Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion Review

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.9 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.1 out of 10.

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.9 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:
    • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈9.0%),
       a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
    • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
       one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tartaric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tapioca Starch
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Quercetin
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linolenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.2
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.3 20
3.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
All humectants
5.2
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.3 20
3.1
All occlusives
6.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 9 1.5
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
Total
1.9
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
9
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.8 3 No
All antioxidants
1.8
Niacinamide
0.3
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
0.3
Quercetin
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Coconut Alkanes
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Propanediol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Squalane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Seed OilAn occlusive fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the tea bush that contains emollient oleic and linoleic acids, as well as vitamin E.
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Passiflora Edulis Seed OilA fatty oil derived from passion fruit seeds. It contains emollient and occlusive linoleic and oleic fatty acids, as well as antioxidants (among which are famous vitamin E and resveratrol).
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Tartaric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tartaric AcidA less used AHA. It is mostly used as a pH adjusting ingredient and its effects on the skin are yet to be researched. Its derivatives are used in a similar manner to barrier-repairing ceramides.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit JuiceAlso labeled as "raw coconut milk", this ingredient is rich in humectant moisturizing sugars, proteins, emollient emulsified coconut oil, vitamins, and minerals.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Seed OilAn excellent occlusive (moisturizing) and emollient oil derived from baobab tree seeds. It is known to be a non-irritating ingredient on the skin.
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilA fatty oil derived from watermelon seeds that contains a good amount of occlusive moisturizing and emollient linoleic acid, followed by oleic and palmitic acids.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Tapioca Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tapioca StarchTapioca starch is used to absorb excess oil and provide slip for dry powder formulations.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel OilA fatty oil expressed from the seed kernels of apricot fruits. This oil is an emollient and occlusive moisturizer comprised of around 60% oleic acid, followed by linoleic and palmitic acid, carotenoids, vitamin E, and other antioxidant compounds.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ximenia Americana Seed Oil
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Quercetin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quercetin
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Linolenic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linolenic AcidAn essential polyunsaturated occlusive fatty acid isolated from various plant oils. It is necessary for the correct barrier function of the skin and moisturizes without leaving a sticky after-feel.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Sodium Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.