your skin type and concerns.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
When it comes to making a decision between The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, customer reviews and ratings can be a valuable resource, as they offer insight into how these products perform in real-world scenarios and whether they live up to their claims.
But, you might wonder, how reliable are these reviews?
Review authenticity: Look for reviews from verified purchasers, and be wary of fake or paid reviews that might be biased.
Rating reliability: Check the overall rating trend, rather than relying on a single review. This will give you a more accurate picture of a product’s performance.
Consistency across platforms: Compare reviews across different websites and platforms to get a well-rounded view.
Price Points and Value Analysis
When you’re comparing The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, you’ll notice significant differences in their price points.
You’re likely wondering which brand offers better value for your money, and that’s exactly what we’ll explore in this section.
Product Cost Breakdown
The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant products span a wide price range, from under $10 to over $90, making it essential to evaluate the cost breakdown of each brand’s offerings to determine which one provides better value for your money.
When examining the price strategy of both brands, you’ll notice that The Ordinary tends to focus on affordability, with most products falling under $20. Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, takes a more premium approach, with many products priced between $40-$60.
The Ordinary’s affordable prices make it an excellent option for those on a budget.
Drunk Elephant’s higher prices are often justified by the use of high-quality, unique ingredients.
Both brands offer a range of products at different price points, allowing you to choose what works best for your skin and budget when weighing up the pros and cons of each.
Value for Money
Evaluating the value for money of The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant products involves analyzing their price points in relation to the quality and effectiveness of their formulations.
As a budget-conscious consumer, you want to guarantee that the products you choose provide cost effectiveness without compromising on results.
The Ordinary is generally priced lower, with most products under $10, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Drunk Elephant, on the other hand, is positioned as a premium brand, with prices ranging from $20 to over $100. However, their products often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, which may justify the extra cost.
When considering value for money, you need to verify the price against the benefits and results you can expect from each product.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Based on our in-depth comparison of The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant, it’s clear that each brand has its strengths and weaknesses, making the final decision ultimately depend on your individual skincare needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for affordable, no-frills skincare with a focus on active ingredients, The Ordinary might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest in premium products with a more luxurious feel, Drunk Elephant could be your brand.
If you’re already invested in one brand’s product lineup and have seen positive results, it might be worth sticking with what you know and love.
Ponder what specific skin concerns you’re trying to address. If you’re struggling with acne, The Ordinary’s salicylic acid products might be a good choice. For anti-aging, Drunk Elephant’s vitamin C serums could be a better fit.
Ultimately, the choice between The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant comes down to what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Both the Ordinary and Drunk Elephant Products Together?
You’re wondering if you can mix and match products from The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant. The good news is that, in most cases, they can coexist in harmony, as long as you’re mindful of product compatibility and prioritize skin harmony.
Are the Ordinary Products Suitable for Sensitive Skin Types?
You’re wondering if The Ordinary products are suitable for sensitive skin types? Typically, they’re gentle, but crucially, you must patch test and monitor your skin tolerance, as some products can cause reactions, especially if you’re new to active ingredients.
Do Drunk Elephant Products Contain Artificial Fragrances or Dyes?
You’re right to wonder about fragrance concerns in Drunk Elephant products. Fortunately, they’re free from chemical culprits like artificial fragrances and dyes, making them a great option if you’re sensitive to harsh additives.
Can I Return or Exchange Products if I Don’t Like Them?
If you’re not satisfied, you can return or exchange products within a certain timeframe, and you’ll receive store credit, so don’t worry, you’re covered with a flexible return policy that’s got your back.
Are the Ordinary and Drunk Elephant Products Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
You’re probably wondering if your skincare products align with your values. Rest assured, both The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant boast vegan certifications and cruelty-free labels, ensuring their products are free from animal testing and by-products, making you feel good about what you put on your skin.
Conclusion
You’ve now got a thorough understanding of The Ordinary and Drunk Elephant‘s distinct approaches to skincare.
The Ordinary excels in offering affordable, high-potency formulas with a vast product range, while Drunk Elephant prioritizes natural ingredients and synergistic blends with a focus on corporate ethics.
Consider your individual skin concerns and preferences to choose the brand that best fits your needs.
Ultimately, both brands offer effective solutions, and by weighing their strengths, you can make an informed decision for your skincare routine.
