What is Charcoal Soap?

By: Kali Howard

Kali's Creations Bugger Off! Soap

In the last 20 years, activated charcoal has grown in popularity and become a staple in many skincare products.  Today, this component can be found in a wide range of products for the skin, hair, and even food.

Activated charcoal soaps, in addition to face masks, have become a trend that is captivating the attention of the beauty and care market in general. Because of its absorbent, purifying, and detoxifying properties, activated charcoal soaps and skincare products are an excellent choice for cleansing the face.

Many benefits of natural charcoal or activated charcoal can be found on the internet, but its greatest potential lies in how this substance is used and how its astringent and absorbent abilities are boosted when it is used in the form of soap.

Charcoal soap is very beneficial against acne, bad odors and bacteria, blemishes, scars, and dead, flakey skin!

Kali's Creations Bugger Off! Succulent Soap

Here are a few questions in regards to how charcoal soap is great for your skin!

1.  Does Charcoal Soap Get Rid of Acne?

Activated charcoal absorbs excess sebum from the skin, dries pimples, and prevents acne.  The activated carbon present in charcoal soap absorbs oil along with dirt and debris from the skin. It's an effective way to remove unwanted oil from your without stripping it of its moisture.

Furthermore, charcoal soap not only controls but also aids in the treatment and prevention of pimples, blackheads, and pimples. It is beneficial to use it daily for a good treatment.
One of my pet peeves is looking into a mirror and noticing how oily my face is after a day of running errands.  I have combination skin and my t-zone is shining from the excess oil my skin and the need to blot my face is essential!!  I find that when I use soaps made with activated charcoal, I don’t have to blot my face at all during a day in the sun.  I wear make-up once per week and my oily skin is under control whenever I cleanse my face with soap made with charcoal. 

I decided to make a soap with Eucalyptus & Aloe and added activated charcoal to a portion of the soap.  I wanted to incorporate the charcoal into the bar to not only add a beautiful, art element to the soap, but to gently exfoliate dry skin and detox my face without over-drying my cheeks.  I wanted a balanced soap that effective relieved my combination of dry and oily skin needs. This bar hits the mark!

​2.  Can Charcoal Soap Reduce the Size of Pores?

Charcoal Soap can Reduce Sizes of Pores

​Environmental pollutants such as living near a factory or gas station, pollution, smoke, dust, and make-up are often responsible for the conditions of the skin because microbes settle in the pores. When the skin is not adequately purified daily, the accumulation of these impurities causes the pores to enlarge and therefore become more visible on the face. The use of charcoal soap not only extracts dirt and residual products, but also unclogs pores and reduces their size.  The grainy texture gently exfoliates the skin to get rid of dirt and grime, making charcoal soap great for people who work with their hands (mechanics, gardeners, painters, construction workers, etc.).

3.  Is Charcoal Soap Good for Dry and Oily Skin?

Charcoal soap is great for all skin types because it balances the skin and only targets what is irritating the skin. On the one hand, it extracts excess oil in oily skin; on the other hand, it moisturizes and nourishes dry skin, while purifying the skin at the same time.  It is also suitable for sensitive skin because charcoal effectively relieves conditions associated with inflammation and skin allergies.

Charcoal Soap relieves Dry, Flakey Skin

​4.  Does Charcoal Soap Exfoliate Skin?
Activated charcoal is an exfoliate because it contains purifying and detoxifying components that effectively scrubs away dead cell cells, thus improving skin texture and helps with hyperpigmentation. Its gentle, fine texture smooths away rough patches on the skin without drying or tearing the skin.  Can you use charcoal soap every day? Sure! If you have oily skin, use this soap daily and leave it on the skin for at least 30 seconds, then thoroughly rinse off with cool water to seal in the moisture.  However, if you have dry skin, it is recommended that you wash your face and neck with this soap every two or three days

​5.  Can Charcoal Soap Reduce Premature Aging?

Using soap made with activated charcoal is an effective way to slow down the skin aging process. It gradually promotes the restoration of skin cells and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, preventing a fatigued and dull appearance.

6.  Does Charcoal Soap Help Kill Bacteria?

Activated charcoal is an ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that relieve irritation and inflammation of the skin. It is highly absorbent, so it draws out the impurities that are present in the skin to relieve inflammation and itchiness. This quality makes charcoal soap an excellent choice during outdoor activity, such as camping, hiking, gardening, boating. Applying a simple mask of activated charcoal to the irritated skin detoxifies and relieves the skin.

Charcoal Soap fights bacteria

7. Is Charcoal Soap Good for Eczema and Dry Skin Conditions?
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Most skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and dandruff are results from dry skin and allergic reactions. Activated charcoal contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that soothes irritation and relaxes the skin. 

Eucalyptus Aloe Bar Soap is good for combination to dry skin.

​In conclusion, charcoal soaps have a detoxifying and clarifying impact on the skin. It controls and balances oil production while completely cleansing the pores, making it ideal for acne-prone, oily, combination, dry, and sensitive skin. Activated charcoal soaps have a fine, gritty texture that removes resins, oil, grime, and unpleasant odors while also healing small cuts and abrasions. The addition of essential oils to the soap enhances the bar's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Use activated charcoal soap to relieve your skin.