Over the last few years, we’ve seen many new ingredients begin to pop up in beauty products — including activated charcoal. Meant to penetrate deeply to detoxify and cleanse skin, this ingredient has the potential to totally transform your complexion. In fact, charcoal-infused products can exfoliate skin to reduce the appearance of pores and increase brightness.
There are many charcoal beauty products out there, but we’ve gathered the best of the best. Here are seven charcoal products that will keep your skin on point.
Origins Active Charcoal Mask
The Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask from Origins is great for all skin types and targets pores and uneven texture to produce healthy-looking skin. The purifying mask is formulated to to reduce the appearance of pores while the charcoal removes excess oils. Not to mention, it’s vegan!
Promising review from Sephora: Emily says, “This is my favorite mask that I’ve tried so far! I find that it helps with my oily skin but still leaves a nice glow. It also leaves my face feeling clean and refreshed.”
Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Bar
Herbivore’s Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Soap Bar cleanses skin to draw out impurities and gently exfoliate. Using the soap will not only help unclog pores, but it will reduce redness and help rid of acne and blemishes as well. Not to mention, it’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
Promising review from Sephora: Kira says, “I have very oily, sensitive skin that’s recently been a mess (large pores, extra sensitive, acne, etc). Since starting to use this soap bar, my skin has really cleared up and brightened.”
Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Peel
Another product worth adding to your routine is Boscia’s Luminizing Black Charcoal Peel. Using activated charcoal to minimize pores and refresh skin, the mask is a total game-changer. Along with targeting uneven texture, it also improves radiance and reduces oil. It’s also vegan and gluten-free!
Promising review from Ulta: Faye says, “This mask is a 10/10. It clears your pores and leaves your face so nice and smooth. I’ve been using it religiously for a few weeks now and I can’t imagine life without it!”
Acure Incredibly Clear Facial Scrub
Acure’s Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub revives skin, improves texture and brightens. Made with charcoal, lemon peel, blueberry and other gentle plant exfoliants, using the scrub will leave you with a softer, balanced complexion. Not to mention, it’s full of antioxidants and removes dead skin cells.
Promising review from Ulta: Addison says, “This stuff is amazing. It got rid of my acne and scars. It was gentle enough to use on all of my face, not just the oily sections. My face feels soft, and I’m more confident to go out without makeup or anything on my face.”
Milani Make it Last Charcoal Setting Spray
The Make it Last Matte Charcoal Setting Spray from Milani isn’t your ordinary setting spray. Formulated with micro-fine charcoal powder, the mist not only keeps your makeup in place, but it also acts as a blotting paper to absorb excess oil and keep your skin looking matte and pore-free.
Promising review from Ulta: Krista says, “I’m amazed at how long, and well, this spray keeps me matte. Plus, it actually feels good on the skin, doesn’t cause breakouts and has a fine mist. Highly recommend!”
Glamglow Supermud Charcoal Mask
Another charcoal product that everyone will benefit from is the Supermud Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask from Glamglow. Using activated charcoal and other exfoliants, it instantly and visibly clears pores to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion. It also cleanses the skin and absorbs excess oil.
Promising review from Sephora: Candy says, “I have cystic, acne-prone skin with scarring, and this mask made my skin look beautiful. I was seriously so surprise how well it worked. I saw results right away!”
NYX Shine Killer Charcoal Primer
Lastly, NYX’s Shine Killer Charcoal Infused Mattifying Primer perfectly preps the skin for flawless makeup application. Made with charcoal to keep shine and oil in check, it acts as a barrier between makeup and skin to provide a smooth, matte finish. Plus, it’s lightweight, infused with vitamin E, vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review from Ulta: Sara says, “I love this product! I have tried a lot of products to hide the oils that come through my makeup, and this has killed the oily look. By the time 5 o’clock hits, I still look like I just put my makeup on.”
Reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Which charcoal products do you swear by? Sound off below!
