Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 6 Reddit threads · Updated October 10, 2026
1% retinol cream with real texture payoff; strong and not for beginners. The catch: strong enough to irritate retinol beginners. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeStarter retinol that people can actually stick with · $7.97 · 29.6 ml
Best Cheaper Alternative2% leave-on BHA for clogged pores · $6.70 · 29.6 ml vs $76.00 for the original
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Key actives: Retinol 0.1%
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.27/ml (original $2.57/ml)
The why
One minus
Still triggers redness, irritation, and purge phases
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- 1% retinol — strong OTC punch
- Price
- $76.00 · 29.6 ml · $2.57/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Key actives: Salicylic Acid 2%
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.23/ml (original $2.57/ml)
The why
A 2% leave-on BHA serum for oily, clog-prone skin and stubborn blackheads. Redditors use it as a maintenance exfoliant, and studies back the acne-clearing angle. Dry skin and irritated barriers usually hate it.
One minus
Can sting, dry out, and wreck a weak barrier
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
#3
Same Active: Retinol
- Key actives: Retinol 1%
The why
A 1% retinol serum with glycerin, ceramide NG, sodium hyaluronate, and a bunch of soothing extras around the retinol. Redditors use it as a stronger step-up or nightly retinoid, but YMMV on irritation and payoff.
One minus
Can sting, burn, and turn skin red
#4
Best for Texture / Pores
- Key actives: Retinal 0.2%
- Size: 15 ml
- Price per ml: $0.99/ml (original $2.57/ml)
The why
A 0.2% retinal emulsion that sits in the stronger OTC retinoid lane. People use it for texture, acne, and early anti-aging gains, but the step-up can sting, purge, and overwhelm reactive skin.
One minus
Purge can hit hard before it clears
Both recommended for Texture / Pores.
“Today marks the one month anniversary of starting retinol (TO retinal 0.2%) - so happy with the progress so far as I've been really self concious of my (31F) forehead lines!”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
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