Founder: Tiffany Masterson
Before founding Drunk Elephant, Tiffany struggled with her skin, often breaking out, experiencing mild rosacea, and more. She was tired of trying different brands in hopes that they would work for her, so she decided to get to the root of the problem. She researched ingredients extensively and discovered what she calls the "Suspicious Six", which were causing all her problems. She eliminated them from her routine and her skin cleared up, but she couldn't find products without at least one of the Suspicious Six. Tiffany decided to create her own skincare and began working with a chemist on "clean-clinical" formulas.
Drunk Elephant sells non-toxic, clinically efficacious skincare infused with Virgin Marula Oil, clean actives, and healthy superfruit extracts. The company's name is inspired by elephants that eat the fallen, fermented Marula fruit and become drunk. Drunk Elephant's Instagrammable packaging and gentle yet effective formulas created a cult following. In 2019, Shiseido spent $845 million to acquire the company, one of the fastest growing prestige skincare companies in history.
“First and foremost, I’m a consumer—I’m not a chemist, I’m not a doctor. But I feel, as a consumer I knew exactly what I wanted and I really went with my gut. I chose the colors I wanted, chose the packaging I wanted, chose the ingredients I wanted and really felt, as a consumer, that needed to be out there and I think for the right reasons." - Tiffany
Sources: Mecca, Marie Claire, Fashionista, Charlotte’s Book, Business of Fashion, Drunk Elephant website