Magical Benefits of Activated Charcoal
Why Charcoal Is the New Magic Ingredient to Incorporate Into Your Beauty Routine
Continuing with the #UrbanWellness series here on my blog, I’m bringing you the most talk-about and tried-out beauty trend as of lately, #ActivatedCharcoal.
Activated Charcoal: Does it live up to the hype?
Activated charcoal seems to be the latest fad. It is a major ingredient in most skin care products today. Soaps, face masks, scrubs, and even toothpastes in an uncanny black by major brands have become the holy grail for skincare for most. But charcoal? Really?
Well, I’ll be honest with you. When I first saw the surge of activated charcoal-based beauty products in the market, I was a little skeptical. The ingredient that is used to fire up barbecue couldn’t possibly be good for my skin, I wondered. Finally, curiosity got the better of me and I reached out for a charcoal-based face mask. An acid test to put the controversy to rest, I told myself, without knowing that soon I’d convert into a devout follower of this black magic ingredient to keep my skin healthy and supple.
Black magic, anyone?
Activated charcoal is a porous powerhouse, and I say this with experience. Used for centuries to flush out toxins from the gut in hospital emergency rooms due to its highly porous nature, it is surprising how we took so long to discover its purifying effect on the skin. Yes, just as it works in the gut activated charcoal binds to dirt, bacteria, and oil on the epidermis that get washed away when you rinse your face to reveal fresh and glowing skin.
So, before I share with you my personal experience with the dirty detoxer, let me first tell you how activated charcoal is different from the stuff used to fire up the barbecue.
Activated charcoal {as well as regular charcoal} is commonly made from charred bamboo, wood, coconut shells, or coal without oxygen. However, to activate the material, it is treated with certain gases at high temperature that makes it highly porous and absorbent, turning it into a wonder product that is said to purify your skin, whiten your teeth, and clean your scalp, too.
Is that reason enough for charcoal to find a place of pride in your pantry as well as a skincare regime? Read on for five benefits of Activated Charcoal for skin and hair care.
- Activated Charcoal Facial Mask
Well, I believe in trying everything and that’s what led me to the popular Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask by The Body Shop.
So, as you know, I am very particular about what I use on my skin but the adventurer in me prods me to try many-a-things. Therefore, the chemical and cruelty-free charcoal face pack by The Body Shop was a natural choice for me. And, to my delight, it worked wondrously.
I have tried several face masks in my life; some that left me with a subtle glow and others that had me feeling like a stretched elastic band. But once I tried this activated charcoal facial mask, I knew there was no going back for me. All it took was one application for activated charcoal to become my to-go product for a quick glow after a tired day {and before a party}, or a relaxed Sunday skin ritual.
Especially if you have oily skin or clogged pores, an activated charcoal face mask, such as the popular Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, could help you draw out the impurities lurking deep within your pores. Leave on your face for up to ten minutes and rinse off the mask to reveal glowing and hydrated skin. It would also be a good idea to look for products that couple activated charcoal with known acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, bentonite clay, or tea tree oil.
- Activated Charcoal Beauty Bar
Well, that’s not all. Charcoal is not only a winner when it comes to face masks, it’s finding its way into face and hand soaps too. So, don’t hesitate to reach out for an activated charcoal-infused beauty bar, in case you are looking for a product that cares for your entire body ~ head to toe. Those of you with sensitive skin can use charcoal bars that are antioxidant-rich; allowing the gentle formula to be used daily on your face and body without worrying about drying out your skin.
I particularly like The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Facial Soap that reduces excess oils, purifies the pores and gently removes impurities to reveal healthy, clearer-looking skin. Combining two powerful ingredients, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, with farmed bamboo charcoal ~ the product is ideal to bathe away a hot day’s worth of sweat and grime or refresh yourself after an intense session at the gym. Oh, and it is 100% vegan, too.
- Activated Charcoal Shampoo
Shiny and frizz-free hair that joyously bounce, adding a spring to your step, are a distant myth for most of us. But not anymore. Activated charcoal could be the magic ingredient you have been waiting for to enthuse life back into your mane. A squeaky clean scalp and bouncy strands are just a couple of “side-effects” of using an activated charcoal shampoo.
