Hi, my name is Clara, and I do new product development here at UpCircle. Upcycling is at the heart of everything we create at UpCircle. Instead of relying only on newly extracted raw materials, we look for high performing ingredients that already exist as by-products of other industries, then give them a second life in skincare and haircare.
As a product developer, my job is to find those overlooked ingredients, prove they are safe and effective, and turn them into formulas people genuinely enjoy using. Here is a behind the scenes look at how that process works, plus a real example from our latest haircare launch, the Scalp + Hair Oil.
What makes an ingredient worth upcycling?
A good upcycled ingredient is not just a nice story. It needs to tick three boxes:
It has real performance potential. For example, it may be naturally rich in fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, or gentle exfoliating particles. How stable and effective are these actives when used in skincare formulations?
It solves a genuine waste problem. We want a clear link between the ingredient and a by-product stream that would otherwise be discarded.
It can be sourced responsibly and consistently. Traceability and dependable supply matter, because a great idea is only useful if it can be made well, every time.
You can see this variety across our ingredient stories, from coffee and oat by-products to fruit seeds and plant extracts. Different waste streams lead to different product formats, but the development logic stays consistent.
The NPD process, step by step
1. We start by spotting high potential by-products
We look at industries that naturally create nutrient-rich leftovers, for example food and drink production, agriculture, and fragrance. These streams often contain ingredients with brilliant cosmetic value, they just need the right process to be captured and used well.
2. We check the sourcing and ethics early
Before an ingredient ever reaches a beaker, we ask:
Where does it come from, and what would happen to it otherwise?
Can we trace it, and can the supplier meet consistent quality standards?
Does the sourcing respect people and ecosystems?
How much is being produced? Is there enough that we can scale up should the product we make with it become very popular? Upcycling only makes sense if it is genuinely responsible.
3. We assess what it can do in a formula
This is where science meets common sense. We explore what is known about the ingredient, then test what matters for real products, such as stability over time, compatibility with the type of formula we are creating, how it feels and smells in use, and suitability for its intended application.
4. We match the ingredient to the right product format
Not every ingredient belongs in every product. A powdery by-product like upcycled coffee grounds might shine in our Face Scrub. Cooling or anti-inflammatory properties might suit products targeting sensitive or irritated skin, like maple bark extract in our Caffeinated Eye Cream, while a nutrient-rich oil might be better in a serum, hair oil or balm, like our Cleansing Face Balm. This is a key moment in product development because it connects the ingredient story to something customers can actually feel and understand.
5. We refine the texture, scent, and overall experience
“Upcycled” does not mean compromise. The product still has to be a joy to use. This is where we iterate on the sensory details that make a formula feel premium, including spread and absorption, finish on skin or hair, comfort during and after use, and the scent profile.
Why texture matters: What I learned in Tokyo
My trip to Tokyo last October centred on step five of the process: texture and sensorial experience.
The main goal was to try new textures first hand, from feather-light gels to transformative emulsions and balms that melt into the skin. Experiencing products in real routines helped me understand what feels modern, what feels satisfying, and how those details influence whether someone looks forward to using a product.
That trip was not about copying trends. It was about learning what makes skincare feel fun and enjoyable without losing credibility, then bringing those learnings back into development. It directly supports how we formulate at UpCircle, so our products stay effective, sustainable, and genuinely exciting to use.
6. We validate performance and safety, then communicate it clearly. We validate the finished formula, not just the hero ingredient. Every single product goes through stability checks, safety assessments, and structured user feedback. Just as importantly, we translate outcomes into clear, accurate benefits that are easy to understand. User trials or laboratory testing help verify whether the formula and upcycled ingredient delivers measurable benefits. This is why we back claims with thorough testing and solid scientific evidence, so they are credible, fully supported, and consistently deliver the performance and quality you expect.
How this shows up across the UpCircle range
Once you know the steps above, you can spot the same approach across our range. We choose upcycled ingredients because they are resourceful and high-performing, then we build formulas around real user needs, great texture, and a premium experience.
That is the core ethos UpCircle was built on, and when you pick our product off the shelves at a shop, you will find upcycled ingredients across all categories, from cleansing and exfoliation to moisturising and haircare.
Our latest launch: Scalp + Hair Oil
Our Scalp + Hair Oil is a great example of how upcycling and performance come together in one formula. It is designed as a treatment-style oil that supports scalp comfort and helps hair look and feel healthier, softer, and glossier.
Why upcycled Bacuri butter
This formula features upcycled Bacuri butter, which is extracted from seeds that would otherwise be discarded. We chose it for its nourishing feel and its ability to support softness and strength, while staying true to our upcycling ethos.
Why coffee oil belongs in haircare too
UpCircle is known for coffee in skincare, but coffee has a place in haircare too. Using repurposed coffee oil allows us to bring a familiar UpCircle ingredient story into a new category, while supporting a healthy scalp and hair.
How the rest of the blend supports results
A successful formula is never about one ingredient. The supporting oils and antioxidants are selected to complement the upcycled heroes and improve the overall experience, including slip, comfort, and the finish on hair.
Beyond ingredients: Product development continues after launch
My job as product developer doesn’t end when the products launch on the market. It also includes how the product fits into your routine, how it is made, and how it can evolve over time. We continue improving what we can, from formulation details to packaging decisions, so sustainability and performance keep moving forward together.
Upcycling is our starting point, not the finish line. The real work is turning responsible sourcing into products that feel modern, effective, and enjoyable to use. That is what guides and inspires me throughout every stage of development at UpCircle.