Why Upcycled Products?
Every day, more than 3 million tonnes of waste are dumped globally—contributing to a growing number of environmental issues. In response, many are seeking innovative ways to reduce waste, and one impactful solution is upcycling.
Upcycling is the process of giving a second life to discarded materials by repurposing them into something of higher value or functionality.
At the same time, as the pace of life accelerates, sustainability is becoming a key concern across industries—especially in beauty. With an ever-growing number of brands entering the market, offering sustainable, upcycled ingredients can be a powerful way to stand out.
The Upcycled Beauty Company is here to support your sustainability journey with high-performance, eco-conscious ingredients that elevate your formulations and reflect your brand values.
Upcycled Beauty Products
One of the most common product types found in skincare routines is exfoliating products, from facial scrubs to polishing cleansers. Introducing upcycled, sustainable exfoliants into your formulations can add significant value and differentiation in today’s eco-conscious market.
Choosing the Right Exfoliator: What to Consider
Not all exfoliators are created equal. When formulating with exfoliating ingredients, consider the following factors to choose the right one for your product:
- Particle Size
Finer particles (e.g., <100 µm) are gentler and suitable for daily use, facial products, or makeup. Coarser particles work best for body scrubs and deeper exfoliation.
- Skin Type Compatibility
Sensitive skin requires gentle exfoliants, while oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from more absorbent or purifying ingredients like charcoal.
- Functionality
Decide whether your exfoliator will serve a mechanical (scrubbing) or multifunctional purpose—such as oil absorption, detoxification, or mattifying effects.
- Source and Sustainability
Upcycled ingredients offer a strong sustainability story and align with clean beauty values.
Here are three upcycled exfoliating ingredients that combine functionality with sustainability, helping brands align with both performance and planet-friendly goals:
1. Charcoal CRUSH™
Charcoal Crush is an ingredient derived from upcycled oak fencing offcuts in the UK. This natural, cleansing, detoxifying, and oil-absorbent powder is ideal for a wide range of applications across skincare, haircare, and makeup—including eyeshadow and mascara.
Charcoal CRUSH™ (Exfoliating Grades)
A range of skin-smoothing exfoliants made from upcycled UK oak fencing offcuts. Available in:
- Micro (100–300 µm): Ideal for skincare polishes.
- Small (300–600 µm): Suitable for facial scrubs.
Charcoal CRUSH™ ACTIVE
A finely milled, detoxifying, oil-absorbent powder with a particle size of <100 µm, ideal for skin, hair, and makeup applications, including eyeshadow and mascara.
2. White Rice CRUSH™
White Rice CRUSH™ is a versatile collection of exfoliating powders and scrubs derived from upcycled white rice. It offers multiple grades to suit various personal care formulations.
White Rice CRUSH™ (Exfoliating Grades)
Made from rice germ powder, available in:
- Micro (100–300 µm): For polishing skincare.
- Small (300–400 µm): For facial scrubs.
- Large (300–750 µm): For body scrubs.
White Rice CRUSH™ ACTIVE
A finely milled rice starch (<8 µm), ideal for skincare, sun care, dry shampoos, and makeup. It absorbs excess oil and provides a clean, mattified finish — a great natural alternative to talc.
Both variants are Upcycled Certified, promoting sustainable beauty innovation.
3. Olive CRUSH™
Olive CRUSH™ is a sustainable skincare ingredient made from upcycled olive pits, a by-product of the olive oil industry. Each kilogram is produced from 1,500 olive seeds, making it both eco-conscious and effective.
Olive CRUSH™ (Exfoliating Grade)
A gentle natural exfoliant with a particle size of 100–300 µm, ideal for facial polishes and skincare scrubs.
Olive CRUSH™ ACTIVE
A finely milled, oil-absorbent powder with <50 µm particle size, perfect for skincare, haircare, and makeup formulations like BB/CC creams and base powders.
This versatile upcycled ingredient supports clean beauty while delivering high-performance benefits.
TUBC Distributor
As an official distributor of The Upcycled Beauty Company, Maha is ready to support your product development journey with sustainable, high-performance ingredients. Contact us to consult with our experts and request FREE sample!