So the whole origin story is a myth. Elephants don’t actually get drunk on fermented marula fruit.
But Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson heard the legend and ran with it — the idea of something pure, wild, and joyful. That’s the vibe.
It’s a single-origin, cold-pressed facial oil. $72 for 30ml. They claim it’s “clean-compatible” and won’t feed your skin “suspicious” ingredients. I tried it because my barrier was screaming.
Virgin, Cold-Pressed
Extracted without heat or chemicals — preserves the antioxidants.
Oxidation-Resistant Bottle
Dark glass with a tight dropper. It won’t turn on your shelf.
One Ingredient
Just 100% *Sclerocarya birrea* (Marula) Seed Oil. That’s it.
Photo: Nora Topicals / Unsplash
It’s not just an oil. It’s packed with tocopherols (Vitamin E) and antioxidants like procyanidins. They fight environmental damage — not just moisturize.
- Oleic Acid: Softens and soothes, but can be heavy for some
- Linoleic Acid: Helps repair the skin’s barrier
- Antioxidants (Procyanidins): Fights free radicals from pollution
- Tocopherols: Protects oil stability, benefits skin
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
The texture is shockingly light — not greasy like some oils. Absorbs in maybe 20 seconds. Leaves a soft, satin finish, not a slick.
Week 3: My dry patches were gone. But I had to be careful — using more than 3 drops made my combo skin look a bit too luminous by noon.
Photo: Gabriel Goncalves / Unsplash
My dehydration lines plumped up. Zero irritation. But it didn’t magically shrink pores or cure acne. It’s a brilliant hydrator, not a miracle worker.
It’s expertly sourced and performs beautifully. But you’re paying for purity and brand ethos. A fantastic oil if it’s exactly what your skin needs.