
Tropic Skincare: A Brand Worth the Hype? A Beauty Editor’s Honest Review
Tropic Skincare is quickly becoming the talk of the beauty world. Affordable, cruelty-free, sustainable, and packed with natural ingredients, it’s no surprise that searches for their products—along with their unique skincare routine finder—have soared. With the promise of products tailored to your exact skincare needs, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to try it. But does Tropic live up to its reputation? Is it really worth all the buzz? As a beauty editor with a deep love for skincare, I dove into the brand’s best-selling products to give you an honest, in-depth look at how they perform and how they can fit into your daily routine. Read on for my full review of Tropic Skincare.
Tropic Skincare, Smooth Cleansing Complexion Purifier (£20)
Let’s start with a classic: the Tropic Smooth Cleansing Complexion Purifier. This product immediately reminded me of Liz Earle’s beloved Cleanse & Polish (£18). The texture is creamy, it smells absolutely divine, and it effortlessly removes makeup and impurities from the skin. If you have sensitive skin, though, you’ll want to consider the unscented version. My skin, particularly around my eyes, is incredibly sensitive to fragrance, so I appreciated the option to opt for the fragrance-free version to avoid any irritation. This cleanser does a great job at making the skin feel clean without leaving it stripped or tight, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Overall, this is a solid pick for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective daily cleanser.
Tropic Skincare, Clear Skies Cleansing Powder (£20)
Powder-based beauty products have been having a moment recently, and Tropic’s Clear Skies Cleansing Powder is no exception. When mixed with a bit of water, this powder transforms into a blue paste, which then foams into a lovely white lather. The result? Clean, refreshed skin. This product is ideal as a second cleanse, especially after makeup removal. It leaves my skin feeling deeply cleansed but not dry or uncomfortable. However, I do recommend ensuring that the lid is tightly sealed to avoid any powder spillage, especially when traveling. If you’re eco-conscious, this is a great product, as it’s part of the brand’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
Tropic Skincare, Clear Slate Deep Cleansing Powder (£20)
Similar to the Clear Skies Cleansing Powder, the Clear Slate Deep Cleansing Powder is another game-changer. This powder has a minty scent, and when mixed with water, it forms a rich foam that deeply cleanses the skin. I love using this at night after a day of makeup, pollution, and environmental stressors. My skin tends to be on the oily side, and this product helps control that excess oil without drying me out. Plus, it seems to last longer than my regular foaming cleansers, making it a great value for money. Again, be mindful of the lid, as this powder can escape if not sealed properly. If you plan to travel with it, I suggest taping the lid shut for extra security.
Tropic Skincare, Juicy Greens Exfoliating Toning Serum (£18)
Next, we have the Juicy Greens Exfoliating Toning Serum, which is a blend of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These ingredients work together to gently exfoliate the skin and help improve product absorption. While I didn’t notice an immediate, dramatic transformation in my skin, I did feel that it helped revitalize my skin by providing a mild, non-irritating exfoliation. This is a great option for anyone looking for a gentle exfoliator that doesn’t strip the skin. Additionally, the subtle cucumber scent adds a refreshing touch to your routine, although it may not provide a major change for those looking for heavy-duty exfoliation.
Tropic Skincare, Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence (£18)
Toners can be a hit-or-miss product in many skincare routines, but I found the Morning Mist Soothing Toning Essence to be surprisingly refreshing. I typically don’t find toners necessary unless my skin is particularly tight or dry, but this mist does a great job of cooling me down on hot days, especially when I need a little pick-me-up in the middle of the workday. While it didn’t dramatically change my skin, it did prepare my face nicely for makeup application and felt incredibly hydrating. For anyone with dry or sensitive skin, I recommend pairing it with hyaluronic acid and squalane to lock in moisture and boost hydration.
Tropic Skincare, Peel Peel (£44)
This product is Tropic’s take on a chemical exfoliant, featuring lactic acid, an AHA that gently sloughs off dead skin cells. Over time, I found that Peel Peel did brighten and smooth my skin, giving it a natural glow. However, I wasn’t entirely in love with the product’s very fruity scent. The fragrance lingers on my skin for a while after application, which can be overwhelming for those sensitive to scents. The scent fades throughout the day, but if you’re prone to irritation, this might not be the product for you. If you’re looking for a more subtle lactic acid experience, I’d recommend The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA (£5.50), which offers a gentler effect without the overpowering scent.
Tropic Skincare, Glow Berry Brightening Serum (£48)
Next up is the Glow Berry Brightening Serum, a powerhouse packed with glyceryl ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), glycerin, and antioxidant-rich super berries. This lightweight serum sinks into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling soft, hydrated, and plump. While I can’t say I noticed a dramatic difference in brightness, my skin definitely looked more refreshed and moisturized after consistent use. This serum is a great option for adding to your skincare routine during the winter months when your skin may need extra hydration. The only downside is the scent—it smells like a delicious summer fruit squash, which I personally enjoyed, but it might be a bit much for some.
Tropic Skincare, Rainforest Dewy Hydrating Serum (£44)
The Rainforest Dewy Hydrating Serum is another standout product from Tropic. If you have dry skin, this serum is a lifesaver. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, periwinkle fern extract, and botanical peptides, this serum delivers intense hydration while soothing inflammation and boosting skin elasticity. The light, grassy scent is subtle and not overpowering, making it a great option for those sensitive to fragrance. The formula can sometimes form sediment at the bottom of the bottle due to the botanical extracts, but it’s perfectly natural—just shake it up before use! This serum works wonders during the colder months, especially when your skin feels parched from the dry indoor air.
Tropic Skincare, Elixir Brightening Omega Oil (£28)
Elixir Brightening Omega Oil is a rich blend of omega fatty acids, perfect for nourishing dry or mature skin. While I typically lean towards lighter oils for my acne-prone skin, I can see this being a fantastic option for those with dry skin or anyone seeking additional hydration. The large size of the bottle means you’re getting a lot of product for the price, which is always a bonus. This oil leaves my skin soft and smooth, but it might be a little too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin. That being said, it’s an excellent choice for mature skin types needing an extra boost of moisture and nourishment.
Tropic Skincare, Super Greens Nutritional Boosting Oil (£44)
Last but certainly not least, the Super Greens Nutritional Boosting Oil is a powerhouse of cold-pressed oils, including broccoli, kale, and avocado oil, as well as green coffee oil and tamanu oil. This product has a potent, earthy scent—think of it like a green smoothie for your face. While I’m not a huge fan of the smell, I absolutely love the results. After a few weeks of use, I noticed a visible difference in my skin’s brightness, and fine lines appeared less noticeable. This oil also helps protect the skin from environmental damage, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine if you’re exposed to pollution or other irritants on a daily basis.
Final Thoughts on Tropic Skincare
Tropic Skincare offers a comprehensive range of products that cater to various skin needs, and many of them live up to the hype. Whether you’re looking for a gentle cleanser, a brightening serum, or an oil-packed with nourishing ingredients, Tropic has something for everyone. While some products may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free options, the overall quality of their formulations, the ethical approach to sourcing, and the eco-friendly packaging make Tropic Skincare a brand worth considering. With consistent use, you can expect your skin to feel nourished, hydrated, and bright.