Why the Drunk Elephant Recall Isn’t as Alarming as It Sounds
Drunk Elephant, a popular skincare brand, issued a voluntary recall on November 16 for specific lots of its Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, Protini Polypeptide Cream, and Lala Retro Whipped Cream. The recall stems from a manufacturing error that resulted in an ingredient mix-up. This mishap caused some products to lack preservatives, leading to yeast and bacterial growth in certain batches. While the situation is concerning, experts say most people have minimal health risks.
Board-certified dermatologist Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., reassures consumers that while it’s important to stop using the affected products, the bacterial growth in these skincare items is unlikely to cause significant harm. “We’re exposed to bacteria every day of our lives. We touch doorknobs, we use public restrooms—our skin is resilient,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. However, she cautions that individuals with compromised skin barriers, such as those recovering from chemical peels, with cuts or scratches, or who are immunocompromised, might experience localized irritation or infection.
What Happened?
During the manufacturing process, a mix-up occurred involving preservatives and surfactants—key ingredients in skincare formulations. Preservatives are essential for preventing bacterial growth in products, while surfactants (short for surface active agents) help cleansers break down oils and fats so they can be rinsed away.
In the case of this recall, the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser inadvertently contained an extra preservative, Microkill COS, which includes phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, and caprylyl glycol. This preservative is typically used in the Lala Retro Whipped Cream and Protini Polypeptide Cream. Meanwhile, the two creams were formulated with Mirataine CBS (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine), a surfactant that’s normally reserved for cleansers.
This ingredient swap affected the performance and safety of the products. The cleanser became less effective at cleaning, while the creams developed mild cleansing properties but lacked preservatives—a critical oversight. Without preservatives, the creams were susceptible to microbial growth.
Which Products Were Affected?
Affected lots of the Lala Retro Whipped Cream showed growth of Candida parapsilosis, a yeast that typically lives on the skin without causing harm. Meanwhile, the Protini Polypeptide Cream contained bacteria most closely related to the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter, which are commonly found in water, food, and on human skin. These microorganisms can alter a product’s smell, appearance, and texture.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd emphasizes that while ingesting or inhaling large quantities of these bacteria could cause health issues, topically applied amounts are unlikely to cause anything more severe than minor skin irritation or infection. “If you used an affected product and haven’t noticed any adverse reactions, you’re unlikely to experience delayed effects,” she adds. “Simply discontinue use and follow the recall instructions.”
How to Check Your Products
To determine if your Drunk Elephant product is part of the recall, locate the lot code printed on the packaging. Detailed instructions for identifying affected products and initiating a return are available on the Drunk Elephant website. Consumers who purchased items from the impacted lots can receive a full refund or replacement.
Should You Be Worried?
For most users, this recall is more of an inconvenience than a serious health threat. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd explains that healthy, intact skin is a powerful barrier against bacteria. However, she advises extra caution for those with sensitive or damaged skin, as they may be more vulnerable to irritation or infection.
If you’ve experienced any unusual symptoms after using these products, such as redness, itching, or swelling, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist if symptoms persist. Otherwise, simply dispose of the affected items and take advantage of Drunk Elephant’s refund or replacement offer.
Final Thoughts
While it’s never ideal to discover microbial growth in your skincare products, it’s important to keep this situation in perspective Drunk . Manufacturing errors happen, and the voluntary recall shows that Drunk Elephant is taking responsibility to protect its customers. By discontinuing use of the affected products and following recall instructions, you can safeguard your skin without unnecessary alarm.
