16 Uses of Activated Charcoal for Beautiful Skin and Gorgeous Hair

Have your Instagram and Pinterest feeds been flooded with pictures of women donning black peel-off masks or drinking pitch-black detox drinks?

Well, it’s not the Goth era taking over, but a gritty black ingredient taking the beauty world by storm – activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is an inexpensive beauty miracle that can easily reverse skin damage to give your skin a healthy and natural glow. Also, it can be taken internally to detox your body, improve digestion, and more.

Before we dive into the many beauty benefits of activated charcoal, let’s understand what it really is and how it works.

Activated charcoal is a common charcoal that is heated in such a way that it develops multiple microscopic pores. Since it is not absorbed by the skin, activated charcoal’s highly absorbent pores can deep clean your skin, drawing dirt, sebum, and bacteria out of your pores.

It is this quality that makes activated charcoal a prominent ingredient in detoxifying face masks and other beauty remedies.

Since there are numerous DIYs floating around, we tried some of the popular recipes and bring you the 16 uses of activated charcoal for beautiful skin and gorgeous hair.

Method 1: DIY Eyeliner

Eyeliners are a beauty essential to give more definition to your expressive eyes.

Since commercial eyeliners are way too expensive to be used on a daily basis, you can use activated charcoal mixed with other common ingredients to make your own deep-black eyeliner.

Not only will it help your budget, but it’s also a much safer option to use on the delicate skin around your peepers, making this one of the best uses of activated charcoal for beauty.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (viscosity) —1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil (moisturizer and antibacterial) —1 teaspoon
• Activated charcoal powder (black tint) —1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel

• Put 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon each of aloe vera gel and coconut oil. You can use either fresh or packaged aloe vera gel.

Step 2. Blend the ingredients & put the eyeliner in a container

• Stir the ingredients until the oil blends with the charcoal and aloe vera gel. You can adjust the quantities of the aloe vera gel or coconut oil to get the desired thickness.
• Transfer the eyeliner to a small container.

When stored in a dark and cool place, the shelf life of this DIY eyeliner is 2 to 3 weeks. To avoid contamination, use a clean brush every time for application.

You can learn how to make homemade makeup with natural ingredients here.

Method 2: DIY Mascara

Activated charcoal can also be used to make inexpensive mascara. This easy recipe uses beeswax and coconut oil that coat your lashes to add more volume.

The beeswax also makes the mascara waterproof. The recipe also contains castor oil and vitamin E oil that will help naturally thicken your lashes over time.

Things you’ll need:

• Vitamin E oil (thickens eyelashes) — ⅛ teaspoon
• Castor oil (thickens eyelashes) — 1½ teaspoons
• Beeswax, shredded (waterproofs mascara) — 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil (adds volume) — ½ tablespoon
• Activated charcoal powder (black tint) — 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal, coconut oil, and castor oil

• Put 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal in a heat-safe glass bowl.
• Add ½ tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Also, add 1½ teaspoons of castor oil.

Step 2. Add beeswax and vitamin E oil

• Add 1 teaspoon of shredded beeswax to the mix.
• Also, add ⅛ teaspoon of vitamin E oil.

Step 3. Melt the ingredients in a double boiler & store

• Arrange a double boiler and place the bowl with the ingredients in it.
• Stir the ingredients over medium heat until the beeswax melts and blends with both the oils.
• Once done, remove the bowl from the heat.
• Wait a minute to allow the blend to cool off, then transfer it to an empty mascara bottle. Use a funnel to avoid spillage.
• Close the cap and wait 30 to 60 minutes to allow the mascara to set, then it’s ready for use.

The shelf life of this homemade mascara is 1 to 2 months.

Method 3: Body Odor Cure

Body odor is an embarrassing problem for many people. Activated charcoal very effectively absorbs the bacteria and toxins that cause body odor.

