Activated Charcoal: One Woman's Dust is Another Woman's Favourite Skincare Ingredient

I love the colour black so much, that if I could, I would have an all-black wardrobe. Unfortunately, Indian weather does not agree with my sartorial choices. So, when I saw a charcoal mask video on YouTube, during one of my many post 12am internet surfing sessions, it drew me in mainly because it was a black mask. At that time, only a few charcoal based products were available in India, and the ones available were so costly that one might wonder if activated charcoal is actually code for black diamond dust. By now, everyone and their next door neighbour knows that over the past couple of years, activated charcoal went from being messy black powder to a very trendy ingredient that could be found in almost all products ranging from a facemask to cleansing juices. Yes, people do drink (and swear by) activated charcoal based drinks to “get rid of toxins”.

Being a poor college student, unable to lay my greedy paws on all these cool products, I got the next best thing that I could afford- activated charcoal capsules. I just crack them open, mix it up with random things, and slather the jet-black goo on my face. These are some of the masks that I have tried out (and loved) for over a year.

Recommended Steps:

Cleanse> Steam> Exfoliate> Mask> Toner> Moisturizer

Honey + Curd/Yoghurt + Activated Charcoal + Tea Tree Oil (For Dry Skin)

1tsp honey

1tsp curd/yoghurt

1 capsule activated charcoal

3-4 drops of tea tree oil

Mix all ingredients until desired consistency is achieved> Apply> Leave it on for 10-15 minutes

Rose Water + Multani Mitti + Activated Charcoal + Tea Tree Oil (For Oily Skin)

1tsp multani mitti (Fuller’s Earth or Clay)

1 capsule activated charcoal

3-4 drops of tea tree oil

Add rose water as required

Mix all ingredients until desired consistency is achieved> Apply> Leave it on till it dries

*If you have combination skin, apply this mask only on your T-zone*

Aloe Vera Gel + Activated Charcoal + Tea Tree Oil/ Cinnamon Leaf Oil (For Combination Skin)

1tsp aloe vera gel (heaped)

1 capsule activated charcoal

3-4 drops of tea tree or cinnamon leaf oil

Mix all ingredients until desired consistency is achieved> Apply> Leave it on for 10-15 minutes

*Don’t use cinnamon oil if you have sensitive skin because it burns (it is more uncomfortable) for the first few minutes*

Why should I put these products on my face? “Good question”, she said to no one. Here are a few benefits of using these ingredients on your skin.

Activated Charcoal: Draws out impurities, exfoliates skin and reduces appearance of pores, and balances oily skin

Honey: Treats acne, moisturises and exfoliates skin

Curd/Yoghurt: Rich in Lactic Acid- exfoliates and softens skin, improves skin tone, and reduces tan

Tea Tree Oil: Treats acne and blemishes

Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes sunburn, anti-ageing properties, treats acne, blemishes, moisturises skin, and reduces infection

Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth/ Clay): Removes tan, evens out skin tone, reduces excess sebum and oil, and deeply cleans out any clogged pores

Rose Water: Soothes, hydrates and maintains the pH balance of the skin

Cinnamon Leaf Oil: Treats acne and plumps up the skin