Collection: Activated Charcoal

Clays & Minerals

Activated Carbon

Activated charcoal is produced by heating carbon-rich materials, most commonly coconut shells or wood, to extremely high temperatures in a low-oxygen environment, then activating them with steam or chemical treatment to create an extraordinarily porous structure. This process gives activated charcoal a large surface area that makes it such an effective adsorbent in skincare and hair formulas.

In soap and hair formulas, activated charcoal produces dramatic deep black and charcoal grey tones, and contributes its well-documented pore-clearing and purifying properties to formulas designed for oily, congested, or blemish-prone skin.

How It Works

Activated charcoal works through adsorption, a process where substances bind to the surface of the charcoal particles rather than being absorbed into them. This allows it to attract and bind to impurities, excess sebum, and debris on the skin surface, drawing them into the lather to be rinsed away. In soap, it is used in carefully balanced amounts to ensure the purifying effect is present without the potential for excessive dryness or color transfer to towels and washcloths.

Character

Character: Deeply purifying, pore-clearing, dramatically pigmenting
Best for: Oily, congested, or blemish-prone skin and hair that has excess buildup, whether oil or product residue

For external use only. As with all new products, we recommend a patch test before first use. The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.