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holding charcoal soap

Are There Any Proven Benefits of Charcoal Soap for Skin Health?

April 17, 2022 //  by Joanna//  8 Comments

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In the past, I was terrified of making my own soap. After watching that scene in The Fight Club, I am deathly afraid of handling lye. So that is that.

However, it turns out that there is an easy and completely safe way to make your own soap. It’s called melt-and-pour, it takes mere minutes to do, and you can customize your scent, color, and additives to your liking.

Speaking of movies, maybe you remember the scene in Annie Hall, where Diane Keaton gloats over the novel black soap for “her complexion.” That black soap is obviously one made with charcoal. But are there really any proven benefits of charcoal soap? I had to investigate and try it out for myself.

  • Activated Charcoal vs Charcoal
  • What Is Activated Charcoal?
  • Activated Charcoal Uses
  • Benefits of Charcoal Based Skincare
  • Science About Charcoal Benefits for Skin
  • Is Activated Charcoal Soap Good for You?
  • My Activated Charcoal Soap
    • Ingredients:
    • Equipment:
    • Method:
    • RELATED POST: Handmade face cleansers
  • Prefer to Buy?
  • How To Use the Activated Charcoal Soap?
  • Any Precautions When Using Activated Charcoal Soap?

Activated Charcoal vs Charcoal

Activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal that you would make by burning wood or other substances in your grill or fireplace.

Charcoal is obtained by burning wood in the absence of oxygen. Activated charcoal is obtained by burning carbon-rich materials at higher temperatures, with the addition of other substances.

Askanydifference

Using regular charcoal for health or beauty would be a big mistake. It’s rough, it might not be pure, it’s. mess.

But activated charcoal is a different beast altogether.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is made up of wood, peat, regular coal, and coconut husk or other natural substances.

Activated charcoal is made by processing a material that’s high in carbon at very high temperatures and then “activating” it with steam or hot air. This process increases the material’s surface area and pores, so it’s able to bind to and absorb many types of liquids and gases.

Healthline

Thanks to its larger surface area, it is an excellent absorbent in comparison to standard charcoal.

Because activated charcoal can effectively absorb toxins from its environment, it is often employed specifically for that purpose.

the black bar looks great but are there benefits of charcoal soap
Looks great but what are the benefits of charcoal soap?

Activated Charcoal Uses

Being such an excellent absorbent, activated charcoal is purported to be able to:

  • Bind and remove digested poisons
  • Alleviate intestinal gas and diarrhea
  • Provide water filtration
  • Aid moisture absorption in deodorants
  • Help clean out pores in skincare

Benefits of Charcoal Based Skincare

Activated charcoal skincare is on the rise. Especially health stores carry lots of cleansers, soaps, and masks with activated charcoal as one of their main ingredients.

The purported benefits specifically for skincare include

  • Thorough cleansing of the skin thanks to the porous nature of the charcoal and its ability to remove dirt or grime from the pores.
  • Supposed to be best suited for oily and blemish-prone skin because of its antibacterial properties.
  • It may reduce pore size by deeply cleansing and exfoliating the skin.
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Science About Charcoal Benefits for Skin

The purported benefits of the activated charcoal for the skin are so far only anecdotal.  In one study it was established that activated charcoal takes some time, upwards of half an hour, to bind to the substance that is to be removed, and hence it is rather unlikely that just lathering with it and then rinsing the soap off will result in much binding.

Still, in theory at least, as well as from personal experience, I see benefits of activated charcoal, especially when using it in face masks.

An activated charcoal face mask can help draw out excess sebum, reduce shine, and deep cleanse the pores.

Since I keep such a mask on for around 30 minutes, I believe that the charcoal and bentonite clay together perform their magic and truly cleanse the skin. If you want to find out more, check out this Dirt Magnet mask description.

Even with limited evidence, the absorbing feature of activated charcoal appears most suited for oily and acne-prone skin.

The theory goes that acne can be cleared up when activated charcoal:

  • binds the toxins and impurities
  • absorbs the oil that might be clogging the pores
  • The physical particulates of activated charcoal exfoliate the skin, revealing healthy skin

Is Activated Charcoal Soap Good for You?

According to science, activated charcoal does not have clinically proven benefits. On the other hand, there is also zero evidence that it is harmful in any way.

companies claim that charcoal-containing products can treat acne, dandruff, and others; however, clinical evidence does not support these claims

Charcoal: An ancient material with a new face

Personally, I like the feel and look of the activated charcoal soap bar. That black soap that Annie Hall was loving also lathers very well, and has added ingredients that are definitely helping my skin.

Because I have two teenagers, I started making activated charcoal soap regularly and my kids love it.

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This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and purchase the product I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info see the Terms and Conditions Page. Thank you for supporting Oko-Logic.