With its unique ability to soak up oil, dirt, and all the other unpleasant things on our scalp; activated charcoal makes for an excellent cleanser to rid the crown of dirt, oil, and scalp build-up.
I tried the Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal Shampoo by Blossom Kocchar and was quite impressed. The modestly priced, silicone and paraben-free shampoo combines activated bamboo charcoal with the essential nutrients of Potassium and Magnesium to clean and fortify your hair. Now say hello to a healthier scalp and tresses as light as air, and say goodbye to frizz for good!
- Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Who would have thought that soot could lead to a glamorous smile?
Used for centuries by certain tribes to maintain oral health, today, activated charcoal is being hailed as the wonder product for gleaming peckers and fighting mouth odour. Boost your oral health by adding activated charcoal to your brushing routine. You could choose charcoal suffused toothpaste; a glamorously black, charcoal-infused toothbrush; or, if you feel adventurous enough, you may directly use activated charcoal powder to clean your teeth. You’ll still need to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine though as charcoal isn’t a hygiene product, so don’t ditch your regular toothpaste just yet.
- Activated Charcoal Juice
Ever turned up at work looking like a zombie, after an indulgent Sunday evening that constituted a couple of extra martinis? Hangovers mean dull and dehydrated skin, puffy eyes, and, for the unlucky ones, a throbbing headache, too.
The solution? Well, if sleeping it out is not an option for you, reach out for activated charcoal, the wonder product you can ingest to get rid of toxins from your body. Now, I am not saying that activated charcoal can cure a headache. But, a lemonade suffused with activated charcoal may help you recover faster in addition to contributing to a cleaner gut. In fact, activated charcoal laden juices and smoothies are fast becoming the health-conscious individual’s favoured “cup of tea” for their metabolism-boosting and cleansing effects.
There you have it, five benefits of Activated Charcoal for skin and hair care, reasons enough to introduce the wonder ingredient into your beauty routine. Do you have any favourite charcoal beauties products in your routine or have you seen any in this post you would like to try? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Bottom line: Personally, while I think it is worth giving the wondrous charcoal a chance to win over your beauty regime, incorporating it in your diet, as a beverage or part of any food product, may only be done under medical supervision.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and this post shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. This is purely anecdotal, based on my own experience as well as the experience of others who use charcoal regularly. It is recommended that you consult your nutritionist or healthcare provider before using activated charcoal.
Since I switched to using a natural botanical toothpaste I seriously cannot stand the taste of commercial toothpaste anymore. I just can’t! I feel our bodies do a great job at letting us know when something is not that great…
Absolutely, if I use commercial toothpaste, it burns and stings…
Thank you for the information, especially ‘cause I didn’t know we could have activated-charcoal smoothies! In any case, for the past few months I have been using a charcoal mask on my skin and I can say with confidence that I have seen improvements. And my skin feels cleaner, too. 🙂
Seems like charcoal is fast becoming a mainstream ingredient in beauty products, Vidhatri. By the way, the juices are delicious. I think I need to attempt a few recipes with instant espresso. 🙂
I so appreciate your not giving charcoal all the credit for your insanely perfect skin, Tanya! ❤️ And yes, the simplicity and luxury of the #naturalbeauty life cannot be understated.
Honestly… I am way more fixated on it than you are, Ayushi. Haha!!
Many of us {especially me, a heavy espresso consumer} will benefit from this post. I do use skin-brightening products, however the natural way will remain the best way. In nature’s perfect design, our body responds best to these simple raw ingredients. Thanks for sharing, Tanya.
I am happy you liked this post, Madhubani.
Charcoal works like a magnet ~ drawing bacteria out from underneath the skin’s surface.
This is an awesome selection of products! Synthetics are damaging, it’s true. I have tried the soap bars and find that it helps to firm and tone your skin, improve dark spots and removes toxins from your skin. Thank you for sharing the knowledge, Tanya!
Activated charcoal has many advantages and the beauty industry has been on fire with this beneficial ingredient, Atifah.
I adore the Purifying Glow Mask! When I initially started using it (a few months ago), it felt so unusual putting charcoal on my skin, but it worked wonders for my skin inflammation. Thank you for your dedication ❤️ Tanya!
