Drunk Elephant vs Bubble Skincare: Which Brand Fits Your Skin (and Vibe) Better?

The skincare market is buzzing with brands that promise clean beauty, gentle actives, and no-fuss routines. Two brands making serious waves—especially among Gen Z and millennials—are Drunk Elephant and Bubble Skincare.
But while they may look similar on the surface, these brands are very different in philosophy, price point, and target audience.
Let’s break down how Drunk Elephant vs. Bubble compares—so you can decide which is the right fit for your skin and wallet.
🧴 Brand Overview: Who Are They?
⭐ Drunk Elephant:
Founded: 2012 by Tiffany Masterson
Vibe: Luxe, "clean-clinical" skincare
Philosophy: Avoids the "Suspicious 6" (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrance/dyes, SLS)
Price Range: Premium ($$$)
Target Audience: Skincare enthusiasts who love potent actives + elegant formulations
⭐ Bubble Skincare:
Founded: 2020 by Shai Eisenman
Vibe: Affordable, accessible, and Gen Z-friendly
Philosophy: Science-backed, fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free
Price Range: Budget-friendly ($)
Target Audience: Teens and young adults looking for gentle, effective basics
🧪 Ingredient & Formulation Comparison
Drunk Elephant:
Hero ingredients: Marula oil, glycolic acid, retinol, peptides, vitamin C.
Strengths: High concentrations of actives, pH-balanced formulas.
Clean beauty with a clinical twist.
Bubble Skincare:
Hero ingredients: Niacinamide, willow bark extract, zinc PCA, aloe vera.
Strengths: Gentle on sensitive skin, minimalistic formulas with dermatologist-approved ingredients.
Formulated to avoid fragrance, dyes, parabens, and sulfates.
🌟 Bestselling Products Showdown
Category | Drunk Elephant | Bubble Skincare |
Cleanser | Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser | Fresh Start Gel Cleanser |
Exfoliant | T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | Bounce Back Balancing Mist (with PHA) |
Moisturizer | Lala Retro Whipped Cream | Level Up Balancing Moisturizer |
Spot Treatment | TLC Sukari Babyfacial (mask treatment) | Break Even Balancing Toner |
Serum | C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum | Slam Dunk Hydrating Serum |
💸 Pricing: Luxury vs. Budget
Drunk Elephant:
Most products range from $30 to $80+, making it a luxury brand. You’re paying for sophisticated formulations and high-end packaging.
Bubble:
Most products are $10 to $20, making them accessible and budget-friendly. Great for teens and skincare beginners.
🧑🏽🔬 Which Works Better for Indian/Melanin-Rich Skin?
Drunk Elephant:
Offers potent brightening and anti-aging serums (like C-Firma and Babyfacial), but strong actives require caution—especially for those prone to pigmentation.
Bubble:
Very gentle, with a focus on hydration and calming ingredients. Ideal for beginners or those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
🌿 Wildoak’s Take: Where Do We Fit In?
At Wildoak, we love that both brands focus on skin health and barrier care.
But we take it further by blending clinical actives with Indian herbs like manjistha, lodhra, and turmeric—creating skincare that’s:

Tulsi, Neem & Kesar Face Scrub & Mask for De-Tan, Acne & Pores
-Gentle yet potent
-Thoughtfully designed for Indian climate and melanin-rich skin
-Rooted in both science + Ayurveda
🚦 Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Pick Drunk Elephant if:
-You want high-potency actives
-You're targeting anti-aging, deep exfoliation, or serious glow-ups
-Budget is not a concern
Pick Bubble if:
-You’re new to skincare or have sensitive skin
-You want effective, fuss-free basics at a friendly price point
-You prefer minimalism in your routine
Final Thoughts
Both Drunk Elephant and Bubble are standout brands in today’s skincare space—each with unique strengths. Whether you're drawn to the luxury of Drunk Elephant or the simplicity and affordability of Bubble, the key is to listen to your skin's needs.
✨ And if you’re looking for skincare that merges science, sustainability, and Indian wisdom? Wildoak has your back.