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Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides vs Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores 9.3/9.8 vs Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides at 8.5/9.8. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide wins for hydration.

Head to head

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides
Drunk Elephant

A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides

eye-carepremium
8.5
VS
Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide
Kiehl's Since 1851

Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide

serumpremium
9.3

Score comparison

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead, winning 1 of 5 attributes.

1
3
1
Drunk Elephant wins 1
Tied 3
Kiehl's Since 1851 wins 1
8.5Drunk Elephant
+0.8vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Kiehl's Since 1851 WINS
6.8
9.4
Drunk Elephant
Kiehl's Since 1851

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Drunk Elephant
Kiehl's Since 1851

Active Ingredient Strength

Drunk Elephant WINS
9.1
7.7
Drunk Elephant
Kiehl's Since 1851

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Drunk Elephant
Kiehl's Since 1851

Formulation Safety

TIE
9.0
9.0
Drunk Elephant
Kiehl's Since 1851

Why Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide comes out ahead

Where Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 9.4 compared to Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides's 6.8. With Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Pentylene Glycol in its top ingredients, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.

Active Ingredient Strength is another area of separation. Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides scores 9.1 here versus 7.7 for Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide brings Niacinamide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, and Adenosine as actives, while drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides relies on Caffeine, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, and Niacinamide. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Caffeine does the heavy lifting
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide 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

Both sit in the premium bracket, so value comes down to formulation quality. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide gets the nod here with its 9.3 overall score — you're getting more for a similar outlay.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.8 lead

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides is still a solid pick.

8.5Drunk Elephant
vs
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides or Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide?

Based on ingredient analysis, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides and Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide share ingredients?

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

What's the main difference between Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Retinol Eye Serum with Caffeine + Copper Peptides and Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide?

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