While touring northeast Ohio during the summer craft show season, I have encountered customers who, like myself, love the great outdoors!  Many of them ask me for a soap bar that is great for repelling insects and soothing itchy, sun-burned skin.  

​After sampling all my soap bars throughout the years, I can honestly say, our Bugger Off Mosquito soap, made with pine tar and activated charcoal, is at the front of the soap line.  Our long-term customers delight in sharing with us how it works well for them while they tend their gardens, hike, and camp.

You may be wondering…. what is pine tar?  Is pine tar soap good for your skin?  In this article, we will discuss what it is and how it's made, and what are the benefits of using pine tar soap in your skincare regime.

Pine tar is a viscous, sticky, all-natural material formed when pine trees' wood is burned. Scandinavian countries predominantly used this chemical throughout the Iron Ages to preserve and protect old ships from harsh winter conditions. Pine tar was later employed for medical purposes in ancient Greece.

Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, pine tar soaps have been used for its medicinal benefits in treating skin conditions for thousands of years. Pine tar soap has been proven effective in soothing psoriasis and eczema, reducing itching of the scalp due to dandruff, easing inflammation of the body, relieving itching associated with bug bites, and treating other skin irritations. It is also helpful in soothing and treating poison ivy symptoms.  

Soap made with pine tar is an excellent choice for bathing, showering, and shaving because it cleans, moisturizes and calms the skin.

Pine tar, like pine oil, has a strong odor, and when combined with essential oils, such as citronella and lemongrass, it soothes mosquito bites and repels insects, making it ideal for people who love the outdoors.   For generations, pine tar has been traditionally associated with homemade, natural soap for topical conditions. Soaps made with pine tar are an excellent choice for bathing, showering, and shaving because it cleans, moisturizes and calms the skin.

​Here are 5 Reasons Pine Tar Soap is Good for Your Skin:
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1. Pine Tar Kills Head Lice.  In ancient Europe, pine tar soap was the main remedy to get rid of head lice. Simply wash your scalp and hair with pine tar soap and comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb for several days in a row.  The lice will die because it cannot tolerate tar.
2. Pine Tar has Anti-inflammatory Properties.  An inflammatory response is the body’s natural process of fighting infections, injuries and toxins to heal itself.  This response can be redness, itching, irritation, heat, pain, or loss of function.    Pine tar reduces this response and promotes the return of keratinization, therefore calming the skin.  Various allergic manifestations, such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and rashes are relieved after the use of pine tar soap. If you are treating your scalp, wash your hair and scalp with pine tar soap and allow it to sit 5 minutes before rinsing.
3. It Clears away Acne and Blackheads.  Pine tar contains antibacterial properties that relieve red, itchy, inflamed conditions associated with acne.  It kills the bacteria deep in the pores and cleanses oil and dirt from the skin. 
4. Pine Tar Soap has Natural Antiseptic Properties.  It contains resin acids that contain bacteriostatic properties that act as an antiseptic, astringent, and antifungal.  To fight equine infection, pine tar was traditionally used as a natural antiseptic and foot care therapy for horses and cattle. Pine tar as a natural corticosteroid cream because it destroys fungus and mold while also preventing the spread of mycosis. Topical pine tar is now used in skincare products at a concentration of 2.3 percent to treat foot and nail fungus.
5. Pine Tar Fights Mosquito Bites and other Natural Skin Irritants.  The resin present in this sticky substance reduces itching from mosquito bites and poison ivy and gives off an aroma that is unpleasing to insects.  Combined with bug-fighting essential oils, like citronella and tea tree, pine tar soap prevents mosquitos from biting exposed skin.

Pine tar soap is beneficial to mountain climbers, hikers, fishermen, hunters, gardeners, landscapers, nature walkers, and campers.  However, pine tar is not suitable for people who have excessively dry skin, are pregnant, or have hypersensitive skin.

By: Kali Howard

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.

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?

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.

​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.

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. 

​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.

​Everything that we think and perceive in our environment is through our senses. It allows us to differentiate what is good for us, and what is hazardous to our health.   One of the most sensitive senses through which we can perceive many sensations is the sense of smell.  Smells have an enigmatic influence over us. We may be compelled to react in many ways based off a specific scent. The scent of a food may trigger our stomachs to growl.  An odor such as smoke or a certain chemical can alert us of danger.  A specific scent can transport us to a different time in our lives and affect our mood.  This can be both gratifying and debilitating.  

