Upcycled Beauty: The Power of Unlikely Ingredients in Skincare

At Manna & Me, we believe that beauty is not reserved for the perfect, the polished, or the pristine. Beauty exists in the overlooked, the wild, the unwanted—waiting for us to see it with new eyes. This is the soul of upcycled skincare. And it’s how we honour the Earth, our bodies, and the ancestral wisdom of using every part of what nature provides.

In a world that moves fast and discards even faster, choosing to upcycle is an act of intention. It’s a ritual of reclamation. A reminder that nothing—and no one—is ever truly wasted.

What is Upcycled Skincare?

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword, upcycled beauty is leading the way toward conscious, circular skincare— its a return.

As part of our mission to create nourishing products that are kind to the skin and the planet, we’ve embraced upcycled ingredients—transforming what might have been discarded into skin-loving treasures.

You’ve likely heard of coffee scrubs made from spent grounds, but there’s a whole world of lesser-known upcycled ingredients making waves in clean beauty. Let's explore some of the powerful, unexpected botanicals that we're proud to include in our formulations—and why they're good for your skin and the Earth.

Upcycled skincare uses ingredients that would otherwise go to waste—such as fruit seeds, peels, pulp, or surplus plant matter—and repurposes them into active ingredients. This not only reduces waste, but also gives us access to potent botanical compounds that are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and unique skincare benefits.

It’s skincare with a story. A second life. A deeper purpose.

 

Mango Butter – Rich, Velvety, and Sustainable

Made from the kernel of the mango seed, mango butter is a soft, creamy butter that deeply nourishes the skin. While mango pulp is enjoyed globally, the seed often goes unused—but inside lies a deeply moisturizing fat perfect for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. A hero in our Cleansing Balm & Mask.

Skin benefits:

• High in oleic and stearic acid, which replenish the skin’s barrier

• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that protect and repair

• Non-greasy texture that absorbs beautifully

And yes, it’s upcycled! Using the often-discarded seed supports a more circular approach to fruit processing and brings incredible softness to our skincare.

Grapeseed Oil – A Light, Balancing Elixir

After wine is made, there’s plenty of leftover grape seeds—thankfully, they’re full of potent plant oils! Grapeseed oil is a byproduct of the winemaking industry, making it a natural fit for upcycling. We love it in our Face & Hair Oil.

Skin benefits:

• High in linoleic acid, which helps balance oil production (great for acne-prone skin)

• Light texture with strong antioxidant properties

Marula Oil – Ancestral Nourishment Reclaimed

Often referred to as “Africa’s beauty secret,” marula oil is pressed from the seed of the marula fruit, a beloved indigenous plant. Traditionally eaten or brewed, the fruit’s leftover seeds are now upcycled into a luxurious oil. You can find this powerhouse ingredient in our Healing Balm and  Face & Hair Oil.

Skin benefits:

• Boosts elasticity and collagen production

• Naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

• High in oleic acid, making it perfect for dry and mature skin

• Naturally rich in vitamin E

 

Calendula-Infused Oil – Petals with Purpose

Calendula flowers are often used for teas and tinctures, leaving behind petals that are rich in skin-healing compounds. We upcycle these to create calendula-infused oil, known for its calming and soothing effects.

Skin benefits:

• Excellent for sensitive or eczema-prone skin

• Promotes wound healing and reduces redness

• Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial

Rice Bran & Oat Extracts – Food-Grade to Skin-Grade

Often removed during the polishing process of grains, rice bran and oat husks are now upcycled into soothing skincare ingredients. Oats are especially known for their calming effects, while rice bran offers a silky, brightening boost. Firm favourites starring these heroes are our Barrier Cream and Cleansing Balm & Mask.

Skin benefits:

• Soothes irritation and inflammation

• Gentle on sensitive and allergy-prone skin

• Rich in ceramides and niacinamide

Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis) – Coastal Resilience in a Jar

An indigenous South African succulent, sour fig is often overlooked. But its mucilaginous sap and fruit contain skin-calming, antimicrobial properties. These botanical extracts serve us in healing and hydration.

Skin benefits:

• Soothes inflamed or sun-exposed skin

• Hydrates without clogging pores

• Traditional uses include wound care and calming irritation

Why It Matters

By choosing products with upcycled ingredients, you’re:

• Reducing agricultural and food waste

• Supporting sustainable, small-batch farming practices

• Celebrating a full-circle, regenerative approach to skincare

More than just good for your skin, upcycled beauty is a celebration of resourcefulness and respect for the earth.

 

At Manna & Me, our products are made in small batches to ensure quality, and every jar or bottle tells a story: of care, intention, and circular beauty. Let your skincare rituals remind you that there's beauty in all parts.