Drunk Elephant has been the name on everyone’s lips lately, especially the teens. While parents, tweens and experts weigh in on whether or not young people should be putting products with actives on their face, I’ve been happily using Drunk Elephant’s newest launch, Bora Barrier Rich Repair Cream, to save my adult skin this winter.
Until recently Drunk Elephant’s moisturizer offerings included Lala Retro Whipped Cream ($62) and Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68). Both of these creams have their merits and are customer favorites but are decidedly lightweight and not super rich. For those of us with dry, damaged or aging skin, a thicker cream can be ideal, especially in the winter, and if you want thick then Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Rich Repair Cream is for you.
The formula is thicker than creams I would use on an average day, but when my skin feels impaired or I know it will be at risk of drying out it is the perfect salve. I recently went on my yearly week-long ski trip during which skin can easily morph into the texture of leather. In past years I’ve always returned home with a breakout, dry patches or wind burn. This year I applied the Drunk Elephant rich cream morning and night, and found my skin unscathed.
It felt as though the formula acted as a wall concealing my skin from the elements as I was at high elevations and in freezing temperatures. My skin also remained noticeably bouncy and hydrated throughout the day so I felt confident going to après ski without reapplying moisturizer or adding makeup.
I also made liberal use of this cream before and after the plane to seal in all the moisture I could because flying tends to do a number on skin hydration. It’s worth noting I’m passionate about the airless pumps that Drunk Elephant houses their creams in, which make for an easy, clean application.
The Benefits:
This cream means business. It’s super thick and hydrating providing 24 hours of moisture to even the driest most compromised skin. As someone with KP and rosacea, my skin is pretty sensitive, especially when exposed to the cold. This cream acted as a barrier between my skin and the elements, not allowing moisture to sneak out even while winds were whipping. Cold temperatures and exercise are known to incite redness in those with rosacea and beyond. However, this cream helped keep my flush at bay for the majority of the day.
It makes sense that I found the Bora Barrier Repair Cream a skin-saving companion on the slopes. Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson says she formulated the rich cream with post ski-trip and post-lasered skin in mind. Studies found that the formula increased moisture immediately by 98 percent.
The old “teach a man to fish” adage applies here, as this formula not only supplies skin-loving ingredients, it also helps boost your skin’s production of things like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Studies show that within just eight hours of use the skin barrier is stronger.
This formula will feel like a drink of water for mature, dry skin quenching it with deep, much-needed moisture. Plus, it has fast-acting firming and plumping powers improving fine lines, wrinkles and firmness after four weeks of use.
Key Ingredients:
6 Butterlipid Cimplex, zinc and copper gluconates, alpha glucan
Bottom Line:
Drunk Elephant Bora Barrier Repair Cream is armor against cold, dry temperatures—keeping skin hydrated and dewy.
Price/Where to Buy:
sephora.com, $69