​In the universe of aromas, we can find a wide variety of essences of natural origin that have many benefits for the human body. These essences are popularly known as essential oils.  In this article, we are going to introduce you to the properties and benefits of the most well-known essential oils used in natural skin care products. In this way, you will be able to select the essential oil that suits your needs and interests.

​Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, seeds, tree barks, roots, and flowers.  They are able to penetrate the epidermis, or skin, to the dermis, the thick layer of tissue under the skin.  Essential oils have a low molecular weight, and this component makes them compatible with cell membranes. They all have a unique aroma and are made for a variety of purposes. Essential oils are usually found in a liquid state in the form of perfumes and oils.

​Although essential oils are most used as a fragrance, they are also used for their antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing properties.  

Essential oils are administered in 3 ways:

• Topical essential oils are absorbed through the skin.  They are diluted in an oil, cream, soap, or ointment, and applied directly to the skin for maximum absorption. 
• Oral essential oils are used specifically for relieving and treating internal and digestive infections. However, there are essential oils that are not recommended for ingestion.  They are birch, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, evergreen, and white fir.  Pregnant and nursing women are not recommended to ingest essential oils of any kind.
• Essential oils are inhaled by use of salts and diffusers to provide aromatherapy, and to treat respiratory certain infections.  Direct inhalation is not recommended for people who suffer from asthma. 

Here is a list of the most used and accessible essential oils:

• Peppermint.
• Chamomile.
• Lavender.
• Orange.
• Lemongrass.
• Lemon.
• Eucalyptus.
• Rosemary.
• Geranium.
• Jasmine.
• Tea Tree.
• Cedarwood.
• Sandalwood.

The majority of essential oils are used for body care, while there are used therapeutically to relieve and treat specific ailments and discomforts.  Some have relaxing properties and are used for meditation to relax the mind and awaken the senses. Some essential oils are used as stimulants of the senses or aphrodisiacs, to enhance intimacy.

PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

​Essential oils have many benefits and associated properties. Below is a list of the most commonly known essential oils and its properties and benefits:​

