Suki Skincare Review: What To Buy & What To Avoid

Last Updated on March 27, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Let’s do a Suki Skincare review today. I must admit I didn’t expect much from this brand.

The branding is quiet, the packaging isn’t flashy, and you don’t see influencers screaming about it on Instagram. But after stumbling across the Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (which apparently has a cult following?) I got curious and decided to see what the fuss is all about.

So, here’s my full Suki Skincare review. I’ve broken down what I loved, what I wouldn’t buy again, and who I think these products are actually for — because not everything marketed as “clean” or “for sensitive skin” is worth the price tag.

Table Of Contents

About The Brand: Suki

Suki Skincare has been around for a while – definitely not a newcomer. They launched back in the early 2000s, way before “clean beauty” became the marketing goldmine it is today. And I respect that.

Their whole thing is natural ingredients + clinical results. Basically, they combine plant-based formulas with actual third-party testing. It wasn’t common at all when they started, although these days everyone is promising it. Just saying.

The focus is on sensitive and reactive skin, so their products are formulated without synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or other potential irritants. But they’re not minimalist or overly stripped back. Tthey still use actives like willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid), colloidal oatmeal, and vitamin C derivatives. The idea is to calm the skin while still getting results.

Also worth noting: everything’s cruelty-free, most of it is vegan, and it’s all made in the US in small batches. Packaging-wise, it’s pretty no-frills. Some jars, some pumps — functional, but not luxury-looking. So yeah — clean, but not trendy-clean. Which could either mean underrated… or outdated. I had to find out which.

Here goes, the best and worst Suki products:

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What Are The Best Suki Skincare Products?

Cleaning Oil ($39.00)

Have you ever heard of the “like attracts like” principles? Natural oils have the power to melt the oils in your skin and makeup/skincare products while moisturising your complexion at the same time. What does this mean for your skin? This oil has a luxurious texture that removes impurities while keeping skin soft and smooth. It’s great to remove makeup at the end of the day – if you have dry skin (cleansing oils are NOT for oily, acne-prone skin). I wish it didn’t contain citrus oils – they make the cleanser smell good, but can be irritating. But hey, if that doesn’t bother your skin, this oil is a treat.

Facial Oil ($47.00)

This sleek facial oil is loaded with all the natural oils you can think of: jojoba and grape seed oil to moisturise skin, rosehip oil to fight wrinkles, evening primrose oil to soothe an irritated complexion… the luxurious texture glides smoothly on the skin and creates a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and germs out. If your skin is super dry in winter and cold climates, this is a godsend. The catch? Some of the fragrant essential oils that make it smell divine can irritate sensitive skin. Do a patch test first.

Hyaluronic Acid Milk Serum ($65.00)

I admit this is more expensive than I’d like my hyaluronic acid serums to be – especially when it contains only one form of Hyaluronic acid (hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate). So what’s this Hyalu… thing? Hyaluronic acid is a friendly molecule that attracts up to 1000 times its weight in water into your skin and keeps it there. It’s super hydrating and makes your complexion soft and glowy. Oh, it makes fine lines look smaller too. I like to layer it under moisturiser on days when my skin is particularly dry. 1-2 drops of the serum works like a charm. Unlike oils, this is suitable for all skin types and a great product.

Vitamin C Serum ($55.00)

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know I recommends serums with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form of Vitamin C), Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. It’s hands down the best combo for anti-aging. This serum “only” has Ascorbyl Glucoside, a derivative of Vitamin C that still fights wrinkles and brightens the complexion – just not as well. So why am I recommending it? if 15% L-Ascorbic Acid irritates your skin (if yours is sensitive, that can be happen), this is a good alternative to get your brightening dose without the irritation.

Daily Lotion ($40.00)

An oil-based lotion with a sprinkle of antioxidants that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, keeps your skin soft and moisturised all day, and even helps prevent wrinkles. Suki says it’s suitable for all skin types, but I disagree. Anything oil-based can be problematic for oily, acne-prone skin. Everyone else, this is a lovely day lotion for daily use that does the job. I could do without the citrusy scent (I have a love/hate relationship with it: it smells amazing, but could be irritating for sensitive skin), but hey, it’s refreshing.

What Are The Worst Suki Skincare Products?

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser ($37.00)

Packaged in a jar, this foaming cleanser is said to contain a natural blend of AHAs to gently exfoliate and brighten skin while it cleans. The only thing it contains is a huge dollop of sugar. And while Glycolic acid (the best AHA exfoliant) derives from sugar cane, the idea you can put a dollop of sugar on your skin and have this acid reach deep enough where it needs to go is ludicrous. Plus, there are so many essential oils in here, it’s just a recipe for disaster for sensitive skin. It barely cleanses, it barely exfoliates, and has a high potential for irritation. Please, reformulate it Suki!

Suki Purifying & Balancing Lotion ($50.00)

I honestly don’t know who this product is for. Purifying and balancing sounds like something oily, acne-prone skin needs. Plus, the brand says it contains Salicylic Acid, the only exfoliant that can unclog pores. Except it doesn’t. It contains willow bark, which is a source of salicylic acid, but hardly the same thing as using 2% salicylic acid on your face. The confusing part? It’s loaded with oils and shea butter (you’ll find it as butyrospermum parkii on the label) that can trigger breakouts. Who is meant to use this?!

