Activated charcoal is that it-ingredient in everyone’s beauty routine today. It’s everywhere from face masks to toothpaste. But what exactly is it and what can it do for you?

Activated charcoal is a black, odorless powder that's obtained by applying extreme heat to natural carbon, such as wood. This process "activates" the charcoal, reducing the size of the pores and increasing its overall surface area.

This results in an incredibly absorbent substance, allowing it to bind to any free molecules and atoms.

Even though activated charcoal is a trendy ingredient today, it's actually nothing new. It has been prized since ancient times as a purifying agent. People back then used it to purify water in barrels, preventing the wood from rotting, and even for preserving the dead.

It didn’t take long for people to use activated charcoal’s absorbent qualities in their beauty routines. Adding this to your usual regimen will lead to a smoother, younger, and more radiant complexion.

The reason for activated charcoal’s effectiveness is that it works on so many levels. For one, it’s an effective antifungal and antibacterial skin treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria such as E. Coli and Staph. This also helps in the healing process for acne and psoriasis.

Since activated charcoal is both fine and absorbent at the same time, it's amazing at deep cleansing your face. It works by binding itself to dirt, oil, and grime that lives deep in your skin's pores and extracting it. That’s why activated charcoal facials are excellent for those with oily skin.

Activated charcoal also makes for a powerful exfoliant. This is because activated charcoal particles are slightly rough and absorbent, capable of picking up dead skin cells. Regular exfoliation is proven to be one of the best ways to maintain a glowing, youthful skin.

There are many ways of reaping all of these health benefits from activated charcoal. But probably the easiest is to grab any of our vegan beauty products that have this healthy secret ingredient.