DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask

A Brief (and selective) History of Activated Charcoal

I was first introduced to activated charcoal 5 years ago, when I learned that it was an effective home teeth whitener.  More commonly though, people have been observing the absorbent properties of activated charcoal since the 1700s (source).  In the 1800s, activated charcoal was clinically shown to prevent poisonings in animals and humans.  Today, it is widely used in hospitals and emergency situations, in conjunction with gastric emptying, to treat poisonings and overdoses.

Activated Charcoal hits Mainstream Beauty Industry

I have noticed in the past few years that Activated Charcoal is becoming more well known, especially in the beauty industry.  Companies like Biore are making Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser (which ranks 6 out of 10 on EWG’s Skin Deep list).  There are other organic brands that are also making facial soaps and scrubs, like Gold Mountain Beauty and Chic Republic.

Activated Charcoal as a Beauty Ingredient

Because activated charcoal is so absorbent, there is a commonly held belief that it is beneficial in absorbing and removing bacteria, chemicals and other build up on the facial skin.

I will note that I have not seen any published peer-reviewed journal articles or PubMed articles that verify this claim.  However, there is little monetary incentive for anyone to do those studies, so it’s not too surprising they don’t exist.

In any case, it doesn’t appear that there is much risk in using activated charcoal on the skin, so give it a shot and see what you think!

DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask

What you’ll need (affiliate links added)

• 1 tsp Activated Charcoal Powder 
• 1/2 tsp Bentonite Clay
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 2 drops lavender essential oil 
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil 
• 1 tsp water

Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl.  Apply liberally to clean face, avoiding eyes and mouth.  Allow to dry for 10 minutes, then remove with warm water.

If needed, add a dab of olive oil or coconut oil to the skin to moisturize afterwards.

Print the Recipe

Want to print this DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask recipe to hang on your fridge?  Or to share with a friend?  Here is a printable version for you!

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DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask

Author Andrea Vaughan

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Activated Charcoal Powder
• 1/2 tsp Bentonite Clay
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 2 drops essential oil lavender
• 1 drop essential oil tea tree
• 1 tsp water

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl. Apply liberally to clean face, avoiding eyes and mouth. Allow to dry for 10 minutes, then remove with warm water.

Buy This Activated Charcoal Face Mask

Do you want to buy a box with all the ingredients to make this activated charcoal face mask?  I’ve got you covered! You can buy this handcrafted item at my Etsy shop!

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Want to make this DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask, but don’t have time now?  Pin it for later!

Use these Ingredients in Other Recipes

Do you have activated charcoal, bentonite clay and honey on hand?  Check out these other recipes!

• All Natural Diaper Cream 
• Homemade Eyeshadow Primer
• Homemade Cosmetics

Find more DIY Face Mask recipes here!

Andrea Vaughan

I love learning how to create things from scratch, so I know what ingredients go into everything from homemade face scrubs to clean eating recipes. I enjoy sharing my favorite recipes with other families so they can have a healthier home, too!