Topicals Skincare Is All Over TikTok Right Now, So We’ve Put The Full Range To The Test

Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh says: 'Since developing acne in my late teens, I have taken a sacrosanct approach to skincare that sees me reach for healing products to calm and restore - I fear that overdoing it with actives (while good in places) will fast track me back into trouble again. For a routine that has changed little over the years, I found it rather too easy to slot Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Moisturiser into my current line-up.

'It may have something to do with the fact that, far from being a cool-looking TikTok novice, it is specially geared towards problematic skin and solves said problems with the help of science-based and clinically tried ingredients and herbs.

'This cream, for instance, doesn’t smell or feel super luxe by any means, but it does what it says on the yellow tin - it hydrates, soothes and restores thanks to a clever combination of 1% anti-irritation colloidal oatmeal, anti-inflammatory madecassoside, barrier strengthening turmeric, antimicrobial Chinese rhubarb root and calming green tea. The seriously considered formula really does sound like a culinary masterpiece repurposed for healthy-looking and feeling skin.

'My usually problematic skin is left with just the right level of moisture, a healthy glow and little redness in sight. My late teen skin could never.'

Beauty Assistant Renee Washington says: 'I’ve been dying to get my hands on the famous Topical serum after seeing it heralded as a hyperpigmentation hero, which is one of my main skin concerns. Brimming with big buzz-word ingredients (think centella asiatica, kojic acid, melatonin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide), I'd hoped for reduced discolouration, soothed inflammation, and brighter skin.

'My first thought was that the texture isn't like that of a typical serum. It's richer, which I definitely prefer, as it feels more heavy-duty. Some reviewers have had issues with the sulphuric smell, but it was almost unnoticeable to me. Trust me when I say my nose has smelt significantly worse! Being a darker-skinned girl, there aren’t many products formulated with my skin tone in mind (Olowe was aware of the gap in the market for skincare created for melanin-rich complexions), so this serum is a welcome addition to my routine.

'I've used it for around four weeks now, and I can confidently say things are looking good so far. Topicals recommends you start by applying the serum just once a week, so I will need more time to see full results - it's likely to be a slow burner. Until then, keep a close eye on this page for updates. My skin does look brighter already, so it's already looking promising.'

Acting Head of Beauty Cassie Steer says: 'Since entering my 40s, I’ve noticed my skin cell turnover has taken a nosedive, which has translated as dry, flaky shins and a proliferation of tiny, rough bumps on my upper arms (fancy name keratosis pilaris).

'Luckily, science has kept up with my ailing skin cells, and I can even boast a semblance of a body care ‘regime’ that I switch up seasonally, so this exfoliating body serum sounded like an excellent option for summer.

'More lotion-like in texture than other serums I’ve tried, I didn’t get that immediate ‘ahh’ factor you get with a rich body butter (the scent is definitely more clinical than cosseting), but after using it for three mornings straight, I can report that the arm bumps are decidedly smoother.'

Junior Beauty Editor Rachael Martin says: 'I’m 30, and I still struggle with break-outs, and, at times, my confidence can plummet. Dealing with angry blemishes is one thing, but the indents left behind are a whole other battle.

'I'd first got a sniff of Topicals a couple of years ago when I saw those incredible before and after photos surfacing online. Acne scars? WHAT acne scars? Users seemed to blur away marks in an instant with just one application. Was I sceptical? Yes and no. While the consistently positive reviewers assured me that the brand wasn't a gimmick, I wasn't totally convinced I'd see genuine results myself. Those are for other people, right? Wrong. I've been testing this one for the last three weeks, and I've been so very impressed.

'I dab a small amount of the silky gel (made with medical-grade silicone) into my pitted scars (mine are mostly on my cheeks and between my eyebrows) and leave it to sink in for around 30 seconds. I'll follow that with sunscreen, moisturiser and then make-up. My base looks much smoother - probably due to the fact that the formula is not only filling in the scars but working to improve my skin on a more long-term basis, too.

'It's brimming with actives to improve my complexion with consistent use. Expect peptides to nourish and retinol to resurface. Retinol in a daytime product might sound alarming, but fear not - it's made using a small dose suited to daily use when paired with sunscreen. I've used the tiniest amount and have seen a smoother, brighter skin texture in the past few weeks alone. Consider me sold.'

Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark says: 'Fading hyperpigmentation is Topicals’ thing, which is good news for me since that is my complexion bugbear. Stubborn dark patches on my cheeks, under my eyes and across my top lip mean I’m regularly googling ‘laser for hyperpigmentation.’ The reality, though, is that I’m a skincare-first kind of girl.

'What impresses me about Topicals is that it's not afraid to mix active ingredients together; the often-sold-out Faded Serum combines two of my favourite pigmentation-reducing ingredients: azelaic acid and kojic acid. Now, admittedly, it’s hard to get excited about under-eye patches. I usually use them on a flight or after a late night when I need a refresh, but I’ve never used them to target the dark circles under my eyes.

'The Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks from Topicals are a different (eye) ball game altogether. They’re essentially the Faded Serum in patch form. The list of ingredients is seriously impressive: glycerine, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, caffeine, I could go on. The patches work as part of a targeted treatment, so you’re meant to use them two to three times a week to aid in reducing discolouration.

'But do they work? Well, thanks to the signature red and pink colourway, I immediately look like a TikToker upon application. Tick. Secondly, they don’t feel like regular eye patches. They stay put. There’s no gloopy liquid falling down my face, no rogue eye migrating to my chin, I could geninuley wear these out for a 5k run (if I so desired). These do not feel like regular eye patches.

'My verdict? There are a lot of ingredients working hard, and after 15 minutes, my eye area does seem to look a little brighter, less puffy (thanks caffeine) and, well, not so knackered. I said it was hard to get excited about a hydrogel eye mask, but these have proven me wrong.'