How Does Charcoal Work?

Activated charcoal, also popularly known as activated carbon, is a fine black powder produced when ordinary charcoal is exposed to heat. It helps detoxify your skin and treat acne and pimples. This ingredient acts like a magnet and draws out all toxins, impurities, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells from deep within the pores and makes your skin smooth and supple. Let’s now check out the best charcoal face washes available online.

Best Charcoal Face Washes To Watch Out For

1. Best Overall: mamaearth Charcoal Face Wash

The mamaearth Charcoal Face Wash contains charcoal and clay that draw toxins and impurities like excess oil, dirt, and pollution. Clay helps exfoliate your skin and absorb excess oil from the pores. This face wash also contains tea tree oil that penetrates the skin and absorbs the extra oil, while coffee eliminates dead skin cells and evens out the natural skin tone. This hypoallergenic face wash does not cause skin irritation. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and suitable for oily skin types. This product is free of sulfates, SLS, mineral oil, petroleum, parabens, artificial preservatives, synthetic perfumes, and colors. Pros

Dermatologist-tested Paraben-free Sulfate-free SLS-free Mineral oil-free Petroleum-free Paraben-free Preservative-free No synthetic perfumes and colors Vegan Cruelty-free Suitable for oily skin

Cons

Unpleasant smell

2. Best Long-Lasting: WOW Activated Charcoal Face Wash

The WOW Activated Charcoal Face Wash penetrates the skin and removes impurities. It is packed with active charcoal beads and tea tree oil that have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These ingredients help wash away the dead skin cells. Aloe vera prevents dryness and boosts skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production. This face wash helps detoxify your skin and dissolve oil and dirt without stripping off your skin’s natural moisture. It helps reduce blemishes and fine lines and treats damaged skin caused by environmental stressors. This product is free of parabens and sulfates. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Long-lasting

Cons

The skin might feel stretchy.

3. Best Clinically Tested: TruSkin Skin Clearing Charcoal Face Wash

The TruSkin Skin Clearing Charcoal Face Wash is packed with skin soothing and organic ingredients. It contains nutrient-rich propolis, organic reishi, and astragalus root extract that soothe the skin. The activated charcoal detoxifies and balances the skin, improving its overall health. The gentle formula also contains organic aloe vera and extracts of ylang-ylang, lavender, and cucumber. This product is clinically tested and cruelty-free. Pros

Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified) Clinically tested Gentle formula Lightweight

Cons None

4. Best Vegan: Passport To Organics Charcoal Cleanser

The Passport To Organics Charcoal Cleanser is filled with potent, organic ingredients that cleanse, detoxify, and revitalize your skin. This face wash is formulated with Moroccan argan oil that is rich in vitamin E and 80% fatty acids. It also contains black pepper, turmeric, neem, tea tree oil, and avocado that are rich in essential vitamins and nutrients. This cleanser helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Eco-friendly Phthalate-free Fragrance-free

Cons

Might cause breakouts.

5. Best For Oily Skin: Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser

Oily skin and acne are a match made in heaven. Not anymore! This charcoal face wash by Bioré is made especially for oily skin. It gets rid of acne and blemishes from your face. It contains salicylic acid and is developed with an effective skin purifying formula. It claims to eliminate acne in just two days! If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube. Pros

Dermatologically tested Oil-free

Cons None Similar products

6. Best For All Skin Types: Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser

It doesn’t matter if you have sensitive, dry, or oily skin – this charcoal cleanser by Boscia is an excellent product for all skin types. It not only clears all the dirt and oil from your face but also brightens your skin. It claims to even out skin tone, tighten pores, and exfoliate the dead skin cells. It contains Alpha Glucosyl Hesperidin (a compound found in the citrus peel), licorice root, artichoke leaf extracts, and glycolic acid. Here’s an honest review of the product. Pros

Contains vitamin C Free of parabens and phthalates

Cons None Similar products

7. Best With Natural Ingredients: Safe House Naturals Detox Face+Body Wash

If you want an all-natural cleanser, you need to try out this one by Safe House Naturals. It is a completely organic face and body wash containing activated charcoal. It is formulated with a powerful blend of essential oils, bentonite clay, aloe vera, and coconut oil that exfoliates your skin and cleanses it thoroughly. It also has antifungal properties that help in calming down rashes and other skin issues. Pros

