Activated Charcoal Powder

Have you ever heard of charcoal juice? Well, I made it up whilst in Ghana in October 2008. My charcoal juice was just a mixture of this pharmaceutical grade activated charcoal powder with lots of warm water.

There are so many uses for activated charcoal including water filtration, teeth cleaning, oil pulling with coconut oil.
As a mask for oily skin, mix ½ part activated charcoal & ½ part rhassoul clay with some warm water +/- fresh lemon juice. You can also use bentonite clay.
As a poultice, mix ½ part activated charcoal & 3 parts bentonite clay with some warm water +/- fresh lemon juice.
For soap-making, try experimenting with ¼ tsp of activated charcoal for every 500g of fat/oils. You will need to increase the percentage of your fragrance when adding activated charcoal to your formula.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : GHANA

How to Use Activated Charcoal Powder

For a Detoxifying Face Mask

Mix 1 teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with 2 teaspoons of water, aloe vera gel or natural yogurt. Apply the mixture to clean skin and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use once or twice per week for best results.

For Soap and Scrubs

Add 1 to 2 teaspoons per 500g of soap base or scrub mixture to create a gentle detoxifying product.

For Hair and Scalp Treatment

Mix a small amount with your regular shampoo or add to a clay-based hair mask to clarify the scalp and remove product buildup.

Pro tip: Combine activated charcoal powder with bentonite clay or kaolin clay for a powerful deep-cleansing face mask that purifies and refines skin texture.

Ingredient Information

INCI Name: Charcoal Powder (Activated Carbon)

Ingredient Profile: Activated charcoal is produced by heating carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells or bamboo at high temperatures. This activation process creates millions of tiny pores, giving the powder an exceptionally large surface area that can trap and absorb impurities.

Key Properties

• Highly porous structure with strong adsorption properties
• Natural detoxifier that binds to dirt, oil and environmental pollutants
• pH neutral and gentle on most skin types
• Fine, lightweight powder that disperses easily in water and oil-based formulations

Traditional Uses

Activated charcoal has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare practices across Africa and Asia. It is valued for its ability to draw out toxins and impurities, making it a trusted ingredient for purifying masks, poultices and cleansing treatments.

Origin and Sourcing

Our activated charcoal powder is ethically sourced from Ghana, where Sheabutter Cottage works directly with communities and small-scale producers. This approach ensures fair compensation for producers and supports sustainable ingredient supply chains that benefit local economies.

Product Specifications

• Weight: Available in 45g and 200g pouches
• Appearance: Fine, jet-black powder
• Origin: Ghana
• Purity: 100% activated charcoal with no additives or fillers
• Usage: For external use only

Common Questions

Is activated charcoal powder safe for sensitive skin?

Activated charcoal is generally gentle and suitable for most skin types. However, if you have very sensitive or reactive skin, we recommend doing a patch test first. Mix a small amount with water and apply to your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to check for any reaction before using on your face.

How often should I use activated charcoal on my skin?

For most skin types, using an activated charcoal mask once or twice per week is sufficient. Overuse may lead to dryness, so it is best to start slowly and adjust based on how your skin responds.

Can I use activated charcoal powder in cold process soap?

Yes, activated charcoal works beautifully in cold process soap.   Hydrate it and add it at trace (after the oils and lye have emulsified) to ensure even distribution.  Start with 1% per 500g of oils and adjust to achieve your desired colour intensity.