What is the useful difference?
Drunk Elephant promotes mixing selected products in your palm, with sunscreen applied separately at the end. That is Drunk Elephant's own routine advice, not a rule to extend to Bubble products or prescription treatments. Compare the exact cleanser, moisturizer or serum you want; matching categories alone does not settle differences in ingredients, strength or texture.23
| Routine detail | Drunk Elephant's mixing approach | General approach for either brand |
|---|---|---|
| Applying products | Mix selected products in your palm. | Cleanse, apply treatment, then moisturizer and sunscreen. |
| Sunscreen | Apply separately, last in the skincare routine. | Apply before makeup. |
| Evening cleansing | Cleanse to remove makeup, dirt and pollution. | Use a gentle cleanser before bed. |
Drunk Elephant calls its mixtures smoothies, although the sunscreen still gets a separate appointment.2
Which should you buy?
If your priority is cost, choose whichever suitable product costs less, whether that is Bubble or Drunk Elephant. Drunk Elephant lists C Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum at $79, but that single price is not a comparison of equivalent formulas or bottle sizes. If your priority is Drunk Elephant's mixing approach, follow its directions for the specific products rather than treating every combination as interchangeable.12
For either brand, look for products intended for your skin type and labels that say they will not clog pores. Oily skin still needs moisturizer. Dry skin can feel flaky, itchy or rough; combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. A complete matching collection is not necessary for the basic routine, even if the bottles would prefer to stay together.1
How should you use either brand?
- 1Cleanse gently before bed and before applying skincare. Limit face washing to twice daily and after sweating, then gently pat dry.
- 2Apply any medication or treatment after cleansing. Keep this step separate from Drunk Elephant's general mixing advice.
- 3Apply moisturizer while skin is damp to help trap water.
- 4Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- 5Apply makeup after skincare, if you use it.
What if your skin is sensitive?
Sensitive skin can sting or burn after product use. Using several products can also cause irritation, especially when combining multiple treatments for signs of aging. Favor fewer products instead of adding more steps to solve irritation. If you are unsure of your skin type or have concerns about your routine, a dermatologist can help you choose.13
Where this answer comes from
- 1Skin care on a budgetaad.org
- 2Skincare Routine Order of Operationsdrunkelephant.com
- 3Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org
