The idea of rubbing something you use for your grill on your face may be off-putting at first, but hear us out. Activated charcoal, an ingredient popping up everywhere right now in the skincare and health industries, has been shown to absorb dirt and impurities without leaving skin dry. Meaning that your skin’s integrity isn’t compromised.

Since the best primer for a wet shave a is strong, resilient skin, activated charcoal is an ingredient we recommend trying the next time you’re on the market for a facial product.

What is activated charcoal?

First, a little history lesson.

Activated charcoal has actually been used for centuries in Japan, India, and Egypt for cleansing and healing wounds and insect bites. During the Ming dynasty in China, healers would use bamboo charcoal to filter water for tea and to create medicines.

And it’s been a staple of hospital emergency rooms for many years. In cases of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose, charcoal attaches to stomach toxins and flushes them out before the blood stream can absorb them.

In terms of composition, activated charcoal is charcoal that’s been treated with oxygen, causing the charcoal to become more porous. This increases the charcoal’s surface area and thereby its ability to absorb toxins and bacteria.

Activated charcoal can absorb thousands of times its own weight.

What does activated charcoal do for my face?

Charcoal is a heavyweight, all-natural detoxifier. Similar to how it draws out toxins from the stomach, charcoal acts like a magnet for impurities, absorbing oil and dirt from your pores. These impurities then get washed away once you rinse your face.

Who should be using activated charcoal?

Anyone can use products with activated charcoal, but those with oily skin or skin prone to acne will benefit most because it’ll keep your pores clean.

Here are a few of our product recommendations:

Crux Charcoal Grit Bar

Pumice and black walnut shell exfoliate to make way for activated charcoal to absorb built-up grime. Coconut oil and safflower oil restore moisture so your skin is clean, not taut.

SHOP: Crux Charcoal Grit Bar

Ever Bamboo Charcoal Bar

Bamboo charcoal lifts dirt while lavender essential oil calms you down after a long day.

SHOP: Ever Bamboo Charcoal Bar

Bichotan Cleansing Facial Mask

This fancy Bichotan Charcoal, made in the Kishu region of Japan, draws out all matter of impurities while absorbing excess oil. Free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and dyes, this face mask only contains 5 ingredients and is a treat for oily skin.

SHOP: Bichotan Cleansing Facial Mask