Activated charcoal used to be one of those beauty ingredients — like goat’s milk and snail slime — that intimidated a lot of people. Some of us may still be learning to get over our preconceived ideas about the last two. But we’re mostly all on board with activated charcoal now. We’re no longer intimidated by its distinct black color. Plus, we’ve come to recognize its many skin care benefits.
What Is Activated Charcoal
While plain ol’ charcoal is brilliant, the activated version takes things a step further. Lush trainer Erica Vega explains, “Activated charcoal is usually heated up in the absence of oxygen to remove any residual noncarbon elements, leaving the interior structure of the carbon particles with hollows or pits, making it more porous. It is the reason it’s often used for absorption of poisons if they were taken orally or for chemical reactions.”
Activated Charcoal Uses
Not yet familiar with what a hero ingredient it is? Rachel Winard of Soapwalla says, “Charcoal is a miracle ingredient. Skin care charcoal specifically has 200 times better ability to absorb oil, dirt and bacteria than other ingredients I have come in contact with. Its ability to bind and then wash away oil and/or dirt enables charcoal to fully cleanse the skin without overdrying; it’s unparalleled in this arena.” Vega adds that because charcoal is naturally porous, it’s suitable for anyone looking for exfoliating and deep cleansing.
While many of us enjoy its deep cleaning benefits from masks, they’re not our only option. In fact, if you’re only using charcoal masks, you’re missing out on some of the amazing charcoal-based products out there. Try updating your routine with one of these beauty products that aren’t your average mask.
13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #1
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub, $27 at Amazon
You don't have to give up your beloved charcoal mask. You can keep it and try other things. Slowly break out of your comfort zone with this dual-action mask plus scrub formulated with natural bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay. Baby steps.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #2
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder to Clear Pores, $24.20 at Amazon
Who said that cleansers can only come in liquid form? Apply a bit of water to this active charcoal powder and it will turn into a creamy foam that will deep clean pores and gently exfoliate.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #3
Sephora Collection Clean Cleansing & Gentle Exfoliating Wipes - Charcoal, $6 at Sephora
Makeup wipes are a hero product for many lazy girls. Just open, wipe, toss and go. If you're looking to switch up your wipes, these are formulated with charcoal powder for a deep clean. They're a gym bag must-have.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #4
CURAPROX Black Is White Toothpaste Set, $22.46 at CURAPROX
Before you ask, no, charcoal toothpaste will not turn your teeth black. In fact, this one actually whitens them without bleaching. You can thank the activated charcoal for that. FYI: It tastes like lemon instead of your charcoal mask.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #5
Boscia White Charcoal Mattifying MakeUp Setting Spray, $25.35 at Walmart
That's right, it's white charcoal and it's a setting spray. The hero ingredient is binchotan white charcoal. It helps to balance your skin's moisture and oil levels and clean out your pores. Apply the spray before or after your makeup, then let it work its magic.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #6
Soapwalla Activated Charcoal & Petitgrain Soap Bar, $18 at The Detox Market
The inky black bar gives it away that there's activated bamboo charcoal in there, but it's also formulated with tea tree oil and petitgrain to give you a superior clean. Swap the bar for your loofah and body wash the next time you hit the shower.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #7
Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips, $7.99 at Ulta Beauty
Your favorite nose strips have gotten a makeover thanks to the addition of some charcoal powder. If you are a fan of the original, just wait until you see what the new formula does to dirt and blackheads on your nose. It promises to remove up to a week's worth of buildup in less than 10 minutes.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #8
Hask Charcoal Clarifying Shampoo, $17 at Amazon
Yes, you can add some charcoal into your hair regimen, too. The shampoo uses charcoal derived from coconut shells combined with grapefruit and lemon oils to clarify your scalp. Don't worry, the shampoo will not permanently turn your hair black. In fact, it's even safe to use on color-treated tresses.
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13 Amazing Charcoal Beauty Products That Are Not Masks #9
Julep Purifying Charcoal Konjac Sponge, $8 at Julep
If your makeup bag is filled with every sponge imaginable, you need to make sure you have a konjac sponge as part of your cleansing regimen. This one is made from the fibrous root of the konjac plant and bamboo charcoal powder. Wet the soft sponge, then apply it to your face to gently exfoliate.
