I first started making this charcoal face mask back when I was backpacking through South America. I always carried activated charcoal supplements with me in case I picked up a bug.
It turns out that activated charcoal does nothing against Salmonella or E. coli but it sure does work as a face mask.
As I traveled through tropical climates, dusty climates, and everything in between, I ended up using this activated charcoal face mask as a regular part of my beauty routine. All I ever needed was a little warm water.
In fact, activated charcoal is a natural ingredient that has been used for centuries to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you’re someone who suffers from oily skin, blackheads, or just wants to give your skin a deep clean, then this is the perfect recipe for you.
In this blog post, I’ll be showing you how to make a simple, yet effective charcoal mask that you can use at home to give your skin a boost of purification.
So, grab your charcoal, and let’s get started!
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a form of charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to make it highly porous and absorbent. It is often used in skincare and beauty products because of its ability to draw out impurities, toxins and excess oils from the skin. This makes it a great ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help to unclog pores and leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed. It also has natural detoxifying properties that can help to brighten and even out the skin tone.
But it’s not just for oily skin types, activated charcoal can also be beneficial for all skin types. It is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and can also help to balance out dry skin by providing a boost of moisture. Activated charcoal is also a great ingredient to use in teeth whitening products as it can help to remove surface stains and leave teeth looking brighter and cleaner.
It’s an amazing ingredient that works wonders for the skin, teeth and internal organs too. With activated charcoal, you can feel good about what you’re putting on and in your body. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
How does activated charcoal affect the skin?
Activated charcoal is known to have a purifying effect on the skin. The activated charcoal powder is highly porous and absorbent, making it an effective ingredient for drawing out impurities, toxins and excess oils from the skin. This can help to unclog pores and leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Not only is it great for absorbing excess oil, but activated charcoal can also help to balance the skin’s natural oil production and reduce the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads and other blemishes.
Activated charcoal also has natural detoxifying properties, which can help to brighten and even out the skin tone. It can also provide a gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and leave the skin looking smoother and more radiant.
It is important to note that activated charcoal can be drying, so it is important to follow up with a moisturizer after using a charcoal-based product, especially if you have dry skin. I recommend my calendula-infused oil 🙂
Also, it is always recommended to do a patch test before applying activated charcoal on your face. If there is any sign of skin irritation, then remove immediately with a clean washcloth soaked in warm water.
You might also like: My skin-tightening bentonite clay mask recipe!
How to make the charcoal mask
I like mixing activated charcoal and bentonite clay for a classic face mask that leaves my skin feeling tight and clean.
Activated charcoal is known for its ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, while bentonite clay is rich in minerals that help to nourish and strengthen the skin. When these two ingredients are combined, they create a mask that is not only effective at clearing out your pores and leaving your skin feeling clean, but also provides a boost of essential minerals to leave your skin looking and feeling its best.
Plus, it’s gentle enough for all skin types to use, so you can feel confident using it on a regular basis to keep your skin in tip-top shape
To make a charcoal and bentonite clay mask, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder
- 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay
- 1-2 tablespoons of water or apple cider vinegar (depending on desired consistency)
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay.
- Slowly add in water or apple cider vinegar, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more as needed, until the mixture forms a spreadable paste.
- Cleanse your face and pat dry.
- Gently massage the mask evenly on your face, being careful to avoid the delicate eye area.
- Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes or until it has fully dried.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water and gently pat your face dry.
- Follow up with your usual moisturizer.
Note: It is recommended to use a non-metallic spoon or brush to mix the ingredients, since bentonite clay can react with metal. Also, it’s important to patch test before applying the mask to your face.
8 (more!) DIY charcoal face mask recipes
I like to mix activated charcoal powder and bentonite clay in an airtight glass container, then mix with whatever wet ingredient once I’m ready to use the mask.
I want to address that some of these use animal products. I don’t use animal products often but have welcomed them into my diet and lifestyle in recent years. If you do not feel the same about this, then replace with your own natural ingredients 🙂
Here are a few of my favorite combos!
