Few natural ingredients are as instantly recognisable—and effective—as activated charcoal. With its rich black hue and powerful detoxifying properties, activated charcoal has become a beloved staple in modern skincare. But its benefits go far beyond trends: for centuries, charcoal has been used in healing traditions around the world to draw out toxins, cleanse impurities, and restore balance.
At Aardvel, we feature activated charcoal in our Buchu & Activated Charcoal Skin Cleansing Blok, where it works in tandem with anti-inflammatory Buchu oil to purify and soothe skin without compromising its natural barrier.
Let’s explore how this ingredient works, who it’s best for, and why your skincare ritual may not be complete without it.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal you’d find in a fireplace. It’s made from coconut shells, bamboo, or other natural sources, and then “activated” through high-temperature processing that increases its surface area and porosity.
This unique structure gives activated charcoal the ability to adsorb (not absorb) toxins, dirt, and excess oils from the skin’s surface, making it an excellent choice for deep cleansing and balancing oily or blemish-prone skin.
Skin Benefits of Activated Charcoal
1. Deep Detoxification
Activated charcoal acts like a magnet, drawing out impurities, pollutants, and excess sebum from the pores. It leaves your skin feeling clean, clear, and refreshed without over-drying.
Ideal for urban dwellers or anyone exposed to pollution and environmental stress.
2. Minimises Pores and Blackheads
By pulling debris out of the pores, activated charcoal helps reduce the appearance of blackheads and enlarged pores, resulting in a smoother, more refined complexion.
Our Buchu & Activated Charcoal Skin Cleansing Blok is especially effective as a once-a-day or alternate-day deep cleanser.
3. Controls Oil Production
Charcoal naturally helps balance oil levels on the skin, making it ideal for combination or oily skin types. It removes excess sebum without disrupting the moisture barrier.
4. Soothes Acne and Breakouts
Its antibacterial properties, especially when paired with ingredients like Buchu, make activated charcoal a gentle yet effective solution for blemish-prone skin.
Who Should Use Activated Charcoal Skincare?
This ingredient is most beneficial for:
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Oily or acne-prone skin
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Congested or blackhead-prone skin
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Dull, tired complexions
- Skin exposed to city pollution or product buildup
That said, when used in a balanced formula like ours, even those with sensitive skin can benefit from its purifying properties.
Why Aardvel Uses Activated Charcoal
At Aardvel, we pair activated charcoal with indigenous Buchu in our cold-process Cleansing Blok. The result is a soap bar that:
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Detoxifies without stripping
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Gently exfoliates and renews
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Calms inflammation and supports healing
- Respects the skin’s natural microbiome
We use the cold-process method to preserve the integrity of the natural oils and ensure a creamy, nourishing lather despite the deep-cleaning power.
How to Use Activated Charcoal in Your Routine
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Use your Buchu & Activated Charcoal Cleansing Blok in the evening to remove buildup and impurities.
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Massage the lather into damp skin in circular motions, focusing on congested areas.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisturising blok to replenish hydration.
Final Thoughts: Cleanse with Confidence
Activated charcoal is more than a trendy black bar—it’s a time-honoured detoxifier that gives your skin the deep cleanse it craves, especially when balanced with skin-loving botanicals like Buchu.
Rebalance your skin with our Buchu & Activated Charcoal Skin Cleansing Blok and feel the clarity after every cleanse.
Activated Charcoal: a clean slate, naturally.