Cruelty-free 100% vegan No parabens No artificial dyes and PABA No artificial fragrance

Cons None Similar products

8. Best Hypoallergenic: Detox All Natural Detoxifying Facial Wash

Besides activated charcoal, this Detox face wash contains triple-tea extracts. Both of these components work as natural exfoliators and antioxidants to protect your skin. It also has moisturizing properties that keep your skin hydrated. Moreover, it is a 100% natural product. Pros

Paraben-free Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Suitable for all skin types

Cons None Similar products

9. Best For Blackheads: Oriental Botanics Activated Charcoal Bright Glow Face Wash

This face wash has a potent formula charged with vitamins B3, B5, C, and E. It keeps your skin protected against environmental aggressors and free radical damage. The facial cleanser effectively prevents blackheads and pimples by purifying your skin of excess oil that may clog your pores. The natural extracts in this face wash include licorice, green tea, mulberry, and orange flower. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Paraben-free Sulfate-free Mineral oil-free Silicon-free

Cons None  Similar products

10. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser

This face wash claims to clear acne breakouts without harming your skin or drying it out. The two main active ingredients of this product are charcoal and tomatoes. These two ingredients not only clear your skin but also calm it down. It deeply cleanses your face and makes it brighter. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Pros

Contains salicylic acid Cruelty-free 97% natural products Contains jojoba extracts Removes blackheads

Cons None

11. Hanalei Charcoal Powder Face Cleanser

This face cleanser by Hanalei is a water-activated product. You need to pour it into your hand, add water, and rub both palms to create lather. It contains activated charcoal that eliminates dirt and impurities. It brightens your complexion without harming your skin. It contains essential amino acids and vitamins A, C, and E that protect your skin from free radical damage. Pros

pH-balanced No artificial dyes Paraben-free Cruelty-free SLS-free Suitable for all skin types

Cons None

12. Chilogy Cleanse Charcoal Face Wash

Chilogy Cleanse Charcoal Face Wash is made of ingredients that are rich in antioxidants. It contains organic orange peel, sunflower oil, olive oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, and white and green tea extracts. These ingredients clear your skin, hydrate it, and rejuvenate skin cells. All of this keeps your skin looking plump and firm. Pros

Cruelty-free Paraben- and phthalates-free Sulfate-free

Cons None

13. Kiehl’s Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser

This 2-in-1 face cleanser contains charcoal and Moroccan lava clay. It deeply exfoliates your skin, removes dead skin cells, reduces fine lines, and improves your skin texture. It can also be used as a face mask. Just leave it on your skin for 5 minutes and wash it off for deeper exfoliation. Pros

Soap-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free

Cons None

14. Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel

This facial cleanser by Clinique is excellent for daily use. It has a pore-cleansing and detoxifying formula that removes all traces of dirt and pollution from your skin. The charcoal present in the cleanser draws out all the impurities and excess sebum, leaving your skin refreshingly smooth. Pros

Paraben-free Phthalate-free No artificial fragrance Suitable for all skin types

Cons None

15. Derma E Purifying Gel Cleanser

This facial cleanser is perfect for daily use and gentle enough for sensitive skin. It unclogs your pores and detoxifies your skin. Besides activated charcoal, it contains Japanese marine algae extracts. This ingredient is clinically proven to protect your skin from environmental damage. Pros

100% vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free No phthalates, sulfates, and mineral oils Gluten-free GMO-free

Cons

Leaves a slimy feeling on the face after washing

Charcoal face wash is a one-stop solution that treats several oily skin issues. It eliminates impurities, toxins, and bacteria from your pores while restoring balance to your skin. The market is overflowing with charcoal face washes, so zeroing in on one is tricky. Therefore, remember our list of tips while choosing the best charcoal face wash.

How To Choose the Best Charcoal Face Wash for You?

