Indeed, knowing about the ingredients, particularly the beauty products that we use is significantly important. So, it is not a surprise that more people are starting to be concerned about the products and ingredients that they put on their skin. Besides, we have seen more brands creating beauty products that have clean ingredients due to the surge of demand. Therefore, for the first-ever article on the beauty ingredients dictionary, Beauty Insider has performed thorough research on activated charcoal.

Brief Information

What is the main benefit?

It eliminates impurities and toxins

Who should use it?

Due to its benefit in drawing out impurities, activated charcoal is suitable for people with oily skin.

How to use it?

As various products have different instructions and ingredients, thus it is recommended that you follow the guidelines printed on the packaging of the products to prevent any potential risks.

What is Activated Charcoal?


Activated charcoal is a powdery form that contains sawdust, bone char, coconut shells, petroleum coke, peat, coal, and olive pits. Unlike regular charcoal briquettes, activated charcoal is processed at a high temperature which subsequently changes its internal structure, surface area, and pores. Besides, it does not contain harmful and toxic substances like charcoal briquettes. In the aspect of skincare, activated charcoal effectively removes any substance that it comes in contact with, thus it helps to detoxify the skin. 

What are the Benefits of Activated Charcoal?

activated-charcoal
Photo by Chris Knight on Unsplash

 
There is an infinite list of products that contain activated charcoal from facial masks, cleanser deodorant, exfoliating sponges. It is unsurprising that most skincare brands opt for this ingredient due to its benefits to the skin. Although activated charcoal is usually associated with acne and detoxifies the skin, more research is needed to validate this notion. Plus, all the products that feature charcoal are usually formulated with ingredients like AHA, BHA, and even kaolin which are prominently known to combat acne, regulate sebum production and help to exfoliate the skin. Regardless of that, these are the benefits of using activated charcoal to your skin

  • Minimize the appearance of pores 
  • Removes impurities and oils on the skin
  • Treat and prevent acne
  • Helps to slough off dead skin
  • Ensures radiant and clearer complexion 

What are the Side Effects of Activated Charcoal?

There is no unknown risk associated with using activated charcoal, however excessive usage has been linked to dryness, itchiness, and redness on the skin. Hence it is important that you use it warily and do a patch test before applying the product to your face. Simply apply it inside of your elbows snd wait a few hours to see if there’s any reaction to it. 

The Best Products That Are Formulated with Activated Charcoal

Farmskin Missing Puzzle Soap Fresh Food For Skin Charcoal

Farmskin Missing Puzzle Soap Fresh Food For Skin Charcoal is a multipurpose soap that can be used for the body and face. Furthermore, it features essential ingredients that help to nourish and hydrate the skin, leaving you with a healthy-looking complexion. Besides that, its purifying and absorbent properties ensure that the skin is clear from any impurities and oil.

Why we love it:

  • Multipurpose
  • Features olive oil
  • Effectively hydrates the skin

Price: $9.50

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The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask 

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask is a cult-favorite that is known to do wonders for the skin. Formulated with bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil, this face mask effectively eliminates impurities and ensures a clearer complexion. On top of that, it is packed with green tea extracts which is known for its antioxidant properties.

Why we love it:

  • Absorbs excess oil on skin
  • Treat and prevent acne
  • Healthy and clearer skin

Price: $29.90

Where to buy: Shopee

Sephora Collection Charcoal Makeup Sponge

With 4.5 star ratings, the Sephora Collection Charcoal Makeup Sponge should be on your makeup desk! This makeup sponge helps to deliver precision and a perfect blend for a natural effect. On top of that, it also features a purifying action. Plus, with its shape, the Sephora Collection Charcoal Makeup Sponge allows the product to reach hard areas easily.

Why we love it:

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Purifying properties
  • Easy to clean

Price: $15.00

Where to buy: Sephora

BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum

Next on the list is the go-to hair product, BRIOGEO Scalp Revival Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment Serum. It is infused with Binchotan charcoal to effectively draw out dirt and impurities on the hair. Furthermore, the powerful blend of peppermint and spearmint oils helps to minimize itchiness, whereas ta tree oil was added to the formula in order to reduce inflammation on the scaps. On top of that, this hair serum is perfect for people that experience dandruff and oily hair, as it features witch hazel and Biotin to regulate oil production as well as ensure the overall health of scalp and hair.

Why we love it:

  • Soothes and detoxifies the hair
  • Suitable for people with dandruff and hair loss
  • Promotes healthy hair and scalp

Price: $49.00

Where to buy: Sephora

Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub

Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub is formulated with salicylic acid and lactic acid to help unclog the pores, meanwhile activated charcoal is known to detoxify the skin and remove impurities. Moreover, coconut water and jojoba seed oil are known for their nourishing properties. It does not only help to exfoliate the skin, but it cleanses the skin, revealing smoother and clearer-looking skin.

Why we love it:

  • Gently exfoliate the skin
  • Purifies and detoxifies
  • smoother looking skin

Price: $70.00

Where to buy: Net-A-Porter

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