Closeup of Susie Ma CEO and founder of Tropic skincare holding a jam jar and jar of body smooth refreshing polish. With a light kitchen in the background.

Meet Our Founder, Susie Ma

Susie Ma is the Founder and CEO of Tropic Skincare, a multi-award-winning beauty brand that’s redefining the skincare industry with products that are both ethical and effective.

Founded at her kitchen table when she was just 15, Susie recreated and sold her grandma’s body scrub recipe at Greenwich Market.

Guided by a passion for powerful tropical ingredients, a dedication to clinical performance, and a mission to create truly sustainable beauty, Susie transformed this side-hustle into one of the UK’s fastest-growing skincare companies.

Her remarkable rise has taken her from market stall to boardroom, earning spots on BBC’s The Apprentice and The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 list, in addition to appearing as a guest Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den 2026.

“There is one driving force behind everything I do, personally and professionally – the desire to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world. That’s the Infinite Purpose which defines Tropic’s brand DNA, guiding every decision and product launch.”

Susie Ma CEO and founder of Tropic skincare smiles as she sits in a dress dress in a light beige lounge setting.

In her role as CEO of Tropic, Susie is responsible for driving forward the strategic direction of the brand. This includes overseeing all product development, leading a HQ team of over 250 staff, hosting educational and celebratory events for Ambassadors, and championing Tropic’s Infinite Purpose to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world.

In 2023, 19 years after founding her business – and spending every day since building it into today’s success – Susie completed a buy-out and reclaimed full ownership of Tropic, which has frequently ranked as one of the UK’s fastest-growing skincare brands.*

*The Sunday Times Hundred - Britain’s Fastest Growing Private Companies and Oresa Growth Index. 

Learn more about Tropic's Story.

Two women sharing Tropic Skincare products sitting at a table in a kitchen setting.

Building An Empowered Community

From her very first market stall, Susie Ma knew that Tropic was about more than just skincare – it was about connection, shared success, and creating positive change. This belief continues to inspire the 'More Empowered' pillar of our Infinite Purpose.

Instead of following the traditional retail route, Susie was inspired to grow Tropic through community, giving others the opportunity to build their own success, share their passion for natural skincare, and create flexible businesses that fit their lives.

This vision gave rise to our incredible Tropic Ambassador community – the heart of our brand and our most passionate advocates. Across the UK, our Ambassadors share freshly made, plant-powered skincare with their communities, championing our ethical, cruelty-free, and sustainable values. Together, they help us spread our force for good, one glowing complexion at a time.

Learn more about our Tropic Ambassadors.

Top image shows Susie Ma pointing to a sign to reference the partnership between UWS and Tropic skincare. The bottom image shows Susie Ma plaiting her hair whilst talking to three school girls.

A Force For Good Beyond Beauty

Education, equality, and opportunity are at the heart of Susie's mission. Through Tropic, she empowers over 20,000 beauty entrepreneurs across the UK to build their own businesses, while also funding over 7.5 million days of education for children in some of the world’s most marginalised communities, thanks to our long-standing partnership with UWS.

“Millions of children around the world, and particularly girls, don’t have access to basic primary education. Alongside our incredible Ambassadors, dedicated HQ team, and wonderful colleagues at UWS, I’m so honoured to have opened four fully-funded Tropic schools in Nepal, Cambodia, and Madagascar.

More than bricks and mortar, school equips children with the tools they need to break free from the cycle of poverty, secure jobs, and write brighter futures. Making a difference to these children’s lives, however small, has been the greatest privilege of my life, and one I’ll infinitely champion, every day.”

Beyond education, Susie continues to drive change through her involvement in Strive Challenges – endurance expeditions led by Sir Richard Branson in support of Big Change, a charity helping young people thrive in life, not just exams. From summiting Mont Blanc and snowshoeing across the Arctic Circle, to treacherous coastal cycles and exhausting sea kayaks, Susie has consistently pushed her physical and mental limits to raise vital funds and awareness for transformative causes.

Together, these initiatives reflect our unwavering belief in being a force for good beyond beauty – empowering people, protecting the planet, and shaping a brighter future for all.

Read more about the charities and good causes Tropic supports here.

Susie Ma CEO and founder of Tropic skincare is smiling whilst she stands next to a neutral background wearing a green suit.

Business Accolades

Recognised by many industry leaders for her achievements, Susie was listed as one of the most accomplished young entrepreneurs on the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She was also selected as an Outstanding Entrepreneur at the Global Business Excellence Awards, received the EY Entrepreneur Award for ‘Building a Better Working World’, and chosen as one of Management Today's 35 Women Under 35.  

In 2024, Tropic was recognised as one of the Top Women-Powered UK Businesses by J.P. Morgan.

In The Press & Public Eye

Susie’s achievements have captured the attention of both the media and the public. She first stepped into the national spotlight as a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice, where her determination and business acumen – honed through five years of market trading – deeply impressed Lord Sugar, who made an unprecedented investment.

Now, in a remarkable full-circle moment, Susie Ma is joining BBC’s Dragons’ Den as a guest Dragon. From pitching her own vision to now investing in others’ dreams, Susie embodies the spirit of empowerment, innovation, and purpose that defines Tropic.

Through countless interviews, features, and speaking appearances, Susie continues to share her inspiring story of building an ethical beauty business – one that proves success and sustainability can go hand in hand.

For press enquiries relating to Susie, please email pr@tropicskincare.com.  

Follow Susie on Instagram and LinkedIn

Susie’s Daily Routine

Indulge in the delicious textures and uplifting fragrances of lush tropical formulas. Susie’s signature routine nurtures fresh-faced dewiness and an illuminating glow. 

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