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Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser with 1.0% Colloidal Oatmeal

This cream cleanser from Drunk Elephant focuses on being kind to skin while still getting the job done. It uses colloidal oatmeal and marula oil to soothe and moisturize, making it a good option if your skin feels tight or irritated after cleansing.

Sephora price

$36.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.8 / 5

About 393 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Good for: DrynessClean at SephoraGood for: RednessVeganCruelty-FreeFragrance Free1.0% Colloidal Oatmeal: Used for its antioxidant compounds and redness-reducing abilities.Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil: Moisturizes and nourishes skin for a healthy glow.Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter: Rich in fatty acids and intensely moisturizing.Dryness and Redness

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.8 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, effective cleanser that calms redness and dryness without stripping the skin. It removes makeup and pollution well, making it a solid choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser with 1.0% Colloidal Oatmeal

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

An ultra-gentle, low-lather cream cleanser that calms and balances skin as it gently removes water-resistant makeup, sunscreen, and daily pollution.

NormalDryCombinationOilyDrynessRedness

Gently massage over wet or dry skin.

Add water to lather.

Rinse well and pat dry.

Use nightly or in alternation with other Drunk Elephant cleansers.

Tip: Drunk Elephant recommends skipping the morning cleanse because it's not necessary if you've cleansed your skin the night before.

Warning: In case of eye irritation, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Recycling Instructions: No need to disassemble. The whole thing is recyclable.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A well-formulated, gentle cleanser that prioritizes soothing and hydration. It’s a great choice for those with dry, sensitive, or redness-prone skin, or for anyone looking for a mild first step in a double cleanse.

Calming effect

Many reviewers mention how this cleanser calms their skin, reducing redness and irritation, making it a go-to for sensitive skin types.

Gentle cleansing

Users appreciate that it cleanses effectively without leaving their skin feeling tight or stripped, a common issue with other cleansers.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Dry or sensitive skin
  • Redness-prone skin
  • Anyone seeking a gentle, non-stripping cleanser

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You prefer a rich lather
  • You need a heavy-duty makeup remover for waterproof products

Routine fit

Where this cleanser fits

Use this as the first step in your evening routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime. It can also be used in the morning if your skin feels dry or sensitive. Follow with your preferred treatment serums and moisturizer.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Extremely gentle and non-irritating
  • Soothes redness and dryness
  • Removes light makeup and pollution effectively
  • Pleasant, mild texture

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Low lather may not appeal to everyone
  • May not remove all heavy-duty makeup in one step

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Evening Routine

Ideal for the evening to gently cleanse the skin after a long day. It effectively removes daily impurities without stripping essential moisture.

Morning Routine

Suitable for a gentle morning cleanse, especially for dry or sensitive skin types who prefer not to use a more active cleanser in the AM.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.8/ 5 overall

A gentle, effective cleanser that calms redness and dryness without stripping the skin. It removes makeup and pollution well, making it a solid choice for sensitive or dry skin types.

Gentleness

4.9 / 5

Users consistently praise its non-irritating formula, even for very sensitive skin.

Makeup Removal

4.5 / 5

Effectively removes daily makeup and sunscreen, though heavier or waterproof makeup may require a second cleanse.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that creates a gentle lather.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially sensitive

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps create foam and cleanse.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can be irritating for some very sensitive individuals

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Thickener

Cetearyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and thickens the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that provides gentle cleansing.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Lauryl Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A non-ionic surfactant derived from sugar, known for its mildness.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Also known as Marula Oil, it's rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, providing moisture and nourishment.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, combination skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps create a creamy lather.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Coconut Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

Derived from coconut oil, it contributes to cleansing properties.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Colloidal Oatmeal

Badness

1.0 / 10

Contains antioxidants and compounds that help calm and reduce redness.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, dry, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Emulsifier/Emollient

Glyceryl Stearates

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Chia seed oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, providing antioxidant and moisturizing benefits.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and improve skin barrier function.

Usually helps with

Dry, sensitive skin

Watch for

None

Humectant/Preservative Booster

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent that also helps preserve the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil

Badness

0.0 / 10

Rosehip oil, rich in vitamins and fatty acids, known for its moisturizing and skin-renewing properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter

Badness

0.0 / 10

Rich in fatty acids, it provides intense moisturization and helps soften the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Badness

0.0 / 10

A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Fragrance/Antioxidant

Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides a natural scent and antioxidant benefits.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Potential for sensitivity in very reactive individuals

Soothing Agent

Althaea Officinalis Root Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

Marshmallow root extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, irritated skin

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium Lactate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A salt of lactic acid, it's a humectant that helps hydrate the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Coco-Glucoside

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates a gentle lather.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Oleic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty acid that helps condition and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

None

Thickener

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Some concerns about microplastic pollution, though generally considered safe in rinse-off products.

Humectant

PCA

Badness

0.0 / 10

Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid, a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Alanine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that helps maintain skin hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Arginine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that helps with skin repair and hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Glycine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that helps build proteins and maintain skin hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Histidine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid with antioxidant properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Isoleucine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that supports skin health.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Phenylalanine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that may help with skin tone.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Proline

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that supports collagen production and skin elasticity.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Serine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that helps with skin hydration and barrier function.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Threonine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that supports skin structure and hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Amino Acid

Valine

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that helps maintain skin moisture.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Fatty Acid

Linoleic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

An essential fatty acid that helps support the skin barrier.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Fatty Acid

Linolenic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

An essential fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium Isethionate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A mild surfactant used for cleansing.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Fatty Acid

Palmitic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and helps condition the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

0.0 / 10

Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient/Emulsifier

Stearic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin, and helps stabilize the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common preservative that prevents microbial growth.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.

Amino Acid

Aspartic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

An amino acid that plays a role in skin hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Sodium Carbonate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formula.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Viscosity Adjuster

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Salt, used to thicken the product.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that can also have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formula to a skin-friendly level.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, this cleanser is formulated with ultra-gentle ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and marula oil, making it an excellent choice for sensitive, dry, or redness-prone skin.

Does it remove waterproof makeup?

It effectively removes water-resistant makeup and sunscreen, but for very heavy or waterproof makeup, a second cleanse or a dedicated makeup remover might be necessary.

Should I use this cleanser in the morning?

Drunk Elephant suggests skipping the morning cleanse if you cleansed the night before. However, if your skin feels dry or sensitive in the morning, this gentle cleanser is a good option.

Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser with 1.0% Colloidal Oatmeal Review and Routine Fit | Glass