My Activated Charcoal Soap

Ingredients:

Melt and Pour Soap Base (I like using Goat Milk or Shea Butter Base)

Activated Charcoal

Bentonite Clay (helps detoxification)

Tea Tree Essential Oil (antibacterial powerhouse)

Cypress Essential Oil (toning)

Lemon Essential Oil (lightening and astringent)

Equipment:

Soap mold or individual molds (widely available online)

Knife or soap cutter

Method:

As mentioned already, using a melt-and-pour base makes the process super easy.

Cut up the base into chunks. My base comes with pre-drawn lines which makes it a breeze.

IMG 8664
IMG 8665

Place the chunks in a pot and heat up until it melts completely.

IMG 8666
IMG 8667

Take off the heat and add charcoal and clay. Mix well with a spoon or spatula.

Pour into your mold. You can use individual molds or one big one. Let it sit for a day at room temperature or a few hours in the fridge.

IMG 8669
IMG 8687

Cut and cure the soap. Let the cut pieces sit at room temperature for a few days before using.

IMG 8688
IMG 8689

RELATED POST: Handmade face cleansers

Prefer to Buy?

If it’s too much hassle to make your own soap, here are a few excellent ready-made choices to consider:

Southern Natural Charcoal Face Soap, is a gentle soap for oily and troubled skin. It’s made with Dead Sea mud, goat milk, and peppermint essential oil, and is gentle enough to use on your face and body.

For the additional benefit of a body massage, you might consider Jack Black Charcoal Body Bar Massaging Soap. This uniquely shaped bar cleanses, exfoliates, and massages muscles to relieve tension.

If you’re not a fan of a soap bar, Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser might be a good choice. It contains kaolin clay to purify pores and remove oil for smooth, revitalized skin. It also protects the skin’s microbiome and natural lipid barrier.

If you want a good, natural soap for “bros”, read this review about a good option.

dermalogica
Screen Shot 2022 04 30 at 6.53.29 PM
Screen Shot 2022 04 30 at 6.56.12 PM

How To Use the Activated Charcoal Soap?

To get all the benefits of charcoal soap follow these steps:

  • Rinse your face with warm water to loosen the dirt and oil.
  • Lather charcoal soap with your hands and apply it to your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth.
  • Use gentle circular motions, focusing on the T-zone and acne-prone regions, scrubbing the face gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Rinse your face with warm water followed by a splash of cold water (this will help seal the pores).
  • Gently pat your face dry with a clean and dry towel.
  • Apply a pore-tightening toner and a follow with your regular skincare regimen

Any Precautions When Using Activated Charcoal Soap?

Generally, activated charcoal products including soap and cleansers are considered safe. However, they might cause eye irritation so make sure to keep the soap away from the eyes.

Also, for very sensitive skin, it makes sense to perform a patch test before using it all over the face or body.


There you have it. An easy and effective DIY to benefit your skin.

If you’re interested in other DIY recipes for clean skincare products, click this:

Are There Any Proven Benefits of Charcoal Soap for Skin Health?Are There Any Proven Benefits of Charcoal Soap for Skin Health?Are There Any Proven Benefits of Charcoal Soap for Skin Health?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nora

    April 21, 2022 at 11:03 am

    Never heard about activated charcoal soap before! Your article was fascinating to read! One never stops learning! Thanks, Joanna!

    Reply
    • Joanna

      April 22, 2022 at 6:50 pm

      You’re so welcome!

      Reply
  2. Jeanine

    April 21, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    This is a great article and I have never tried to make my own soap but you have inspired me as I love the benefits from activated charcoal…

    Reply
    • Joanna

      April 22, 2022 at 6:50 pm

      The melt-and-pour is so easy! And the results are so rewarding. When you cut into that big hunk of soap, it’s like magic!

      Reply
  3. Leah

    April 21, 2022 at 2:54 pm

    I use charcoal bar soap for my face and body but would much prefer to make mine! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Joanna

      April 22, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      Let me know how it goes! I hope you’ll like the process.

      Reply
  4. Jean

    April 21, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    Its so nice to know more about charcoal and there is an activated version. The only time I would use it is when I go to derm clinics. I think Im going to check out some stores and look for activated charcoal soaps.

    Reply
    • Joanna

      April 22, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      Give it a shot. I like the feel of it, and it does not leave any charcoaly residue or anything.

      Reply

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About Joanna

Joanna is a committed researcher and educator, passionate about health and wellness for herself - a cancer thriver - and her family. She is an avid clean cook and baker, a gardener, and an inquisitive formulator of gentle and effective organic skincare products. When not blogging, Joanna teaches college in the field of German Studies. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California.

