Activated charcoal isn’t the kind you grill with, which may contain all sorts of harmful chemicals. Rather, it’s a powder composed of charred bone, peat, coconut shells, sawdust, or olive pits.

It’s processed at extremely high temperatures or treated with substances that make it very porous and give it a mind-blowing amount of surface area — a football field’s worth in a single teaspoon, to be exact.

It’s also a popular ingredient in beauty products because of its variety of benefits, which stem from the adsorption qualities of this smooth, black powder. The charcoal attracts certain molecules and binds them to its vast surface.

benefits of activated charcoal
1. Clearer skin, smaller pores, and less oil
Activated charcoal pulls out toxins and other impurities from your skin to leave it extra-clean. Use a face mask and cleanser with activated charcoal to reduce acne and create a clearer complexion. It also makes your pores smaller and limits excess oil.

Only use these types of cleansers on your face once or twice a week to avoid dry skin and redness, and follow up with a face mask that includes a quality natural moisturizer like hyaluronic acid.