Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—Drunk Elephant, a skincare brand that has been making waves for a while.
But it’s high time we admit that even if their formulas are a chef’s kiss, the prices can make you feel like you need to take out a second mortgage.
Like I’m all for glowing skin, non-toxic ingredients, and ultra-chic packaging. But do I really need to empty my entire savings to get there?
(Drunk Elephant, we love you girl, but you’re damn expensive.)
That’s why I’m going to spill the skincare tea—how to get that glow without the whole “there goes my paycheck” moment.
1. Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Serum Dupe
There’s no doubt that this serum deserves the hype. That pineapple ceramide and provitamin B5 with sodium hyaluronate is basically a hydrating dream team.
But if you hate that “wait, how much?!” moment at checkout, say hello to La Roche-Posay B5 Hyaluronic Serum.
First off, we’re talking pure hyaluronic acid—and not just one type, but two different kinds, honey. That means double the hydration, plumpness, and glow you’ve been craving!
Oh, and did I mention Vitamin B5? It’s pretty much a moisture magnet that smoothens and soothes your skin. It’s lightweight and lightly fragranced, making it perfect for sensitive skin (eyes!). So yup, you don’t have to worry about any irritation.
Yes, it’s not that cheap. But even $10 less for the same magic? I’ll take it!
2. Drunk Elephant Protini Dupe
If you’re a fan of the Protini Peptide Cream but not of that $68 price tag, girl, do I have the perfect dupe for you—Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream!
It’s like a protein shade for your face—rich in plant peptides, Vitamin C, and ferulic acid for that anti-aging, wrinkle-smoothing goodness.
The Acure cream is super lightweight, yet deeply hydrating—perfect for normal to dry skin types, just like Protini.
What’s even better? Acure’s products are free from all the nasties—no parabens, sulfates, or formaldehyde here.
I wouldn’t say that it can replace the benefits of water (because seriously, nothing can), but it can serve that “I drink 8 glasses of water a day” glow.
3. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil Dupe
Drunk Elephant’s Virgin Marula Oil is liquid gold for your skin. But $69 for just 30ml? No thanks!
I mean, why spend a hundred dollars when you get the same thing at just a fraction of the cost? The Ordinary’s Virgin Marula Oil is 100% cold-pressed and unrefined, making it the dreamiest Drunk Elephant dupe I’ve ever seen.
It’s the same antioxidant-rich magic, extracted from marula tree fruit kernels, designed to hydrate your skin and give you that barrier-boosting glow.
In fact, not only does it replenish lost moisture and leave your skin looking all healthy, but it’s also a secret weapon for that frustrating hair frizz and dehydration.
4. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum Dupe
The C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is the holy grail for anyone obsessed with Vitamin C. But $78 a bottle literally felt like my skincare routine was cutting into my brunch budget.
That’s when I came across Paula’s Choice Resist C15 Super Booster—my best bet for a Vitamin C fix. I wouldn’t lie, even this costs a bit much. But it’s still $30 less than the C-Firma Fresh Day Serum!
And the reason why I prefer this is the 15% Vitamin C concentration and ferulic acid just like DE’s product.
In fact, you’ll see visible results (I mean, a serious glow-up) within 15 minutes of application! You can use it alone or mix it into your fav moisturizer for an extra boost of radiance.
5. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Dupe
The A-Passioni Retinol Cream seemed irreplaceable to me because of its 1% vegan retinol formula combined with different peptides and fatty acids to balance the dryness.
Until I tried the RoC Anti-Aging Retinol Night Cream, which is no joke. Not only is it loved by the queen of skincare herself, Kim Kardashian, but over 14,000 people swear by it.
And for all the good reasons!
It gives you instant hydration that leaves your skin feeling plump and fresh. After 4 weeks, you’ll see more radiant skin, and in 8 weeks, those deep wrinkles will start fading away.
And it’s not just talk—this formula is dermatologist-tested, clinically proven, and non-comedogenic. So yeah, add it to your cart rn!
6. Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Night Serum Dupe
DE’s Framboos Serum was a game-changer, no caps. That 10% AHA and 1% BHA worked like a total reset button for your skin.
And if you feel the same, let me introduce a much cheaper dupe with the same magic—Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment.
It has a similar blend of 10% AHA and BHA, which work together to slough off dead skin cells, smooth texture, and deep clean your pores. Bonus points for sodium hyaluronate, that keeps your skin hydrated while the acids do their thing.
7. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial Dupe
This might come off as rude, but there’s nothing special in the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial mask when The Ordinary Peeling Solution does exactly the same thing, and without costing $80!!!
Compared to DE’s 25% AHA + 2% BHA, this dupe has 30% AHA + 2% BHA, making it perfect for those who want to get rid of uneven texture, dull spots, and clogged pores.
And here’s the best part—it isn’t just an acid bath for your skin. It’s got some serious hydration backup with Tasmanian pepper berry, black carrot, Vitamin B5, and hyaluronic acid.
So, while the acids are doing their job, these extra ingredients soothe and hydrate your skin. All of this at just $10!!!!
8. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Eye Cream Dupe
This Drunk Elephant cream is a go-to for combating dark circles, fine lines, and overall dullness around the eyes. But no matter how good the formula is, it’s not worth $64 at all.
Rather, I’d recommend Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C & Tri-Peptide Eye Cream. It’s a mega-moisturizer without that mega price tag.
With clinical-grade Vitamin C and a patented tri-peptide, this eye cream will boost your skin’s natural elasticity. Like the C-Tango cream, it has antioxidants like green tea extract that prevent free radical damage and premature aging.
And if hydration is your thing (which, duh, it is), this formula even has a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to your skin without causing any irritation.
9. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Dupe
We all know Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a savior for dry, sensitive skin. But even tho it’s jam-packed with 6 African oils and plant ceramides, $60 IS A LOTT.
That’s where Paula’s Choice Omega + Complex Moisturizer steps in as the ultimate dupe. This dreamy, cloud-like cream brings in the big guns with omegas 3, 6, and 9, along with ceramides and antioxidants to instantly nourish your skin.
What’s really cool is that it’s loaded with hyaluronic acid (our BFF!) to pull in long-lasting hydration. So, if your skin’s been acting like a dried-up sponge, this is the elixir it’s been begging for!
10. Drunk Elephant No. 9 Jelly Cleanser Dupe
I’m sure the No.9 Jelly Cleanser is a fan favorite. Its lightweight jelly texture transforms into a gentle foam to remove makeup, oil, and dirt.
Cute.
But who are we kidding? $34 for a cleanser? Hell, nah!
Say hello to Tony Moly’s Vital Vita 12 Jelly Cleanser. It has the same jelly goodness but with an extra vitamin-packed punch, thanks to its exclusive Vita-12 multi-vitamin compound which includes 12 types of vitamins—YUP, 12!
Plus, squalene helps lock in moisture and boost elasticity, so that your skin doesn’t feel like the Sahara Desert.
Wrapping up – drunk elephant dupes
Remember, skincare is all about finding what works for your skin, not necessarily what has the biggest price tag. So go ahead, try out these dupes, and treat your skin to some much-deserved love.
After all, it’s all about looking like a million bucks without spending it!💁♀️
Cannot believe my eyes for real. Thank god I got intrigued and stopped by. Let’s wait for your sale now Ulta, lmao <3
Harman you always come up with great ideas. This list is spectacular. Thanks!