This DIY deodorant stick recipe also uses cornstarch and baking soda that absorb sweat to get rid of body odor. The coconut oil helps bind all the ingredients and also moisturizes the skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Cornstarch (absorbs sweat) – 2½ tablespoons
• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs toxins) – 1 teaspoon
• Baking soda (absorbs sweat and neutralizes odor) – 2½ tablespoons
• Extra-virgin coconut oil, melted (moisturizer and binding agent) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal, cornstarch, and baking soda

• Put 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal in a mixing bowl.
• Add 2½ tablespoons of baking soda.
• Also, add 2½ tablespoons of cornstarch.
• Mix the three ingredients well.

Step 2. Add coconut oil & put the mix into a deodorant applicator

• Add 2 tablespoons of melted extra-virgin coconut oil to the dry mix.
• Mix everything well to get a thick paste.
• Spoon the paste into an empty deodorant applicator.
• Allow the coconut oil to harden and the deodorant to set into a firm stick.

Use it instead of your regular deodorant to banish body odor.

The shelf life of this deodorant stick is 2 to 3 months.

Method 4: Facial Cleanser

Your skin is continuously exposed to dirt and pollution that accumulate and dull your skin’s appearance. The skin’s natural oil and dead skins cells further clog the pores and lead to breakouts.

To counter this, you can make your own facial cleanser using activated charcoal that will absorb the impurities and toxins to leave your skin clean and fresh.

This DIY cleanser recipe uses coconut oil that helps hydrate and nourish your skin. The baking soda helps gently exfoliate, and the essential oils soothe your skin, making this one of the best uses of activated charcoal for beauty.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs excess oil and impurities) – 1 tablespoon
• Organic coconut oil, melted (moisturizes skin) – ½ cup
• Baking soda (exfoliates) – 1 tablespoon
• Rosemary essential oil (reduces inflammation) – 2 or 3 drops
• Lavender essential oil (controls acne) – 2 or 3 drops

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal and coconut oil

• Put 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder in a mixing bowl.
• Add ½ cup of melted organic coconut oil.

Step 2. Add baking soda and essential oils

• Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the mix.
• Finally, add 2 or 3 drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils.

Step 3. Blend well, pour it into a bottle & use

• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to get a consistent blend.
• Transfer it using a funnel into a clean dispenser bottle.
• Use the cleanser to gently exfoliate your skin, rubbing it in small circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Rinse it off with water and pat dry your face with a soft towel.

Use this activated charcoal cleanser 2 or 3 times a week for clear and smooth skin. The shelf life of the cleanser is 6 months.

Method 5: DIY Peel-Off Mask

The versatile activated charcoal can also be concocted into a peel-off mask to get clear and glowing skin.

This DIY mask deep cleans your face, as the porous particles of the charcoal bind with the oil and dirt clogging your pores.

Things you’ll need:

• Gelatin, unflavored – 1 teaspoon
• Distilled water – 1 tablespoon
• Activated charcoal powder (cleans pores) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Melt the gelatin, activated charcoal, and distilled water in a double boiler

• Set up a double boiler and place a heat-resistant bowl in it.
• Add 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in the bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of gelatin powder.
• Also, add 1 tablespoon of distilled water.
• Stir the ingredients constantly on low heat.
• Once the gelatin has melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool off a bit.

Step 2. Apply the peel-off mask to cleanse and enhance your skin

• Clean and dry your face before applying the mask.
• You can either apply it to your entire face or just target the areas that are most prone to blackheads, such as the nose and chin.
• Keep it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then slowly peel off the mask in an upward direction.
• Wash and pat dry your face.
• Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.

Use this mask 3 or 4 times a month to maintain clear and glowing skin.

Method 6: Acne Soother

Acne is one of the most common skin troubles. When the hair follicles get clogged with sebum and dirt, it leads to inflammation in the form of red, pus-filled bumps on the skin.

Absorbent activated charcoal can be of help. This remedy also includes tea tree oil that works as an antibacterial agent to kill the bacteria, causing the acne.

The witch hazel in it acts as an astringent, and its antibacterial nature prevents future breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder – 1 teaspoon (3 capsules)
• Tea tree essential oil (antibacterial) – 3 or 4 drops
• Witch hazel (astringent) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal, tea tree oil, and witch hazel

• Put 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal in a bowl. If using capsules, empty 3 charcoal capsules into the bowl.
• Add 3 or 4 drops of tea tree oil.
• Add 3 or 4 drops of witch hazel as well.