• Peppermint: For many centuries, peppermint has been used for its natural therapeutic properties.  Its high menthol content gives peppermint essential oil great pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.  Not only does the mint act as a regulator of the digestive system, but it can also be used to eliminate bacteria thanks to its antiseptic effect. For digestive system conditions, such as colic, aerophagia, gastric spasms and indigestion, you can add 2 to 5 drops to 8 oz. of water and drink once per day or drink a cup of peppermint tea before your meal. You can also use toothpaste and mouth washes made with peppermint oil to prevent gum disease.  Likewise, when used in skincare, it can be used to treat skin problems such as acne and skin irritations.
• Roman Chamomile Essential oil: This world-renowned essential oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and is rich in sesquiterpenes, that supports our immune system response against allergic reactions.  It works as a tonic for the digestive tract and calms the bodies response to hives.  Roman chamomile is popular for its antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.  It is used to calm, soothe, and relax irritated, sensitive skin.  Roman chamomile is high antioxidant content fights against skin oxidative stress and regenerates and restores dull skin.  It also contains calming, antispasmodic, and analgesic properties that provides relaxing aromatherapy via inhalation and massage.
• Lavender Essential Oil:  This powerful essential oil is comprised of different components that lend to different types of therapeutic properties.  Spike lavender is found in Mediterranean regions of the world and contains 40% linalool, which contributes to detoxifying and healing certain skin conditions.  It’s great for soothing burns and relieving fungal infections, such as Candida Albicans.  Fine Lavender contains 35% linalool and 45% linalyl acetate, which contains powerful calming and soothing properties popularly utilized for meditation, relaxation, and relieving anxiety.  It also contributes to relieving symptoms of burns, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis.
• Orange Essential Oil: The essence of this flower is a stimulant for the mind. It is often used to aid in meditation, relaxation, and skincare products.  Its anti-inflammatory effects promote blood flow and reduce tissue swelling, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Sweet orange oil is commonly diffused to encourage relaxation and alleviate uneasiness and anxiety in children and adults.  It is useful to help people who suffer from insomnia or sleep deprivation.  It is best to refrain from direct sun exposure after applying skincare products that contain orange essential oil because the ultraviolet rays from sunlight can cause skin sensitivity.    
• Lemongrass Essential Oil: This invigorating essential oil is a small shrub cultivated in East and South Asia.  Its leaves and flowers give off an astonishing and pleasant smell of lemon and citronella.  Its small berries are distilled to extract its essence and produce essential oil.  Lemongrass contains many health properties.  It has powerful anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties that naturally repel mosquitoes and ticks and decreases inflammation during certain allergic reactions. Lemongrass contains citric acid, a natural skin lightening agent and antioxidant that decreases signs of hyperpigmentation when applied to the skin.  When added with other citric essential oils, like orange or bergamot, it naturally decreases signs of acne for all skin types, including oil-prone skin acne.
• Lemon Essential Oil:  This fresh and zesty fragrance is high in antioxidants which help to prevent skin damage caused by UV rays from the sun.  Lemon essential oil is renowned for its numerous properties.  Its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and a great cleansing agent.  Lemon oil is added to many household cleansers, health and body products.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Eucalyptus clarifies, cleanses, and eliminates pollutants from the skin in addition to its refreshing aromatherapy. It contains active substances that help the skin rejuvenate while also minimizing infection risks. Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation, itching, and redness.  It's particularly good for acne-prone skin.  When applied topically, eucalyptus gives the skin a cooling sensation, making it excellent for a soothing massage.  It's particularly good for acne-prone skin.
• Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary is known for its energizing effects and camphorous fragrance. Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities are all present. Rosemary oil reduces hair loss and dandruff by strengthening hair follicles and soothing a sensitive scalp. When used topically, rosemary oil helps to calm and relieve oily skin acne while also regulating sebum production. It also reverses skin damage caused by rosacea and redness, as well as tones, regenerates, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• Geranium Essential Oil: Because of its astringent, regenerative, and anti-aging effects, this soothing, aromatic essential oil is often utilized in skincare products. It improves the appearance of dull skin, stretch marks, redness, and other indications of aging. Acne, skin ulcers, and eczema are all relieved by geranium's antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. 
• Jasmine Essential Oil: Since ancient times, the jasmine blossom has been utilized as a secret ingredient in skincare. It has a sweet and fragrant scent and is used in both hair and skincare. Jasmine is good for all skin types and can help with scars, stretch marks, and bruises by fighting bacteria, infections, and viruses. It also moisturizes irritable, dry skin and increases blood circulation in the skin, which helps the body eliminate impurities.  When applied to haircare products, jasmine softens and conditions the hair and relaxes the scalp.
• Tea Tree Essential Oil: This potent essential oil from Australia has a wide range of medicinal qualities. Its broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities make it a valuable addition to first-aid kits. Tea tree oil cleanses, tones, and purifies the skin.  It is popularly used in personal and dental hygiene products as well as purifying soaps and anti-dandruff hair care.  It is also great for repelling mosquitoes and soothing insect bites.
• Cedarwood Essential Oil: This sweet, woody scented essential oil is best known for its soothing and alleviating conditions of the skin and hair.  Its natural components have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, which help to alleviate eczema and acne-related irritation and dryness. Adding a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to shampoo and conditioner promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and blood circulation. When dispersed in your home, it also serves as a natural pesticide and mosquito repellant.  
• Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood is an essential oil that comes from India and is used to treat infections, soothe irritated skin, and increase skin elasticity. It's a gentle astringent that calms the skin and can be found in a variety of aftershaves. Sandalwood has antiviral and antibacterial characteristics that help to relieve inflammation caused by minor skin irritations including pimples, warts, and boils. It's also high in antioxidants, which help to prevent premature aging by reducing free radical damage.

Your wardrobe isn't the only thing that needs to change when the Spring season arrives.  Your skin care routine also needs to change to accommodate to the new season.  Spring is an essential time to prepare your body for the hot summer season.  With the increase in sunshine, our skin becomes susceptible to UV sun damage, which can lead to sunspots, premature ageing, and sun burns.   Depending on where you reside in the world, hot, humid conditions can dehydrate your skin and cause heat rashes and red spots.

​Now is the perfect time to prepare your skin for upcoming summer season. Here are 5 easy tips to add to your Spring Skincare Routine.  

Glowing skin is connected to your diet.  Spring is the ideal season to detoxify and eliminate the bad fats we consumed during the cold winter season from those heavy holiday meals and fatty desserts.

​The main purpose of the skin is to protect our internal organs and to eliminate the toxins contained within the body.  With the modern diet, it saturates our bodies with toxins, and this contributes to many skin problems such as eczema or acne, dull skin, and a decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system. 

When it comes to nutrition , there is a consensus that supports eating seasonal, locally grown produce and meat products. Spring provides us with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers essential to detoxifying our bodies from the heavy food and alcohol consumed during the winter.  Try adding a robust, colorful salad to your daily menu.  Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables and don't shy away from the essential fatty acids you will find in large quantities in nuts (macadamia, pecans, hazelnuts, almonds), vegetable oils (olive, canola, flaxseed), and fatty fish (salmon and sardines).  Always remember, you are what you eat!

