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The boom over Activated Charcoal really started in 2018 until now. It was everywhere! Facial scrubs, konjac luffas, toothbrushes, toothpastes, pills, you name it!
But what is Activated Charcoal and should it be used for all of the things?
What is it?
Activated charcoal powder is derived from Bamboo and is 100% natural. It undergoes a process of high temperature steam, washing, drying and then ground into a fine powder.
Some history about it:
By 1500 B.C. the Egyptians were using activated charcoal for intestinal ailments, absorbing unpleasant odors, and for writing. In 400 B.C. the Ancient Hindus and Phoenicians discovered the antiseptic properties of activated charcoal and began using it to purify their water. It was used as well in these times to absorb poisons, clear up ulcers and the like.
After doing ample research, here is some of our do's and don’ts of activated charcoal and the best ways to reap it’s amazing benefits!
Do's
Activated Charcoal is amazing for the skin! It helps to draw out impurities. Activated Charcoal in facial scrubs are a huge benefit! It is also available in balms to help extract stingers, splinters and slivers of all kinds.
Activated Charcoal is also amazing for the hair! It helps with dandruff as well as can help with eczema and psoriasis! Find it in Shampoo Bars!
Activated Charcoal is also commonly used in purifying water! A lot of water purifiers out on the market today use activated Charcoal! Berkey Water Filtration system is absolutely amazing!
Konjac sponges (made from yam-like plants) are all the rage in Japan and Korea. These natural sponges are softer than other face wash tools and perfect for sensitive skin. Konjac sponges gently exfoliate skin, and the added charcoal draws out additional impurities. This is another great way to use the charcoal in a gentler approach.
Don’ts
Activated charcoal has been used in toothpastes and powders. This is highly NOT recommended due to its abrasiveness on the teeth. Although ground into a fine powder, the charcoal is actually TOO abrasive and will scratch the enamel on the teeth which is NOT what you want!
Activated Charcoal is fantastic for its drawing out properties. Toothbrushes made of charcoal don’t offer its amazing benefit when the handle is made from charcoal. The bristles, again, would cause unwanted abrasiveness to the teeth!
Bath bombs and salts: unless you want your bath tub covered in a black mess that you will have to deep clean, this is a don’t! Soaking in the charcoal does not offer the benefits you want to obtain from this super ingredient!
In juices and internally. This one is a controversial one. Due to the charcoals inherent ability to attract drugs, metals and the like, this is not advised especially if you are on medication.
It’s all about making the most informed choices! This is what we are all about! When the benefits of a certain ingredient or product are discovered, companies far and wide put it into just about anything to hop on the band wagon of profitability. But that does not necessarily mean that its useful in those formats!
We are herbal and aromatherapy practitioners, not doctors. This information was sourced and put into our own words to bring you the most accurate information we could find. This is not intended to provide medical counseling or direction.