From Grounds to Greatness: What You’re Really Asking About Our Coffee Oil
When we started turning spent coffee grounds into high-performance cosmetic ingredients, we expected curiosity, not just about the sustainability story, but about the oil itself, how it works, and what it means for product development. Over time, we’ve received countless questions from formulators, brand founders, and technical teams. And behind nearly every one is the same bigger question: can a waste stream truly become a premium skincare ingredient that is safe and compliant with European Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009?
The answer is yes. Here’s why.
Circularity at the Core
We upcycle coffee grounds into a natural oil rich in vitamin E, anti-oxidants, linoleic and palmitic acid, polyphenols, and tocopherols. It’s produced with clean chemistry, no hexane, no harsh solvents, no synthetic residues. From sourcing to extraction, the process is engineered for minimal environmental impact and maximum ingredient performance. It’s circular, low-energy, and reduces CO₂ emissions. We work locally, minimize waste, and contribute to a regenerative economy.
Coffee Oil vs. Argan Oil
One frequent comparison is Argan oil. Both are lightweight, antioxidant-rich, and suitable for many personal care applications, for hair and skin. But unlike Argan oil, which requires cultivation, water, and long transport, our coffee oil comes from waste already generated, locally sourced, fully traceable, and with no added environmental pressure. You get better results due to the coffee oils greater potency in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, making it a more effective alternative for high-performance formulations.
Versatility in Formulation
Formulators are often surprised by its versatility. Despite its unusual origin, it’s deodorized to a neutral scent and works in both leave-on and rinse-off products: emulsions, (facial) oils, lip care, soaps, balms, shampoos, and more. Oxidatively stable and microbiologically clean, it integrates easily without preservatives or masking agents.
We maintain strict quality control. Standardized production and lab testing ensure consistency across every batch for important parameters. Each shipment includes full documentation: MSDS, TDS, SDS (OSHA compliant if needed), and COA for each batch. Internal and external lab checks guarantee every drop meets our exact standards, refined over years of research. Our coffee oil is also COSMOS approved, a trusted international certification for organic and natural cosmetics. This not only confirms our commitment to sustainability but also speaks to the quality, safety, and transparency of our production process.
The Booster for Elevated Claims
For brands aiming to elevate performance, we offer a concentrated Booster with more antioxidants and active lipids, ideal for serums or products targeting skin repair, protection, or anti-aging. It’s popular among formulators creating minimalist, ingredient-led skincare with maximum efficacy.
Claims and Credibility
Marketing possibilities are broad, upcycled origin, antioxidant profile, skin barrier support, and low-carbon process, so long as they’re backed by substance. We provide technical sheets, safety data, and claim support, because innovation only works when it’s credible.
Sourcing Spent Grounds
We process all grounds in-house and aren’t accepting new supply now, but plan to expand to a larger biorefinery soon. Businesses producing over 100 kg of grounds weekly can contact us directly. For smaller amounts, we can connect you to collection partners in Amsterdam.
The Bigger Picture
Demand for sustainable alternatives is no longer niche. The question isn’t whether change is needed, but how quickly and responsibly we make it happen. Our oil is one answer, not just a replacement for conventional ingredients, but proof that waste can be the beginning of something better.