Springtime is an optimal time to exfoliate your skin.  It removes dry, dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, or epidermis.  If these dead skin cells are not removed at least once a month, they clog the pores and contribute to the formation of acne pimples, and blackheads.  Exfoliation is ideal for removing pigmented cells and activates new cell growth, making the skin visibly brighter, smoother, and more toned. 

Natural exfoliates, such as clays, salts, sugars, herbs, and powders polishes and cleanses the skin.  Clays are multifunctional minerals.  They stimulate the body’s immune defenses and regenerates cells.  Clays are composed of trace minerals and elements, such as copper, manganese, aluminum, and iron that feed our skin cells from within.  
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​Most common clay are:

• Red clay, or Moroccan Rhassoul clay, is rich in iron oxide.  It purifies, heals, and regulates excess sebum.  It is great for combination to oily, acne-prone skin and oily hair.
• Kaolin and bentonite clays are softer and more suitable for dry and sensitive skin and on dry hair. It soothes irritation and eliminates toxins.
• Pink Kaolin clay is suitable for very sensitive skin. It gently cleanses, softens, and provides radiance to the skin.

Clays are typically combined with water or tea to form a paste and applied to the face and body.  Although this method is the most common, it comes with a little preparation and clean up.  The easiest way to reap the benefits of this gentle exfoliant is to cleanse your skin with natural soap bars made with clays.  Kali’s Creations Coal & Clay Soap Bar combines rhassoul clay with activated charcoal to deeply exfoliate and detoxify the skin without stripping it of its moisture.  It is great for all skin types and is great to use as a shaving soap bar.

Staying hydrated is essential for cleansing the body from within.  Not only do we tend to drink less water during the winter, but we also tend to drink tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to keep us warm and toasty.  Drinking more water and using more water-based skincare products during Springtime helps prevent dehydration and limits oily skin during the summertime. 

When the air gets hot and humid, your skin needs a light, water-based moisturizer that provides a stronger hydrolipid barrier. It reduces water loss from the outer layer of the skin and hydrates the skin at the same time. Consider protecting your skin with a light-weight lotion or serum to seal in moisture from your shower.

The Spring season is no excuse to skip using your SPF sunscreen.  Although the chances of getting sunburned during the Spring is not as likely to happen as during the summer, that doesn’t make the sunshine less harmful on your skin. Ultra-violet rays are present all year round, and even on a cloudy day, those harmful rays are still present.  Applying a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face is essential in the Spring to reduce premature aging of your skin. 


​Fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids act as natural sunscreen for the skin. Carotenoids are natural pigments that promotes the production of melanin, or pigmented skin cells.  They are also powerful antioxidants that protect our skin from free radical damage.  

​Most skincare products currently available on the market are made from detergents, synthetic oils, petroleum, and sulfates that are very similar to cleaning products.  They tend to be harsh on the skin and can develop into a worse condition, such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.  Switching to products made with ingredients that are found in nature, relieves dry skin, and leaves it soft, moisturized, and plump.

Spring marks a turning point in your daily beauty routine. Thick creams and lotions will most likely clog your pores and cause you to sweat.  Body washes and gels are made with surfactants that are like those found in dish washing detergent.  They tend to strip your skin of its natural moisture.  Using a soap bar made with natural oils, butters, and essential oils gently cleanses your skin and replenishes it with moisture.  Your skin will not feel as tight and stripped after using a natural bar of soap.

​Finally, seal in the moisture by applying a light-weight moisturizer to the skin.  Products rich in skin-loving butters such as mango, shea, and cocoa, are packed with phytonutrients that nourishes and moisturizes the skin.

​Spring is a wonderful time to prepare your skin for the upcoming summer season. It’s also a time when your skin is more receptive to the care you provide.  So, take advantage of this season to give your skin the best care it deserves.  Your skin will be thankful during summer season.  

For most of my life, I only associated charcoal with grilling meats on a hot summer day.  As I began researching for natural ingredients to add to my handmade soap recipes, I found out a whole lot more about this amazing, versatile compound that offers wonderful benefits for the skin.   

Natural materials such as wood, regular charcoal, peat, or coconut shells are burned to produce the activated charcoal used in bath and body care products. To make activated carbon, the raw material is burned at a very high temperature. By controlled oxidation and/or steam treatment, all the oxygen is removed from the raw material. The charcoal expands during this process, generating a porous surface that traps pollutants. The process "activates" the charcoal and improves its natural absorption capacity.  This makes activated charcoal so effective and beneficial to the human body.