Thanks for stopping by, Aysha. Charcoal may seem like a rather extreme ingredient to be using on our faces, and I wonder how somebody even makes sense of it and figures it’s good for skin!
Wow, I did not know that charcoal infused drinks were a thing! One really does discover something new every day!! But yes, I have tried this charcoal infused face wash – it gently cleanses your skin without stripping it of natural oils, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. 🙂
Good to know, Khyati. And yes, I was pleasantly surprised that a detox drink could taste that delicious! If you’ve never tasted one, it’s about time you did.
Love it! I have been searching for products to add to my fall regime especially since I have acne, and activated charcoal seems perfect! 🙂
Glad to know, Anandita. Activated Charcoal soaps are a deep cleaning but balanced soap, great for acne prone skin.
Well done, Tanya! This is an extremely useful post – your analysis of activated charcoal is really neat and you have written everything in detail. I’d like to add that a bamboo charcoal air purifying bag is the most effective, all-natural way to deodorise your home. The bags act like a sponge to absorb and neutralise foul odours.
That’s interesting to know, Tushar. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! No chemicals, no nastys, no pain, no damage – just whiter, brighter, healthier teeth! This is amazing – charcoal is definitely having its moment. Also, I love Body Shop’s products, will have to give it a try!
I’ve used charcoal in my beauty routine before, but only recently heard about Body Shop’s product. Do let me know about your experience, Dia.
Activated Charcoal seems to be amazing for reducing pores, treating body acne & clearing blemishes. This is definitely what I need to soothe my troubled skin and control oil secretion. Thanks Tanya.
When your skin feels icky and needs some TLC, anything infused with charcoal is your best bet, Aryan!
I have tried charcoal teeth-whitening. It is messy to make the paste, and I didn’t really notice a difference ~ however my teeth felt super clean.
Thanks for sharing, Shikha. Charcoal beauty products have intrigued me for some time now, so it was cool to finally write about it!
Amazing! Never knew charcoal had such numerous advantages! It is so important to take time for yourself – body and mind. Would love to try the products you’ve recommended, Tanya.
Isn’t it though? I’ve been loving it so far…
Yes, love thyself. ❤️ You keep surprising me with your beauty content, Tanya! I was recently gifted this Lavender soap bar – loaded with lavender essential oil and activated charcoal to detox and calm your skin. Loved it!
The charcoal in the bar helps:
– unclog pores
– remove dead skin
– remove deeper impurities
Which results in a silky smooth finish. 🙂
This is the perfect ingredient to add to my morning face care routine. Switching it up… nothing would make me happier right now! Thanks so much for sharing! xx
Glad you like the post, Shubhangi. A proper skincare routine is a key component in caring for your health!
Using Activated Charcoal obviously has numerous benefits for your oral health, making it essential for a healthy smile. 🙂 Awesome blog, Tanya! You inspire me in every way possible!
Such a generous compliment! Thank you, Disha. Activated charcoal is an excellent way to remove stains and buildup on your teeth…
Fun fact: Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a fine black powder that’s produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat.
~Benefits
1️⃣ Removes dirt and impurities from the skin
2️⃣ Fights acne
3️⃣ Treat insect bites
4️⃣ Evens skin tone
Thank you for sharing, Amodini.
If not skincare… then what ❤️?! Keep doing you. #superfoodfortheskin
Thank you, Rhea.
Activated charcoal sounds wonderful for giving your face, hands, body and feet a deep down clean! Although I think I’d add tea tree essential oil – it has a whole host of skin benefits, and is known to have antibacterial & anti-fungal properties.
So whenever you’re skin’s feeling somewhat clogged, or you simply need a little extra oomph in your routine, think activated charcoal ~ it could do your skin a great deal of good.
Detox Charcoal Lemonade (Sugar Free!).
The perfect refreshing beverage for the summer!
8 Cups of Filtered Water
3 Lemons, Juiced
4 Tbsp Lakanto Syrup (Agave, Honey or Maple Syrup work too)
1/2 Tsp Activated Charcoal
Pinch of Sea Salt
So refreshing! Cheers!
Sounds delicious! 🙂