Is UpCircle a Good Brand? A Complete Review of the Sustainable Skincare Favourite
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In recent years, the skincare world has shifted dramatically. Consumers are no longer satisfied with products that simply feel nice on the skin; they want brands that align with their values, use clean ingredients, prioritise sustainability and deliver real results. Among the brands that have risen to prominence during this shift is UpCircle Beauty. Known for its circular skincare philosophy and its use of repurposed ingredients, UpCircle has gained a loyal following — but the question many people still ask is: is UpCircle a good brand?
In this in-depth review, we explore UpCircle’s ethos, sustainability credentials, product quality, real-world results and overall value for money. We also highlight some of their most popular products available on SOHO Brands, including their award-winning moisturiser, best-selling cleansing balm, hydrating toner and more.
By the end of this article, you will have a complete understanding of whether UpCircle is worth investing in and which products may be the best fit for your skincare routine.
What Makes UpCircle Different? Understanding the Brand’s Philosophy
To answer the question “is UpCircle a good brand?”, we must first understand what makes it unique. UpCircle Beauty was founded on a simple but powerful idea: ingredients that are discarded by other industries still hold extraordinary value. With that in mind, UpCircle sources repurposed ingredients that would otherwise go to waste, such as coffee grounds, fruit stones and floral by-products, transforming them into high-quality skincare.
Their philosophy centres around three pillars:
1. Sustainability
UpCircle is built on the principle of circular beauty. Instead of creating more waste, the brand takes discarded ingredients and gives them a new purpose. This reduces environmental waste while celebrating natural, nutrient-dense materials that benefit the skin.
2. Clean, Natural Ingredients
All UpCircle products are made using natural, vegan and cruelty-free formulas. They avoid harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances and unnecessary fillers. Everything is designed to be gentle on the skin and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
3. Transparency and Ethics
UpCircle commits to ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging and ingredient transparency. Their packaging is either recyclable, refillable or made using post-consumer materials.
With such strong environmentally-conscious values, it is easy to see why the brand has attracted attention. However, a skincare brand cannot rely solely on philosophy — consumers want products that perform. So, is UpCircle a good brand when it comes to results? Let’s take a closer look.
Ingredient Quality: Are UpCircle Products Effective?
UpCircle’s formulas are built around natural, repurposed ingredients, but natural skincare must still deliver measurable benefits. Fortunately, UpCircle places strong emphasis on using high-performance actives such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E and antioxidant-rich plant oils.
Here are some examples of hero ingredients used throughout their range:
Repurposed Coffee Extract
Coffee is rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin against environmental damage. It also stimulates circulation, which can brighten the under-eye area and improve overall skin vitality.
Hyaluronic Acid
Found in UpCircle’s toner, night cream and eye cream, hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant used in the cleansing balm and moisturiser to support skin repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
Niacinamide
Included in the night cream, niacinamide helps minimise pores, regulate oil production and even out skin tone.
Botanical Oils
Including jojoba, rosehip, sea buckthorn and apricot kernel oil. These improve hydration, soften the skin and help reduce inflammation.
Taken together, UpCircle’s ingredient profiles are strong, evidence-based and gentle. This is a major reason why many consumers conclude that UpCircle is not only environmentally friendly, but also genuinely effective.
Is UpCircle a Good Brand for All Skin Types?
One of the most important things to consider when evaluating a skincare brand is whether its formulas are suitable for a wide range of skin types and concerns. In UpCircle’s case, the answer is generally yes.
Dry Skin
UpCircle’s hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil make their moisturisers and night creams highly suitable for dry skin.
Oily or Combination Skin
Lightweight formulas like their toner and facial oil help regulate oil without clogging pores.
Sensitive Skin
UpCircle avoids synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, making their products gentle enough for many sensitive skin users.
Mature Skin
Antioxidant-rich ingredients and nourishing plant oils support elasticity and hydration, making the brand a strong choice for ageing skin.
Because the brand prioritises gentle, natural formulations, most users find UpCircle products safe and effective. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, but the overall feedback is highly positive.
