Susie Ma, the self-made entrepreneur behind, British Business Excellence award winners, Tropic Skincare, is set to join Dragons’ Den as a guest dragon in 2026, bringing one of the most inspirational success stories in British beauty to the BBC’s flagship investment show.

Ma will appear alongside the programme’s resident investors Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett, joining a guest line-up that also includes Jenna Meek, Tinie Tempah and Gary Neville. But it is Ma’s remarkable journey from teenage market stallholder to multimillion-pound business leader that is expected to resonate most strongly with entrepreneurs entering the Den.

Born in Australia and raised in London, Ma launched Tropic at just 15 years old, after turning a £200 loan from her mother into a small stall at Greenwich Market. Two decades later, Tropic Skincare has become a leading force in natural beauty, generating £68 million in annual turnover and operating from its headquarters in Croydon.

Ma’s national profile rose after she appeared on The Apprentice in 2011, securing investment from Lord Alan Sugar, who became a minority partner. She later bought Sugar out to become sole owner — a rare move that underscored her business acumen and long-term vision.

Alongside building one of Britain’s most successful skincare brands, Ma has become known for her deep commitment to social impact. Tropic donates 10% of its profits to good causes, funding the construction of four schools in remote parts of the world through its partnership with United World Schools. The company has also planted more than 7,000 trees in its own Tropic Forest and supports marine conservation through the Reef Restoration Foundation in Australia.

Speaking about joining the show, Ma said: “It is an absolute honour to join the Den as a guest dragon. I started Tropic Skincare from a market stall at 15, and I know the grit, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary. I’m here to back the bold – the next generation of changemakers building businesses with purpose, creativity and courage.”

Her appointment marks a significant moment for Dragons’ Den, reflecting the growing influence of entrepreneurial women in the UK’s beauty and wellness sector. With her combination of commercial success, product innovation and philanthropic leadership, Susie Ma is widely expected to be one of the most compelling guest dragons the show has welcomed in years.