My first experience with activated charcoal was in December 2012 and it wasn’t a good one. Five days before Christmas, my cat ate a block of rat poison. Yes, a whole block. My husband rushed him to the vet and they tried to save him with activated charcoal. Ultimately it was too late and we had to put our cat down.

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that is different from the charcoal in your grill. It becomes “activated” by heating carbon-rich materials like coal, wood, or coconut shells at very high temperatures. The result is a porous material that can absorb impurities. It’s used in the ER (including vets) to treat overdoes and poisonings like my cat had.

Despite all the claims that it doesn’t live up to the hype, and the potential side effects, it’s actually pretty awesome, especially in skincare products. I am living anecdotal evidence that it does indeed soak up the oil in my skin and the sour in my stomach. This is just my experience and not medical advice.

I started using activated charcoal in my skincare routine in 2017, and now it’s a staple in our house. The key is knowing what you’re getting. It will not “detox” you or your skin. What it will do is bind to oil and other contaminants, and remove them when rinsed, leaving behind fresh, clean skin.

A Few Words of Caution

Activated charcoal skincare products are best for oily and acne-prone skin. It will dry out your skin. Use caution if your skin is dry, you have eczema, rosacea or any other skin sensitivity. If your skin is somewhere in between, a deep-cleaning mask or cleanser once or twice a week is probably enough.

If you take activated charcoal as a supplement, I suggest taking the minimum amount to start. Too much can cause constipation, black stools, nausea, or dehydration. I take it only when absolutely necessary, and at least 2 hours after taking medication. Activated charcoal will absorb medication along with toxins. Please do your research and be careful with things like birth control pills and anti-depressants. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

That Said, Here Are My Four Favorite Charcoal Self-Care Products

• Stripper: The Stripper Deep Cleansing Face & Body Mask is a Perfectly Posh original. You can use this mask on your face and body to absorb oil and impurities. It works great on armpits and the bottoms of your feet.
• Sawyer Naturals All Natural Deodorant: I have searched for 15+ years for a natural deodorant, and this one is by far the best I’ve tried. The activated charcoal helps absorb sweat, and the essential oils neutralize the bacteria on your skin. It works and it’s amazing. My favorite scent is Carolina Sunset, a beautiful blend of orange and lavender.
• Earthley Wellness Activated Charcoal Capsules: If you have an upset stomach, these are incredible. The activated charcoal soaks up the yuck in your stomach. It’s fast-acting. I give these to my oldest and my husband when their stomachs hurt and it helps. Since I do take several medications to manage chronic migraine, I tend to try the Infant Tummy Relief first (which is not just for babies!).
• Gender Bender Chunk Big Bath Bar: Another Perfectly Posh staple in our house, the Gender Bender soap is for everyone. The charcoal helps dry up oil, and it has a delicious light orange and amber scent. The Gender Bender is famous for it’s many uses besides the shower!

A Few More Precautions

If you’re thinking about trying activated charcoal, be informed and look at the ingredients to make sure you’re getting the real deal. For skincare, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist for 24 hours. If there’s no reaction, that’s your signal to try it elsewhere.

If you use activated charcoal, I’d love to know your favorites! I’m always on the lookout for new things to try.

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