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JOANNA 🌺 | Blogger
Traveling abroad is so much fun. New cultures, cui Traveling abroad is so much fun. New cultures, cuisines, people you encounter, architecture and history you discover. But did you know that traveling the world is also good for you? The benefits go well beyond de-stressing. 

Read my new blog, link in the bio ⬆️✈️🧳

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Only now when I’m going through my photos I real Only now when I’m going through my photos I realize how much beauty I’ve got to immerse myself in these past few weeks. From the ancient ruins through the masterpieces of the Florentine renaissance to the unsurpassed baroque sculptures in Rome. Here is a little sampling in a photo dump. 

#artlover🎨 #travelinspirations #romanholiday #europeanvacation #traveleducation #arteducationmatters  #seizethemoment #photodump📸 #italyvacation
What can I say, I love me some wine. 🍷 Who’s What can I say, I love me some wine. 🍷 Who’s with me in this? (Content intended for 21+ peeps) Wine, to me, is the best alcoholic beverage as it can really help bring out the flavors of a meal. Or, it is perfect on its own in so many occasions. Recently, during my vacation, I got to try many wines in Italy and Spain but when at home in California, I’m mostly reaching for Californian wines. 

I have been gifted a few of iconic wines from Gary Farrell Vineyard and Wineries and let me tell you, their wines are really worth trying! 

Take this 2018 Chardonnay. It is bright and fresh, bursting with white flowers and apricot aromas, not too oaky or too tiny, just perfectly balanced and expressive of the terroir of the southwestern foothills of the Sonoma Valley. No wonder it received a whooping 95 points from the Wine Enthusiast! Additionally, @garyfarrellwinery is committed to sustainable business and sustainable farming methodologies and committed to diversity and inclusion efforts. Great tasting wine while supporting good causes? Count me in. 

Double tap if you’re a #winelover like me. Which ones are your favorite varieties? Let me know in the comments 🍷🍾

#russianrivervalley #garyfarrellwinery @apexdropofficial #chardonnayday #invinoveritas #californiawine #californiawinery #homeisbest #cozydinner #whitewinelover
This really resonated with me today. During my thr This really resonated with me today. During my three-week-long sojourn in Europe, I forgot all notions of watchful and time-restricted eating, and just enjoyed everything that caught my eye: fatty cheeses, meats, real butter, sumptuous deserts, copious amounts of local wines and spirits if desired. Chances are that most of what I ate was healthy anyways because this is what kind of food I am generally drawn to, and secondly because food is much better regulated over there and the chance of getting junk in the disguise of food is distinctly smaller than back home. 

Balanced with socializing, walking miles on end, dancing, and swimming, I still got home a few pounds lighter. Not only on the scale but also in spirit. No stress, less baggage, relaxed, at peace.

Happy weekend everyone! 😚 

#ballance #healthylivinginsideandout #healthandwellnessjourney #healthychanges #healthcoachlife #betterhealth #midlifewisdom #midlifewellness #midlifetribe #midlifewomenrock #midlifemagic #midlifemotivation #lifestylechoice #yourhealthisyourwealth #behealthybehappy #healthyaging
Life is so good right now. I’m surrounded by lov Life is so good right now. I’m surrounded by love, the beauty of nature, and art. Learning about new cultures, meeting people who live half the world away, trying new cuisines. The only missing part is our kids. Just a few more days…
#summerineurope #lifeisgood❤️ #rockingmidlife #midlifewomen #happyandblessed #barcelonaspain #joanmiro
So much fun! Picking organic cherries with my dad So much fun! Picking organic cherries with my dad in my hometown. Five in the bucket, two in my belly. Yum! 

#eatplantbased #cherryseason #inpoland #summervacation2022 #fruitarian
This motto: carpe diem. Living by it every single This motto: carpe diem. Living by it every single day @amalficoast_italy 🍋❤️🇮🇹 #carpediem_italy #liveyourbestlife♥️ #happinessismade #behappy😊 #livingthebestlife
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes. O Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes. Other times it is just there. Look at this amazing sculpture by Bernini, The Rape of Persephone. So amazing! Check out the way he manages to show the figures in motion, how he makes the stone come alive. Is this still marble or is it flesh come alive? Just wanted to share. #bernini #villaborghese #baroqueart #beautyofart #romeitaly
It’s time for my summer break. I’ll be enjoyin It’s time for my summer break. I’ll be enjoying la dolce vita in Rome for a while, then sailing the Mediterranean, visiting my family in Poland and finally digging into Gaudi’s and Miro’s art in Barcelona. I might be posting sporadically but mostly I will enjoy the time away from screens of any kind. 
Enjoy the video with the sounds from a random church in Rome. I’m hearing it all the time while walking. Wonderfully meditative!
Have a great July and see you here back in August 😘❤️🇮🇹🇬🇷🇵🇱🇪🇸
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