Organic soaps from grass-fed tallow
Cart 0

Activated Charcoal: Everything You Need To Know

Becky De Graaf activated charcoal facial wash skincare

activated charcoal on white background

You may have noticed products containing activated charcoal popping up on shelves more often these days. Maybe you're wondering if it's just a passing fad, or if there really are some serious benefits to using it. If you're curious about what activated charcoal is, and how it can be a great thing to add to your skincare routine, read on to learn more!

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal has been touted as a cure-all and has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. It's made by using carbon (from natural sources), combining it with different gases, and exposing it to very high temperatures, which "activates" it. Therefore, this process is called activation. Through this, the carbon develops pores on its surface, which increase the surface area of the carbon. This large increase in surface area is what gives activated charcoal it's beneficial properties. Carbon has a negative electrical charge, which makes it attract positively charged molecules, like harmful toxins and gases. All the little pores help it trap toxins very effectively.

Because of this, activated charcoal has long been used as a treatment when humans or pets ingest poisons or other harmful substances, like alcohol. Because toxins are ever present in nearly everything around us, using activated charcoal begins to make sense. Taking it internally can reduce the toxins in our bodies, and using it in body washes, soaps and face makes can eliminate toxins on the surface of our skin. When you see activated charcoal in food or beauty products, it is most often made of organic sources that have high carbon contents, like coconut husks or hardwood. On it's own, it is a black powder, but it can be taken internally in capsules, or can be added to products like toothpaste, face wash, face masks, or soaps.

It may sound slightly odd to you to use or ingest something that contains charcoal, as charcoal is usually thought of as a fuel source for grills. The charcoal used for briquettes, however, have additional chemicals added to them, and are not heated or treated to become activated. Never confuse charcoal for grills and fire pits with the activated charcoal that is safe for consumption. As long as you're well aware of what's in the activated carbon you're using, it's perfectly fine to use on your face and in your body.

How Does Activated Charcoal Work For Skin?

Now that you know what activated charcoal is, what it's made of, and how it works, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine. The great news is that there are tons of fantastic ways to improve your skin using activated charcoal. In fact, it's a beauty secret that many people swear by! Activated charcoal can be used to:

  • Treat acne - depending on the severity of the acne you have, and what it's caused by, activated charcoal can bring you some relief. When used in soaps, it adds a gentle grit that can help exfoliate, and whisk away dirt and oils.
  • Improve oily skin - when you use activated charcoal in a mask or face wash, it can bind to the oils on your skin and harmlessly wash them away.
  • Shrink pores - when used in a face mask, activated charcoal can help to pull toxins out of your pores. It's the oil and dirt that makes its home in your pores that make them appear huge, so when activated charcoal does it's job, your pores will appear smaller.
  • Clean your skin deeply - activated charcoal's exfoliating properties, along with its ability to bind with toxins, will leave your face feeling fresh and brand new!
  • Relieve painful cuts, scrapes, and insect bites - bee stings, bug bites, or scrapes can be painful and annoying. When applied as a paste, activated charcoal can promote healing, relieve minor pain, and bring down areas of swelling, as it removes any venom or bacteria from the wound.

becky's activated charcoal soap

If you're interested in using activated charcoal as part of your skincare routine, but are wary of the commercial products available, you're in good company! You can find plenty of recipes to make charcoal masks at home. At one time it was hard to find activated charcoal except in health food stores, but now it's becoming more common in other stores, or you can buy it over the internet. Make sure you read up on the source of the charcoal, though, as you want to make sure it's as natural as possible. Here's a great recipe for a simple charcoal mask.

You'll need:

  • 1 teaspoon activated charcoal
  • ½ teaspoon bentonite clay (like activated charcoal, bentonite clay is great at removing toxins and impurities from your skin)
  • 1 tablespoon gelatin (gelatin is loaded with collagen, which is a key ingredient to healthy, young-looking skin)
  • 2 tablespoons water

Once you have your ingredients, combine the water and gelatin together in a small microwave safe container or dish. After that, mix in the activated charcoal and bentonite clay WITHOUT using a metal spoon or utensil of any kind. Stir everything together until it's smooth, and then microwave in ten second intervals until the mixture is thick enough to apply like a paste to your face.

Once the mixture has cooled, apply it to your clean, dry face, staying away from especially sensitive areas. The mask can hurt or pull a little when you're removing it, so put it only on areas where you will see a lot of benefit. As the mask dries, it will start to feel tight on your skin. A thin layer of the mask can dry in just a few minutes, but a thicker layer may take an hour, so keep this in mind if your time is limited. Once the mask is dry, starting with your forehead, carefully peel or roll away the mask. If any part is painful, simply wash it away with warm water. The mask will pull out impurities, toxins, and blackheads with ease!

If you're looking for a great pre-made soap try this Activated Charcoal Facial Soap. It's loaded with tons of beneficial ingredients that will leave you clean, free of toxins, and feeling fresh!

Related Posts

Grass-Fed vs. Grass-Finished: What It Means For Milk And Tallow
Grass-Fed vs. Grass-Finished: What It Means For Milk And Tallow
  Last month, I wrote about the deceptive marketing terms "fragrance free" and "all natural" as they're applied to bea
Read More
Why I Don't Use Synthetic Fragrances
Why I Don't Use Synthetic Fragrances
Why can't labeling be straightforward? It's such a common question and one that really should have a simple solution: If
Read More
Shredded Luffa & Ground Coffee: Creative Skincare Options
Shredded Luffa & Ground Coffee: Creative Skincare Options
If you're reading this blog post, chances are good you've already discovered the wide range of ready-made organic bath s
Read More


Older Post Newer Post


  • Alicia Nida on

    Hire The Best Cryptocurrency Recovery Service / Lost Recovery Masters.

