Tatcha vs Drunk Elephant 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

Tatcha and Drunk Elephant both came onto the skincare scene just a few years apart, 2009 and 2012 respectively. Since then, they have made HUGE names for themselves, and have earned some valuable shelf space in Sephora and the like, but are they worthy of making it into your skincare routine?

Come with us as we dive into their most coveted products for a tell-all comparison!

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Tatcha vs Drunk Elephant Moisturizer

If you know anything about these two brands, then you already know that their most sought-after products are their moisturizers. Even the simplest of skincare routines *need* a moisturizer. Not only do they strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration, but they actually make all of your other products more effective. And as someone who invests in their skincare, you want every drop to go as far as it can in giving you youthful, radiant skin.

If you’ve been following along with our series of comparison guides to all of the top skincare brands, it might be worth noting that we’re going to approach this one a little differently. Today we’re going head-to-head-to-head with two of Tatcha’s most coveted moisturizers versus Drunk Elephant’s clear frontrunner (i.e., just one of them).

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream vs Drunk Elephant Protini

Let’s start with a comprehensive look at Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream versus Drunk Elephant’s Protini Face Moisturizer, then we’ll put Drunk Elephant’s Protini Face Moisturizer against Tatcha’s The Water Cream next.

It's important to note that as made clear by their roots, Drunk Elephant’s Protini Cream is completely clean and free from any potentially irritating ingredients. Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream does contain some fragrances that gives it its luxurious scent, as well as some alcohols that could be aggravating to some skin types. Both products, however, are cruelty-free. You’ll also notice that Tatcha’s Cream is much richer. This is a very close call, but if you’re looking for deep hydration, we’re denoting Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream as the best moisturizer for dry, dehydrated skin. If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer, keep reading as we compare Drunk Elephant’s Protini Cream to Tatcha’s The Water Cream.

Tatcha Water Cream vs Drunk Elephant Protini

Next up for comparison: Drunk Elephant’s Protini Face Moisturizer (again) versus Tatcha’s The Water Cream.

This definitive guide to the best moisturizer wouldn’t be complete without comparing Drunk Elephant’s Protini Polypeptide Cream to Tatcha’s The Water Cream. The Water Cream is Tatcha’s lightweight moisturizer which compares more closely to the texture and feel of Drunk Elephant’s Cream. They’re both great for morning use to go on smoothly under your SPF and make up.

We’ve already done a deep dive into Protini Polypeptide’s ingredients, so let’s take a look at The Water Cream. Sticking to their foundation in J-Beauty, Tatcha’s Water Cream includes Japanese Wild Rose, Japanese Leopard Lily, and Hadasei-3 Complex. This formula provides healing antioxidants, oil control, soothes inflammation and promotes cell turnover to keep your skin looking its freshest. It even contains some Titanium Dioxide which acts as a sunscreen—though it won’t take the place of an actual sunscreen, additional protection is always a bonus! To really leave your skin glowing, they’ve added in 23-karat gold—talk about luxury down to every detail!

Like The Dewy Skin Cream, The Water Cream also contains some fragrances unlike Drunk Elephant’s moisturizer which is completely “clean.” Tatcha’s products still make it into Sephora’s “Clean” distinction and many users with sensitive skin haven’t reported any problems, but you should always patch test if you’re concerned.

This was another close race, but unless your skin is hyper-sensitive to fragrances and small amounts of alcohol, our vote is with Tatcha’s The Water Cream as the best lightweight moisturizer! How can you say no to 23-karat gold?

About the brands

We can’t talk about either of these brands without talking about their founders. They were both launched by young women looking to reshape skincare to fit their personal needs.

Work in progress

You have been reading a post that we are constantly updating. Be sure to bookmark this page, subscribe, and come back later to see additions to the definitive Tatcha vs Drunk Elephant guide!

This article was originally published on February 27th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 31st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.