Allergic reaction to Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream?

[emcathywill]

Help! I used this cream only twice and my skin HATED it. Luckily, what I had was just a sample size. I have sensitive/combination skin and the cream destroyed it. I got these welts (almost hive-like) and a rash broke out on my face, making it super itchy. I immediately washed my face and tried to remedy it. I've always had a soft, (not super textured skin) but now it feels textured and not like my skin at all. It's been over 24 hours and my face is still itchy. Any suggestions on how to fix the damage done? 

[Jenzinz]

I recently purchased the Drunk Elephant Return to Classics Protini refill kit on 11/25 and had a similar reaction. I stopped using it immediately, but the next day I needed over-the-counter allergy medication to calm the rash. It took nearly two weeks and only using my trusted Vitamin C serum to get my skin back under control. This was especially alarming because I’ve been a long time user of the cream with no issues.

When I reached out to the company, I was essentially told the reaction was my fault. The lack of genuine concern and the silence that followed solidified my decision to stop using their products altogether. 

I was also surprised to learn that Drunk Elephant was acquired by the Shiseido Group in 2019. A makeup brand I used for 15 years was acquired by them as well. I experienced a similar reaction from the makeup after that acquisition.

[BabyChicaB]

I received free samples of this product and I used it ONCE and now have no idea what to do. My skin is on fire, I have hives all around my eyes and my face is so itchy! I am so sorry the only thing that has helped is aloe 😞 But this product needs to be taken off of the shelves 

[WinglessOne]

@BabyChicaB  Sounds like you (and the OP) might've had a true allergic reaction to something in that moisturizer. Or it might be a non-allergic bad reaction—but itchy hives are a histamine response often associated with allergy. That doesn't mean the product should be pulled from shelves. I had a benzoyl peroxide allergy for decades (might still have it; haven't tried using that ingredient again to find out), but that doesn't mean benzoyl peroxide's terrible for everyone and shouldn't be sold. I'm not allergic to lavender but my facial skin's very sensitive to it—but again, that doesn't mean all products with lavender are bad for everyone, it just means they're bad for me. Apparently something in the DE cream is bad for you, but not everyone else. My skin also doesn't like that moisturizer: it gives me a bad reaction (a rash) but not a full-blown allergic reaction. I know plenty of folks who use it without issue, though. We all have different allergies and skin sensitivities. 🙂 

I'm glad aloe's helping you! Also consider these steps, if you haven't done them yet: 

1. Roll your skincare routine back to basics: gentle cleanser at night (optional for morning), a simple moisturizer (Vanicream makes very good ones), and broad spectrum sunscreen if your skin will be exposed to sunlight, regardless of weather. Do not skip the sunscreen, as UV exposure can worsen your skin condition and an overcast sky won't block UV rays. 
   
   
2. Take antihistamine medication to reduce the red itchiness. I usually have Claritin-D handy because I have allergies and my skin's quite reactive/inflammation-prone. But any OTC antihistamine med should help you. 
   
   
3. Hydrocortisone cream can also ease the itch. I personally like Aveeno's because it also contains colloidal oats, another good skin soother. Cold (but not ice cold) compresses are also helpful. 
   
   
4. See a doctor about your skin reaction, if you can. A true allergic reaction can be very dangerous, especially if it affects your airway. Sounds like your recent reaction didn't, thank goodness. But still consider raising this issue with a doctor, so you can eventually figure out what (if any) ingredient(s) you should avoid in skincare products going forward. 

EDIT: in #3 on my list, Aveeno was autocorrected to Avene, another skincare brand I also like—but they don't have a hydrocortisone cream. 😄 They do have a nice non-medicated skin soothing cream though. 

[CynthieLu]

100% all of that @emcathywill 

@WinglessOne has made great points here. 

Everyone's skin is sooo different and reacts differently to all the skin care that is available out there.  

Going to a basic routine can give your skin a break to heal, 

But at the end of the day if you you haven't already, check in with your family doctor or dermatologist if you worried or not getting better. 

I hope your skin is healing, I reccomend  keeping the ingredient list of the product that you reacted to.  If you come across another product that breaks you out, it may help narrow out the culprit.

[ollie2]

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having some trouble with this product ! As a sensitive skin gal myself, I found that sometimes using a toner or serum underneath the lotion could help, but I personally suggest doing a small patch test first to see this makes a difference; if not, I would definitely reach for a different serum. 

[sandrazhong]

Sorry for heard your experience. I purchased it before,I am a combination skin too. This is the first Drunk Elephant product I use,and this is the clean beauty I thought Is safe for my skin,that's the reason why I bought it. I did not feel change for my skin. Not hydrating,not repair,and nothing. You can ask Sephora If you can return it.

[SkincareBabiee]

I had the same reaction to all of their products. I wonder if they have some wack chemicals

[TorrDrea]

I'm experiencing the same! I put it on my neck (because skin care should go all the way down to your neck they said) and man, what a horrible idea. I am covered in a giant rash and I am throwing out the sample TODAY.

[rach1436]

I had the EXACT same reaction! I was horrified. I immediately stopped using it and shipped it back to Sephora. But today is day 5 of my skin still being textured with little bumps and irritated. I'm only using a moisturizer and face wash until my skin can get back to normal. But it's comforting to know I'm not alone in this.

[JessRachael]

I hope the reaction has cleared up! I would definitely recommend paring your routine down to give your moisture barrier time to recover. You might also consider applying a hydrocortisone to help resolve the irritation and inflammation more quickly.

[starrymom]

If it itches and you broke out in hives, you need to take a dose of benadryl to get rid of the histamine response. It'll take a few days for the hives to disappear fully, but the benadryl will help big time. In the meantime, no exfoliation, no cleaning brushes, and so on. Gentle cleanser, gentle moisturizer.

[alexasteph]

@emcathywill Hm, this seems like an interesting predicament. I’m surprised it’s been so long and you’re still experiencing irritation. I don’t know if washing your face right away helped, especially if the cleanser you use had active ingredients or is exfoliating in any way. When my skin is feeling off or irritated, I really pare down my skincare to focus on simply cleansing an hydration, no treatment or exfoliation until my skin looks/feels better. If you are looking for a nice, hydrating moisturizer my favorite is BELIF - The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. It’s lightweight, gentle, and very hydrating. I don’t think it would irritate your sensitive skin.