What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated Charcoal (also known as activated carbon) is a highly porous substance that cleanses and detoxifies by attracting and absorbing chemicals inside it. This natural treatment is used for everything from flushing toxins from the body to cleaning teeth and even preventing hangovers! This type of charcoal is 'Activated' by being carbonised and specially treated to ensure its porous surface is as absorbent as possible. There are many types of Activated Charcoal, which can be sourced from Coconut Shells, Oak Branches or Bamboo.
How is Activated Charcoal made?
One of the most common ways to make Activated Charcoal is by placing the charcoal into a tank without oxygen. It’s then subjected to extreme temperatures ranging anywhere between 600 - 900 degrees celsius. Once the first heating process is complete, the charcoal is filtered through chemicals including argon and nitrogen. It’s then heated again to temperatures around 600 - 1200 degrees celsius. This second round of processing involves exposing the charcoal to both oxygen and steam. The result? Highly porous Activated Charcoal!
Activated Charcoal benefits
Activated Charcoal works by trapping toxins in its minuscule pores, allowing them to be removed from the body. It has negative electric charges that bond with positively charged toxins! Activated Charcoal has many uses including whitening teeth, balancing your mouth’s pH levels and preventing bad breath. It’s also found in health supplements to alleviate bloating and promote well functioning digestion. Another common use for Activated Charcoal is natural water filtration. The charcoal traps any impurities found in your tap water, leaving it clean and fresh. It’s also fantastic for cleansing and detoxifying the skin!
What is Binchotan charcoal?
Binchotan charcoal, also known as white charcoal, has been produced for over 300 years by charcoal makers in the Kishu province of Wakayama, Japan. From producing pure Binchotan by carbonising Oak Branches, the Kishu people discovered all the wonderful benefits of Activated Charcoal. The porous surface of Binchotan Charcoal is made up of micro and macro pores which are able to absorb impurities when placed into water or applied to the skin, as well as freshen the air and regulate humidity. Also read my blog on the benefits of Binchotan Charcoal!
Activated Charcoal product review
Life Basics Konjac Sponge - Bamboo Charcoal
Gentle enough for all skin types, the 100% Pure Konjac Sponge - Charcoal, deep cleanses the skin. It’s made using charcoal bamboo which magnetically removes the dirt and grime from the skin. This lightly exfoliating sponge is also naturally alkaline which means it helps to balance the skin’s pH levels. To use, wet the sponge and use in a circular motion over the face. You can use it alone or in conjunction with your favourite natural cleanser!
Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask
Using the benefits of purifying Activated Charcoal and hydrating Manuka Honey, is the Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask. This detoxifying mask is ultra smoothing and filled with antibacterial ingredients that help to absorb toxins and clear your complexion. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to clear congested or blemish prone skin! I recommend applying this mask on clean skin for 10 minutes. Follow up with your serum and night cream.
Life Basics Activated Charcoal Body Soap
The Life Basics Activated Charcoal Body Soap utilises the cleansing properties of Activated Coconut Charcoal to provide a gentle, exfoliating clean. This peppermint scented soap bar removes dirt and impurities, leaving skin soft, smooth and clear. This soap is also ideal for anyone with blemish prone arms or legs. We love the the absorbent and purifying benefits of charcoal!
Dr Brite Vitamin-C Infused Whitening Toothpaste
The Dr Brite Vitamin-C Infused Whitening Toothpaste, works to effectively clean teeth, remove plaque and help maintain gum health. The unique feature of this toothpaste is that it uses Activated White Binchotan Charcoal which is traditionally Japanese. This is made using centuries-old techniques that produce pure Binchotan charcoal. I love this hard working toothpaste for its cleaning ability and delicious Spearmint taste.
Life Basics Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush
To achieve the ultimate clean, I recommend brushing your teeth with the Life Basics Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush. Made with high quality Binchotan charcoal bristles, this toothbrush is antibacterial and antifungal, and can deodorise the entire mouth while also whitening your teeth. It gets rid of the plaque in your mouth as well as absorbing any nasties found in tap water, such as chlorine. This deeply cleansing toothbrush is available in Medium, Soft or Kids size!
Warpaint Natural Teeth Whitener
Warpaint Natural Teeth Whitener, is formulated using Activated Coconut Shell Charcoal, Australian Calcium Bentonite Clay and Peppermint. This fun teeth whitening powder helps to remineralise your teeth and remove any stains. It’s also fantastic for balancing your mouth’s pH levels and getting rid of bacteria. Be careful, this product can get a little messy! To use, dip a clean, wet toothbrush into the black powder. Then brush your teeth for 2 minutes, keeping your lips closed! Spit and rinse well. To create a more toothpaste like consistency, I like to mix Warpaint with Coconut Oil.
Morihata Binchotan Kishu Charcoal Water Purifier
To help make tap water taste fantastic, you can try using the Morihata Binchotan Kishu Charcoal Water Purifier. Using the purest charcoal on the planet, this Binchotan helps removes impurities from your daily water. Each stick filters approximately two litres of water. To use, boil the charcoal for 5 minutes before your first use, allowing it to cool. For every 1 litre of water, use at least 60g of binchotan charcoal. To purify your water, refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
Mineral Fusion Charcoal Gel Cleanser
The Mineral Fusion Charcoal Gel Cleanser is an excellent detoxifying, activated charcoal gel cleanser that is ideal for all skin types, particularly those with blackheads. It has been crafted to calmly extract impurities, loosen blackheads, lessen the visibility of pores and thoroughly remove makeup. It has the benefit of being Hypo-allergenic and is fragrance-free. Perfect at night as it deeply cleans. Softly massage onto damp face and rinse with warm water.
