Hailed as a detoxifying powerhouse, charcoal is the skincare ingredient everyone’s talking about, but what can it do for you? Here’s everything you need to know about the skin benefits of charcoal, the hero ingredient in our NEW Take The Day Off™ Charcoal Cleansing Balm.

What is charcoal?

Let's start with the basics. Essentially, charcoal is the black, porous carbon residue produced when wood is heated to very high temperatures. You may have used it in art class or on the BBQ, however, the charcoal used in our NEW charcoal cleansing balm is not your standard BBQ fare. In fact, we use the highest grade of finely milled detoxifying charcoal sourced from Japanese Ubame Oak wood. Only the best for our balm.

Why is charcoal good for skin?

Charcoal is primarily known for its detoxifying and purifying benefits, making it the perfect match for our cleansing balm. We know that it can be tricky to find a cleansing balm for oily skin, but the addition of charcoal helps to deeply cleanse and remove any excess oil and dirt on the skin. It also helps to unclog pores – another bonus for oily or blemish-prone skin types.

When should I incorporate charcoal products into my skincare regime?

A cleansing balm is a really easy, gentle way to introduce charcoal skin care into your routine. It also means you can use the same product for both steps in your double cleanse. Use it initially to effortlessly dissolve daily makeup, dirt, oil and more, then rinse with warm water. Next, reapply to double down on the detoxifying benefits, removing with a damp muslin cloth to gently exfoliate.

A charcoal mask, like our All About Clean 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask + Scrub, is another great way to reap the skin benefits of charcoal. This multitasking formula features bamboo charcoal alongside exfoliating salicylic acid and kaolin clay to help absorb excess oil, leaving skin clear, bright and smooth. Use it once or twice a week for best results.

Which skin types are charcoal products best for?

There are activated charcoal benefits for most skin types, but charcoal skin care is perhaps best suited to oily and combination skin. Our lightweight, silky cleansing balm combines purifying charcoal with safflower seed oil, which works efficiently to help break up natural oil found in skin, as well as dissolving stubborn makeup. It helps to clear the skin and unclog pores, without stripping the skin or leaving an oily or greasy residue behind.