Drunk Elephant Babyfacial Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey there, skincare lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a game-changing at-home facial, let me introduce you to the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial.

This potent exfoliating mask has been a total revelation for my skin, delivering that fresh-from-the-spa glow without leaving my bathroom.

I’m spilling all the tea on my experience, the pros and cons, how to make it work for you, and how it stacks up against other brands.

Trust me, this $80 gem is worth every penny—your skin will thank you!

My Experience With Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Let me take you back to when I first heard about Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial.

As a skincare junkie with combination skin—oily T-zone, dry cheeks, and the occasional hormonal breakout—I was intrigued by the hype.

Sephora’s fastest-moving product? A “facial in a bottle”? I had to try it.

I snagged it during a sale, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride.

The first time I applied it, I was nervous.

A 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend sounded intense, and boy, it was! The pale-yellow cream went on smoothly, but the tingling hit hard for the first few minutes.

It wasn’t painful, just a wake-up call for my skin. I followed the instructions, leaving it on for 20 minutes, then rinsed it off with warm water.

The next morning? My skin was glowing. My pores looked smaller, my texture was smoother, and those stubborn dark spots from old acne were noticeably lighter.

I’ve been using it once a week for months now, and it’s become my Sunday night ritual.

My skin feels baby-soft (hence the name!) and looks brighter, like I just walked out of a fancy spa.

Sure, the price tag made me wince at first, but one 50ml bottle has lasted me over a year with weekly use.

That’s value! It’s not perfect for everyone—sensitive skin folks, proceed with caution—but for me, it’s a holy grail product that delivers on its promises.

Pros Of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Here’s why I’m obsessed with this mask and why it’s earned a permanent spot on my shelf:

Radiant glow that lasts: After one use, my skin looks brighter and more even-toned for days, like I’ve got a built-in Instagram filter.
Smoother texture: The AHA/BHA combo sloughs off dead skin, leaving my face feeling silky and reducing rough patches around my nose.
Minimizes pores: My T-zone pores, which can look like tiny craters, appear smaller and less clogged after each use.
Fades dark spots: Those pesky post-acne marks? They’re noticeably lighter, especially with consistent use over weeks.
Long-lasting product: A little goes a long way—one pump covers my face, so the $80 bottle lasts forever.
Hydrating ingredients: With marula oil and niacinamide, it doesn’t strip my skin dry like some peels, keeping it plump and nourished.
No “suspicious six”: Drunk Elephant skips essential oils, silicones, and fragrances, so I don’t worry about irritation from unnecessary additives.
Professional-grade results: It feels like a spa facial at home, saving me hundreds compared to in-office treatments.
Cute packaging: The pink and white pump is hygienic and Instagram-worthy, making my skincare routine feel luxe.
Award-winning formula: It won Allure’s Best of Beauty in 2017, and I can see why—it delivers on clarity, texture, and tone.

Cons Of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

No product is perfect, and Babyfacial has its quirks. Here’s what you need to know:

Pricey investment: At $80, it’s a splurge, especially if you’re on a budget or new to acids.
Intense tingling: The first few minutes sting, which can be jarring if you’re not used to high-potency acids.
Not for sensitive skin: My friend with sensitive skin tried it and had redness for hours—patch test first!
Micropeeling phase: For a day or two after, I get slight flaking around my nose, which can mess with makeup application.
Sun sensitivity: The AHAs make your skin photosensitive, so skipping SPF the next day is a no-go.
Avoid with active acne: Applying it over fresh breakouts or open wounds stings like crazy and can worsen irritation.
Limited frequency: You can only use it once a week, so don’t expect daily miracles—it’s a slow burn.
Sour taste warning: If it gets near your mouth (oops!), it tastes awful, so apply carefully.
Requires aftercare: You need a good moisturizer or oil post-use to avoid dryness, adding to the routine.
Not pregnancy-safe: The high acid concentration means pregnant or nursing folks should consult a doctor first.

Maintenance Tips For Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

To get the most out of Babyfacial, follow these tips to keep your skin happy and glowing:

Start slow: If you’re new to acids, leave it on for 5-10 minutes your first time to avoid irritation.
Cleanse first: Apply to clean, dry skin for maximum absorption—don’t skip the double cleanse!
Use at night: The acids make your skin sun-sensitive, so nighttime use plus morning SPF is key.
Follow with hydration: I slap on a hyaluronic acid serum and a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture post-rinse.
Avoid other actives: Skip retinol or vitamin C serums the same night to prevent overloading your skin.
Patch test always: Test on a small area, like behind your ear, to ensure your skin can handle the acids.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable: I use SPF 30+ daily after Babyfacial to protect my freshly exfoliated skin.
Limit to once weekly: Overusing it can dry out or irritate your skin, so stick to the recommended frequency.
Store properly: Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place to preserve the formula’s potency.
Combine with marula oil: The included mini Virgin Marula Oil soothes and hydrates, enhancing the glow.

These tips have been game-changers for me. Starting slow helped my skin adjust, and pairing it with a hydrating serum like Drunk Elephant’s B-Hydra keeps my face plump. Nighttime application means I wake up glowing, and SPF is my best friend to avoid sunburn. Don’t skip the patch test—my cousin learned the hard way and ended up red for a day!

