When your skin feels icky and needs a serious scrub, anything infused with charcoal is your best bet. Like coconut oil and hyaluronic acid, the natural ingredient is a do-it-all skin-saver that beauty experts love to name-drop when recommending products.
Charcoal is quite literally a magnet, drawing bacteria and other nasty particles out from beneath skin’s surface. And its reputation has stood the test of time: The Japanese have been using it as an exfoliating tool for centuries and today, those deep-cleansing powers are being harnessed for everything from face masks to toothbrushes.
If you’ve never experienced the fast-acting power of charcoal beauty products, it’s high time you do. The 7 cult-favorite, effective-AF products below are a good place to start.
Boscia Charcoal Jelly Ball Cleanser
It looks like a medicine ball, but it's actually a deep cleanser that you can smooth over wet skin to get rid of pore-clogging bacteria without causing irritation.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Sephora
Drybar On the Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo
If it's been awhile since you washed your hair, this charcoal-infused cleanser is key to removing tough product buildup.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Nordstom
GlamGlow Bubblesheet
This charcoal-infused oxygenating mask bubbles up as you apply it, leaving behind skin that feels squeaky clean.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Glam Glow
Goodwell Bamboo + Binchotan Toothbrush
The bristles in this biodegradable toothbrush are made with charcoal that works to scrub away stubborn plaque.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Goodwell
Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleanse Detoxifying Soap Bar
Bamboo charcoal has been used in Japan for centuries as a cleansing agent. Now, stateside beauty enthusiasts are coveting the cult ingredient for their body care needs.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Herbivore Botanicals
Kiehl's Age Defender Cleanser
Men and ladies can benefit from this two-in-one facial wash that uses both charcoal and Moroccan clay to deeply exfoliate dirty skin.
$15; at Neiman Marcus
Photo:
Kiehl's
Sephora Collection Blotting Papers
This 100-piece set ensures that your skin will stay oil-free, all while reaping the antimicrobial benefits of charcoal.
Available on Amazon
Photo:
Sephora
