Where I got it
I picked this up at Mecca Maxima after watching Wayne Goss’ video. A couple of his recent videos were raving reviews of the entire Drunk Elephant brand (aaaaand he is NOT SPONSORED). I really do like his recommendations because I think he is really genuine and with all the other brands he raved about previously (Paula’s Choice, The Ordinary) I have personally used and loved. Therefore when Mecca Maxima stocked this, I wanted to try it. It was $118 for 30ml.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
What I got
This is a 30ml tube of the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. From the Drunkelephant website: Retinol reimagined. A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream is a clean, cutting-edge formula that combines 1.0% vegan retinol with nourishing, superfood-rich ingredients to dramatically diminish the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles and sun damage revealing a vibrant, younger-looking complexion.
Retinol and supportive peptides restore bounce, resilience and a brighter clarity to skin while helping to even skin tone and texture without the associated redness and irritation. Vitamin F, along with a curated blend of comforting passionfruit, apricot, marula and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture while antioxidant packed kale, winter cherry and xanthophylls defend against environmental stressors. It’s like a reboot for your skin back to its most healthy, youthful state.
A-Passioni™ is packaged to protect the stability and potency of its light and air-sensitive ingredients. 100% Free of essential oils, silicones and fragrance. A-Passioni is not recommended for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How I find it
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
It is important to use Retinol products at night because retinol would cause light-sensitivity. I have used retinol products before but that was a while ago, so starting fresh, I was using this twice a week for a week, then I was using it every second night, and then every night. I always mix it in with a moisturiser or the b-Hydra it comes with so that it’s not too strong and that it spreads easily.
The cream on itself is not the most spreadable product, so mixing it with another moisturiser would make it easier to apply. I don’t really apply anything else on top after this.
I have not experienced any burning, stinging or peeling of the skin throughout the entire time I have been using this so I guess my skin has tolerated this quite well. I don’t see noticeable difference straight away, but I guess these things takes time.
Overall
So I have been using this for a month now and honestly I really like how easy it is to fit into my existing routine. I have seen steady results so far where my acne is reduced, my skin looks smoother and brighter and my pores look a bit more refined.
I have just recently did my last collagen induction treatment with Caci Clinic the other day and the next night, I used this retinol cream and the next day I see that my skin is a bit flaky around the chin and jaw area. So that might be my skin getting rid of the dead skin cells. The nurse at Caci did recommend me using a retinol product at least 24hrs after a derma-rolling to get really good results.
This small little tube will last me about 5-6 months I think, so I think the value is pretty good. You can get prescriptive retinol from your GP, but they are much stronger and don’t come with soothing ingredients to calm the skin or balance the irritating effects of retinol. If you have a good skincare routine and products at home, plus your skin can tolerate something stronger, then ask you GP to prescribe you pharmacy-strength. With government subsidies, you can get it for as low as $5 (or free of you go to the chemist warehouse?)!
