Activated charcoal….we’ve been hearing a lot about it, but what does it actually do? We’ll let you in an industry secret: it’s a detoxing super hero. We’ll be honest, it can be a little chalky, which is why we say invest in a high quality charcoal, like one from organic coconut husks. Read below for the benefits of activated charcoal & ways to use it!

1. It aids in digestion.
Bloating? Stomach ache? Charcoal will make sure your system is running well, if you know what we mean. It works by absorbing all the chemicals and toxins in your digestive tract and clearing them out.
2. It’ll help out with your hangover.
When you’ve had one too many Negronis, activated charcoal will prevent it from ruining your morning. The charcoal serves as a detox, which you may surely need in the throes of a hangover.
3. It helps to lower your cholesterol.
Lowering your cholesterol is always a good thing, and many studies say that activated charcoal can help with this.
4. It helps to treat choleostasis (bile flow problems)
Late pregnancy may cause an uncomfortable bile flow problem for some women, which can be treated with activated charcoal, thanks to its’ detoxifying properties.

Now read below for the best ways to use activated charcoal. Beauty starts from the inside out, after all…

“At night, I use Thuyen Charcoal Cleanser followed by BR MSR-H cream (same as morning). It gets my skin particularly clean.” – Carla Gugino

Get it in an ice cream cone, like the flavor they serve at Morgernstern’s.

“Honestly, I’m a huge fan of exotic, interesting ingredients, so I love charcoal and stuff like that. I love Biore – they have a really good face cleanser and charcoal nose strips.” – Shay Mitchell

“I use Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser to thoroughly clean out my pores and detox. That, followed by Sunday Riley Good Genes. I love how it tingles!” – Zanna Roberts Rassi

“Long used as a detoxifier for celebrity facials in Korea, charcoal acts as a magnet of sorts, drawing out dirt and oil and whisking them away; rubberized masking does this in the most effective way. Lindsay’s Charcoal Modeling Rubber Mask offers the best of both worlds — its rubber-like texture vacuums your pores without drying out the skin. This is a simple DIY mask that is a pre-packaged all in one product with a spatula in a single cup. Super easy to use, but also reveals an amazing result – check out the video demo here.” – From Our K-Beauty Gurus

In a DIY mask From Joanna Vargas:

Charcoal & Clay Detox Mask:

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp yogurt

½ teaspoon of bentonite clay

1 tsp activated charcoal

Directions:

Apply the mask evenly, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 minutes and remove with a warm damp cloth.

Use it as a tooth whitener. Open 1 capsule of activated charcoal. Dip damp toothbrush in it. Brush teeth as usual, then let sit on teeth for ten seconds. Rinse mouth, then follow with a round of coconut oil pulling to reveal whiter teeth.

“I don’t have too many skincare routines. I get facials often and I almost always use my Boscia peeling mask at least once a week.” – Keke Palmer

Drink it in one of these internet famous drinks: Dirty Lemon, this detoxing charcoal lemonade from Pressed Juicery, or this aloe vera drink from DC favorite Jrink Juicery.

See this guide on how to control sugar cravings, and this post on how to lose weight quickly. 

 

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