Charcoal (Activated Charcoal)
Also known as: Activated Charcoal, Charcoal Powder, Carbon
Porous carbon that absorbs oils, impurities, and toxins from skin surface.
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Get the appWhat it does
Activated charcoal has a highly porous structure that binds to oils, dirt, and other impurities through adsorption. It's used in cleansers, masks, and exfoliants to purify and detoxify skin. The ingredient is typically washed off rather than left on skin.
Benefits
- Helps remove excess oil and sebum
- May reduce appearance of pores
- Gentle mechanical exfoliation when in scrubs
- Non-irritating for most skin types
- Helps clarify congested skin
Who it suits
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Congested skin
How to use
Use in cleansers by massaging onto damp skin and rinsing thoroughly. For masks, apply for 5–15 minutes and rinse. Limit exfoliating charcoal scrubs to 1–2 times per week.
Pairs well with
Tea tree oil, Clay, Witch hazel, Salicylic acid
Be careful pairing with
none notable
Safety & cautions
Generally safe and well-tolerated. Overuse in scrubs can cause micro-damage; limit exfoliating charcoal products to 1–2x weekly. Avoid if skin is sensitized or compromised.
Educational information, not medical advice. Concentration and formulation change how an ingredient behaves.