    Lost Recovery Masters offers tailored assistance to simplify and enhance the recovery process for victims who have fallen victim to Bitcoin theft. Understanding how reliable recovered funds are to their clients, Lost Recovery Masters has emerged with extremely effective and professional Bitcoin recovery services. Lost Recovery Masters has a team of investigators from across the globe that are well prepared to help clients from wherever they may be which means that help will always be within reach.
    Contact info.
    Website ( https://lostrecoverymasters.com/ )
    Email ( Support@lostrecoverymasters.com )
    Whatsapp +44(7537)-105921

  • Patricia Lovick on

    How To Recover Your Bitcoin Without Falling Victim To Scams: A  Testimony Experience With Capital Crypto Recover Services, Contact Telegram: @Capitalcryptorecover

    Dear Everyone,

    I would like to take a moment to share my positive experience with Capital Crypto Recover Services. Initially, I was unsure if it would be possible to recover my stolen bitcoins. However, with their expertise and professionalism, I was able to fully recover my funds. Unfortunately, many individuals fall victim to scams in the cryptocurrency space, especially those involving fraudulent investment platforms. However, I advise caution, as not all recovery services are legitimate. I personally lost $273,000 worth of Bitcoin from my Binance account due to a deceptive platform. If you have suffered a similar loss, you may be considering crypto recovery, The Capital Crypto Recover is the most knowledgeable and effective Capital Crypto Recovery Services assisted me in recovering my stolen funds within 24 hours, after getting access to my wallet. Their service was not only prompt but also highly professional and effective, and many recovery services may not be trustworthy. Therefore, I highly recommend Capital Crypto Recover to you. i do always research and see reviews about their service, For assistance finding your misplaced cryptocurrency, get in touch with them, They do their jobs quickly and excellently, Stay safe and vigilant in the crypto world.
    You can reach them via email at Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com OR Call/Text Number +1 (336)390-6684 his contact: Recovercapital@cyberservices.com His website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1

  • CNC Intelligence on

    RECOVER YOUR LOST CRYPTO ASSETS WITH CNC INTELLIGENCE.

    CNC Intelligence is a team of Cyber Intelligence, Crypto Investigation, Asset Tracing and Offshore Legal experts. Working together to form a boutique cyber and crypto intelligence group focused on providing results.
    Using the latest Cyber Tools, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and cutting edge technology, we provide actionable intelligence to our clients.
    WHY CHOOSE CNC INTELLIGENCE?
    - Expert Cyber Investigation Services —Our cyber investigators are certified in the US, UK and experienced with investigations spanning 6 continents.
    - Cryptocurrency And Digital Asset Tracking -- We are able to track the movement of several different cryptocurrencies and assets. If the cryptocurrency has been moved, we are able to follow it.
    - Strategic Intelligence For Asset Recovery - The first step to recovery is locating recoverable assets. Our experienced team will be able to walk you through the process.

    Schedule a mail session with our team of professionals today via – cncintel247 (@) gmail (.) com to get started immediately.

    BEWARE of FABRICATED reviews and testimonies endorsing fraudsters, do not get scammed twice.

    Disclaimer: CNC Intelligence is not a law enforcement agency and not a law firm. Like all investigators, we cannot guarantee specific results, but we apply our expertise and resources to every case professionally and ethically.

  • Favour Mourison on

    I am posting this review here because I want to be of help to anyone out there, who in one or two ways have been scammed by online investment platforms. After going through a lot to recover my bitcoin although many people told me it’s impossible to recover your bitcoin If you’ve lost your bitcoin as a result of investing in binary options, trading platforms, your account was hacked or other bitcoin related scams or lost money to scammers online in whichever ways then You’re not alone. (I lost over $65,950 to skyrockettrade). Being a scam victim myself, I tried several means to recover my funds all to no avail, till I came across a cyber crime and recovery expert’s address online by name jamesmckaywizard@gmail.com He literally saved my life, all i lost to these fake investors skyrockettrade was recouped in just a few days (a total of 3.7721 BTC) was recovered, Kindly send a message to the contact below if you’ve been in such situations and you are seeking recovery // jamesmckaywizard at gmail dot com or WhatsApp ++31657446248.. and thank me later..

  • Maria Henry on

    It’s been 9 years since i have been working here in the United State as a Nurse, I always like using Instagram to while away time for myself and I came in contact with a guy called Qin on Instagram he’s Asian american, the guy was really awesome and he told me he was into broker trading that I could invest little with $5,000 and within a year i will have enough to buy myself a home and a hospital, so i decided to invest but after 8 months I tried to withdraw and i was asked for more and all this while he encouraged me to keep investing and i had already invested 206k USD with him on his broker platform and we started dating so that really makes me confident in him but it was too late to know I have been scammed after he successfully reap me and put me in a debt of $459k. The night I was to end it all I came across an article online about jamesmckaywizard on how him and his team have been helping people like myself who have been a victim of scam or online blackmail, i didn’t hesitate but took my time to ask about him from those people testifying about him. After which I contacted them firstly, they talked to me and i was calm and he asked me about all the transaction details which i gave them’ in less than 48hrs my hope to life was fully restored back i got all the money and interest which i invested and also Mr. Qin was traced and arrested. I strongly recommend them to anyone in need, this is the right platform for you, you can reach out to them on // jamesmckaywizard at gmail dot com or WhatsApp +31657446248.



Leave a comment