Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Lala Retro Whipped Cream
Product Description
Product overview
An airy, whipped rescue cream infused with a triple-ceramide blend and five rare African oils that provides daily moisture maintenance at any age. This barrier-supportive moisturizer helps skin retain long-lasting moisture by reinforcing the acid mantle and defending against everyday environmental stressors.
Barrier Repair
Triple ceramide complex (AP, EOP, NP) reinforces skin's acid mantle and protects against moisture loss.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair
Triple ceramide complex (AP, EOP, NP) reinforces skin's acid mantle and protects against moisture loss.
African Oil Blend
Five rare African oils (marula, mongongo, baobab, kalahari melon, ximenia) deliver deep nourishment.
Deep Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer penetrates deeply to release intense, long-lasting hydration.
Antioxidant Protection
Fermented green tea extract combats signs of aging and defends against environmental stressors.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed by Drunk Elephant. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-unsafe ingredients. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Contains multiple FA triggers: fermented ingredients, fatty acids (palmitic, stearic), and plant oils that can feed malassezia yeast.
Contains Isopropyl Isostearate (comedogenic rating 4-5) and some fatty alcohols. Most users report no breakouts, but acne-prone skin should patch test.
Free from the "Suspicious 6" irritants. Dermatologist tested at skin-friendly pH 5.2. No essential oils, fragrances, or drying alcohols.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTriple Ceramide Complex (AP, EOP, NP)Proven
Plant-derived ceramides identical to those naturally found in skin. They form a protective layer that locks in hydration, maintains moisture balance, and protects against visible damage from environmental stressors.
- Clinical Evidence: Ceramides make up ~50% of the skin barrier lipids and decline with age
- Mechanism: Fill gaps between skin cells like "mortar between bricks" to prevent water loss
- Benefits: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), calms irritated skin, improves eczema symptoms
Five African Oils BlendProven
A luxurious blend of marula, mongongo, baobab, kalahari melon (watermelon seed), and ximenia oils rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and vitamins C and E.
- Marula Oil: 73% oleic acid, high in vitamin E, outstanding oxidative stability
- Mongongo Oil: Super-antioxidant that protects against UV and environmental damage
- Baobab Oil: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, F and omega 3, 6, 9 fatty acids
- Kalahari Melon Oil: Very high omega-6 content for intense moisture
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerProven
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into skin layers, delivering excellent hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Molecular Weight: Smaller than standard HA for better penetration
- Hydration: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water
- Anti-Aging: Plumps skin to reduce appearance of fine lines
Fermented Green Tea Seed Extract Key ActivePromising
Antioxidant-rich fermented ingredient that provides moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-aging benefits while helping combat free radical damage.
- Fermentation: Enhances bioavailability and skin penetration
- Antioxidants: EGCG catechins fight oxidative stress
- Anti-Aging: Helps combat visible signs of aging
PhytosphingosineProven
A plant-derived lipid with powerful soothing and restorative benefits. It's a precursor to ceramides and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- Function: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Barrier Support: Naturally found in healthy skin barrier
- Soothing: Calms irritated and sensitive skin
38 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Isostearate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil/Glucose/Glycine Soja (Soybean) Meal/Malt Extract/Yeast Extract Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-6 Ximenia Americana Seedate, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Ceteareth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM and/or PM as your final moisturizing step. Can be mixed with any Drunk Elephant serum or oil for a custom "smoothie."
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, dry skin. Complete your cleansing, toning, and serum steps first.
Dispense
Press the airless pump to dispense one pump of product into your palm. A little goes a long way.
Apply & Massage
Warm between fingertips and gently press into face and neck. Massage until fully absorbed.
Optional: Create a Smoothie
Mix with B-Hydra serum for extra hydration or Virgin Marula Oil for added nourishment. Can be used AM/PM.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or dull skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
- You want a clean, fragrance-free formula
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe options
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances
- You love a whipped, luxurious texture
- You want anti-aging benefits without retinol
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're very acne-prone and react to oils
- You prefer ultra-lightweight gel textures
- You have very oily skin that doesn't need rich moisture
- You're on a tight budget (there are effective dupes)
- You need a heavy-duty occlusive for extreme dryness
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe ceramide-rich formula with African oils provides deep, lasting hydration. Dream product for dry skin types.
Works well for most, but may feel slightly rich on oily zones. Best used at night or mixed with lighter products.
May be too rich for very oily skin. Consider using sparingly at night or switching to Protini for daytime.
Fragrance-free, gentle formula free from common irritants. Ceramides and phytosphingosine soothe reactive skin.
Some comedogenic ingredients present. Many users report no breakouts, but patch test first. Not FA-safe.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable. The whipped texture melts in and provides instant relief from dryness and tightness.
