I Put Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser to the Test

BY Jessica Lee

Last updated on: June 3, 2024

Get ready to spread the news – this isn't your ordinary jelly! Dive into our in-depth review of Drunk Elephant's Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, and discover if it's the missing piece in your skincare puzzle.

Drunk Elephant, known for its commitment to clean and effective skincare, has been a buzzword in the beauty community for quite some time. When I got my hands on their Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype. The cleanser comes in a sleek, minimalist tube that’s pretty eye-catching on any bathroom shelf. It promises not just to cleanse but also to nourish the skin with a blend of unique ingredients. As someone always on the lookout for the next best thing in skincare, I was eager to give it a try and see if it could earn a spot in my daily routine.

About This Cleanser

The Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser by Drunk Elephant isn’t your average face wash. Let’s start with its texture – it’s a clear, jelly-like substance that feels super smooth. It doesn’t foam up like crazy, but it gives a gentle lather that feels really luxurious on the skin. The scent is pretty neutral, which I appreciate, because strong fragrances in skincare can be a bit much for me.

Now, onto the ingredients, which are honestly a bit of a skincare cocktail. It’s packed with goodies like Water/Aqua/Eau and Glycerin, which are great for hydration. Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Coco-Glucoside do the heavy lifting in cleansing, while being gentle enough not to strip your skin.

The cleanser also contains Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, which help create that soft lather. Then there’s Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract – hello, soothing and hydrating properties! Glycolipids, Linoleic Acid, and Linolenic Acid are in there too, contributing to the skin’s barrier function and overall health.

The inclusion of Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract (that’s cantaloupe to you and me) is interesting. It’s known for its skin-conditioning properties. Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, a.k.a. marula oil, is a Drunk Elephant favorite and is great for moisturizing and nourishing the skin.

There’s also Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, derived from licorice root, which can help soothe the skin. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) adds an antioxidant punch, fighting off free radicals and environmental stressors. The cleanser is formulated without the usual nasties – no Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, or Polylysine, which are common irritants or harmful additives.

How Did It Work?

When I first pumped the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser into my hand, I noticed its silky, non-sticky texture. It was easy to spread across my face, and a little went a long way. As I massaged it into my skin, it formed a mild lather that felt gentle and soothing. There was no tight, stripped feeling that you sometimes get with harsher cleansers. Instead, my skin felt clean yet comfortably hydrated.

After rinsing, my face felt fresh and soft, not at all dry or irritated. The cleanser did a decent job of removing light makeup, but for heavy or waterproof makeup, I’d still recommend a double cleanse. What I particularly liked was how it left no residue, just a clean slate.

Over several weeks of using the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser morning and night, I began to notice subtle changes in my skin. It maintained a good balance of cleanliness and hydration. I have combination skin, and it’s often a challenge to find a cleanser that doesn’t over-dry the cheeks or leave the T-zone oily. This cleanser managed to walk that line pretty well.

My skin’s texture seemed smoother, and there was a noticeable reduction in the small, congested areas around my nose. I didn’t experience any dramatic transformations, but my skin definitely felt consistently good – no major breakouts, less oiliness in the T-zone, and no dry patches.

In terms of makeup removal, it held up well for everyday use. For heavier makeup days, I still leaned on my trusty micellar water or oil cleanser first. One thing

I appreciated was that the cleanser didn’t irritate my eyes, which can be a problem with some face washes.

One aspect I found interesting was its impact on the overall health of my skin. The cleanser seemed to support my skin barrier rather than stripping it away. This meant fewer instances of irritation or sensitivity, even when I experimented with other products in my skincare routine.

However, it’s important to note that while my skin felt generally healthier, the cleanser didn’t make any significant changes to existing blemishes or dark spots. It’s more about maintaining a healthy skin environment rather than targeting specific skin concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation.

The Bottom Line: the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser from Drunk Elephant became a reliable part of my daily skincare ritual. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser that keeps the skin balanced and happy. For anyone with particularly oily or dry skin, your experience might vary, but for my combination skin, it was a pleasant, dependable cleanser that did its job well without any fuss.

How Does It Stand Against Competition?

Let’s talk about how the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser stacks up against other players in the game. I’ve tried a handful of cleansers in my skincare journey, so I’ve got some points of comparison.

First up, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s a classic and much loved for its mild, no-fuss approach. The Beste No. 9 is similar in its gentle nature but feels a bit more luxurious and has a more sophisticated ingredient list. Where Cetaphil is basic but effective, Drunk Elephant’s option brings a bit more to the table in terms of skin benefits like hydration and nourishment.

Then there’s the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser. Both have that jelly consistency and are aimed at gentle cleansing. The Glossier version is slightly more moisturizing and has a distinctive rosewater scent, which you might love or hate. The Beste No. 9 is a bit more versatile, doing a slightly better job at removing makeup and suiting a wider range of skin types.

I’ve also tried the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, which is another popular choice. It’s more of a gel than a jelly and has a cucumber scent. In terms of cleansing power, they’re pretty neck and neck, but the Fresh cleanser is a bit more refreshing and invigorating on the skin. However, for sensitive skin types, the Beste No. 9 might be the safer bet as it’s more neutral and less likely to irritate.

Price-wise, the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is on the higher end compared to drugstore options like Cetaphil, but it’s pretty in line with other mid-range products like Glossier and Fresh. You’re paying for the Drunk Elephant brand and their commitment to clean, high-quality ingredients.

Pros and Cons Breakdown

Let’s break down the highs and lows of the Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser.

Pros:

Gentle but Effective: It cleanses well without stripping your skin. Ideal for daily use, it keeps your skin feeling fresh and balanced.
Quality Ingredients: The cleanser boasts a nice mix of hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe and marula oil. It’s free from harsh chemicals and irritants, making it great for sensitive skin.
Texture and Feel: The jelly texture is a pleasant change from typical foamy or creamy cleansers. It feels luxurious and smooth on the skin.
Minimalist and Functional Packaging: The tube design is user-friendly and looks chic in your bathroom.
Good for All Skin Types: Whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between, this cleanser is versatile enough to work well across the board.

Cons:

Price: It’s a bit on the pricey side compared to some other cleansers, which might be a turn-off if you’re on a budget.
Makeup Removal: While it does a decent job, if you wear heavy or waterproof makeup, you’ll likely need an additional makeup remover.
Scent: The lack of fragrance is great for sensitive skin, but if you enjoy a bit of aroma in your skincare, this might feel too plain.
No Major Skin Improvements: While it’s a solid cleanser, don’t expect it to work miracles on acne, dark spots, or other specific skin issues.
Size: For the price, you might find the amount of product a little underwhelming.

Final Verdict

Wrapping it all up, the Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a pretty solid player in the world of skincare. It’s like that reliable friend who might not always be the life of the party but never lets you down. If you’re after a cleanser that’s gentle, effective, and comes with a side of skin-loving ingredients, this could be your jam.

It’s particularly good for those who have sensitive skin or are just getting into skincare and want something uncomplicated yet quality. However, if you’re battling specific skin issues like severe acne or are on the hunt for a budget buy, this might not be your holy grail.

In terms of fitting into your skincare routine, it’s flexible. Whether you’re a minimalist with a wash-and-go approach or someone with a ten-step routine, the Beste No. 9 can find its place. It’s a good foundational product that cleans without complicating things.

So, where do we land on the rating scale? I’m giving the Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser a solid 7.5 out of 10. It’s above average, does its job well, and brings a touch of luxury to your daily routine. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s dependable, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need in your skincare lineup.

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