Who knew that one day you’d find yourself peeking into your stocking on Christmas morning, hoping to find some coal?
Not the lumpy black rocks Santa doles out to the kids who misbehave. We’re talking about charcoal beauty products!
The key ingredient in all of the products listed below is actually activated charcoal. Although charcoal started off primarily as an aid for detox and digestion, it’s since showed up in the world of beauty, acting as a teeth whitening agent, a skin purifier and even an odor eliminator.
And it makes sense! Charcoal has the ability to pull bacteria, toxins, dirt and other substances from surfaces (whether that’s your skin, your hair or your teeth!). In fact, activated charcoal is known to absorb “thousands of times its own mass in harmful substances.”
Charcoal Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Face masks and sheets
Masks are arguably the most popular use for activated charcoal in the beauty industry. There are two major types of face masks: the traditional clay-based mask that's spread on your face or paper sheet masks that you stick on. The charcoal in these masks binds to toxins in your pores and removes them, leaving your skin feeling light, fresh and oh-so-clean. Some facial masks combine the detoxing effects of charcoal with other natural ingredients, such as lavender, for a more unique experience.
Facial scrubs
Unlike masks, which serve the primary purpose of cleansing skin, charcoal facial scrubs add in the benefit of exfoliation. This process removes any dead or dry skin, leaving your face extra smooth. (Also, in case you didn’t already know: purifying, exfoliating charcoal-infused towels exist, too!)
Toothpaste
Give the gift of a whiter smile! Charcoal can be found in toothpaste, oral rinses and powders, and it acts as a natural tooth whitener. As a toothpaste and oral rinse, charcoal will grab onto leftover food (and bacteria!) that lingers in your mouth after a meal. As a tooth whitener, charcoal can help remove surface-level stains on your teeth; usually companies that sell activated charcoal toothpaste market their products as natural teeth whiteners.
Soap
Why save all of charcoal’s cleansing benefits for your face? Grab a bar of charcoal soap and suds up for all-over cleanest-ever skin. As One With Nature notes on their Dead Sea Spa Activated Charcoal Mineral Soap: “Activated charcoal acts like a magnet to attract and absorb bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles…helping to achiece a flawless, clear and even-toned complexion.”
Body wash
A step above soap, charcoal body wash not only cleanses but also exfoliates your skin. Get in some extra scrubning action when you use a charcoal-infused sponge or loofa! This charcoal loofah, by Body Benefits, boasts big time lather and lasts up to 30 days before needing to be replaced.
Shampoo and conditioner
Much like its benefits for the skin, activated charcoal works wonders on hair. (Don’t worry: Your hair won’t smell like a coal mine when you step out of the shower!) For those who rely on multiple hair products for styling and maintenance, using a shampoo or conditioner with charcoal can help give your hair a deep cleanse and remove product build-up.
Charcoal won’t upset the natural moisture levels of your hair, but it will remove toxins and add volume. (Think of all the weight that product buildup, dirt and other icky substances can add to your light, carefree hair over time.) Some people with scalp conditions, such as an itchy scalp, may find relief when using a charcoal-infused hair care product.
Deodorant
Another interesting charcoal find? Deodorant. In addition to being an excellent absorber of all things bad for your skin and hair, activated charcoal will soak up any excess moisture that your armpits produce. So the next time you have to give a big presentation, activated charcoal deodorant could help you by not only absorbing all the nervous sweat, but by also naturally dispelling any odors. It’s the best of both deodorant and antiperspirant combined into one natural sweat-proof product.
Whether you’re searching for some fun beauty ideas to stick under your own Christmas tree or need some gift ideas for friends and family, look no further than the 2019 version of coal: activated charcoal beauty products!
