A Q&A with Ground+Tamper - Coffee powered Skincare
In this Q&A, we dive into the story behind Ground+Tamper, the innovative brand turning coffee waste into high-quality skincare. Fuelled by a love of coffee and a passion for sustainability, Ground+Tamper is transforming upcycled coffee grounds into powerful, natural skincare products that suit all genders and skin types.
With a mission to reduce coffee waste and collaborate with independent coffee shops, the brand is creating a circular process that not only benefits the planet but also delivers results-driven skincare. Discover the inspiration, challenges, and future plans of this trailblazing brand in this exclusive interview with coffee powered skincare brand.
Coffee powered skincare: About the brand
What inspired you to transform coffee waste into skincare?
Our journey really began when we saw first hand how much coffee waste the industry generates - it was eye-opening. We came across some staggering numbers: globally, about 10 billion kilos of coffee waste is produced every year. What’s worse, nearly 90% of that ends up in landfill, where it releases harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, fuelling climate change.
We couldn’t just ignore it. So, we asked ourselves, ‘What if we could do something meaningful with all that waste?’ That’s when the idea was born: to upcycle spent coffee grounds (SCG) into high-quality skincare. It’s about transforming a massive environmental challenge into a sustainable, innovative solution - one product at a time.
How did you develop the idea of upcycling coffee grounds for beauty products?
During our research, we discovered something incredible: coffee has amazing benefits for skincare. It felt like such a natural fit.
From the moment we had that idea, it took about 18 months to bring it to life and launch our first product. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges was getting people to see coffee waste as more than just ‘waste’ - to recognise it as a high-performing skincare ingredient. But our passion for sustainability and innovation kept us going, and it’s been so rewarding to turn this vision into a reality.
What sets Ground+Tamper apart from other skincare brands?
What makes Ground+Tamper truly special is our deep commitment to real sustainability. It’s not just a buzzword for us- it’s at the core of everything we do. From collecting used coffee grounds to crafting our products and even choosing eco-friendly packaging, every decision aligns with our mission to reduce waste.
What also sets us apart is our laser focus on coffee-based skincare. We’ve gone all-in on this niche, pouring our energy and research into transforming coffee waste into high-performing skincare. It’s a unique approach, and it really helps us stand out.
And lastly, we create products for everyone - every skin type, every gender. Our formulations are effective yet gentle, and our clean, simple branding speaks to all. One of my favourite things is hearing from customers about how much they love the products. We’ve even heard from couples where one was disappointed to discover their partner had taken our product away on holiday with them! It’s proof of the universal appeal we aim for.
Why are coffee grounds such a powerful ingredient for skincare?
Coffee grounds are like a secret weapon for your skin, packed with incredible benefits that make them a standout ingredient in skincare. Here’s why they’re so powerful:
1. Antioxidant Rich
Coffee is loaded with natural antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals - molecules that can cause premature aging and skin damage. These antioxidants, like polyphenols, help repair and rejuvenate your skin, leaving it looking fresh and youthful.
2. Gentle Exfoliation for Radiance
Used coffee grounds are a natural exfoliant, perfect for buffing away dead skin cells and revealing a glowing complexion underneath.
Plus, regular exfoliation with coffee can boost cell regeneration, brighten dull skin, and even out your skin tone. And let’s not forget caffeine… it works wonders in reducing dullness for that vibrant, radiant look.
3. Boosted Circulation = Healthy Glow
Caffeine doesn’t just wake you up in the morning; it also gets your blood flowing. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients for your skin, giving it that healthy, natural glow. It can even help reduce puffiness and dark circles around your eyes.
Can you tell us about your collaborations with independent coffee shops?
We work with a network of coffee partners including independent coffee shops to collect coffee waste at different stages of the process. Did you know a single coffee shop generates around 5 - 10kg of spent coffee grounds (SCG) every day? That’s a lot of waste, but we help turn it into something valuable.
What’s even better is that some of these partnerships come full circle. Many of the coffee shops we work with actually stock our products, offering them directly to their customers. It’s a truly circular model - taking waste, giving it new life, and bringing it back to where it all began.
What challenges did you face when creating a truly circular process for coffee waste?
Creating a truly circular process for coffee waste wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was educating our supply chain partners about the potential of spent coffee grounds (SCG). Many simply saw it as waste, so shifting that mindset to view it as a valuable resource took time.
