Let's talk about activated charcoal; Why we use it, What is it, and What are the benefits of activated charcoal for your skin.
The Scientific part.
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been treated with oxygen to make it highly porous and able to adsorb substances. This process creates a large surface area for the charcoal, which allows it to attract and bind to a wide range of toxins, impurities, and other unwanted substances. The resulting material is commonly used in a variety of applications, including air and water purification, medical treatments, and skincare products.
Activated charcoal is produced by heating a carbon source, such as wood, coconut husks or shells, or bamboo, in the absence of air to create char. The char is then treated with an oxidizing gas, such as steam or air, at high temperatures, which opens up the pores in the carbon and creates the activated charcoal. The final product has a black, powdery appearance and can be used in a variety of forms, including powder, capsules, or as an ingredient in skincare products like soap or face masks.
Photo: The brand of activated charcoal we use. Not a paid advertisement. You can use any brand you like.
Why do We choose to use Activated Charcoal made from coconut husks in our skincare products?
Coconut husk activated charcoal is a popular choice for many applications because it has several benefits over other types of activated charcoal:
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Sustainability: Coconut husks are a renewable resource, and using them to create activated charcoal helps reduce waste and provides an alternative use for what would otherwise be discarded.
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High purity: Coconut husk-activated charcoal is known for its high level of purity, which makes it ideal for medical and food-grade applications. The process used to create it involves high temperatures and multiple stages of purification to remove any impurities.
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High adsorption capacity: Coconut husk-activated charcoal has a very high adsorption capacity, meaning it can bind to a wide range of substances. This makes it a great choice for air and water purification, as well as medical treatments.
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Large surface area: Like all activated charcoal, coconut husk activated charcoal has a large surface area, which allows it to adsorb more toxins and impurities than other materials. This makes it an effective ingredient in skin care products and other applications where adsorption is important.
Coconut husk-activated charcoal is a sustainable, high-purity, and effective choice for a wide range of skincare applications.
Photo: Toaster Bath bombs, (activated charcoal is used to add color to the outside of the bath bomb) and "The Fireman" bar.
Activated charcoal has become a popular ingredient in many skincare products, including lye soap. Here are some of the potential benefits of activated charcoal in lye soap:
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Deep cleansing: Activated charcoal has the ability to draw impurities and toxins out of the skin, which makes it a great ingredient for deep-cleansing soaps. When used in lye soap, it can help remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin.
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Exfoliation: Lye soap is naturally exfoliating, and when combined with activated charcoal, it can help remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, brighter skin.
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Oil control: Activated charcoal has absorbent properties, which can help control excess oil on the skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
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Odor elimination: Activated charcoal is also known for its ability to absorb odors. When used in soap, it can help neutralize unpleasant smells and leave skin smelling fresh and clean.
Overall, activated charcoal can be a beneficial ingredient in lye soap for those looking for a deep-cleansing, exfoliating, and oil-controlling soap.
**However, it's important to note that everyone's skin is different, so it's important to test a small patch of skin before using any new product.**
We also choose to use Activated Charcoal as an all-natural way to color our soap bars black.
Photo: "The Fuzz" bar and foaming bath soak, two loaves of "The Medic", and cut bars of "The Medic" all made with activated charcoal.