Charcoal
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Charcoal Powder
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Charcoal?
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen. One teaspoonful of Activated Charcoal USP has a surface area of more than 10,000 square feet, which gives charcoal unique absorption properties.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Chemosphere, August 2005, pages 1,129-1,140 []
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Ceska a Slovenska Farmacie, November 2004, pages 304-309. []
From the Clinic
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These appear on ingredients lists under different names but are the same substance. Charcoal is the common form.
Related Ingredients
Charcoal Powder
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material in absence of oxygen One teaspoonful of Activated Charcoal USP has a surface area of more than 10,000 square feet
Centella Asiatica Derivatives
Isolated cica compounds for targeted skin soothing
Cetearyl Olivate
An oily, somewhat waxy ester of cetearyl alcohol and the fatty
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid | Works as a rich emollient
Chelating Agent
Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds | Prevents metal ions from adhering to skin, hair, or clothing
Chloroacetic Acid
A chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells to reveal smoother texture
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