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12 Activated Charcoal Beauty Products Giving Your Routine A Much-Needed Detox
Worth the hype.
Activated charcoal. Heard of it before? We're not surprised. You've probably seen a slew of black soaps, face masks, toothpastes and exfoliators bombarding your Insta feeds.
The reason? When used properly, this beauty 'it' ingredient is well worth the hype. Toxins are attracted to the charcoal like a magnet as the product is used, resulting in minimised pores and brighter, well exfoliated and deeply cleansed skin. If it's a hair product, it can reduce dandruff and even add a little va-va-volume. Don't even get us started on the charcoal toothpaste benefits. Let's just say - black toothpaste really does give you whiter teeth. Plus point: it's natural and free of all those unnecessary chemicals.
How does charcoal work in beauty products?
'It has long been accepted that charcoal has a cleansing effect on the skin, often recommended for oily skin types because it absorbs excess oil without drying and purge pores of impurities', explains facialist and skincare specialist Debbie Thomas.
'This action of deep cleansing means pores will appear more refined and less visible, skin will feel softer and smoother. However, now it seems the detoxifying action charcoal could have even better benefits than first realised, we now know that toxins such heavy metals and chemicals (both found in pollution) are drawn to and bind with the charcoal, which is then rinsed away taking potentially ageing and irritating toxic particles with it.'
Check out the best activated charcoal beauty products you need to get your hands on right now.
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores 75ml
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores 75ml
Formulated with active bamboo charcoal, this purifying mask uses White China clay to remove impurities and unclog pores. Simply paint on, leave for 15 minutes and wash off.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Peppermint Oil Cooling Jelly Conditioner
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Peppermint Oil Cooling Jelly Conditioner
Ideal for your hair as well as your skin, Briogeo's charcoal-infused jelly conditioner is the ideal scalp treatment. Cooling peppermint and tea tree oil help to soothe irritation and reduce oiliness whilst charcoal gets to work on removing dirt and grime.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Balancing Conditioner
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Balancing Conditioner
One for greasy hair sufferers, this genius balancing conditioner uses charcoal to remove dirt and grime without weighing your lengths down.
'The PCA Skin detoxifying mask has a more traditional feel about it as it dries to a clay finish,' says Thomas. 'The added kaolin and magnesium give an even deeper cleanse.'
Joanna Vargas Miracle Bar - £18
Named for the 'miracles' it works on your skin, this charcoal-infused soap bar softens, cleanses and detoxes skin for a more radiant complexion. Use all over your body for a truly purifying lather.
Le Labo Charcoal Face Mask - £32
Although Le Labo might be best known for their intoxicating perfumes, this jet black charcoal face mask is completely scent-free making it perfect for sensitive skin. Formulated with clarifying Bitter Almond and repairing Radish Seed, this does the job of a detoxing clay mask minus the dryness.
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