Activated Charcoal, 100 g

Activated charcoal is added to cosmetics for two properties that can be used at the same time: it absorbs odours and it also colours. In cleansing masks, soaps and products for oily or acne-prone skin, it acts as a cleansing ingredient that helps remove excess sebum and impurities from the skin surface and from the pores. In soaps, toothpastes and decorative cosmetics, it serves as a black dye of plant origin, which, depending on the usage rate, gives the product a shade from grey to deep black. This raw material of European origin is produced by calcining plant material and then grinding it.

What it is suitable for

• Skin cleansing – in masks and cleansing products, it helps remove sebum and impurities from the skin surface. It is used mainly in rinse-off products, where the charcoal is washed away together with the impurities.
• Oily and acne-prone skin – products with activated charcoal are recommended for skin prone to oiliness and blemishes, where they help visually minimise pores.
• Odour absorption – charcoal binds odours, which can be used in body products, in soaps and in hair care for scalps prone to oiliness.
• Dye – from a grey tint to a deep black. The colour depends on the amount used and on how thoroughly the powder is dispersed in the mixture.
• Grade – the raw material meets cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical grade requirements and is also intended for toothpastes and oral care products.

Use in formulations

Activated charcoal is insoluble: it does not mix with the water phase or the oil phase, it is only dispersed in it. It is added in the cooling phase or incorporated afterwards into the finished base, at a temperature below 80 °C. The recommended usage rate is 1–10%, depending on whether the charcoal is mainly meant to cleanse or only to colour the product. For a grey shade, the lower end of the range is enough; for a deep black mask or soap, use a higher rate. Compatibility with common raw materials is unrestricted, but it is still advisable to check the behaviour in your specific recipe on a test sample.

In soaps, it is used as a dye and a cleansing ingredient at the same time. The charcoal paste is added to the base before pouring into the mould and stirred in evenly, otherwise light streaks will remain in the soap.

Suitable for products such as

• cleansing face masks for oily and problem skin,
• bar soaps, where charcoal both colours and cleanses,
• shampoos and masks for scalps prone to oiliness,
• toothpastes and tooth cleaning powders,
• body products focused on cleansing and odour absorption,
• decorative cosmetics that call for a black pigment of plant origin.

Good to know

In liquid products such as gels or toners, charcoal settles to the bottom over time. If it is to stay evenly dispersed, the formulation needs sufficient viscosity or a thickener that keeps the particles in suspension. Clear products lose their clarity once charcoal is added and take on a grey to black colour.

Charcoal has no preservative function. Products with a water phase to which it is added need a preservative like any other water-based cosmetics. When working with the powder, we recommend protecting your work surface and clothing, as the fine black dust spreads easily and leaves marks on light surfaces.

Frequently asked questions