If you are looking to indulge in a luxurious at-home facial treatment, you'll want to keep the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial on top of your beauty wish list.
However, before you add a bottle to your shopping cart, take a look at our comprehensive review of this popular at-home exfoliator.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is an integral part of any skincare routine, as it helps remove dead cells from the outer layer of the skin. Therefore leaving the skin smooth and supple as a result.
Generally, there are two at-home exfoliation methods to remember.
These include mechanical and chemical exfoliation:
- Mechanical Exfoliation: Done manually, with some help from a facial sponge or brush.
- Chemical Exfoliation: Use acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to eliminate dead skin cells.
Key Takeaways
- The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a chemical exfoliant that incorporates AHAs and BHA into the product formula.
- Because of its strong active ingredients, this product should only be used once a week, and should never be used more than what is advised on the product label.
- When using the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, be sure to wear sunscreen, as AHAs and BHA can make your skin sun-sensitive.
- Similarly, discontinue the use of other products containing active ingredients when using this product to avoid any potentially harmful interactions.
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Exfoliating Mask for Evening Skin Tone and Texture
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Drunk Elephant's Baby Facial Mask contains a potent blend of AHAs and BHA to resurface, unclog pores, and reveal a smooth and even skin tone and texture.
This super powerful mask has a 25% concentration of an AHA blend (glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, and citric acid), as well as a 2% concentration of BHA (salicylic acid). These chemical exfoliators fight signs of aging, smooth the skin, brighten, and unclog pores. 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.
Product Overview
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a leave-on, chemical exfoliant treatment that uses AHA at 25%, and BHA at 2%.
Chickpea flour, vitamins, botanical extracts, oils, and a modified form of hyaluronic acid are also incorporated into the formula to deliver skin-protecting antioxidants and hydration to the skin.
Claims
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial claims to gently exfoliate the skin's pore lining, and resurface the skin by eliminating built-up, dead skin cells.
It is also supposed to smooth skin texture, while minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
The brand claims that a thin, even layer of the product can safely be used on dry, cleansed skin once a week, for approximately 20 minutes.
Key Ingredients
1. 25% AHA Blend
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial uses a blend of AHA acids at 25%. These include glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids.
These acids are commonly used in skincare formulations to peel all types of skin, without risk. Because of this, these acids have been used to treat different skin concerns including acne scars, uneven tone, and roughness [2].
Be advised: lower concentrations of AHA are often tolerated better on the skin. Products containing higher concentrations of AHA can cause skin irritation [2].
Currently, the recommended percentage of AHA acids is under 10% [3]. Because this product contains AHA at 25%, it is worth discussing usage with a dermatologist before adding this product to your routine.
2. 2% BHA (Salicylic Acid)
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA that is included in this product formula.
The ingredient has been used to treat many skin disorders (including acne, melasma, and photodamage) in the past 2000 years, and is known to be a safe and effective peeling agent [4].
Salicylic acid can have some side effects, but they are usually are mild These include hypopigmentation, dryness, and crusting of the skin, which typically clears within a week [4].
3. Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is another ingredient used in the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Baby Sukari Babyfacial product.
The ingredient, which is also known as gram flour, lightens skin tone, and reduces oiliness, making it a good anti-pimple agent [5].
Chickpea flour is vegan and is generally safe for all skin types use. However, anyone who has a personal allergy to chickpeas should avoid using this product, according to an interview with a Drunk Elephant representative.
How to Use
Here is how to use the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Baby Sukari Babyfacial:
- Cleanse, and then dry the skin completely
- Apply a thin and even layer of product onto the skin
- Leave the product on for 20 minutes
- Rinse off face with warm water, ensuring all product is completely washed off
- Finish with a hydrating oil or cream
Note: Since a slight tingling sensation can be experienced, make sure your product does not get into the eye area during application, as glycolic and lactic acids have been documented to causing ocular irritation in some studies [7].
When to apply
Because it's powered by skin exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, the company recommends using this product only once a week.
Additionally, the brand also suggests starting off slowly, while giving other products that contain active ingredients in your routine a break.
Pregnant and nursing mothers should exert caution when using this product. Currently, no studies have been conducted as to how salicylic acid and glycolic acid impact pregnancy. It is best to discuss with a physician and a dermatologist before using. [8]
Other Tips
1. AHAs and BHAs cause sun-sensitivity
Both AHAs and BHAs have the potential to increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, which can lead to sunburn if you don't wear sunscreen [3] [9].
To protect your skin from sunburn, wear (and reapply) sunscreen with at least SPF30, invest in sun-protective clothing, and limit your exposure to the sun [3] [9].
2. Sensitive skin types should use this with caution
While AHA products with a final pH level of 3.5 (the level of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial) are considered safe to use, they can be too strong for some skin types, particularly sensitive skin [3].
To see how your skin tolerates AHAs and BHAs before using, it's wise to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin first, before proceeding to apply it to a large area [9].
3. Do not apply more than is directed
Even though it's tempting to slap a thick layer of product onto your face, you'll always want to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Do not exceed the recommended applications, as it can cause adverse reactions such as burning and redness [9].
What to Expect
While the addition of chickpea flour, vitamins, botanical extracts, oils, and a modified form of hyaluronic acid can soothe and nourish skin, because the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial utilizes AHA at 25% (and BHA at 2%), users can expect to feel some form of skin tingling, especially if your skin is sensitive.
However, it's worth mentioning the product does contain an overall pH level of 3.5, making it safe for use on the skin [3].
As previously stated, you won't want to use the product any more than it's recommended, as doing so can cause irritation and redness to arise.
FAQs
How do you use Drunk Elephant T.L.C Babyfacial?
Cleanse, and dry the skin completely. Next, apply a thin, even layer of product onto the skin. Then, leave the product on for 20 minutes, and thoroughly rinse off the face with warm water. Finally, finish with a hydrating oil or cream.
What is the recommended percentage of AHA?
Currently, the recommended percentage of AHA is under 10%, making the percentage of this Drunk Elpehant product fairly high (25%) [3]. However, since the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial does have a pH level of 3.5, it is generally safe for use [3]. However, if you are unsure what percentage works best for you, be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Can AHAs or BHAs cause damage to the skin?
If higher percentages of AHAs and BHAs are used regularly, they can cause damage to the skin barrier, making it vulnerable to skin irritation, peeling, and photodamage [2]. This makes it important to wear SPF30 when using this product, and consult a board-certified dermatologist before using it.
The Bottom Line
The Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is an exfoliating mask that can be used to exfoliate surface dead skills.
In addition to acids, the formula also utilizes chickpea flour to brighten the skin tone, as well as other skin-boosting ingredients that help nourish and calm the skin.
However, keep in mind that the product should only be used once a week, and should never be used more often than what is advised on the product label.
Similarly, when using the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, be sure to wear sunscreen, as AHAs and BHAs can make your skin sun-sensitive [3] [9].
