Tiffany Masterson’s First Visit to Dubai: Beauty Myths, Skincare Secrets, and Innovation at Drunk Elephant

Dubai recently welcomed Tiffany Masterson, the founder of the cult-favorite skincare brand Drunk Elephant, on her first-ever visit to the city.

Masterson, who launched Drunk Elephant in 2013, revolutionized the beauty industry with her commitment to formulating biocompatible, non-toxic skincare free from what she calls the “Suspicious 6” – essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes, and SLS. Her philosophy is rooted in restoring the skin’s natural balance by eliminating disruptive ingredients, a concept that has earned the brand a loyal global following. Meeting at Tapasake located within "The Link" at the luxurious One&Only Za’abeel, Masterson sat down with JDEED’s Cynthia Jreige for an insightful conversation on beauty myths, skincare must-haves, and the constant drive to innovate.

Debunking a Beauty Myth: Is Overwashing Your Face Harmful?

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare, according to Masterson, is the idea that washing your face morning and night is necessary. “Twice, double cleansing, triple cleansing? I think it’s better just to wash at night,” she emphasized. The reasoning? Over-cleansing strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, a crucial barrier that protects against bacteria, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. “It’s our first line of defense and helps keep our skin looking young and dewy. Stripping it away can lead to complications.”

The Must-Have Drunk Elephant Products

When asked to pick just one Drunk Elephant product she’d use forever, Masterson found it impossible to choose. “It’s really hard because I’m biased!” she admitted, before narrowing it down to three essentials: Protini Resurf Serum, which has peptides and acids, making it an all-in-one powerhouse; Slaii Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, which leaves the skin super moisturized; and Tinted Sunscreen, an essential for daily SPF protection. Of course, she jokingly added, “I’d be sad for the rest of my life because I want the drops too!” referring to the brand’s signature skincare boosters.

Skincare Philosophy in Three Words

When asked to summarize her skincare routine in three words, Masterson responded, “Way too much.” Frankly, we admit only three was a little mean. Woops.

Her approach follows the Drunk Elephant philosophy of eliminating harsh ingredients that disrupt the skin’s balance. “I can use anything, any combination, and my skin is so normal now, so non-reactive,” she explained. Sundays are her go-to days for indulgence: “I’ll do the Babyfacial, then mix the Protini Serum with Vitamin C… My skin just glows.”

Best Beauty Advice Ever Received

For Masterson, the best beauty tip came from her mother: don’t wear foundation. While she acknowledges that modern foundations have improved significantly, she recalls how, in her younger years, people would use makeup to cover imperfections caused by the very products they were using. “I just remember thinking, ‘Why don’t you just not use it?’” However, as she ages, she does appreciate a little coverage—just with the right ingredients.

The Holy Grail Ingredient? AHAs

Asked to pick a favorite skincare ingredient, Masterson struggled to choose just one but ultimately landed on alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid. “Yesterday, I answered retinol, and I do love retinol, but I really love acids,” she said, emphasizing their transformative effects on the skin.

What’s Next for Drunk Elephant?

Masterson remains motivated to innovate and create products she personally desires. When asked about a dream product that doesn’t exist yet, she playfully wished for a cream that could instantly eliminate cellulite and sagging skin. “Just put it on your legs and it fixes everything,” she laughed.

On a more realistic note, she hinted at developing a light coverage product that wouldn’t interfere with skin health.

As Drunk Elephant continues to evolve, Masterson’s passion for skincare innovation remains stronger than ever. With her first Dubai trip now under her belt, perhaps we’ll see future Drunk Elephant creations inspired by the city’s beauty and vibrancy.

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