Gracie

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum vs Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream scores 9.1/9.8 vs Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum at 8.6/9.8. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream wins for active ingredients.

Head to head

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
Dermalogica

Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum

serumluxury
8.6
VS
✶
Drunk Elephant

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

serumpremium
9.1

Score comparison

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.

3
2
Dermalogica wins 0
Tied 3
Drunk Elephant wins 2
8.6Dermalogica
+0.5vs
9.1Drunk Elephant

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Drunk Elephant WINS
6.8
8.7
Dermalogica
Drunk Elephant

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Dermalogica
Drunk Elephant

Active Ingredient Strength

Drunk Elephant WINS
5.5
9.3
Dermalogica
Drunk Elephant

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Dermalogica
Drunk Elephant

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
8.8
Dermalogica
Drunk Elephant

Why Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream comes out ahead

Where Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 9.3 compared to Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum's 5.5. Its formula features Niacinamide, Retinol, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.

Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream scores 8.7 here versus 6.8 for Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream brings Niacinamide, Retinol, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 as actives, while dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum relies on Retinol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Niacinamide does the heavy lifting

Value comparison

At luxury pricing with a score of 8.6, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is a decent pick. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream sits at the premium level with a 9.1 score — the higher investment pays off in formulation quality.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.5 lead

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum is still a solid pick.

8.6Dermalogica
vs
✶
9.1Drunk Elephant

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum or Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream?

Based on ingredient analysis, Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum and Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum and Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.