What’s The Deal With Activated Charcoal?

Up until now, my experience with charcoal has been limited and not particularly pleasant: The first, involved keeping down vile-tasting pills to quell a nasty bout of childhood food poisoning. The second, was spending most of sophomore year coated in a layer of the messy substance (thanks, Intro to Drawing class!). Had I known then what I know now, I might’ve voluntarily walked around with the powder smeared on my face. Turns out, activated charcoal – a powerful detoxifying carbon – has been the reigning toxin-fighting ingredient in a slew of beauty products for centuries: Not only does it stomp out impurities pretty much on contact but it removes makeup and leaves your skin glowing from within. The benefits don’t stop there. What charcoal does for the skin, it can also do for your mouth, thanks to its negative ion radiating powers. You can use one of these nifty Binchotan charcoal brushes or blend actual charcoal powder into your toothpaste to brighten your smile and remove harmful bacteria.

P.S. Charcoal tablets have been known to ease symptoms of the gnarliest of post-rager hangovers, too! You’re welcome.

clockwise, l-r: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL CLEANSER, $28.00, Shamanuti; HERBIVORE BOTANICALS BAMBOO CHARCOAL SOAP BAR, $8.00, Anthropologie.com; BOSCIA LUMINIZING BLACK MASK, $34.00, Sephora.com; MORIHATA BINSHOTAN CHARCOAL TOOTHBRUSH, $7.00, CO Bigelow.