Why is Activated Charcoal Trending in Skincare?

Skin Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has been a holy grail ingredient in the beauty industry for a while now and for good reason. Activated charcoal might just be the secret to imparting a flawless, healthy and glowing complexion, and why it is the ultimate pore purifier. But what is so good about activated charcoal and why is it found in so many skincare, haircare, beauty, oral care and even hygiene products?

Well apart from being an all-natural ingredient, activated charcoal in skincare is a great exfoliator and is incredibly absorbent. This benefit is why charcoal toothpaste is renowned for whitening and brightening. Similarly in skincare, the carbon component within activated charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out all the excess oil and dirt from our skin, and therefore, helps minimise pores pores, prevent breakouts and aid blackhead removal. In addition, it is also known for its key anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Activated charcoal has the ability to draw out harmful bacteria from your skin, keeping it healthy and clean whilst exfoliating and tightening the skin, making this a fantastic ingredient to seek out in skincare for acne & blemishes.

This skin clarifying agent is not only great for acne-prone skin types, but it also is known to fight the signs of ageing. The reason for this is that activated charcoal can also help attract and remove the harmful pollutants from your skin that can cause skin ageing oxidation, helping your skin to look healthier and smoother. Furthermore, charcoal also fights pigmentation, improving your overall complexion with a more even tone and appearance.

We've rounded up our best-selling skincare products that harness the power of charcoal to help solve all your skincare woes and unleash your most radiant skin yet.

Eminence Charcoal & Black Seed Mask Clay Masque

This deep cleansing weekly mask purifies, detoxifies and clarifies the pores whilst absorbing excess oil to control unwanted shine. Formulated with activated charcoal and clay, this deeply cleansing and pore purifying treatment unveils a healthy, clear complexion making it the perfect mask for oily or combination skins. Furthermore, the skin is left feeling clarified and hydrated, as this all natural drawing mask leaves the skin refreshed.

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Hunter Lab Charcoal Cleansing Stick

This award-winning cleansing balm is formulated with activated charcoal to absorb impurities whilst powerful antioxidants fend of free-radical damage that can cause signs of premature ageing. The gentle formulation also features Vitamin E and coconut oil to deliver deep moisturisation for the skin whilst it effectively purifies, softens and protects the skin every cleanse.

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AHAVA Dunaliella Algae Refresh & Smooth Peel-off Mask

If your skin is dull or congested, then look no further than this satisfying peel-off mask from AHAVA. This detoxifying charcoal face mask skincare expertly lifts impurities and pollution out of the pores which in turn, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores. In addition, this deep treatment charcoal skincare mask softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whist eliminating blackheads to leave the skin soft, clear and well purified.

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Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant

If you are like me and love using one product that does it all, then you'll love this multi-tasking daily exfoliant designed to detoxify, brighten and invigorate the skin. This Dermalogica water-activated powder leverages activated Binchotan charcoal to absorb pollution and debris from the pores whilst enzymes and AHAs step in to resurface and renew. Furthermore, the skin is left feeling soft, smooth in texture and refines as the pollution drawing power of charcoal works wonders to elevate natural skin luminosity.

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CosMedix Detox Mask

Also known as a magnet for impurities, this detox mask is the perfect solution to unclog pores and clear congested skin. Formulated with activated charcoal and kaolin clay to purify the skin and brighten the complexion, this hero charcoal mask leaves the skin soothed and calm. Moreover, these ingredients work synergistically to draw out impurities and curb oily shine which also helps minimise the appearance of enlarges pores.

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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

A best-seller for acneic, oily or blemish prone skins, this refining mask harnesses the purifying power of activated charcoal to deeply decongest pores and give the skin a good detox. The clever addition of Salicylic acid & BHA further exfoliates to refine the skin's texture and brighten its appearance. Moreover, resulting in a smoother and more glowing complexion.

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