Charcoal and Raw Honey Mask for oily skin
The charcoal and honey mask is perfect for oily skin because the charcoal acts as a natural detoxifier, drawing out impurities and excess oils from the skin. The honey, on the other hand, is a natural humectant, meaning it helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin without adding any extra oil. By using this mask, you’re able to not only cleanse your skin but also nourish and hydrate it, leaving your skin looking and feeling refreshed and balanced. Plus, the antibacterial properties of honey can also help reduce acne and breakouts. Give it a try, you’ll be so happy with the results!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Yogurt Mask for dry skin
The Charcoal and Yogurt Mask for dry skin is a great combination of ingredients that can help improve the overall look and feel of your skin. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, while yogurt is a natural moisturizer that can help keep your skin hydrated. When used together, these ingredients can help to nourish and hydrate dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Plus, yogurt contains lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to exfoliate the skin, revealing a brighter and more even complexion. Overall, this mask is a great way to give your dry skin some much-needed TLC and leave it looking and feeling its best.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Aloe Vera Mask for sensitive skin
This combo is perfect for sensitive skin because charcoal acts as a natural detoxifier, effectively drawing out impurities and excess oils from the skin. Aloe vera, on the other hand, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and balanced. Together, these two powerful ingredients work wonders for sensitive skin, leaving it feeling clean, clear, and calm. Give it a try, your delicate skin will thank you!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Egg White Mask for acne-prone skin
The charcoal and egg white mask is a wonderful combination for those with acne-prone skin. The activated charcoal powder in the mask acts as a magnet to draw out impurities and toxins from deep within your pores. This helps to prevent future breakouts and reduces the appearance of existing ones. The egg white, on the other hand, is rich in proteins and vitamins that help to tighten and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of pores and leaving your skin looking smooth and clear. Together, these two powerful ingredients work in harmony to give you a clear, healthy-looking complexion. Give it a try, you’ll love the results!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with 1 egg white.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Green Tea Mask for aging skin
Charcoal and green tea mask is a powerful combination that targets the signs of aging on your skin. Activated charcoal is known to draw impurities and excess oil from the skin, leaving it looking fresh and clean. Green tea, on the other hand, is packed with antioxidants that help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants also help to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of your skin. The combination of these two ingredients in a face mask can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant.
- Brew a cup of green tea, let it cool, and then mix 1 tablespoon of the green tea with 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Turmeric Mask for brightening skin
The charcoal and turmeric mask is a great way to brighten your skin. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, while turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When combined, these two ingredients work together to deeply cleanse and brighten the skin, leaving it looking refreshed and even-toned. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help reduce redness and inflammation, making this mask a great choice for anyone dealing with acne or other skin concerns. Give it a try, and see the difference for yourself!
- Mix 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Charcoal and Avocado Mask for nourishing skin
Activated charcoal has some amazing benefits for our skin. It’s known for its ability to draw out impurities and toxins from the skin, making it a great ingredient for detoxifying and purifying the skin. When paired with the nourishing properties of avocado, you’ll be left with a mask that deeply moisturizes, soothes, and rejuvenates your skin. Avocado is packed with vitamins and minerals that help to nourish and hydrate your skin from within. Together, these two ingredients make for a powerhouse combination that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
- Mash half an avocado and mix it with 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder.
- Apply to face and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
DIY charcoal peel off mask
When I use this peel-off face mask, I love the feeling of it solidifying on my skin, it’s like it’s absorbing all the gunk from my pores. Once it’s dry, I slowly start peeling it off from the edges, pulling towards the center. It’s so satisfying to see all the impurities that have been removed from my skin. After using the mask, my skin feels so clean and smooth, not to mention, it also brightens up my complexion.
It’s a quick and easy way to give yourself a spa-like treatment at home. So, if you’re looking for a simple, yet effective way to give your skin a deep clean, I highly recommend giving a DIY charcoal peel-off mask a try!
Ingredients for an activated charcoal peel-off mask typically include:
- Activated charcoal powder: This is the main ingredient that will provide the purifying and detoxifying properties of the mask.
- Gelatin powder: This is a common ingredient used in peel-off masks as it acts as a binder and helps the mask to solidify and peel off easily.
- A liquid: This can be water, aloe vera juice, or any other liquid of your choice, to help activate the gelatin powder and make it a spreadable paste.
- Optional ingredients: Some people like to add other ingredients for extra benefits, such as tea tree oil for its anti-inflammatory properties, or honey for its moisturizing properties.
Here’s an example of a recipe:
- 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal powder
- 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of water or aloe vera gel
- few drops of tea tree oil (optional)
You can adjust the amount of ingredients to your needs, and can add more or less liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Try these other face mask recipes:
