Drunk Elephant has become one of the most talked-about skincare brands in the past decade, celebrated for its minimalist, clean formulations and emphasis on biocompatible ingredients. Founded by Tiffany Masterson in 2012, the brand has grown from a single product line into a full range of skincare solutions, including serums, oils, cleansers, masks, and moisturizers.

With its distinctive “Suspicious 6™” philosophy (removing essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS) Drunk Elephant has positioned itself as a pioneer in the clean skincare movement. While the brand is widely recognized as cruelty-free, many consumers are curious: Is Drunk Elephant vegan?

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A Brief History of Drunk Elephant

Tiffany Masterson created Drunk Elephant with a simple goal: to develop skincare that works in harmony with the skin rather than against it. The first product, T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum, was designed to exfoliate gently while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The brand’s approach gained rapid traction in the skincare community, fueled by social media buzz, influencer endorsements, and a loyal consumer base.

As Drunk Elephant expanded, the company maintained a consistent focus on clean, biocompatible ingredients. Every product is formulated to avoid what the brand calls the “Suspicious 6™” ingredients, which are believed to disrupt skin health or cause irritation. This commitment to thoughtful formulation has helped Drunk Elephant stand out in a crowded skincare market.

Understanding Vegan Skincare

Before determining whether Drunk Elephant is vegan, it’s important to define what “vegan” means in the context of beauty. A vegan product contains no animal-derived ingredients or by-products. This includes common components like:

• Beeswax
• Honey
• Lanolin
• Collagen
• Carmine

Being vegan is separate from being cruelty-free. While cruelty-free means a product is never tested on animals, vegan ensures the formula itself contains no animal-derived materials. A brand can be cruelty-free without being vegan, or vice versa.

Drunk Elephant’s Cruelty-Free Commitment

Drunk Elephant is officially cruelty-free, certified by both PETA and the Leaping Bunny Program. This certification ensures that:

• The company does not test its products on animals.
• Suppliers and manufacturers are prohibited from testing ingredients on animals.
• Products are not tested on animals at any stage of production.

This commitment has made Drunk Elephant a favorite among ethical skincare enthusiasts. The cruelty-free certification assures consumers that while they may be purchasing high-performance skincare, no animals were harmed in the process.

Is Drunk Elephant Vegan?

While Drunk Elephant is cruelty-free, the brand is not entirely vegan. Some products contain animal-derived ingredients such as honey, beeswax, or lanolin. For instance, certain moisturizers or lip products may include these components to provide texture, hydration, or emollient properties.

However, Drunk Elephant also offers several products that are both vegan and cruelty-free. These include many of the brand’s popular serums and creams formulated without any animal-derived ingredients. Examples of vegan-friendly products are:

• B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum: A lightweight, hydrating serum that provides moisture and supports skin elasticity.
• Protini™ Polypeptide Cream: A peptide-rich moisturizer that strengthens and firms the skin without animal-derived components.
• Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream: A luxurious, nourishing cream that uses plant-based oils instead of lanolin or beeswax.
• C-Firma™ Day Serum: An antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum free from animal products.
• T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum: A gentle exfoliating serum formulated with plant-derived acids and botanical ingredients.

These vegan products align with the standards of consumers seeking ethical, plant-based skincare options.

How to Identify Vegan Drunk Elephant Products

Because not all Drunk Elephant products are vegan, it’s important to check ingredient lists before purchasing. The brand provides detailed ingredient information on its official website, which helps consumers verify whether a product meets vegan criteria. Look for the absence of:

• Beeswax or cera alba
• Lanolin or lanolin derivatives
• Honey or mel
• Any other animal-derived emulsifiers or extracts

If a product doesn’t contain these ingredients and is cruelty-free, it can be considered vegan.

Why Some Products Are Not Vegan

Drunk Elephant occasionally uses animal-derived ingredients because they offer specific skincare benefits:

• Beeswax: Acts as a natural emollient, providing a protective barrier for the skin.
• Lanolin: Moisturizes and helps soften dry skin.
• Honey: Contains antioxidants and humectant properties that draw moisture into the skin.

These ingredients are chosen for their efficacy and skin compatibility. While they make certain products non-vegan, they align with the brand’s philosophy of using ingredients that actively benefit the skin.

Vegan and Cruelty-Free: What It Means for Consumers

For consumers seeking ethical skincare, it’s reassuring that Drunk Elephant offers a substantial range of vegan products. This means you can maintain a vegan skincare routine while enjoying the brand’s signature performance and clean formulations.

Being both vegan and cruelty-free ensures that:

• No animals are harmed during product development.
• You avoid animal-derived ingredients while still getting effective skincare.
• Your beauty routine aligns with ethical and environmental values.

For people transitioning to vegan skincare or looking to minimize animal-derived products in their routines, Drunk Elephant’s vegan options provide reliable, high-quality choices.

Tips for Building a Vegan Skincare Routine with Drunk Elephant

1. Start with vegan core products: Begin with serums like B-Hydra™ or C-Firma™ for hydration and antioxidant benefits.
2. Check moisturizers carefully: While some creams contain lanolin or beeswax, options like Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream are vegan-friendly.
3. Layer serums and oils strategically: Plant-based oils in vegan products can provide the same hydration and nourishment as animal-derived alternatives.
4. Use cruelty-free sunscreen: Drunk Elephant’s sunscreen products often align with clean and cruelty-free standards, but check ingredients for vegan compliance.
5. Double-check new launches: Drunk Elephant occasionally releases new products that may or may not be vegan, so always read the ingredient list.

By following these steps, consumers can build a completely vegan Drunk Elephant skincare routine without sacrificing the performance and quality the brand is known for.

The Verdict: Is Drunk Elephant Vegan?

Drunk Elephant is cruelty-free across all products but not fully vegan. Some products contain animal-derived ingredients like honey, beeswax, or lanolin, while others are completely vegan-friendly. The good news is that the brand provides clear ingredient listings, allowing consumers to choose products that fit a vegan lifestyle.

If you’re looking for high-performance, clean skincare that is also ethical, you can confidently use Drunk Elephant’s vegan options for a routine that aligns with your values. The combination of cruelty-free practices, clean formulations, and selective vegan products makes Drunk Elephant a strong choice for anyone prioritizing both efficacy and ethics in skincare.

Check out Drunk Elephant here!

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