
- What is it
- This multifaceted rescue cream provides replenishing barrier support by reinforcing skin’s acid mantle and defending against the effects of everyday stressors. Lala Retro is a whipped dream-come-true for tired, dry skin.
- How I use it
- A pea sized amount twice a day as my moisturizer.
- Best suited for
- The light texture and matte finish will work for most skin types, however the inclusion of several comedogenic ingredients makes this not acne-prone skin friendly.
- Things to note
- Drunk Elephant prides themselves in being 6-free, so no silicone, essential oils, chemical UV filters, alcohol, or fragrance/dyes. They’re also cruelty-free, but despite their “clean” claims, none of their packaging is recyclable. The brand itself is also problematic and controversial to say the least.
- Packaging
- The full sized product comes in a non-recyclable airtight plastic jar with a pump dispenser and a pretty lavender lid. Good for hygiene and aesthetics, not so good for the environment.
- Scent
- No noticeable scent. If I sniff hard enough it smells sorta like playdough.
- Texture
- A fluffy light-to-medium weight cream. Unlike typical creams, this has no noticeable oily feel, yet it still takes a bit to fully absorb.
- Finish
- Matte/natural finish once absorbed.
- Available For
- $60/50ml on Sephora and CultBeauty
Ingredient Analysis
in-depth analysis
This has pretty much everything I’m looking for in a moisturizer: emollient + antixoidant rich oils, cholesterol + ceramides which are naturally part of our moisture barrier, and even a little hyaluronic acid to help draw moisture to the skin.
However it also contains several possible comedogenic ingredients, specifically Isopropyl Isostearate. I personally had no issues and did not break out, but if you’re acne prone I’d pass.

Usage Experience
Like I said, I expected this to be love at first use, but I am NOT a fan of the texture. As a cream made for dry skin, I expected this to be luxurious and rich, but sadly that was not the case.
Even if I ignore the textures, I actually didn’t find this cream that moisturizing. As a matter of fact, I had to mix in a separate facial oil to get that emollience and richness I’m used to and prefer in moisturizers. Definitely not a dream-come-true for my combo-dry skin, more like a disappointing reality.
The plus side of the lightweight texture is that it works well as a day moisturizer under makeup. No pilling or any issues at all. My skin didn’t feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t give me that moisturized + plump feeling that I’m used to from a good moisturizer either.

All in all, incredibly underwhelming, especially considering the price. I finished my deluxe mini last month, and if I find it only average in the summer, I can only imagine how lack it’ll be in the winter when my skin gets real dry.
Lala Retro possible dupes
Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Moisturizer – $35/50ml
The texture and ingredients are both incredibly similar. I didn’t find this one moisturizing enough either, but Paula’s Choice is also much less expensive. Plus the brand is less problematic.
Cerave Moisturizing Cream – $16/539g
This doesn’t contain any plant oils, but you still get barrier restoring ceramides + cholesterol plus hyaluronic acid. There’s also petrolatum, an excellent occlusive to really lock that moisture in. Not as elegant of a formula but seriously look at the price!
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream – $14/48g
Similar to the moisturizing cream but take out the petrolatum and add in peptides and niacinamide for the antiaging benefits!
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration – $34/170g
It has the same light and whipped texture, plus ceramides. However the FAB also includes colloidal oatmeal for soothing the skin plus shea butter + squalene to nourish.
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream – $19.99/50ml
You get that same whipped texture and marula oil, but instead of ceramides, the Acure features peptides + vitamin c + ferulic acid for some antiaging + antioxidant benefits.
Final Verdict
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
- Packaging7/10
- Ingredients9/10
- Texture/Application7.8/10
- Performance7/10
- Price6/10
This was an Instagram darling before the DE scandals, but honestly I don't get the hype, especially considering the price and the abundance of affordable alternatives. If you happen to get this in a set you can see if it'll work for your skin, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend spending money on the full size.
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The packaging looks so pretty
Candice
natalyaamour.com
That’s so disappointing. I have dry skin so I probably wouldn’t like it either.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Oh girl I love that you included some dupes! So helpful x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Oh, that really sounds disappointing! And the thing with the packaging is actually surprising, I figured if I call myself clean, thinking about the packaging would be the first thing I´d do.
Anne from Doctor Anne
I have extremely dry skin with few wrinkles on my forehead ..I am using lala retro whipped cream for the past few days but dont feel that moisturised..wha do you suggest?thanks.
I really like the Nivea Creme when my skin is extremely dry. Or if you have the budget, the Lancome Absolute Soft Cream is also a good one. Keep in mind these creams will have very little effects on wrinkles, you’ll need a strong active like retinol for that.