By exposing carbon (charcoal) to certain chemicals and high temperatures, the element becomes more porous. Its surface opens up like a honeycomb, creating pockets that draw out impurities like magic. In fact, carbon draws out impurities no matter what, but “activating” it and creating bigger pores on its surface helps it draw out even more than it would otherwise. It also happens to be antibacterial, which means when applied to your skin, it’s like a vacuum for the stuff that clogs pores.
Not only is activated carbon in almost every water filter on the market, whether it’s for drinking or for your fish tank, it’s also been used for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used it to clean wounds and ancient Hindus also used it for water filtration. Though, they probably used regular carbon that wasn’t activated.
Be aware, we’re not talking about the charcoal you buy in summertime to light the grill, this is a different, completely safe, form that’s being put into new skincare products, coloring them black and receiving rave reviews by beauty bloggers. So, where can you get them? Check out the products listed below to find out!
Get Ready For Charcoal-Based Beauty Products
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LUSH COALFACE Dark Angels Velvety Black Sugar Cleanser
Sugar and charcoal exfoliate and draw impurities out of your skin while ingredients like avocado oil make sure its baby soft.
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LUSH COALFACE Cleansing Charcoal Bar
Cleverly shaped like a piece of coal, this bar soap has oils to nourish and charcoal to cleanse and exfoliate.
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boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal
Use this instead of your standard hand towel to add extra skin softening and clearing benefits. Just add your regular cleanser and massage away impurities.
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Skin Diver Origins Active Charcoal Body Wash
Wintergreen and bamboo charcoal make this body wash your go-to to keep body skin cleansed and bacne at bay.
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Shamuanti Activated Charcoal Cleanser
The addition of maple extract helps exfoliate. This can also be used to deodorize and shave with!
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Biore Charcoal Self Heating Mask
From the brand that's all about drawing impurities from your skin comes this tingling heating mask that's perfect for when you feel you need a really deep down clean.
