Paula’s Choice vs Drunk Elephant 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've heard of Paula's Choice and Drunk Elephant before; maybe you've even been eyeing up their best-selling vitamin C serums recently (I know I have!). But which one should you choose?

Today, we will be comparing Paula's Choice vs Drunk Elephant to help you figure out which brand better suits you and your skin!

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About the brands

Before we dive into the side-by-side product comparisons, let's find out a little more about the brands themselves.

Paula's Choice

Smart, safe beauty; this is the philosophy behind Paula’s Choice. The ingredients need to be good for the skin with no exceptions and the products are to be backed by science. The company has been on the beauty scene since 1995 when Paula Begoun, the company Founder launched the skincare line in Seattle USA.

Paula’s Choice skincare products are verified by extensive research. Each product is formulated with active ingredients that have proven results. In addition, all products are tested to ensure they are non-irritating and fragrance-free.

If you are worried about the ingredients in your skincare range, which may be harmful to your health or the environment, Paula’s Choice products are free from a number of ingredients including but not limited to abrasive particles, alcohol, essential oils, nanoparticles, fragrant plant extracts, talc, synthetic dyes, and synthetic fragrance.

Drunk Elephant

Biocompatible Skincare is founded on the Drunk Elephant myth, which tells of how elephants love to eat the fruit that has fallen from Marula trees and the natural alcohol content from the fermented marula fruit gets the elephants drunk. You will find Marula Oil in most Drunk Elephant products, including the cult favorite Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil.

Paula's Choice vs Drunk Elephant Serum

Vitamin C helps with collagen production, treats hyperpigmentation, hydrates the skin, reduces redness, smoothes the complexion, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. With consistent use, Vitamin C can dramatically improve skin texture and offer a healthy glow that will have you going make-up free!

The skin is a multi-functional organ and is the body’s first line of defense for the environment. The skin is subjected to much more than we give it credit for, and as a result often shows the first signs of aging and sun damage. Vitamin C can help to reduce the damage we take from external elements.

Let's compare two of the most popular Vitamin C serums side-by-side; the Paula’s Choice C15 Booster vs Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum.

Give skin a boost with 15% Vitamin C with the Paula’s Choice C15 Booster.

The Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is possibly the most exciting Vitamin C formula you can find as it has been packaged and designed to be mixed together at home by you! Yes, that is true - you have to mix the formula together before its first use, this keeps the ingredients fresh and powerful.

C-Firma Fresh Day Serum contains 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% vitamin E. Together, these ingredients along with pumpkin ferment extract will gently dissolve dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin. The result is a radiant and healthy glow.

Drunk Elephant recommends wearing this serum under your daily SPF. If you want to add even more protection, try mixing C-Firma with the A-Passioni for glow-boosting benefits.

Paula’s Choice and Drunk Elephant both offer a powerful Vitamin C serum that works to improve the visible signs of aging.

If you are looking for a cruelty-free, vegan option you can select from either the C15 Booster or the C-Firma, knowing these products are not tested on animals.

In addition, both serums contain Ferulic acid, an antioxidant that boosts the benefits of Vitamin C and helps it to work better. If you prefer a hydrating serum, the Paula's Choice serum contains additional humectants such as glycerin to keep moisture locked in and the skin feeling plump all day long.

Drunk Elephant's serum relies on Marula Oil and additional superfood plant extracts that may not agree with all skin types. So, this may be a matter of trial and error to see which Vitamin C serum your skin loves.

This article was originally published on March 7th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 25th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.