ACTIVATED CHARCOAL DETOX Facial & Body Soap

We have been having a lot of fun researching various natural soap making ingredients and in doing so came across activated charcoal or activated carbon. One of the best-known cleansing/detoxifying agents out there, activated charcoal is carbon that has been treated to increase its toxin absorbing properties to superhero proportions. Proven to absorb several times its mass in impurities, it makes an amazing detoxifier… not to mention a really cool, black soap.

Going with a ‘detoxifying’ theme, we crafted this soap recipe using a combination of oils chosen for their skin-benefiting, antioxidant and nutrient rich properties including avocado oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, and jojoba. I’ve read that activated charcoal soaps can tend to be overdrying, but with this combination of extra moisturizing and emollient oils, this soap leaves your skin feeling clean but not stripped. Old-fashioned saponification brings these oils together with pure, fresh Pacific Northwest rainwater. Detoxifying kaolin clay {also known for its ability to pull dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin}, and essential oils selected for their acne fighting properties and ability to stimulate and energize are the final additions to this creamy, black bar.

Being a black soap, I couldn’t help but scent this one with the pure essential oils of anise seed and peppermint giving it a refreshing ‘cool licorice’ scent and feel. The peppermint, not at all overwhelming, leaves behind just the right amount of energizing coolness. A bit of palmarosa essential oil adds a little complexity. Plus, both palmarosa and peppermint essential oils are great for acne.

This is a luxurious, rich, beautiful bar of soap. It foams up nicely, to make a rich sudsy gray lather that cleanses deeply without stripping, leaving your skin feeling clean, fresh, nourished, and conditioned. I’ve used this soap a few times on my face now and love the kiss of coolness left behind by the peppermint. Perfect for a detoxifying facial soap, but why not use it all over?

And no, in case you are wondering, it won’t stain your skin. Activated charcoal is actually used as a whitening agent… seriously! My next experiment with it is going to be an activated charcoal whitening toothpaste. What do you think?

For a complete list of ingredients, or to get your hands on some… go here.