This is one of the most sought after products to take care of the skin, as it’s supposed to have absorbent, cleansing and detoxifying capabilities. Therefore, we want to give you guidelines to make your own activated charcoal soap.
It’s a black, odorless and fine substance. Its appearance is similar to common charcoal, but the difference is that it’s activated by heating peat, sawdust, wood or coconut shells at high temperatures.
Making it sounds rather complex, but it’s simpler than you think and you’ll find out later when we explain a couple of ways to make your own activated charcoal soap.
Benefits of activated charcoal soap for the skin
Other benefits attributed to it are the following:
- It’s for all types of dermis: However, the effectiveness is evidenced according to the use, activated charcoal soap isn’t exclusive to one type of skin. In oily skin it neutralizes excess oils, while in dry skin it moisturizes and hydrates.
- Minimizes pore size: Dirty skin is the result of a gradual accumulation of bacteria. Many find a solution in this soap because it deeply cleanses.
- Delays aging: Believed to smooth fine lines and firm the dermis for a more youthful appearance.
- Controls acne: It acts like a magnet and traps acne-causing bacteria. It also eliminates the oil that blocks pores and causes spots. The effects against spots are one of the reasons why most people seek it.
- Prevents infections: Specialists recommend using it to detoxify and prevent infections caused by toxic vapors to which we’re exposed daily.
- Fades blemishes: It’s made with an astringent formula that could help fade sun spots, acne scars or any facial depigmentation.
- Removes odors: As it’s antibacterial, it fights bad odors generated by pores clogged by microorganisms.
How to make your own activated charcoal soap
After learning about its benefits, we’re sure you can’t wait to try it. Here are 2 ways to prepare black soap at home.
But before getting to work, make sure that the charcoal for the recipe is cosmetic and that you have the proper equipment: mask, gloves and goggles. Now, take note.
Method with glycerin: ingredients
- Cosmetic activated charcoal (5 grams or 0.1 oz)
- Sulfate-free glycerin (500 grams or 17 oz)
- Essential oil (your choice, 10 drops)
- Coconut oil (1 tablespoon)
- Shea butter (1 tablespoon)
Step-by-step for the glycerin method
- Divide the glycerin into small pieces, pour them into a glass container and heat in a double boiler, while stirring with a wooden spoon. Don’t let it boil, as it won’t boil well. Simultaneously, combine the coconut oil and shea in another container.
- Once the glycerin is diluted, add the combination of oil and shea butter, stirring constantly. When you feel that there aren’t any lumps, pour in the essence, stir and turn off the heat.
- After cooling for several minutes, pour the mixture into a mold and let it solidify at room temperature for at least 5 hours.
- Remove from the mold and use your activated charcoal soap.
Method with oils: ingredients
- Powdered cosmetic activated carbon (10 grams 0.3 oz)
- Caustic soda (113 grams or 4 oz)
- Demineralized water (292 grams or 10 oz)
- Cocoa butter (150 grams or 5 oz)
- Babassu oil (200 oz grams or 7 oz)
- Olive oil (500 grams or 17 oz)
- Tea tree, geranium and lemon essential oils (10 drops of each)
Step by step for the method with oils
- Dissolve the caustic soda in the demineralized water and bring to a ventilated area.
- Heat the cocoa butter and the babassu and olive oils over low heat. When they reach 55 degrees Celsius, add the diluted soda and integrate them with a blender at medium speed.
- Add the charcoal and essential oils while continuing to whisk.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and wait for it to harden before removing from the mold.
- Cut into several tablets and take them to saponify for 40 days in a ventilated place. After this time, the soap is ready.
Recommendations for use after making your own activated charcoal soap
You already know how to make it and now you need to learn how to apply it. For sensitive skin, specialists recommend applying it every 3 days in the mornings, while for oily skin the suggestion is twice a day, in the mornings and evenings.
The combination of active carbon in whitening creams, scrubs, masks and soap, in a short time, favors the elimination of blemishes. You should use these products together once a week.
Remember to moisturize your face to prevent dryness and be sure to try the benefits of natural sources of charcoal.
