- Beauty Glossary
- Charcoal
Charcoal Beauty Products
Charcoal is an ingredient that has swarmed beauty shelves over the years.
It's in everything from our face masks to our toothpaste, but what is it and what does it do, exactly? We answer all your FAQs.
See our charcoal guide to answer your questions like what is charcoal and how does activated charcoal work.
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Brands With Charcoal Products
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Slip Silk Queen Pillowcase
GLAMGLOW Starpotion Charcoal Oil
ELEMIS Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask
GLAMGLOW Superserum
Patchology Breakout Box
Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Palette
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Foundation
GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask
Erborian Black Scrub Mask
Clinique City Block Charcoal Mask & Scrub
This Works Evening Detox Clay Mask
Erno Laszlo Detoxifying Hydrogel Sheet Mask
MAC Small Eyeshadow
GLAMGLOW Bubblesheet Mask
The Ordinary The Balance Set
Biolage R.A.W Re Bodify Mask
Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo
Yes To Tomatoes 2 Step Nose Kit
Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Charcoal Mask
TIGI Bed Head Wise Up Scalp Shampoo
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Mask
Erno Laszlo Detox Ritual Set
Erno Laszlo Detoxifying Cleansing Oil
Acqua di Parma Barbiere Pumice Face Scrub
Acqua di Parma Barbiere Face Clay Mask
DIOR Sauvage Shaving Gel
AHAVA Dunaliella Peel Off Mask
Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser
Rodial Snake Bubble Mask Pack Of 8
DIOR Diorshow Black Out Mascara
Payot Paris Optimale Gel Desincrustant Charbon: Anti-Imperfections Facial Cleanser
Erno Laszlo Detoxifying Cleansing Set
Illamasqua Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
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Frequently Asked Questions about Charcoal products
What is charcoal?
It’s time to get technical: activated charcoal is the by-product of carbon-containing materials such as wood, coconut shells and peat (not the charcoal used for your summer BBQs). It’s been used in Ayurvedic treatments for centuries to treat issues such as gut health and is loved so much that it’s dubbed ‘black magic’.
How does activated charcoal work?
To put it simply, activated charcoal is more porous than regular charcoal. It boasts a negative electric charge, meaning it can attract, trap and absorb harmful toxins and chemicals before our body absorbs them. In fact, charcoal can hold over a thousand times its own mass, making it an ideal all-natural way to draw out dirt and impurities.
Why is charcoal used in beauty products?
There’s a reason why charcoal has stormed beauty formulas. It works by pushing oils, dead skin cells and bacteria to the surface of your skin, before absorbing them and carrying them away when you rinse your face. As a result, you’re left with a radiant complexion that’s totally clean and clear.
Why are charcoal masks good for your skin?
Charcoal face masks are your one-stop shop to a purified and clear complexion. Whether it’s a peel-off, foaming or sheet formula, they help to zap zits, banish breakouts, shrink pores and prevent blackheads.
What skin type is charcoal best for?
All skin types can use charcoal-infused products, but they are especially recommended for those who suffer with acne, blackheads and excess oil.
As charcoal tends to be quite stripping, it’s advised that you avoid using it frequently on dry areas of skin.
How does black charcoal for whiter teeth actually work?
In the same way that charcoal works for skin, it works for teeth. Stains, tartar and bacteria are all swooped up by the charcoal’s pores and washed away when you rinse your mouth. With frequent use, you can expect to reveal noticeably whiter teeth.
Are charcoal beauty products safe?
Totally. Your skin never absorbs the charcoal, which makes it completely safe for topical use. When it comes to brushing though, it can wear down the enamel on your teeth over time, so be sure to use a charcoal toothpaste that isn’t too abrasive.
Written by Hannah Liddle, Beauty Editor