Ingredients To Look For: Look for a charcoal face wash powered with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, sunflower oil, olive oil, aloe vera, and coconut oil to keep dry skin hydrated and moisturized. Pick formulas infused with essential oils and bentonite clay that exfoliates your skin thoroughly while calming down rashes. For oily skin, pick face washes containing green tea, peppermint oil, and orange peel to detoxify your skin. Ingredients To Avoid: Avoid face washes free of harsh ingredients that can dry out and irritate your skin and cause long-term damage. Chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and artificial fragrances turn your skin brittle and dull. Additionally, stay away from face washes enriched with sulfates. They strip away the essential moisture from your skin while cleansing the dirt. Read the label to ensure it is hypoallergenic and toxin-free. Formula: Foam cleansers effectively remove excess oils from your pores, but they can be overly drying if overused. If you have sensitive skin, stick to gel cleansers that are hydrating and gentler on the skin. You can also choose foaming gels to gain both benefits in one formula. Additional Benefits: Choose a charcoal face wash that offers additional benefits like protection from free radical damage. The presence of essential amino acids and vitamins A, C, and E offer antioxidant properties to the face washes. You can also pick formula that doubles up as a body wash. Price: Price is an essential factor when selecting a face wash. Since you will be using it daily, go for affordable brands with quality ingredients. Avoid buying cheap products as they contain harsh chemicals that damage your skin in the long run.

Not many of us are aware of the innumerable benefits of charcoal in skin care. Check out the advantages of using charcoal for your face in the following section.

Benefits Of Using Charcoal For Your Skin

Removes Dirt And Impurities From Your Skin: Activated charcoal helps pull out bacteria and toxins from the skin. A charcoal face wash eliminates all the impurities and makes your skin clear and even-toned. Minimizes Acne And Pimples: External pollutants cause a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that clog your pores. This, in turn, leads to acne and pimples. It might also cause skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. Activated charcoal has antibacterial properties that lift the dirt and acne-causing bacteria from your pores. Soothes Insect Bites: Charcoal also helps treat insect bites. Insect bites and stings cause swelling and itching. Charcoal neutralizes the toxins of the insect’s venom by taking the sting out of a bite. Brightens Your Skin: Charcoal helps lighten blemishes and reduces oiliness, pigmentation, and tanning, keeping your skin even-toned.

To use a charcoal face mask the right way, follow the easy and simple steps mentioned below.

How To Use A Charcoal Face Wash

Dampen Your Face With Water: Splash lukewarm water onto your face, giving your charcoal face wash a slightly damp surface to work on. Apply The Cleanser: Squeeze the required amount of your favorite charcoal cleanser onto your fingertips to prep for application. Apply the cleanser in gentle, circular motions all over your face. Rinse And Pat Dry: Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a towel. Apply A Serum: Apply a vitamin C serum for that extra glow. This helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brings out the inner radiance. Apply A Moisturizer: To revive the moisture of your skin after the cleansing process, apply a moisturizer.

Though charcoal face washes are beneficial for your skin, they might have some side effects. Let’s look at the following section to know what the adverse effects of a charcoal face wash can be.

Are Charcoal Face Washes Safe To Use?

Most charcoal-based products are not suitable for sensitive skin types. Charcoal can become abrasive when combined with other ingredients. Hence, choose a charcoal product that is best suited for your skin type to reduce the risk of any side effects. Check the ingredients list and ensure that your skin is not allergic to any of them.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who loves writing comprehensive articles on all things beauty. She advocates the importance of using charcoal face washes because they offer an effective way to eliminate excessive oil, unclog the pores, remove whiteheads and blackheads. Her list includes some of the best charcoal face washes that she picked after going through thousands of trustworthy user reviews online. She recommends these products because they are infused with activated charcoal that helps to wipe out toxins, bacteria, and impurities from the facial skin. Does charcoal lighten the skin? Yes, charcoal has skin lightening properties. It exfoliates the skin and helps treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes. Does a charcoal face wash help fight acne? Yes, a charcoal face wash helps fight acne. Charcoal absorbs toxins and eliminates excess oil and stubborn dirt from your skin, which helps clear acne. How often should I use a charcoal face wash? You can apply a charcoal face wash once or twice a week if you have sensitive skin. Otherwise, you can use it every alternate day for the best results. Is a charcoal face wash suitable for oily or dry skin? A charcoal face wash is suitable for oily skin. It draws out impurities like oil, dirt, sweat, and makeup from your face. This face wash also deep cleanses your pores and prevents excess sebum buildup, dead skin cells, and oil. Can face wash remove pimples? Yes. Face washes with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties gently exfoliate the skin and draw out the dirt or grime that develops bumps on the face. Therefore, a face wash is effective in treating and eliminating pimples.

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