I Tried Tropic Skincare—The Good, The Great, The Meh

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.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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