Founder Tiffany Masterson heard a story about elephants getting tipsy on fermented marula fruit. The whole billion-dollar Drunk Elephant brand spun out from that.
The real hook? She insisted on virgin, cold-pressed oil — most cosmetic-grade stuff is heat-processed and stripped. That detail changes everything.
A 30ml facial oil for $72. The claim? It’s a “clean” multi-tasker that absorbs instantly without greasiness. Had to test that.
Cold-Pressed
Not heated above 46°C — preserves antioxidants.
Virgin Grade
Unrefined, so it keeps its natural color and scent.
Solo Act
Meant to be used alone or mixed with any serum.
Photo: Chandra Oh / Unsplash
It’s 100% *Sclerocarya birrea* (Marula) seed oil. No filler oils. No fragrance. The fatty acid profile is the star — it’s high in oleic acid, which is why it sinks in so fast.
- Oleic Acid: Sinks deep, softens instantly.
- Antioxidants (Tocopherols): Fights environmental damage.
- Polyphenols: Calms irritation.
- Sterols: Strengthens skin’s barrier.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Texture is thin and slick — like liquid silk. Warm it between your palms and it disappears in 8 seconds flat. No residue. Smells faintly nutty, like raw seeds.
Week 3: My skin was softer, yes. But the surprise? It didn’t magically cure my dry patches overnight. This is a maintainer, not an emergency fix.
Photo: freestocks / Unsplash
Measurable change: my foundation stopped clinging to dry flakes. Pores? Same size. Breakouts? None caused. It just made my skin consistently smoother.
Photo: Sonia Roselli / Unsplash
It’s an impeccably sourced, beautifully elegant oil. But the billion-dollar philosophy is more compelling than the bottle.