The Benefits of Activated Charcoal

The Benefits of Activated Charcoal

November 27, 2017

1.35k

By Emily Arnow

The hottest trend in clean beauty right now is none other than activated charcoal, and for good reason. From creams to cleansers, this mighty powerful, and all-natural, ingredient detoxifies, cleanses, and protects against aging, leaving skin and hair feeling refreshed. Need more convincing? We reveal all of charcoal’s dirty little secrets and the best activated beauty products for any budget.

What is charcoal?

While we’re all familiar with the type of fire starter used in barbecues, this hot beauty ingredient works a little differently. Activated charcoal is lightweight carbon, formulated to repel water, detoxify and eliminate impurities. It’s been used as a poison antidote, water filter, a digestive tract corrector, and even an anti-aging shield.

Why are people eating it?

According to Eater, “Before it hit mainstream food culture, activated charcoal was a popular ingredient for detox enthusiasts. Added to juice cleanses and cayenne pepper lemonades, the powdered charcoal has been touted by natural health advocates for its anti-aging benefits, as a way to lose weight and lower cholesterol, draw poisonous spider venom out of wounds, and minimize gastrointestinal distress. Long before that, even, it was used by Ayurvedic and Eastern medicine practitioners to whiten teeth and cleanse toxic mold spores from the body.”

Why is it a beauty trend?

Believe it or not, charcoal has some of the top benefits we look for when buying products. It’s all-natural, nontoxic and endorsed by the medical community—not to mention that it’s incredibly effective at cleansing and repairing. Often compared to a magnet, charcoal works to aggressively lift stubborn dirt from clogged pores and leaves skin feeling clean, detoxified, and glowing without dryness or damage.

What are the best products?

While there are many options out there, we’ve rounded up our favorites for getting healthy, detoxified skin and hair. Happy cleansing!

Soaps

Yes to Tomatoes ($3.74)

This budget-friendly soap works from head to toe for a deep clean that absorbs impurities, restores skin’s natural balance and minimizes pores.

Meow Meow Tweet ($12)

Made with activated charcoal, soothing coco butter, and eucalyptus oil, this ultra-gentle facial soap combats blemishes and is great for oily or combination skin types.

Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Soap Bar ($12)

Specially formulated with bamboo charcoal, this extra-strength soap draws out impurities and toxins from deep within your pores and is recommended for those with chronic redness and acne.

Cleansers

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder ($30)

Just add water to this concentrated powder for a deep facial cleanser that exfoliates and visibly reduces pores.

Lush Dark Angels Cleanser ($14.95)

Made with black sugar and charcoal, this exfoliating cleanser absorbs excess oils and prevents future breakouts, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin.

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser ($7.50)

Makeup gurus and skincare newbies alike swear by this drugstore brand, and for good reason. It draws out and traps two times more dirt than regular cleansers without clogging your pores. Oh and it’s under $10.

Masks

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask ($34)

Rich in minerals and antioxidants, this innovative peel-off mask will firm and brighten skin for a rejuvenated look and feel.

Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment ($69)

A cult favorite, this mud mask supports skin’s natural oil balance, dramatically softens skin, and visibly clears complexions for a natural, healthy glow just after one use!

Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask ($35)

This mess-free, one-time-use sheet mask is hypoallergenic and made of a smoothing blend of detoxifying ingredients for skin that’s radiant and healthy. No sink or water required!