UpCircle Product Range Review
To help answer the question “is UpCircle a good brand?”, it’s useful to look at real products, their benefits and customer experiences. Below are some of the brand’s most popular items, all available at SOHO Brands.
1. UpCircle Beauty Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E
A nourishing, deeply hydrating cleansing balm designed to melt away makeup, SPF and daily impurities without stripping the skin. Formulated with repurposed apricot stone powder, it gently exfoliates while providing a luxurious cleansing experience.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-beauty-cleansing-face-balm-with-vitamin-e
This balm suits all skin types, especially dry or sensitive skin. Many users praise its ability to remove waterproof makeup while keeping the skin soft.
2. UpCircle Beauty Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid
This is a refreshing, hydrating toner enriched with hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and repurposed mandarin fruit water. It helps restore the skin’s pH balance, tighten pores and boost hydration.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-beauty-face-toner-with-hyaluronic-acid
It works well for dull, dehydrated or uneven skin and is a great addition to any skincare routine.
3. UpCircle Beauty Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E
This lightweight yet nourishing moisturiser contains aloe vera, repurposed argan shell powder and vitamin E. It hydrates without feeling greasy and supports overall skin health.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-beauty-face-moisturiser-with-vitamin-e
It is excellent for combination skin, sensitive skin and those who want a moisturiser that absorbs quickly but still provides deep nourishment.
4. UpCircle Beauty Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Coffee
Designed to brighten, firm and hydrate the delicate under-eye area. The combination of hyaluronic acid and coffee extract helps minimise puffiness and reduce dark circles.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-beauty-eye-cream-with-hyaluronic-acid-coffee
This product is especially beneficial for tired eyes, early ageing concerns and people who experience under-eye dehydration.
5. UpCircle Beauty Organic Face Oil with Coffee Extract
A beautifully lightweight oil that locks in moisture, boosts radiance and strengthens the skin barrier. The repurposed coffee extract provides antioxidants, while jojoba and rosehip oil soften and smooth the skin.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-beauty-organic-face-oil-with-coffee-extract
Perfect for dry, dull or mature skin. It works especially well when applied after the toner or moisturiser.
6. UpCircle Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
A deeply hydrating night cream formulated with repurposed blueberry extract, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It supports overnight repair and brightens the complexion while improving elasticity.
Link:
https://soho-brands.co.uk/products/upcircle-night-cream-with-hyaluronic-acid-niacinamide
This is an ideal product for maintaining hydration and supporting cell turnover while you sleep.
Customer Feedback: What Do Real Users Say?
Across multiple online platforms, UpCircle consistently receives strong customer reviews. Many users highlight the following:
Visible Improvements
Customers report brighter, more hydrated and smoother skin after regular use of products like the toner, facial oil and moisturiser.
Gentle on Sensitive Skin
Because UpCircle products are fragrance-free or naturally scented, they are well-tolerated by people with sensitive or reactive skin.
High-Quality Textures
The cleansing balm and night cream, in particular, are frequently praised for their luxurious feel.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Many users appreciate that the packaging is either recyclable or refillable, making it easier to maintain an environmentally conscious skincare routine.
Is UpCircle Worth the Money?
UpCircle sits in the mid-range category in terms of price. Their products are more affordable than many high-end natural skincare brands but slightly more expensive than basic drugstore options.
However, the cost reflects:
- High-quality ingredients
- Sustainable, low-waste manufacturing
- Clean, vegan formulations
- Effective, well-researched actives
- Ethical sourcing and packaging
Most users consider the brand good value for money, especially considering the sustainability benefits and ingredient quality.
So, Is UpCircle a Good Brand? Final Verdict
After analysing the brand’s philosophy, ingredients, performance and customer feedback, the answer is clear: yes, UpCircle is a good brand.
It stands out because:
- Its sustainability model is genuine and transparent
- Products are effective and backed by natural, high-performance ingredients
- Formulas are suitable for a wide range of skin types
- The brand is ethical, environmentally responsible and affordable for most consumers
Whether you are focused on clean beauty, sustainability or simply want high-quality skincare that delivers results, UpCircle offers a well-rounded, reliable and environmentally conscious option.
Looking for another brand, perhaps one in the world of eczema? Checkout our blog on Balmonds here.
