Deciding which skincare brand to choose and stick with can be difficult, as every range will claim to be the best. But what’s best for your skin? The one with great reviews? The one with the highest cost? The one that promises incredible results?
At Face Dr Australia, our product recommendations are based on years of experience within the industry and working with our clients. We are always keeping our eyes open for new brands and comparing them to our tried-and-tested favourites. This time we’re comparing ZO Skin Health and Drunk Elephant AU, so if you’re interested in trying either, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
With Face Dr, you will work with your very own Skin Expert, and our team has decades of experience working with clients across the UK and Australia to help them improve their skin confidence. Without further ado, here is ZO Skin Health versus Drunk Elephant. Which is best for you?
Want to know more about either of these brands? Our Skin Experts can help:
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is ZO Skin Health?
- What is Drunk Elephant, Australia?
- What skin issues does ZO Skin Health tackle?
- What skin issues does Drunk Elephant tackle?
- What skin type is ZO Skin Health for, and what kind of products do they have?
- What skin type is Drunk Elephant for, and what kind of products do they have?
- Where can I buy ZO Skin Health products?
- Where can I buy Drunk Elephant products?
- What do the reviews say about both products?
- Summary: Should I choose ZO Skin Health or Drunk Elephant?
What is ZO Skin Health Australia?
ZO Skin Health is a premium skincare brand founded by dermatologist Dr Zein Obagi, with amazing formulations that utilise the best in skincare science and many active ingredients. By doing so, their products help with skincare concerns that are otherwise very difficult to manage.
Their “Get Skin Ready” philosophy is centred around a three-step routine — cleanse, exfoliate, tone — to keep skin happy and healthy long-term. As well as their cleansers, exfoliators and toners, the range also offers a number of excellent targeted treatments to tackle specific skin issues. Our Skin Experts have seen great results in the past when we have recommended ZO products to our clients.
ZO Skin Health is a dedicated skincare brand with skin scientists always working on the latest and best formulations.
What is Drunk Elephant Australia?
Drunk Elephant is an online skincare brand in Australia that is gaining popularity for more than just its quirky name. They are focused on using ingredients that will be biocompatible with skin and directly benefit the complexion.
In addition, they always avoid 6 ingredients they consider to be at the centre of almost every skin issue; essential oils, alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). They call it the “ingredient-elimination diet”, and if you are concerned about a specific skin issue, it could be something worth looking into.
Drunk Elephant’s range is not just focused on skincare; they also offer body care, haircare and lifestyle products.
What skin issues does ZO Skin Health tackle?
ZO Skin Health products contain carefully chosen medical-grade ingredients that are effective on various skin types, including sensitive skin. They work to move the needle on some of the most stubborn skin issues, including (but not limited to):
- Acne
- Lines, wrinkles and advanced signs of skin ageing
- Hyperpigmentation
- Inflammation
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Dull skin
What skin issues does Drunk Elephant AUS tackle?
Drunk Elephant AU also has a big range of products that help to target some common skin concerns, such as:
- Signs of skin ageing
- Environmental pollution
- Dry skin
- Weakened skin barrier
- Dull skin
What skin type is ZO Skin Health AUS for, and what kind of products do they have?
This question is part of the reason why so many people struggle to find the skincare they need. Although there are a few common skin types, everyone’s skin is entirely unique and will need a different combination of products.
In the case of ZO Skin Health, their products have been developed to help as many skin types as possible, so you are bound to find a product or combination of products that works for you, even if you have very sensitive skin.
ZO offers classic everyday essentials such as cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens, but it's their targeted products (serums, exfoliators, masks, night creams, eye creams and more) that keep our clients coming back to them again and again. Some of the most popular products in their range include:
Daily Power Defense: A lightweight serum to support the skin's health, which also offers hydration and protection from environmental damage. This serum helps to boost collagen and cell renewal, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can read more about Daily Power Defense on our blog here.
Hydrating Cleanser: Both a cleanser and hydrator, this product helps to cleanse and remove impurities from skin (like oil and makeup) while addressing skin dryness and adding hydration. Our Skin Experts regularly recommend this to clients with very dry skin, eczema or psoriasis.
Exfoliating Polish: This exfoliating product is perfect for anyone who wants to remove dead skin cells and restore a smooth skin texture. It helps prep skin for maximum serum penetration, and magnesium crystals help to buff away rough skin for an even skin tone, and a softer, brighter complexion.
What skin type is Drunk Elephant for, and what kind of products do they have?
Drunk Elephant is designed for a number of skin types. Although they do not contain medical-grade ingredients, their formulations are focused on helping those who have suffered from various skin conditions. Their formulations lack some of the common skin irritators, so may be helpful for those looking for a stripped-back routine.
With everyday products like cleansers and moisturisers, as well as very specific products that target certain skin issues, their range is varied. Some of their most popular products include:
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser: This makeup removing cleanser also rids skin of excess oil, pollution, and other residue from the day. It contains virgin marula oil which is rich in antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9.
Protini Polypeptide Cream: A moisturiser with added peptides, growth factors and amino acids. This product offers immediate firming properties, as well as an improvement in texture and tone. It’s great for skin showing signs of ageing, for those who want to restore a younger-looking complexion.
D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops: This product has multiple uses. These drops provide a sun-kissed glow without the need for UVA/UVB rays, and provide skin with omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oils to support healthy barrier function. This product is great for protecting skin against the hot Australian sun and pollution.
Where can I buy ZO Skin Health products in Australia?
ZO Skin Health products utilise a high percentage of medical-grade active ingredients, so they are not available to buy in shops or online without prior consultation. Any ZO products found online for sale are most likely counterfeit or out-of-date products, and are unlikely to provide the results you’re looking for.
If you would like to purchase real, effective ZO Skin Health products you can do this by having a consultation with an approved stockist, like a dermatologist, aesthetic practitioner or an online skincare clinic like Face Dr AU. Our consultations are completely free.
Where can I buy Drunk Elephant products?
Drunk Elephant products are more widely available because their ingredients are not medical-grade, and therefore do not require a consultation. You can find them on their own website, in stores like Mecca Australia , or even on Amazon AU.
Summary: Should I choose ZO Skin Health or Drunk Elephant?
We know how tough it can be to choose the best skincare product for you. Both Australian ZO Skin Health and Drunk Elephant offer very different but effective products, depending on what it is you are looking for. Drunk Elephant could be useful if you are happy to try a few products out and see which works best for your skin concerns. They are also available on Amazon and in some beauty stores, which may be your buying preference.
ZO Skin Health AU on the other hand offers medical-grade ingredients with advice on how best to apply these to your skin. By booking a free consultation with one of our Skin Experts, you can work with your very own skincare coach to determine which products — ZO or otherwise — will help with your specific needs. We can help you choose based on ingredients, formulations, reviews, results, cost, and anything else you would like to take into account.
We always recommend speaking to one of our Skin Experts for an unbiased, free skincare consultation that can help you discover more about your skin and tackle any issues you are having based on your Skin Expert’s vast experience in the skincare industry.
If you’re thinking of trying either Drunk Elephant or ZO Skin Health products, we recommend booking a free video consultation:
Want to read more from our blog? Here are some articles that may interest you: