If you’ve been around the green beauty space for a while, you already know UpCircle — a pioneering UK‑based, award‑winning sustainable brand, widely recognised as the pioneers of upcycled beauty.

UpCircle has spent years making a name for itself by rescuing unwanted ingredients from the food and beverage industry (like coffee grounds and fruit stones) and turning them into skincare heroes.

Now, they’re taking on waterless beauty with a water‑activated powder cleanser. And if you’re looking to make your beauty routine a little more sustainable, this NEW launch from the UK’s #1 Upcycled Beauty Brand absolutely deserves a place in your routine.

Introducing UpCircle’s first Korean-developed formula: a waterless, powder-to-foam face wash.

UpCircle Powder to Foam Face Wash (55g)

This gentle foaming cleanser begins as a silky powder and transforms into a rich, cloud-soft foam on contact with water. Soap-free and formulated with mild plant-based surfactants, it effortlessly removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and everyday impurities without leaving skin feeling dry or stripped.

At the heart of the formula are papaya enzymes and upcycled willow bark, a botanical duo that helps support a smoother, fresher, more refined-looking complexion with every cleanse.

The formula is 97% natural, completely soap‑free, and meticulously pH‑balanced to 5.5, meaning it cleanses without ever disturbing your skin barrier. It’s also dermatologically tested, vegan, and cruelty‑free.

🌿 Texture & Application

The cleanser comes in a sleek glass bottle with a shaker top. Shake a coin‑sized amount of the fine white powder into wet hands.

Add a few extra drops of water and the powder dissolves instantly, transforming into a plush, cushiony foam. There’s no grittiness — just a smooth, velvety lather that feels incredibly luxurious to massage over your face. It spreads easily, feels soft on the skin, and gives you that satisfying “cloud‑foam” moment without any harshness.

💧 How It Performs (Morning & Evening Routine)

This powder‑to‑foam face wash delivers a beautifully balanced cleanse no matter when I use it. In the mornings, it acts as a refreshing wake‑up call — brightening, smoothing, and giving my skin that soft, cushiony start to the day.

In the evenings, I use it as a second cleanse after removing makeup with a cleansing balm. Once the balm has lifted away SPF, mascara, and the day’s build-up, this powder cleanser steps in to whisk away any remaining impurities and excess oil without ever feeling harsh or stripping.

One of the things I love most is how customizable it is. Less water gives you a light, gentle physical exfoliation, while more water transforms it into a plush, cloud‑soft foam. This makes it perfect for dull skin days when I want a little extra refinement, as well as for gentle everyday cleansing.

It rinses off completely clean—no film, no residue—leaving my skin with a smoother, more refined texture that feels soft, smooth, and comfortable. There’s none of that tight, “squeaky clean” sensation.

Price & Value

Retailed at £21.99, it’s surprisingly cost‑effective thanks to how long it lasts. At 55g, it’s compact, travel‑friendly, and impressively long‑lasting — and right now it’s available for £18.69, giving you a 15% saving.

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If you’re after an eco‑friendly cleanser that still gives you that rich, foaming experience, this is an absolute winner. It’s gentle, indulgent, perfect for travel (no liquid limits, no spills, no leaks, no stress!), and shows that sustainable skincare can be both luxurious and uncompromising.

Does a waterless, travel‑friendly cleanser appeal to you, or do you prefer traditional liquid formulas? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below—I can’t wait to chat with you all!

Until next time,

Disclosure – This post isn’t sponsored. I purchased this product with my own money, and the opinions shared are my genuine and unbiased thoughts based on my personal experience using it.