Not just a serum │ Tropic Super Greens

I love facial oils and serums. I used to avoid them like the plague when I was younger, as my problematic, oily skin was frequently experiencing some kind of break out, and I always assumed the application of any kind of oil would make it worse. I later discovered that I was completely wrong.

Obviously different oils intended for different things, on different people, will not react to the skin in the same way, that’s a given. Generically speaking though, the application of an oil will not necessarily cause a break out. Quite the opposite in fact. An oily skin type is typically the result of excess sebum, which is the naturally occurring oils of your skin.

Whilst an overabundance of sebum can block pores and cause those pesky spots to appear, too little sebum can cause dry and cracked skin. There’s unquestionably a balance to be struck, as just the right amount of sebum will help protect your skin and keep it healthy. It helps maintain moisture in the skin whilst at the same time aiding as a barrier to keep infection at bay, so there’s no question as to its importance. 

When it comes to choosing skincare, its hugely important to know your skin type, to tailor your products to exactly what your skin needs and wants. That’s where the Super Greens from Tropic comes in. The contents of this little bottle is suitable for everyone, of any skin type, and thanks to its nutrient rich ingredients has uses beyond the face, which we’ll get to in just a moment.

First, for those who didn’t already know, Tropic create skincare and cosmetics derived from fresh, natural ingredients that are kind to your body as well as the environment. Tropic pride themselves on providing a range that is vegan, cruelty free, ethically sourced and freshly made.

As I mentioned before, Super Greens isn’t limited to just dry skin, or just oily skin, its suitable for everyone. Although of course you would naturally tailor the rest of your skincare routine dependant on your skin type. For example those with very dry skin may still want to include a moisturiser for a further boost, whilst those of us with oily skin probably won’t have need for one.

Now, if I’m being 100% honest, as great as I’m making it sound so far there is a downside to this serum, and that’s the smell. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t disgusting, it won’t make you recoil in horror, but it’s not a scent that I enjoy or look forward to. The only way I can describe it is it just smells green. Especially given that the rest of the range by comparison smell wonderful. It does dissipate eventually, but not for around 10-15 minutes.

Application is straight forward and a little goes a long way. A very long way. I’ve found that 1-2 drops is more than sufficient for my whole face, with a teeny tiny droplet for my neck and chest area. Whenever I’ve had irritated patches or areas of skin, I’ve used the serum to sooth them pretty much instantly. The serum doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue as such, but it does leave a layer behind that sits on the skin. I can’t quite describe it, as I said, it isn’t greasy, but it does make me aware that something is sitting on my skin until it’s had a chance to sink in fully. At that point you’d be fine to apply primers or makeup as usual. Although I personally limit the serum to evening use because I’m too strapped for time in the mornings to wait.

The main ingredient that drew me to this product, is Tamanu oil. Tamanu is key ingredient when it comes to the healing and repairing properties of this serum. It can be used to heal absolutely anyway, from bug bites, to burns, cuts or grazes, it even helps promote the healing of scar tissue. Should you wish, you can purchase a concentrated dose of Tamanu in the form of a balm from Tropic, however, whenever I’ve found myself in need, I’ve turned to the Super Greens and had the same results.

The serum does a wonderful job at soothing and healing itchy bug bites, and you can even pop a few drops in a bath to share the benefit with the rest of your body. Just make sure not to run the bath too hot, or it won’t be as effective. Patches of dry skin can be soothed with direct application of Super Greens to the effected area.

I do feel as though Tropic have missed a bit of a trick with their marketing for this product. Yes, its wonderful for the face, and yes, it’s specifically designed and intended for the face, but it can do so much more. This isn’t just a regular face serum, this is the swiss army knife of face serums, it can be used anywhere it's needed and whilst it may be a little pricey at £42 a bottle I would highly recommend adding it to your skin care routine.


Have you tried anything from Tropic? Let me know your thought below!