Can kids use Drunk Elephant?

Is Drunk Elephant safe for children ages 8 to 10?

For an 8 to 10 year old, use the basic routine below rather than copying an adult routine. Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Products targeting wrinkles, sun damage and uneven tone offer no useful benefit for young skin and can cause redness, burning or peeling.1

Which Drunk Elephant products make sense?

Look at the purpose of the individual product. Drunk Elephant describes Lala Retro as a whipped moisturizer for dryness and moisture maintenance at any age, a job description considerably calmer than the name. That makes moisturizing, rather than treating signs of aging, the relevant reason to consider it.2

Protini Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer is a lightweight gel cream that delivers daily moisture. The brand lists it as fragrance free and directs application morning and night to a clean, dry face. Protini is marketed for firmness and fine lines, giving a moisturizer the vocabulary of a furniture inspection. For a child, the useful goal is moisture, not the extra firming promises.3

Drunk Elephant also tells users they can mix its serums, oils and creams together. Drunk Elephant's skincare smoothies are mixing instructions, despite sounding like something that should come with a straw. Do not turn a suitable moisturizer into a mixture containing adult treatments simply because the products can be combined.12

How should a child use skincare?

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser without scrubbing. For dry or sensitive skin, washing once in the evening can be enough.
2. 2Apply a fragrance free moisturizer regularly to help relieve dryness and itchiness.
3. 3Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.

Introduce only one new product at a time. For sensitive skin, try a small amount on a limited area before applying it to the whole face. Consistent use of a few suitable products matters more than adding steps.1

Why might Drunk Elephant be bad for kids?

The concern is exposure to irritating products, not a problem unique to this brand. Irritant contact dermatitis means skin inflammation caused by substances that damage the skin barrier. Stronger concentrations, larger amounts and more frequent use can affect how severe irritation becomes. Several irritants can have a cumulative effect, so a collection of products can be harder on skin than one product alone. Children with eczema are particularly susceptible.4

Retinol belongs to the retinoid family of vitamin A ingredients. Topical retinoids are generally not recommended for young children; age restrictions depend on the specific product and country. They can cause dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity, and their drying effect can worsen eczema. A dermatologist choosing a retinoid for acne is a different situation from a child choosing a cosmetic retinol for an adult routine.5

When should you stop or get help?

Stop the suspected irritating product if burning, pain, redness, peeling or cracking develops. Irritation can appear after one strong exposure or build up through repeated use. Avoiding the irritant and using moisturizer are basic measures for irritated skin; adding more treatments is not the next step.4

See a dermatologist if your child's skin reacts to shop bought products. For acne, get help if breakouts leave dark marks or scars, or do not improve after a few months of treatment. A dermatologist can decide whether an acne treatment such as salicylic acid or a retinoid is appropriate.1