95% noticed immediate hydrationHydration Boost
Noticeable improvement in skin's moisture levels. Dry patches diminish, skin appears more plump and dewy. Fine lines look less pronounced.
87% reported reduced drynessBarrier Strengthening
Skin barrier function improves significantly. Less sensitivity, better moisture retention throughout the day, more resilient skin overall.
82% saw improved skin textureLong-Term Benefits
Cumulative improvements in skin's overall health. Better able to withstand environmental stressors. Reduced appearance of fine lines and improved radiance.
78% reported healthier-looking skinRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Luxurious whipped texture that melts into skin
- Clean formula free from common irritants
- Triple ceramide complex for barrier repair
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Hygienic airless pump packaging
- No fragrance or essential oils
- Suitable for very dry and sensitive skin
- Works beautifully under makeup
Criticized
- Premium price point ($60 for 50ml)
- Not suitable for fungal acne
- May be too rich for oily skin types
- Contains some comedogenic ingredients
- Absorption time longer than gel moisturizers
- Some find it not moisturizing enough for extreme dryness
- Authenticity concerns when buying from third parties
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains ceramides and hyaluronic acid but lacks the African oil blend. More basic formula with petrolatum for occlusion. Much larger size (539g) at a fraction of the price.
Similar whipped texture with ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal. Good for sensitive skin. Includes squalane but missing the exotic oil blend.
Contains ceramides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. Much simpler formula without the luxurious oils. Less elegant texture but excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Plant-derived ceramide complex with squalane and shea butter. Clean formula at a much more accessible price point. Great option for barrier repair on a budget.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. The airless pump design helps preserve formula integrity.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Hygienic airless pump jar prevents contamination and oxidation. Refillable design available for sustainability.
Yes, under 100ml/3.4oz TSA limit. Compact, sturdy packaging suitable for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! Drunk Elephant confirms that Lala Retro is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other ingredients typically avoided during pregnancy. The formula relies on ceramides, plant oils, and hyaluronic acid - all considered safe during pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine.
No, Lala Retro is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains multiple malassezia triggers including fermented ingredients, fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid), and plant oils that can feed the yeast that causes fungal acne. If you have malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like Avene Tolerance Extreme Emulsion or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide.
Yes! Lala Retro can be used with all these actives. Drunk Elephant actually recommends mixing it with their A-Passioni or A-Gloei retinol products to buffer potential irritation. For vitamin C, apply C-Firma first, let it absorb, then follow with Lala Retro. For AHA/BHA, use after your exfoliating treatment to soothe and protect skin. The ceramides help strengthen your barrier while using actives.
Lala Retro is best suited for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It's excellent for anyone with a compromised skin barrier or those experiencing dryness from weather, aging, or active ingredient use. It can work for combination skin when used at night. Those with very oily skin may find it too rich, especially in humid climates - they might prefer Protini Polypeptide Cream instead.
You'll feel immediate comfort and hydration from day one. Visible improvements in skin texture and reduced dryness typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. For full barrier repair benefits and improved skin resilience, expect to see optimal results after 6-8 weeks of daily use. As dermatologists note, "nothing in skincare works overnight" - patience and consistency are key.
Lala Retro should be applied as your moisturizing step, after cleansing, toning, and any serums or treatments. In the morning: cleanser → toner → serum → Lala Retro → sunscreen. At night: cleanser → toner → treatment/serum → Lala Retro. You can mix it with Drunk Elephant serums or oils in your palm before applying for a customized "smoothie."
Lala Retro has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5. It contains Isopropyl Isostearate (comedogenic rating 4-5) and fatty alcohols, which can clog pores in some individuals. However, the majority of users report no breakouts. The formula is non-greasy and absorbs well. If you're acne-prone, do a patch test first. Those with fungal acne should avoid this product entirely.
Lala Retro has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps preserve the formula by minimizing air exposure and contamination. With typical twice-daily use of one pump, a 50ml jar should last approximately 3-4 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal shelf life.
Verdict: Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a luxurious, clean-beauty moisturizer that delivers on its barrier-repair promises. The triple ceramide complex and African oil blend provide exceptional hydration for dry and sensitive skin types. While the $60 price tag is steep and it's not suitable for fungal acne or very oily skin, the quality ingredients, elegant texture, and pregnancy-safe formula justify the investment for those who need serious moisture. The hygienic airless pump and refillable packaging add value. If you have dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin and appreciate clean formulas, Lala Retro is a dream-come-true moisturizer worth trying.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Isostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Binding Agent, Binding
|
|
|
| 0 |
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
|









