It’s been five years since I first started using Drunk Elephant’s Framboos Glycolic Night Serum—and let me tell you, my skin has gone through some changes in those years. From a face full of acne to the first signs of aging, it’s been there for me through it all.
Formulated with a 12 percent AHA/BHA blend (specifically lactic, tartaric, citric and salicylic acid) along with horse chestnut and white tea to help soothe skin, the lightweight gel absorbs quickly and makes everything look a bit smoother and brighter the next morning.
In the beginning, I used the serum every night. (One to two pumps of serum, followed by a squeeze of moisturizer.) This simple combo seemed to keep my skin clear and happy, so I stuck to it for a solid couple of years. Then, sometime in my late 20s, I noticed my cheeks were getting a bit red and sensitized so I dialed back to using it only two to two to three times a week. I more or less stick to this same schedule now.
Anytime I look a bit ashen and dull—or I start breaking out on my forehead (courtesy of my new bangs), I smooth on this serum and wake up in a better state. It’s one of the few products that I feel confident about recommending to my friends (and total strangers on Instagram) when they ask me for skin-care advice—which can be a lot of pressure if you think about it because a) products aren’t cheap b) everyone’s skin is different. Therein lies the beauty of this serum: It works magic on both my 65-year-old mom and my 31-year-old best friend.