Activated charcoal isn’t exactly a new product. It’s been floating around in health and wellness communities for years.
However, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have shed new light on activated charcoal and its use as a “skincare savior.”
So, is the hype surrounding activated charcoal justified? In this post, we’ll introduce activated charcoal including its potential benefits as a skincare agent. We’ll then share our verdict on whether activated charcoal is truly a skincare superhero or just an ineffective hype.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Charcoal is a substance that is produced when items with high carbon content – e.g. wood, coal, charred bone – are burned. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been further treated with oxygen at high temperatures.
Activated charcoal has many uses. Its most popular uses include as a filter for water filtration systems and in the treatment of poisonings and overdoses in humans and animals.
Activated Charcoal in Skincare: Benefits
In more recent years, you may have noticed an increase in the number of skincare products with activated charcoal as a main ingredient.
That’s because it does have numerous benefits.
It Removes Impurities
When used in the form of a peel-off mask, activated charcoal is beneficial in enlarging the pores so as to provide a deeper clean. This means that activated charcoal is able to penetrate deep into the skin to remove bacteria, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and any other impurities.
It Soaks Up Excess Sebum
Activated charcoal is a high-absorbancy substance. It works by drawing excess oil from the skin so as to reduce oiliness and all of the issues that come along with it. Namely, clogged pores and a shiny appearance.
If you suffer from oily skin, then an activated charcoal daily cleanser would be a good product to try. While masks can be beneficial, the daily cleanser will provide the greatest benefit.
It Clears Blemishes
We know that activated charcoal removes impurities like dead skin cells and sebum plugs. We also know it can soak up excess sebum to prevent further pore clogging.
Along with that, activated charcoal has been shown to lighten skin when used regularly.
This combination means that activated charcoal can be useful in reducing acne and other blemishes, like skin discoloration, when used as part of your regular skincare routine.
Are There Risks to Using Activated Charcoal?
While the use of activated charcoal in skincare products has not been extensively studied, the few studies that do exist do not seem to show any significant risk or side effects associated with use.
When using any new product, though, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin (e.g. inner wrist) before applying to your face.
Where activated charcoal may pose health risks is when it’s taken orally. Side effects include constipation, black stools, and vomiting. You should only take activated charcoal orally under the direction of a medical professional.
Is Activated Charcoal Worth the Hype?
As with any trending skincare ingredient, it’s important to lower your expectations before adding it to your routine.
Activated charcoal is not likely to solve all of your skincare problems.
Our verdict: Activated charcoal in skincare products can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. It’s not the miracle that so many companies will have you believe. However, it does provide noticeable and, in some cases, scientifically proven benefits.