I Tried Over £500 of Tropic Skincare – Here’s the Honest Truth
As someone who’s tried everything from £196 hair oils to high-end French pharmacy favorites, I’ve come to expect two things from beauty products: they’ll promise a lot, and they’ll usually deliver… a little. So when Tropic Skincare — the buzzy, sustainable, cruelty-free beauty brand on everyone’s radar — kept popping up in my feed, I was intrigued but cautious. With all the glowing reviews and influencer praise, I had to ask: is it really worth the hype?
Tropic positions itself as a clean beauty brand with formulas packed full of responsibly sourced natural ingredients. They’re vegan, eco-conscious, and transparent about their production process, which is refreshing in an industry where brands often hide behind vague claims. They also offer a smart skincare routine finder tool to help match you with products tailored to your skin concerns — a feature I found surprisingly accurate.
Curiosity got the better of me (as usual), and I dove in headfirst, trying a wide range of their best-selling products — cleansers, exfoliants, toners, masks, serums, oils — you name it. I spent over £500 across their range. The verdict? There were some winners, some okay-ers, and a few products I probably wouldn’t repurchase. But overall, I was pretty impressed.
Let’s break it all down.
Cleansers & Powders: An Unexpected Favorite
Smooth Cleansing Complexion Purifier – £20
This cleanser instantly reminded me of Liz Earle’s iconic Cleanse & Polish — a creamy, rich formula that melts away makeup and grime. It has that same luxurious feel, and I appreciated that Tropic offers an unscented version for those of us with sensitive skin. While I enjoyed the texture and how soft my skin felt afterward, my eyes are prone to reacting to fragrance, so I was glad to have the no-frills version. Makeup removal was effortless, and I genuinely looked forward to using it each night.
Clear Skies Cleansing Powder – £20
Powder cleansers are having a moment, especially among environmentally conscious shoppers, and this one’s a standout. With just a few drops of water, it transforms from a blue powder to a foamy white cleanser. I loved using it as a second cleanse — it left my skin feeling squeaky clean without that tight, stripped sensation. Just make sure to close the lid properly, or you’ll be cleaning up fine powder from your sink for days. It’s travel-friendly in theory, but if you do take it with you, tape the lid shut.
Clear Slate Deep Cleansing Powder – £20
This minty version is formulated for oilier skin types — my skin type exactly. It worked like a charm, especially after long days exposed to pollution, sweat, and makeup. It created a rich foam and left my skin feeling fresh and thoroughly cleansed. I honestly think it outlasts my usual liquid foaming cleansers. Again, the powder format means it needs careful storage — not ideal for clumsy hands or a chaotic bathroom shelf.
Toners & Serums: Hits and Misses
Juicy Greens Exfoliating Toning Serum – £18
This toner combines polyhydroxy and alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin and prep it for whatever comes next. I didn’t notice any dramatic changes, but my skin did feel refreshed and less dull after use. It has a faint cucumber scent, which I liked — not overpowering, just enough to feel spa-like. That said, if you’re expecting miracle-level exfoliation, you might find it a bit underwhelming.
Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence – £18
I’ll be honest: toner has never been a make-or-break step in my skincare routine. I use it more for the experience than the results. But this one surprised me. It was refreshing, hydrating, and worked nicely as a pre-makeup prep step. While I didn’t see a massive change in my skin, I could see myself using it regularly during the warmer months or at my desk when my skin needs a midday wake-up.
Exfoliators & Masks: Gentle Glow-Up
Peel Peel – £44
With lactic acid and AHAs, this is a gentle yet effective exfoliant. Over a few weeks, it noticeably improved the texture and brightness of my skin. It gives you that post-facial glow without the sting or redness that some peels can cause. The only downside? The strong fruity fragrance. I don’t mind scented products, but this one lingered a bit too long. If you’re sensitive to fragrance or prone to irritation, this may not be for you. Try The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% instead for a milder alternative.
Serums: Hydration, Brightening & Balance
Glow Berry Brightening Serum – £48
This was one of the most hyped products I tried. It boasts 10% glyceryl ascorbate (a stable form of Vitamin C), antioxidant-rich berries, and kangaroo paw flower extract. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and bouncy. Did it dramatically brighten my complexion? Not quite — but it gave me that healthy, well-rested look, which I’ll take. It smells like summer fruit squash, which is both a blessing and a curse depending on how sensitive your nose is.
Rainforest Dew Hydrating Serum – £44
This one is a total win. Featuring hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory periwinkle extract, and plant-based peptides, it’s a dream for dry or dehydrated skin. I used it morning and night during a cold snap, and it kept my skin soft and plump despite central heating and icy winds. There’s a faint grassy smell, but it’s light and pleasant. One thing to note: sediment sometimes collects at the bottom of the bottle — totally normal due to the natural ingredients. Just give it a shake before each use.
Oils: Luxe, Rich & Replenishing
Elixir Brightening Omega Oil – £28
This oil is rich — in both texture and performance. With a hefty dose of omega fatty acids, it’s ideal for dry or mature skin. On my acne-prone skin, it was a little too heavy for daily use, but I still enjoyed it as a nourishing night treatment when my skin felt particularly parched. And the size of the bottle? Surprisingly generous. You get a lot for your money.
Super Greens Nutritional Boosting Oil – £44
Think of this as a green juice for your face. Packed with cold-pressed oils from kale, broccoli, avocado, green coffee, and tamanu, this oil is all about protection and repair. I wasn’t crazy about the earthy scent, but I powered through because the results were undeniable. After about two weeks, my skin looked brighter, and some of my fine lines were softened. It’s a potent treatment and best used at night.
Final Thoughts: Is Tropic Skincare Worth It?
After using Tropic Skincare consistently for several weeks, I can confidently say it lives up to the buzz — with a few caveats. The brand excels at crafting gentle, effective formulas that feel good on the skin and align with ethical, eco-friendly values. Their products are beautifully packaged, generously sized, and packed with powerful ingredients that don’t rely on harsh chemicals.
That said, not every product was a holy grail for me. If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with the scented products. Some formulas — like the Peel Peel and Glow Berry — were a bit too fragrant for my liking, even though I enjoyed their effects.
Still, I was pleasantly surprised. The hydration-focused serums and powders in particular stood out, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking to build a clean, effective, everyday skincare routine. The prices are fair for the quality and quantity you get, and there’s something to be said for supporting a brand that genuinely cares about people, the planet, and performance.
Would I spend another £500 on Tropic products? Probably not all at once — but I’d definitely repurchase some of the standouts. And that says a lot in a world overflowing with options.