Thankfully, sustainability is becoming a bigger priority in today’s world, and we’ve seen attitudes start to change. It’s incredibly rewarding to turn scepticism into enthusiasm and show how something discarded can be reimagined into something powerful. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, helping to drive a positive shift toward sustainability.
How do your products balance sustainability with visible skincare results?
We’re all about proving that sustainability and skincare performance can go hand in hand. Our products are designed to be eco-friendly without ever compromising on results. Take our Exfoliating Facial Wash, for example - it combines natural AHAs for gentle chemical exfoliation with upcycled coffee grounds for physical exfoliation. This dual-action approach leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The feedback from our customers has been incredible, with many sharing how visible the results are. It’s a big part of what drives us: showing that you don’t have to choose between looking after your skin and caring for the planet.
How do you ensure your products are suitable for all genders and skin types?
We’ve worked hard to make sure our products are gentle, natural and effective for all skin types and genders. Throughout the process, we tested extensively on a diverse range of people, and the feedback has been amazing - it’s shown us that our products truly work for everyone.
Striking the balance between effectiveness and gentleness was key. We want everyone to feel confident using our skincare, knowing it’s been carefully crafted to suit all skin types and needs. The feedback we’ve received since launching just six months ago has been beyond rewarding. One comment that really stuck with us came from a customer who discovered us at a pop-up on Regent Street.
‘I just wanted to reach out and say that I LOVE it! The concept, the packaging, the scent - everything is perfect. I used it last night and honestly didn’t want to stop washing my face. I’m such a huge fan and I’m definitely coming back to buy more!’
Self-Care and Wellness
What’s your personal skincare routine, and how do Ground+Tamper products fit in?
My skincare routine is all about simplicity. Natural, effective products that deliver real results. Ground+Tamper fits perfectly into that philosophy. I use our Exfoliating Facial Wash three times a week to keep my skin energised and refreshed, followed by an SPF moisturiser.
Outside of our own products, I love exploring innovative skincare brands. It keeps me inspired and helps us stay ahead of the curve as we continue developing new products.
What’s your go-to self-care ritual after a busy day?
My go-to self-care ritual is all about creating a calm, relaxing atmosphere to help me recharge. I love setting the mood with soft, ambient lighting and a calming candle.
Throughout the day, I also make time for small moments of disconnection from screens, whether it’s enjoying a coffee or going for a walk. These simple practices help me decompress and stay focused, ensuring I feel clear-headed and productive.
What advice do you have for people looking to incorporate sustainable choices into their skincare routines?
Have a think about your current routine, and the products you use. Awareness is a great way to start. Even small adjustments to your skincare routine can have a meaningful effect over time, and every little step counts.
Seeking out skincare brands that focus on natural and responsibly sourced ingredients is a good start. They’re not only better for your skin but also kinder to the planet. Avoid products loaded with harsh chemicals, as they can be damaging in the long term.
Packaging is another key area to pay attention to. Choose brands that use eco-friendly materials instead of single-use plastics. For example, all our packaging is 100% plastic-free, and our tubs are fully home compostable.
What role does coffee play in your daily life outside of skincare?
Coffee is such a big part of my life and it goes beyond skincare. I’m actually a qualified barista, and I’ve got a great home coffee setup where I’m always experimenting with different beans and brewing methods to craft the perfect cup.
I also love exploring independent coffee shops, especially when I’m traveling. One of my favourite discoveries was this amazing little coffee spot on the side of the road in Mexico. It’s those unexpected finds that make the coffee journey so special.
And if we’re talking about social settings, I make a great espresso martini!
What’s next for Ground+Tamper, and how do you hope to inspire others?
We’ve got big plans for 2025, and it’s such an exciting time for us! Right now, we’re focused on building awareness and getting the Ground+Tamper name out there to as many people as possible.
One of the highlights this year is that we’ll be attending a major coffee festival. It’s going to be such a great opportunity to connect with people who share our passion for coffee and sustainability.
And here’s a little sneak peek: we’re currently working on a brand-new product that we’re hoping to launch before summer! We can’t wait to share more soon. In the meantime, stay tuned and follow our journey on socials @groundandtamper!
Finally, where can our reader shop your products?
New customers get £5 off your first order
Exclusive Discount Code: 5FORYOU (enter at checkout)
This is a fabulous product and I’ve recommended to several friends and family.
To me what sets it apart from most other products is its attention to fully recyclable packaging – I’d never come across this for this type of product.
The efficacy is great and the scent is so nice!
Can’t wait for the next product launch.
If you haven’t tried it – you really should!