Step 2. Mix well & apply it to the acne spots

• Use a cotton swab to mix the ingredients well and form a paste.
• Using the same swab, apply the paste to your acne spots.
• Let the paste dry completely, then wash it off with water.
• Apply a light moisturizer.

Use this mask once or twice weekly.

Method 7: Blackhead and Whitehead Remover

Blackheads and whiteheads are a common and persistent skin problem, particularly for people with oily skin.

Their skin pores easily get clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, which gets oxidized by exposure to air and turns black, creating blackheads.

Activated charcoal along with clay can help you get rid of blackheads and whiteheads for good. The clay also helps shrink your pores and tighten your skin.

This DIY mask also uses apple cider vinegar that kills any bacteria in the pores and helps prevent acne breakouts.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs excess oil and impurities) – ½ teaspoon
• Clay powder (absorbs oil and tightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Apple cider vinegar (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
• Water

Step 1. Combine the four ingredients in a glass bowl

• Add ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in a non-metallic bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of clay powder.
• Add 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• Add enough water to make a smooth paste.

Step 2. Mix well & apply the face mask

• Use a plastic or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Apply the mask on your face, covering all the oily patches, especially around the nose and cheeks.
• Let it sit for 7 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
• Pat dry your skin and apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.

Apply this DIY face mask 1 or 2 times a week to banish blackheads and whiteheads.

Method 8: Anti-Aging Face Mask

Environmental pollution and excessive use of chemical products can cause your skin to age prematurely. As a result, your skin appears dull.

This mask will help exfoliate and help your cells to rejuvenate, and your moisturizer will be more effective.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder – 1 tablespoon
• Extra-virgin coconut oil, melted (hydrated and nourishes skin) – 1 teaspoon
• Water – a few drops

Step 1. Make a paste with activated charcoal, coconut oil, and water

• Put 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of melted extra-virgin coconut oil.
• Mix the two well.
• Mix in a few drops of water to form a consistent paste.

Step 2. Apply a thin layer of the mask to combat aging signs

• Clean and dry your face before applying the mask.
• Use an applicator brush to apply a thin, even layer of the mask on your entire face, sans the eye area.
• Let the mask air-dry completely.
• Rinse it off, pat dry your skin and apply a moisturizer.

Use this mask 1 or 2 times a week to reduce signs of aging.

Method 9: Face Mask for Oily Skin

Excessively oily skin can make your face gleam unnecessarily. That extra layer of oil on your face also attracts dirt and impurities and leads to several skin troubles.

An easy way to manage your oily skin is to use this activated charcoal-based face mask.

The mask contains clay that, along with the charcoal, soaks up excess oil from your skin. The green tea in the mask works as an astringent, and its antioxidants help repair skin damage.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs excess oil) – 1 teaspoon
• Clay powder (absorbs excess oil and toxins) – 1 tablespoon
• Green tea (astringent and rich in antioxidants) – enough to form a paste

Step 1. Combine activated charcoal, clay powder, and green tea in a glass bowl

• Add 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in a glass bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of clay powder.
• Add enough green tea to it to form a paste.

Step 2. Mix well & apply the mask to get rid of excess oil on your face

• Mix the ingredients well. You can add more green tea to get the desired consistency.
• Apply a thin layer of the pack all over your face, except the eye area.
• Let the mask work for 15 minutes to draw out excess oil from your pores.
• Wipe off the mask with a damp washcloth.
• Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer.

Use the mask twice weekly to control excess oil secretion.

Method 10: DIY Teeth Whitener

Activated charcoal can also come handy to keep your pearly whites white and helps prevent plaque buildup.

It will also get rid of the bad bacteria that can cause bad breath or other tooth troubles, making this one of the best uses of activated charcoal for beauty.

