Resource: Forbes.com
Original Article
It seems every other month there’s a new health and beauty fad that takes the world by storm, and right now, charcoal is the trend everyone is talking about. It is known to unclog pores by pulling dirt, bacteria and all kinds of other pesky particles to the skin’s surface. Hello gorgeous skin!
Charcoal has been said to have many other diverse uses, including whitening teeth, reducing acne, alleviating hangovers, and even counteracting the effects of some poisons. Yes, you read that right! Some of these claims are more far-fetched than others, but I’m putting these health and beauty products to the test to see how beneficial charcoal products really are.
With Boscia’s charcoal-inflused luminizing mask, you can literally peel off the dirt and oil that gets built up in your pores. Apply the mask on your face and then feel as it dries. When you peel off the mask, you’ll be able to see the buildup that it strips away, and you’ll be left with smooth skin and clean pores.
Konjac sponges (made from yam-like plants) are all the rage in Japan and Korea, and it’s easy to see why. 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. The end result? Soft, radiant skin.
Skinesque 3-Step Brightening+ Charcoal Mask
This charcoal-filled set will bring you gorgeous skin in 3 simple steps. First, wash away makeup and dirt with the gentle foaming cleanser. Then, apply the Hydra+ Essence to your face and neck to hydrate your skin and activate collagen formation. Last, wear the Brightening+ Charcoal Mask for 15-20 minutes and let it do its purifying magic.
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel
End your day with a charcoal-inflused cleanser. Clinique’s Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel draws out impurities and erases the day’s makeup, dirt, and oil.
Drybar On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo
This shampoo is filled with activated charcoal that gently removes product buildup and impurities without drying out hair. Drybar’s charcoal shampoo is perfect for anyone who feels like their hair is dry or tired, and it’s safe to use on color-treated hair.
Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap
Charcoal is great for getting skin clean and clear, so it’s no surprise that it’s great for soaps as well! You can use this soap for face and body, and it works wonders on oily or blemish-prone skin.
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Powder
For a cleanser that also exfoliates skin, Origins’ cleansing powder is just the thing. The concentrated formula comes as a powder, but add a bit of water to activate the charcoal and use as an exfoliant that washes away dirt and clears pores. The more water you add, the softer the formula becomes, so if you have sensitive skin and don’t want to over-exfoliate, just add more water. Use daily and combine with a twice-weekly charcoal mask for the clearest pores of your life.
Found Cosmetics Charcoal Sheet Mask
Sheet masks are all the rage right now, and this charcoal and green tea infused mask absorbs oil like no other. Charcoal helps to draw out dirt and excess oil, while green tea soothes and calms. And at under $3 per sheet mask, this is a skincare addition you won’t regret.
Pressed Juicery Activated Charcoal Lemonade
Yes, you can even drink charcoal! Pressed Juicery’s Activated Charcoal Lemonade may look scary to drink, but it’s cool and refreshing, with lavender and honey flavors that taste delicious.
Babe Australia Organic Charcoal Hand Wash
Washing your hands is vital to staying healthy, but most hand soaps have a tendency to leave skin dry. Unlike those drying soaps, Babe Australia’s charcoal-infused hand wash uses the cleansing power of charcoal to clean without drying out skin. This soap is also filled with pink grapefruit and rosemary oil, meaning it smells divine!
Briut Essentials Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste & Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush
Would you dare to brush your teeth with charcoal? This may seem counterintuitive, but this charcoal toothpaste claims to whiten teeth using only natural and organic ingredients. Just be sure to use a small amount and rinse out thoroughly after brushing!
Uncle Harry’s Activated Charcoal
For a DIY approach, you can always buy raw activated charcoal. Use it to concoct your own charcoal-infused health and beauty products, or mix in with food or drink once a week for the charcoal to work its magic from within. When digested, activated charcoal can help absorb excess acids (and yes, can even help if you happen to accidentally ingest poison, but I recommend leaving that for medical professionals to treat).
Sarah Boyd
Founder of SIMPLY
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