Activated Charcoal- Ingredient Highlight

Activated Charcoal is a fine black powder that is made from a variety of ingredients, like bamboo, coconut shells, or olive pits. The activated charcoal we use is made from coconut shells. The substances in activated charcoal are heated to very high temperatures with very low oxygen concentrations, which makes it extremely porous at the cellular level. For a mental picture think of a microscopic sponge. This is why charcoal is known to absorb toxins and carry them out of the body.

The use of charcoal for the body dates back as far as 1500 B.C. when Egyptians used it to preserve the bodies of their dead. It was first used in a medical capacity around 400 B.C. to treat what we would now call vertigo, epilepsy and anaemia. It was also used for wounds, burns and surgical procedures. When bad bacteria or toxins are in our  body, it was recognized that charcoal would draw out the bad disease leaving only clean flesh behind.

The development of activated charcoal happened sometime between 1870 and 1920. It was used widely in all hospitals and clinics for many purposes. Still today charcoal is used by all healthcare providers to absorb impurities, infections and toxins from the body. 

Recently, activated charcoal has been used in many skincare products. Why? It turns out that charcoal can improve the health of your skin. It is added to products like deodorant, face wash, face masks, soaps, and shampoos. 

Here are a few ways charcoal can benefit your skin:

• Reduce odor. Activated charcoal actually absorbs odor. It binds to undesirable elements in your body and draws them out.
• Removes bacteria. It can absorb environmental toxins and binds to dirt, pulling it out of your pores. This makes your pores less visible and leaves your face feeing fresh.
• Reduces oil in skin. If you struggle with oily skin, activated charcoal may be just what you need. It pulls excess oils from your skin, leaving it nice and smooth.
• Gentle exfoliator. Activated charcoal has a light gritty texture. It also absorbs oils and toxins from skin which makes it a great exfoliator.

Activated Charcoal is extremely cleansing and, as an added bonus, is great for fighting acne. We use it in a number of our skincare products like our all-natural, eco-friendly “Activated Charcoal & Black Salt Detox Solid Shampoo and Beard Wash.” Our Shampoo Bars will change how you think about shampoo. They are made with organic, plant-based oils and botanicals that create a rich and creamy lather. One bar is equivalent to four bottles of shampoo! It is also great for allergy sensitive skin.

Activated charcoal has grown in popularity in skincare because it can be an effective way to improve your skin. If you would like to experience the benefits for yourself, check out our linked products. Read more of our ingredient highlights here - “Ingredient Highlight”. Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.