At what age can you use Drunk Elephant?

What do the ages 16 and 18 actually mean?

Drunk Elephant's US website is intended for people aged 16 and older. Buying through that website requires you to be 18 or the age of majority where you live. Those are website rules, not a birthday timetable for your bathroom shelf. Product suitability is a separate question: the brand describes Lala Retro as providing daily moisture maintenance at any age.13

Which Drunk Elephant moisturizer should you consider?

Lala Retro is a moisturizer, which is a complete job without recruiting a supporting cast of serums. The brand describes its texture as airy and whipped and recommends daily use morning and night. Its ceramide blend helps reinforce the skin barrier and retain moisture. That makes it a basic moisture option to consider, rather than a reason to add the rest of the range.1

Drunk Elephant's moisturizers also differ in texture and purpose. Protini has a light gel cream texture and is marketed for firmness, fine lines and sun damage. Bora Barrier is an ultra rich cream aimed at chronically dry skin or a compromised skin barrier. Those differences matter more than choosing a cream because someone of the same age uses it. For a young person, start with the need for moisture, not the promise of younger looking skin.1

How should a child or tween start?

Use this general routine rather than a full brand lineup:

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser. For dry or sensitive skin, washing only in the evening can be enough.
2. 2Apply a fragrance free moisturizer to help relieve dryness.
3. 3Use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
4. 4Introduce one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, try a small amount before applying it across the face.

Does becoming a teenager make the stronger products suitable?

Not automatically. Tweens and teens should avoid cosmetic retinol, vitamin C and exfoliating acids aimed at wrinkles, sun damage or uneven tone. These can cause redness, burning and peeling without benefiting young skin. Acne is different: a dermatologist can recommend a retinoid or salicylic acid when appropriate. Do not turn that exception into permission to use every exfoliating serum.2

What if the child has eczema?

For eczema, consider a thick cream or ointment; fragrance free petroleum jelly works well for many children. Apply moisturizer at least twice daily. If the child uses prescribed skin medicine, apply it as directed to almost dry skin after bathing, then put moisturizer over it and on the remaining skin. Choosing a fashionable brand should not replace those treatment instructions.4

What should make you stop using a product?

Stop using a new product if it causes redness, itching, scaling, burning or peeling. Children's skin is thinner and can absorb more applied substances than adult skin. An allergic skin reaction can appear within hours or several days, so feeling fine immediately is not the whole test. A rash can start where the product touched the skin and spread; blisters and swelling can also occur.5

See a dermatologist if products trigger reactions, or if acne leaves dark marks or scars or fails to improve after a few months of treatment. Suspected contact allergy can require medical patch testing to identify the ingredient responsible.25