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Drunk Elephant

A-Passioni Retinol Cream.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Retinoids

About this product

A retinol cream designed to address fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture through increased cell turnover and collagen production.

Best for

Mature skin
Retinoids

The Guru Index verdict

59%

Mixed

~Mixed · 59%
4Reviewers
1Approved
1Mixed
2Skip

What the gurus are saying

Gurus agree this is a potent retinol best suited for experienced users, not beginners or teens. Strengths include a balanced formula with ceramides that minimizes dryness and allows gradual buildup. The recurring criticism is that the active retinol concentration is surprisingly low relative to the price point, limiting visible results. There's consensus it works as a gentle entry point to retinoids if budget allows, but it underdelivers on efficacy for the cost.
Synthesized from 4 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

Vitamin CRetinoidNiacinamideHyaluronic acidCeramidesPeptidesFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Water/​Aqua/​Eau, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate, Stearic Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Retinol 1.0%, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Chrysin, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Ceramide NP, Xanthophylls, Phytosphingosine, Phytosterols, Jojoba Esters, Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Cetyl Palmitate, Trehalose, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Where to buy

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dr. Daniel Sugai
716k subs · 23k devotees
✕Skip
"If you're a teenager you don't need Drunk Elephant's retinol unless you see a dermatologist and you have acne and there are better acne medications than Drunk Elephant's retinol."
All 2 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dermatologist Explains: THREE Tips to Optimize Your Bedtime Skincare Routine!
"If you're a teenager you don't need Drunk Elephant's retinol unless you see a dermatologist and you have acne and there are better acne medications than Drunk Elephant's retinol."
The Perfect Timing To Begin Anti-aging Products And Procedures (Dermatologist Explains)
"Retinol is great for anti-aging. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production, helps keep your pores clear, and it helps with hyperpigmentation by increasing cell turnover."
Dr. Somji Skin
Dr. Somji Skin
356k subs
✓Approved
"Retinols are fantastic, they belong to a family of ingredients called retinoids and they're mainly available over the counter. If you've got post acne scars I would go for more of a sensitive retinol so I wouldn't go high up in terms of concentration. Concentrations in retinols are really confusing so you're going to have to look on the label on pack. Just remember if you're starting a retinol after having scarring acne scarring you can get a purge in acne for the first 6 to 12 weeks."
All 3 takes from Dr. Somji Skin
Nighttime Routine with Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni Retinol Cream | Dr. Somji Reviews
"This is a great retinol you can see that it's at good concentration, it's got a nice blend of ceramides. You're not going to feel very dry after this. You can build up this retinol really quite nicely. I'd probably do it once every alternate days. The only drawback is the actual amount of active ingredients is quite low, so it's not going to really change your skin so much, but it will definitely help, you know, make your skin feel better. Overall, if you've got the extra cash for it, it's not a bad product, but if you really want to get what you pay for, it's not the brand for you."
How to Treat Pigmentation | What is Pigmentation? | Dr. Somji's Treatments for Pigmentation
"You've got stronger ones with things like Drunk Elephant as well as Paula's Choice, but I would always start low with a retinol. I don't think that using a retinol on its own is enough to help with pigmentation."
Best Ingredients For Acne Scars | How To Remove Acne Scars At Home | Dr. Somji's Guide to Acne Scars
"Retinols are fantastic, they belong to a family of ingredients called retinoids and they're mainly available over the counter. If you've got post acne scars I would go for more of a sensitive retinol so I wouldn't go high up in terms of concentration. Concentrations in retinols are really confusing so you're going to have to look on the label on pack. Just remember if you're starting a retinol after having scarring acne scarring you can get a purge in acne for the first 6 to 12 weeks."
James Welsh
James Welsh
1.58M subs · 122k devotees
~Mixed
"It's a very strong retinol. Only use it if you are a pro."
No BS Beauty
No BS Beauty
89k subs · 2k devotees
✕Skip
"The stuff is not good for kids, especially a lot of their products. This is too strong for most adults, and having an 8-year-old, 10-year-old, or 16-year-old use it, their face is going to be even more apt to burn and get damaged."
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