In Japan, charcoal has been used as a cleansing ingredient for centuries. That’s because activated charcoal is a powerful ingredient that draws out and traps toxins, bacteria, and impurities like a magnet. Charcoal scrubs can detoxify and re-energize your complexion, deep clean your skin, shrink enlarged pores, and leave you with clear, soft, glowing skin.
Charcoal scrubs are facial skincare products that use the power of activated charcoal to remove dirt, oil, toxins, bacteria, blackheads, and impurities deep in the pores. They are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. For better results, pay special attention to the T-zone, sides of the face, and blackheads on the nose. For even better results, consider also adding a charcoal mask, like the Freeman Facial Charcoal and Black Sugar Polish Mask, to your skincare regimen.
If you like Biore pore strips, you’ll love the Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser. It has similar effects, without the pain of the pore strips. The natural charcoal draws out and traps two times more dirt, oil, makeup, and deep-down impurities than traditional cleansers for a deeper clean. It creates a pale foam and works to naturally purify the skin and remove dirt faster. It claims that pores are twice as clean after just one use. It also has a minty cool tingle to refresh the skin.
This potent cleanser is ideal for people dealing with oily skin, blackheads, and acne. The skin purifying oil-free formula can be harsh and drying, so it’s probably not appropriate for dry or sensitive skin. It is recommended by Refinery29, Total Beauty, and Real Simple. It also has outstanding online reviews. The highly reviewed Biore Charcoal Pore Minimizer is also recommended by Allure.
The SkinActive Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub has microbeads to help exfoliate and deep clean the skin, clear complexion, tighten pores, and target blackheads. The gel-based exfoliating cleanser unclogs pores and smoothes skin in just one use and pores are diminished and complexion is clearer after just one week. The charcoal draws out blackhead-causing dirt, oil, and impurities like a magnet for a deep clean. The oil-free formula is also infused with salicylic acid, so it’s recommended for those who suffer from acne, oily skin, large pores, and blackheads. It also leaves behind a tingling sensation and is gentle enough to use every day.
This is recommended by Total Beauty, Real Simple, and xoJane. It also has great online reviews and reviewers tend to agree that it works wonders on blackheads.
This set of Konjac Sponges with Activated Bamboo Charcoal deep cleans, detoxifies, and gently exfoliates the skin. The sponge balances the skin pH, moisturizes and refreshes the skin, promotes skin cell renewal, and gently cleans the delicate eye area. Your skin will feel noticeably softer and smoother after each use. Just soften it with water and gently rub it over your clean, damp face in a circular motion. You can also use it with your favorite daily face wash, and because you’ll be able to use less facial cleanser each time, it can help save you money.
The facial cleansing sponges are organic, biodegradable, and handmade from natural plant ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about chemicals, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, petroleum, or other harmful additives. It is ideal for those suffering from acne, blackheads, oily skin, damaged skin, Rosacea, Eczema, Dermatitis, and Psoriasis, and is even gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin. It’s environmentally friendly, non-toxic, natural, and hypoallergenic, so you can recycle the old sponge in your compost.
This three-pack of Activated Bamboo Charcoal hemisphere sponges offers a great value. Each sponge should last about two months, so this set could last you six months. They each come individually wrapped, in a sturdy box, so you can store the new, unused sponges away safely. It is also backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind. If you’d prefer a name brand, consider the highly reviewed Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar.
The Morihata Binchotan Charcoal Body Scrub Towel scrubs and exfoliates well, without being scratchy or harsh on the skin. Ultra-fine Binchotan charcoal fibers are interwoven throughout its high-performance cotton-poly blend. It can gently detox and exfoliate away dead skin, dirt, and grime. The lightweight towel features a timeless design, dries quickly, and is long enough to allow you to easily reach your back, so you can clean every area of your face and body.
Binchotan charcoal has a range of benefits, which is why it has been used in East Asia for centuries. It will help absorb odors, draw dirt out of pores, remove toxins and excess oil from the skin, and leave your skin feeling completely refreshed and revitalized. It can even help increase blood circulation and improve general wellness.
The charcoal remains in the towel for up to six months, depending on how often you use it. This was featured on The Grommet and is frequently recommended by beauty bloggers and publications like Into the Gloss. The Binchotan Facial Puff by Morihata and Binchotan Charcoal Facial Soap are other popular charcoal products from the brand.
The MANDOM Facial Scrub Charcoal can fight blackheads, acne, and enlarged pores. The charcoal cleansing scrub removes dirt deep in the pores and exfoliates the skin, but is still gentle enough for sensitive skin. It has a refreshing, cooling effect and lathers up nicely, so it won’t dry out the skin. It is frequently recommended by beauty bloggers and has a devoted following. It also has great online reviews.
And those are our recommendations for the best charcoal scrubs. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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