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and therefore a very vital organ. If you have problematic skin, regular use of charcoal cosmetics can help.  It is effective in treating oily skin, acne, cleansing pores, and removing unwanted sebum from the face and body (ideal for oily skin). Activated charcoal, as an antioxidant, is an excellent choice for cosmetic use.  
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Most people worry about activated charcoal drying out their skin; however, there is no need to worry.  While it removes excess sebum from oily skin, it also hydrates and nourishes dry skin. It can be used daily on your face and body.  We recommend use in the morning and evening with water that is as soft as possible (you don't always choose ...) and at body temperature. Water that is too cold or hot can dry out the skin.  

​The easiest way to reap the benefits of this fascinating compound is to use bar soaps made with activated charcoal.  It’s fast and leaves far less of a mess in your bathroom.  Charcoal soap is suitable for all skin types and can be used from head to toe.  Due to its porous nature and oxygenating properties, there is no need to worry about the soap staining your wash clothes and towels.

1.  It is great for oily skin.
If you suffer from oily skin, activated charcoal soap can help to balance skin. Activated charcoal soap can remove excess oil from your skin as well as the dirt on it. This gives you a smooth and matte look. In addition, it effectively removes unwanted shine from the face and body

2.  It detoxifies the skin.
Activated charcoal soap also removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin clean and perfect. Toxins bind to the activated carbon, which clears the pores of the pollutants that cause blackheads. It also detoxifies the skin by absorbing impurities, deep detritus, and environmental contaminants. Your skin should be smooth, and your pores should be visibly refined after using it.

3.  It helps control acne.
Activated charcoal may be beneficial depending on the specifics of your acne, its severity, causes, and other variables. Activated charcoal soap is well-known for its effectiveness in the treatment of acne. As a result, the soap clears the acne. It can even be used to remove acne scars on the face. Pairing activated charcoal soap with tea tree essential oil adds natural antifungal and antibacterial that may be beneficial to the skin.

4.  It Reduces Pore Size.
Throughout the day, dirt and toxins settle on your pores, making them more visible and larger. When your pores aren't healthy, neither is your skin tone. Charcoal soap is the best solution to this problem because it adsorbs of toxins and removes pollutants and fat from the surface of the skin and beneath it, making pores less noticeable and reducing their size.

5.  It Gently Exfoliates Skin.
Activated charcoal soap has a fine, grainy texture that provides gentle exfoliation. It aids in the removal of dead skin cells while its antimicrobial properties help prevent skin infections. In order to enhance the bactericidal properties of our handmade activated charcoal soap, we added essential oils of tea tree, lavender, and rosemary, which have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that treat skin problems and help heal wounds.

Oily skin and combination skin:
For combination or oily skin, charcoal is a must-have. It aids in the prevention of clogged pores and the growth of bacteria caused by excess sebum. Because of its high adsorption capacity, sebum will be able to " wipe " and cleanse the pores in depth, removing toxins that attack the skin on a daily basis.

Acne-prone Skin:
Charcoal is a natural ingredient that traps toxins and destroys bacteria. It has absorbent qualities which detoxifies and regenerate skin. It is strongly recommended for skin prone to acne and small pimples.

Skin Exposed to Environmental Toxins:
Smokers and people with an urban lifestyle are also recommended to use cosmetics based on activated charcoal. This natural ingredient will allow you to perform a deep cleansing of the skin and get rid of toxins that attack your skin.

Dry Skin:
Known and recognized for its power of absorption, one might think that charcoal is not recommended for dry and sensitive skin. Subject to discomfort and tightness, these skin types more often turn to a treatment that will moisturize the skin.  Just as they shy away from clays, known for its "blotting" effect, charcoal can be classified in the same category.  Charcoal, on the other hand, detoxifies the skin without breaking or modifying the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin and functions as a barrier against irritation and tightness.  As a result, charcoal is a valuable ally in the fight against dry skin.
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Mature skin:
Activated charcoal is good for maturing skin thanks to its antioxidant properties. Charcoal works by forming a barrier to free radicals. It allows the skin to detoxify and regenerate itself naturally. Charcoal is a great natural ingredient that helps reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles naturally.

​Although charcoal soap is great for exfoliating the skin and encouraging new skin cell growth, it does not lighten the skin. Its active ingredients help to reduce pigment spots (acne, scars, sunspots) and even the skin tone, but it does not “bleach” or “whiten” the skin.  

While it removes excess sebum from oily skin, it also hydrates and nourishes dry skin. The easiest way to reap the benefits of this compound is to use bar soaps made with activated charcoal soap.