UpCircle

UpCircle is an ethical skincare brand founded in April 2016 by sibling co-founders Will and Anna Brightman. After testing their coffee-based skincare concept at the London Coffee Festival—where their scrubs flew out the door—they quit their jobs to nurture their by-product beauty business.

The brand champions high-performing natural skincare made from upcycled ingredients. They collect over 100kg of spent coffee grounds daily from partner coffee shops across London, rescuing 400 tons of coffee to date. Beyond coffee, they upcycle 50 different natural by-product ingredients including chai tea spices and fruit stones.

UpCircle's products are vegan, cruelty-free, and zero waste, contained in glass or aluminium packaging that's 99% plastic-free and easily recyclable. The brand is certified as B Corp, Organic, Vegan, Cruelty-free, Dermatologically Approved, and Plastic Negative.

In August 2018, Will and Anna pitched on Dragon's Den and walked away victorious, though they ultimately pushed forward on their own. Their mission is to make upcycled skincare mainstream, proving you don't have to choose between doing the right thing and getting the best results.