Comparison With Other Brands

How does Babyfacial stack up against other exfoliating masks? I’ve tried a few, and here’s the breakdown:

Babyfacial vs. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: Price: The Ordinary is a steal at $6.30, but Babyfacial’s $80 feels justified for its luxe formula. Potency: The Ordinary’s 30% AHA is stronger, but it’s harsher and lacks soothing ingredients. Experience: Babyfacial’s creamy texture is more pleasant than The Ordinary’s sticky, blood-red solution. Results: Both brighten, but Babyfacial’s glow lasts longer. Best for: The Ordinary suits budget-conscious folks; Babyfacial’s for those wanting a spa-like treat.
Babyfacial vs. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive: Price: ExfoliKate’s $74 is close to Babyfacial’s $80. Formula: ExfoliKate mixes physical and chemical exfoliants, while Babyfacial is purely chemical. Speed: ExfoliKate works in 2 minutes; Babyfacial needs 20. Results: ExfoliKate’s glow is instant but fades faster; Babyfacial’s lasts days. Best for: ExfoliKate if you’re short on time; Babyfacial for deeper exfoliation.
Babyfacial vs. Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial: Price: Ole’s $42 is more affordable than Babyfacial. Texture: Ole’s sticky texture isn’t as luxe as Babyfacial’s creamy feel. Ingredients: Both use AHAs, but Babyfacial’s chickpea flour and marula oil add extra nourishment. Results: Ole brightens well, but Babyfacial tackles pores and texture better. Best for: Ole for a budget-friendly glow; Babyfacial for comprehensive resurfacing.
Babyfacial vs. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay: Price: Aztec’s $6.39 is dirt-cheap compared to Babyfacial. Type: Aztec is a clay mask with apple cider vinegar, not an acid peel. Experience: Aztec dries tight and can be harsh; Babyfacial is gentler. Results: Aztec’s great for oil control but lacks Babyfacial’s glow and texture benefits. Best for: Aztec for oily skin; Babyfacial for all-around radiance.
Babyfacial vs. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid: Price: Paula’s at $23 is budget-friendly. Type: Paula’s is a leave-on exfoliant, not a mask. Application: Paula’s is daily; Babyfacial’s weekly. Results: Paula’s keeps pores clear; Babyfacial transforms texture and tone. Best for: Paula’s for daily maintenance; Babyfacial for a weekly reset.
Babyfacial vs. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner: Price: COSRX’s $17 is super affordable. Potency: COSRX’s 7% AHA is milder than Babyfacial’s 25%. Use: COSRX is a daily toner; Babyfacial’s a weekly mask. Results: COSRX maintains; Babyfacial transforms. Best for: COSRX for beginners; Babyfacial for advanced users.
Babyfacial vs. Pixi Glow Tonic: Price: Pixi’s $15 is a fraction of Babyfacial’s cost. Potency: Pixi’s 5% glycolic acid is gentle; Babyfacial’s 25% is intense. Use: Pixi’s a daily toner; Babyfacial’s weekly. Results: Pixi maintains glow; Babyfacial overhauls skin. Best for: Pixi for daily use; Babyfacial for deep exfoliation.
Babyfacial vs. Sunday Riley Good Genes: Price: Good Genes at $85 is pricier. Type: Good Genes is a leave-on lactic acid treatment; Babyfacial’s a rinse-off mask. Experience: Good Genes is gentler; Babyfacial stings. Results: Both brighten, but Babyfacial’s deeper exfoliation wins for texture. Best for: Good Genes for daily use; Babyfacial for weekly resets.

Babyfacial stands out for its potent, spa-like results, but if you’re on a budget, The Ordinary or Aztec Clay are solid alternatives. For daily maintenance, Paula’s Choice or Pixi Glow Tonic are better bets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial do?

It’s a pro-level exfoliating mask with 25% AHA and 2% BHA that resurfaces your skin, sloughing off dead cells to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. It minimizes pores, fades dark spots, and improves texture and tone, giving you that post-facial glow. Think of it as a weekly reset for dull, bumpy skin.

How long do you leave a Drunk Elephant Babyfacial on?

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin and leave it on for up to 20 minutes. If you’re new to acids, start with 5-10 minutes to avoid irritation. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward.

Is Drunk Elephant recommended by dermatologists?

While Drunk Elephant doesn’t explicitly tout dermatologist endorsements, its clean formula (free of the “suspicious six”) and effective AHA/BHA blend are often praised by skincare pros. Always consult your derm, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.

What to use after a Drunk Elephant Babyfacial?

Follow with a hydrating serum like Drunk Elephant B-Hydra or a rich moisturizer like Lala Retro Whipped Cream. The included mini Virgin Marula Oil is great for soothing and locking in moisture. Avoid actives like retinol or vitamin C that night to prevent irritation.

Conclusion: For Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

If you’re craving that fresh, radiant, baby-soft skin without the spa price tag, Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is your ticket.

My experience has been nothing short of transformative—smoother texture, smaller pores, and a glow that lasts. It’s not cheap, but the results and longevity make it worth it. Grab it, follow my tips, and get ready to glow like never before!