Activated charcoal powder (INCI: “Charcoal Powder”) is known for its purifying and detoxifying properties. Let's zoom in and focus on the benefits of activated charcoal for skin and hair, as well as how to use this ingredient, which is present in our purifying mask as well as our cleansing care.
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What Is Activated Charcoal Powder, and What Is Its Use?
What Is Charcoal Powder?
First used in 1811 for medical purposes to counter the effects of a lethal dose of arsenic trioxide, charcoal is derived from the combustion of carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut, or bamboo. It is called “activated charcoal” when the combustion is carried out under intense heat. A very high temperature (between 600 and 900 °C) leads to the expulsion of carbon atoms which leaves room for pores. This porous structure is similar to a sponge and explains the high absorption capacity of activated carbon. Moreover, the carbon is charged with positive ions that act as a magnet to attract sebum and impurities to the skin.
At Typology, the activated charcoal powder is present in the purifying mask as well as the cleansing care is derived from the combustion of pine wood. It allows to matify the complexion and cleans the skin in depth.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal Powder for the Skin.
Activated charcoal is a plant ingredient that is increasingly present in skin care products. Present in many masks and soaps, it brings several benefits to the epidermis.
Activated charcoal to absorb excess sebum.
An accumulation of sebum can clog pores, leading to the formation of imperfections such as blackheads and blackheads. By absorbing excess sebum, activated charcoal prevents the appearance of pimples and mattifies oily skin. It brings to the skin a blow of brightness and unifies the complexion.
Activated charcoal to eliminate impurities.
Activated charcoal is capable of absorbing toxins and impurities present on the skin's surface. Thus, it is particularly interesting to use a product based on activated charcoal if you live in a polluted environment, to purify and detoxify the skin.
Activated charcoal to gently exfoliate the skin.
Activated charcoal has a granular but soft texture that allows for a light mechanical peeling of the skin. It eliminates the dead cells on the surface of the epidermis and stimulates cell renewal.
Benefits of Activated Charcoal Powder for the Hair.
Hair easily absorbs toxins from pollution, tobacco, etc. Used in the conception of shampoo, charcoal will clean and purify the scalp as well as the hair fiber. It will rid the hair of absorbed toxins and dandruff. Just like on oily skin, charcoal works in the same way to limit the production of sebum on the scalp.
In Which Care Products Can We Find Charcoal Powder?
In cosmetic applications, activated charcoal is not dangerous. It is rather adapted to mixed to oily skins as well as to skins with imperfections for its capacity to absorb sebum and to purify the epidermis. This cosmetic ingredient is not particularly recommended for dry skin because it could dry it out even more.
It is common to find charcoal powder in exfoliating masks, scrubs, cleansing soaps, shampoos, and scalp scrubs. Activated charcoal powder also has whitening benefits for teeth. It is not uncommon to find it in certain toothpastes.
Typology has developed two products containing “Charcoal Powder”:
The purifying cleansing care with activated charcoal for the face and body is derived from the cold saponification process, made in France and contains 100% ingredients of natural origin.
The purifying mask with charcoal and organic nettle cleanses the skin without drying it, regulates the production of sebum and fights against imperfections. It contains sebo-regulating nettle, matifying pine charcoal and purifying green clay.
Sources :
WANG XIUFANG TIAN YONG. A Novel material bamboo charcoal and its new application in cosmetics.
NOR ASFALIZA A. & al. Synthesis and characterization of active biocarbon material for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Key Engineering Materials (2020).
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