This teeth-whitening recipe also contains antibacterial agents, such as sea salt, coconut oil, and clove, that help maintain oral health.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs stains) – ½ teaspoon
• Natural clay (absorbs stains and whitens teeth) – 2 tablespoons
• Sea salt (antibacterial and antiseptic) – ¼ teaspoon
• Organic ground cloves (antibacterial) – ¼ teaspoon
• Xylitol powder (natural sweetener) – 2 teaspoons
• Extra-virgin coconut oil, melted (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Peppermint essential oil – 10 drops
• Filtered water – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine the dry ingredients

• Put ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal in a mixing bowl.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves.
• Add 2 teaspoons of xylitol powder.

Step 2. Add clay powder and sea salt

• Add 2 tablespoons of clay powder.
• Finally, add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt.

Step 3. Add the wet ingredients

• Add 1 tablespoon of melted extra-virgin coconut oil.
• Add 2 tablespoons of filtered water to bind all the ingredients.
• Finish up by adding 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Step 4. Mix well & store the paste in a non-metallic container for use

• Use a non-metallic or wooden spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
• Take some of the paste on your toothbrush, and brush your teeth with it for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Once done, thoroughly rinse your mouth with plain water.

Use this DIY whitening toothpaste 2 or 3 times a week to keep your teeth sparkling and also banish bad bacteria in your mouth.

The shelf life of this toothpaste is 1 to 2 months.

Method 11: Treat Dark Underarms

Excessive use of antiperspirants, hair removal creams, exposure to sun, or certain medical conditions can make the skin on your underarms turn dark.

An easy solution to this embarrassing problem is applying some activated charcoal. The granules will absorb the toxins from your skin pores.

The honey in this recipe will make the charcoal adhere to the skin and also improve its appearance by keeping the skin hydrated.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (draws out toxins) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (improves skin tone) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Method: Apply a mix of honey and charcoal on your dark underarms

• Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder to form a sticky, black paste. You can use Manuka honey to increase the effectiveness of this remedy.
• Smear a thick layer of the paste over your underarms, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin. You need not apply a moisturizer, as the honey will hydrate the skin.

Use it twice weekly for 4 to 5 weeks to treat dark underarms.

Method 12: Face Wash

Ditch your regular face wash for this extra clarifying, activated charcoal face wash.

The activated charcoal will take away all the accumulated dirt clogging your skin pores, while the rose water in the recipe will work as a mild astringent.

The lavender essential oil in it will soothe and refresh your skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (draws out impurities) – ½ teaspoon
• Liquid Castile soap (adds suds) – 2 tablespoons
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin) – 5 drops
• Rosewater (mild astringent) – 4 tablespoons
• Water – ½ cup

Step 1. Combine charcoal, rose water, Castile soap, and water

• Put ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder in a pitcher.
• Add 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap.
• Pour 4 tablespoons of rose water into the pitcher.
• Add ½ cup of water to dilute the ingredients.

Step 2. Mix in lavender essential oil & put the face wash in a dispenser bottle

• Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to the mix and stir it in well.
• Use a funnel to transfer the prepared face wash into a dispenser bottle or old face wash bottle.
• Use it like your regular face wash to keep your skin clean and clear.

You can discover more DIY recipes to make your own face wash and cleanser here.

Method 13: Hair Growth Booster

Hairstyling products and chemical-based shampoos can lead to a product buildup on your scalp and hair.

This ruins the natural texture of your mane and also clogs the hair follicles, slowing down hair growth.

Activated charcoal can counter this by absorbing product residue from your scalp and hair, and unclogging the hair follicles to boost hair growth.

Things you’ll need:

• Shampoo – 1 tablespoon
• Activated charcoal powder (cleanses the scalp) – ¼ teaspoon

Single-Step Method: Add activated charcoal to your shampoo & use

• Pour 1 tablespoon of your regular shampoo into a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder.
• Blend the two well.
• Shampoo your hair with the mixture once a week to boost your hair growth.

You can also add 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal to your shampoo bottle and use it for your regular hair washing.

Method 14: Body Scrub for Exfoliation and Detox

Just like your face, your body also needs regular exfoliation for healthy skin turnover. You can whip up your own detox scrub using activated charcoal and other nourishing ingredients.

This scrub recipe uses rice flour that helps naturally lighten your skin. The granules of baking soda help exfoliate the skin.

Almond oil nourishes and softens the skin, and the essential oil adds healing properties to the scrub.

