about the brand
UpCircle is a UK-based skincare brand that repurposes food industry by-products into high-quality beauty products.
certifications
learn more about these certifications*
Up Circle
Brand Rating & Evaluation
Overall Rating:
Top Choice
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. These are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
sustainability practices
The brand sources residual by-products such as used coffee grounds, fruit stones, and brewed chai spices from various industries, transforming them into skincare formulations. Notably, UpCircle has repurposed over 350 tonnes of coffee grounds, preventing significant waste from reaching landfills.
UpCircle utilizes 100% recyclable glass and aluminum for their product containers, which minimizes plastic usage. Their Return and Refill Scheme encourages customers to return empty packaging for sterilization and reuse. This is an effective approach to promoting a circular packaging system.
The company powers their operations with renewable energy sources and actively participates in initiatives to remove plastic from oceans, particularly in India.
UpCircle publishes an annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, detailing its environmental and social performance. Doing so is a strong demonstration of their dedication to transparency and continuous improvement.
ingredients & materials
UpCircle formulates products free from harmful chemicals, instead electing for organic and vegan ingredients. By repurposing by-products like coffee grounds and fruit stones, they reduce waste and offer safe, effective skincare solutions. The brand's commitment to non-toxic formulations is reinforced by certifications such as Soil Association Organic and COSMOS Organic, which ensure adherence to stringent organic standards.
social responsibility
UpCircle implements fair labor conditions and community engagement. Their supply chain transparency ensures ethical sourcing, and collaborations with local businesses for ingredient procurement support community development. The brand's dedication to social responsibility is further validated by its B Corp certification, achieved with a score of 96.3, placing it among the highest-scoring beauty brands globally.
certifications
B Corporation Certified
Leaping Bunny
Soil Association Organic Certified
COSMOS Organic Certified
some certifications are product specific*
learn more about these certifications
