Even after our breakouts are cleared, many of us are left with annoying acne scars. Thankfully, popular skincare brand Drunk Elephant offers a variety of products that can help fade these scars for more even skin.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Drunk Elephant products for acne scars, but first, we need to talk about the different types of scars and their appropriate treatments.
Topical products that you can buy over-the-counter (like the ones on the list below) are typically best for treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH is the result of melanin being overproduced in the spot where a blemish occurred, which results in a discolored mark that is flat and untextured.
In addition to PIH, many will also deal with raised or indented scars, which generally can’t be fully treated with topical OTC products. Instead, these scars require professional treatment to entirely diminish their appearance. If you’d like to learn more about the best treatments for your specific acne scars, you can check out this comprehensive article.
The Best Drunk Elephant Products for Acne Scars
Best Serum
Best Drunk Elephant Serum for Acne Scars
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum
This serum contains a potent concentration of vitamin C, which is excellent for brightening and lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as fighting the signs of aging.
This serum contains a 15% concentration of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), which promotes the production of collagen. This in turn helps minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation, while also providing anti-aging benefits[1]. It also contains antioxidant-rich ferulic acid and vitamin E, which protect the skin from environmental stressors, and have also been shown to increase the efficacy of vitamin C.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers complain about the smell
In addition to the blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, this serum contains pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract, which dissolve skin cells on the surface of the skin for even, smooth skin. Additionally, this serum has a reservoir effect, which means it stays active on the skin for up to 72 hours.
Best Retinol Treatment
Best Drunk Elephant Retinol for Acne Scars
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
The star ingredient in this cream is retinol. While we often associate retinol with anti-aging, it is also incredibly effective at clearing and preventing breakouts, as well as minimizing the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This cream has an effective 1% concentration of retinol, making it one of the best Drunk Elephant products for acne scars. Retinoids have been shown to be incredibly effective in diminishing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles[2].
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
This treatment also contains soothing and hydrating ingredients that help counteract the potentially irritating effects of the retinol, including jojoba oil, apricot oil, passionfruit oil, marula oil, and kale leaf extract. Additionally, it contains peptides and vitamin F, which promote firmness and calm the skin.
Best Exfoliating Serum
Best Drunk Elephant Exfoliating Serum for Acne Scars
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
This cult-favorite exfoliating serum combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with additional soothing ingredients to improve the skin tone and texture, unclog pores, and fight signs of aging.
This serum contains a blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid (AHAs), which exfoliate the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, as well as fine lines and wrinkles[3]. It also contains salicylic acid, which unclogs pores to minimize breakouts[4]. These star ingredients make this serum the perfect multi-tasking chemical exfoliator.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
This serum contains additional ingredients that counteract the potentially irritating effects of the chemical exfoliators, including raspberry fruit extract and aloe leaf juice extract.
Best Mask
Best Drunk Elephant Mask for Acne Scars
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask
This powerful mask contains a potent blend of AHAs and BHA that resurface the skin and fight breakouts to promote a smooth, even skin tone and texture.
This super powerful mask is one of the best Drunk Elephant products for acne scars and a variety of other skin concerns, thanks to the 25% concentration of an AHA blend and the 2% concentration of salicylic acid. These chemical exfoliators work together to diminish post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as unclog pores and fight signs of aging[3][4]. It also contains chickpea flour, which brightens the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
Since this mask has such powerful active ingredients, it is best to avoid applying serums or treatments with other strong actives (like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol) after use.
Best Sunscreen
Best Drunk Elephant Sunscreen for Acne Scars
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
This physical sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that could darken hyperpigmentation and cause photoaging.
Daily sun protection is crucial when it comes to fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (and promoting good skin health in general). This physical sunscreen helps block UVA and UVB rays that could darken hyperpigmentation and decrease its likelihood to fade quickly[5].
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some reviewers note it leaves a white cast
This sunscreen contains mineral/physical sunscreen (rather than chemical sunscreen), which is generally better tolerated by sensitive skin. It also contains additional ingredients that provide antioxidant protection, including sunflower shoot extract, algae extract, and raspberry seed oil.
FAQs
Is Drunk Elephant good for acne?
Yes, if you’re still dealing with breakouts, Drunk Elephant offers a variety of products that are good for acne-prone skin. You can check out our guide on the best Drunk Elephant products for acne for recommendations.
Can I use Drunk Elephant T.L.C. every night?
Drunk Elephant has two T.L.C. products: the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum and the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask. The mask is very potent, and should be used no more frequently than one time per week. For the serum, most people will do best using it every other night or two times per week. Since it has a higher percentage of exfoliants in the formula, using it too often may irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier.
Is Drunk Elephant a natural brand?
Drunk Elephant products do contain many natural ingredients. However, since the brand also uses synthetic ingredients, it is not an all-natural brand. The brand is cruelty-free, and most of the products are vegan.
The Bottom Line
With the right products, you can help speed up the process of fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Include some of the best Drunk Elephant products for acne scars in your skincare routine to achieve clear and even-toned skin.