Suki Retinol Serum ($70)

Where do I even start? I do like this serum is loaded with antioxidants – but, with the exception of Vitamin C, they’re all listed after fragrance (translation = there’s very little of them here). I’m also not a fan of fragrance. It can irritate sensitive skin. Natural fragrance is still fragrance, after all. If your skin is cool with that, then this smells amazing. But my main issue? This doesn’t contain a drop of retinol, the powerhouse that can reduce wrinkles. It contains Moth Bean, a natural retinol alternative that mimics the effect of retinol. Let me just say: if it really did, everyone else would be using it too. This serum will help you prevent wrinkles, but it won’t do anything for those you already have. And it’s definitely not an alternative to retinol. *sighs* But hey, unlike most retinol products, at least it’s gentle enough for the eye area and safe for pregnant women.

Purifying Facial Oil ($47.00)

The only reason this oil is here is because, once again, is targeted to blemished, acne-prone skin. And I’m not a fan of (most) oils for acne-prone skin. The main oil is jojoba oil (on the label, simmondsia chinensis), and it’s true it has a lightweight texture that even oily skin will love. But the other oils in the formula have the potential to trigger breakouts. Not very purifying, if you ask me. If you have dry skin that tolerates fragrance really well, do give it a go. Oily skin? This isn’t the best choice for you.

What Are The Best Suki Products For Acne?

Honestly, none. Suki claims it has products with salicylic acid to fight blemishes, but they don’t rally contain Salicylic Acid. They contain Willow Bark, a natural source of Salicylic Acid – and so far, I couldn’t find any scientific proof it works just as well. Plus, most of their products (as is the case for natural skincare) is loaded with moisturising oils, which are godsend for dry skin, but not at all suitable for oily skin – especially when it’s prone to acne.

What Are The Best Suki Products For Wrinkles?

Suki Vitamin C Serum ($55.00): It contains a Vitami C derivative to brighten your skin tone and fight free radical damage, the nasty molecules that give you premature wrinkles. It also lessens the appearance of fine lines. Best suitable for sensitive skin.

What Are The Best Suki Products For Dark Spots?

Again, none. For dark spots, you either need Glycolic Acid, Retinol, or skin-lighteners like Arbutin and Azelaic Acid. None of Suki products contain any of these. At most, they contain derivatives of Glycolic Acid or Retinol that don’t work as well.

What Are The Best Suki Products For Sensitive Skin?

I don’t recommend Suki Skin Care products for sensitive skin. Their products are loaded with fragrance. I don’t care if it’s made in a lab, if it’s from an organic ingredient, or if it comes from an orange, fragrance always has the potential to irritate sensitive skin. Period. Essential oils of lemon, orange, etc are particularly irritating, so be careful!

Is Suki Skincare Cruelty-Free?

Yep, Suki Skincare is cruelty-free! They don’t test on animals, don’t work with anyone who does, and they don’t sell in places where animal testing is required by law (like mainland China). They’re not certified by Leaping Bunny or PETA yet, but their practices line up with cruelty-free standards.

The Pros Of Suki Skincare

Moisturising formulas: Many of their products are rich in emollients like jojoba oil, shea butter, vitis vinifera oil, sunflower seed oil, and bran oil, which help nourish and soften dry or dehydrated skin. Some. even contain ingredients, like calendula officinalis flower extract, avena sativa, chamomilla recutita, that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Cruelty-free: They don’t test on animals and don’t sell in regions where animal testing is required.
Luxurious textures: If you enjoy rich, creamy products that feel pampering, their cleansers and moisturisers deliver a spa-like experience.
Eco-friendly packaging: Many products come in recyclable glass, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to reduce plastic waste.

The Cons Of Suki Skincare

Fragrance overload: Most of their products are heavily scented with essential oils and added fragrance, which can be irritating (or straight-up bad news) for sensitive or reactive skin. Lavandula Angustifolia (a.k.a lavender) and citrus peel oil, like citrus limon, are pretty much in all the products!
Barely-there actives: Instead of proven ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid, they use gentler “alternatives” in tiny amounts that likely won’t do much for acne, aging, or texture.
Not great for results-driven skincare: If you’re looking to treat breakouts, fade dark spots, or reduce fine lines, these formulas won’t cut it.
Expensive for what you get: You’re paying premium prices for organic botanicals and nice packaging, not for high-performance ingredients.

Suki Skincare Review: The Verdict

If you’ve got dry skin and love a luxe-feeling routine, Suki Skincare might work for you – especially if you’re drawn to rich moisturisers and spa-like scents. But if you’re after clearing acne, fading pigmentation, or boosting collagen, these formulas fall short. The actives are too weak, the fragrance is too strong, and the price doesn’t match the performance. You’re basically paying for aesthetics and a “clean beauty” label, not effectiveness. If you’re interested in trying their products, I’d personally look into discount codes or samples before I were to invest into full sizes of their beauty products.

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