Things you’ll need:

• Baking soda (exfoliant) – 1 tablespoon
• Lavender essential oil (soothes skin, antibacterial) – 2 or 3 drops
• Liquid Castile soap (adds suds) – 2 tablespoons
• Almond oil (nourishes skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Rice flour (lightens skin) – 2 tablespoons
• Activated charcoal powder (pulls out toxins) – 2 teaspoons

Step 1. Blend Castile soap and almond oil

• Put 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of almond oil.
• Blend the two together to get a uniform solution.

Step 2. Add rice flour and activated charcoal

• Add 2 tablespoons of rice flour to the soap-oil blend.
• Add 2 teaspoons of activated charcoal powder as well.
• Mix everything together.

Step 3. Mix in baking soda and essential oil & use the DIY scrub

• Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
• Finally, add 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Spoon the mixture into an airtight jar for storage.

Scoop out some of the scrub with your fingers, and rub it all over your body in small circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse it off and pat dry your skin. Apply some body lotion.

Use it 1 or 2 times a week to detox your skin of all impurities. The shelf life of this scrub is 1 month.

Method 15: Detox Natural Soap

Handmade soaps are a fad these days. If you wish to try your hand at them, follow this simple recipe to make a natural detox soap using activated charcoal.

Things you’ll need:

• Soap base – ½ cup
• Activated charcoal powder (pulls out toxins) – ¼ teaspoon
• Peppermint essential oil (antibacterial and pleasant fragrance) – 5 to 7 drops

Step 1. Melt the soap base in the microwave

• Put ½ cup of soap base in a glass bowl or cup.
• Microwave it for 40 to 50 seconds to melt it. If needed, microwave it again in 30-second bursts until the soap melts completely, but is not very hot.

Step 2. Mix activated charcoal and essential oil into the soap base

• Add ¼ teaspoon of activated charcoal powder to the melted soap base.
• Add 5 to 7 drops of peppermint essential oil as well.
• Blend all the ingredients.
• Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray. Fill ¼ of each cube with the mix.

Step 3. Pop-out the solidified cubes

• Allow the soap to solidify completely.
• Pop-out each soap cube from the tray.
• You can wrap them up in butter paper and gift it to your family and friends.

Method 16: Detox Bath Salt

Use activated charcoal to prepare a detoxifying bath to relax and unwind, while also removing toxins from your body.

Things you’ll need:

• Activated charcoal powder (absorbs toxins) – 2 tablespoons
• Epsom salt (relaxes muscles) – ½ cup
• Sea salt (relieves sore muscles) – ⅓ cup
• Baking soda (exfoliates skin) – ¼ cup
• Ginger essential oil (relieves aches) – 10 to 15 drops
• Rose essential oil (relaxes the mind) – 10 to 15 drops
• Lemon essential oil (antibacterial) – 10 to 15 drops
• Rosemary essential oil (soothes the mind and body) – 10 to 15 drops

Step 1. Combine Epsom salt, sea salt, baking soda, and activated charcoal

• Put ½ cup of Epsom salt in a mixing bowl.
• Add ⅓ cup of sea salt.
• Add ¼ cup of baking soda.
• Also, add 2 tablespoons of activated charcoal.

Step 2. Add the essential oils

• Add 10 to 15 drops each of rosemary, lemon rose, and ginger essential oil.

Step 3. Mix well & store the bath salt in an airtight jar

• Blend all the ingredients together.
• Spoon the mixture into an airtight jar and put on the lid tightly to store the bath salt.
• Add ¼ cup of this detox bath salt to warm bathwater.
• Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse your body with water and pat dry your skin.
• Finish with a good moisturizer to prevent your skin from becoming dry.
  

Additional Tips

• When working with activated charcoal, wear a face mask to prevent inhaling the powder.
• Activated charcoal can stain your skin and clothes black, so use it with care. Wear clothes you can do away with when using it on your skin or hair.
• You can buy activated charcoal either in powder form or charcoal capsules and empty them as needed.
• Always do a patch test of DIY recipes to check your skin’s tolerance. If you feel any irritation, rinse it off immediately.