Hi All!

For years soapers, like myself, have been using “Charcoal” in our products for its black color and for the benefits it has for your skin. Over the last few years, this substance called, “Activated Charcoal” has gained mainstream attention like Youtube videos of teens pulling masks of their faces (Screaming in pain). Large companies have even jumped on board and begun adding AC to their product line. However, it is very important that you know the difference between Activated Charcoal for the skin and Charcoal Briquettes used for cooking.

So with today being the 4th of July, I thought I’d pop up a quick post explaining the difference before anyone got any ideas for their leftover briquettes.

Charcoal and Charcoal Briquettes are created using the same process of Activated Charcoal with the exception of one step. This type of charcoal has many different uses. It can be used as a deodorizer, some use a similar type of charcoal for art, and it can also be used in part of a filtration system as well as a source of fuel.

The most important thing to note is that Charcoal Briquettes have additional additives that make it toxic to humans. As it can contain agricultural waste and dry biomass. It should not be ingested or used on your skin.

Activated Charcoal, more properly called Activated Carbon, is a substance which can be created from Bone Char, Coconut Shells, Peat, Petroleum Coke, Coal, Olive Pits and or Sawdust. It undergoes an additional process than charcoal that adds oxygen thus increasing its porosity and surface area.

Activated Charcoal/Carbon has been used for several years for its medicinal benefits. Ever see and old movie and they give the poor sickly person that swallowed the poison a black substance. Well more that likely it was a charcoal derivative (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME).

As stated, for many centuries it has been used in beauty and healthcare products. To gain more information about its uses and potential benefits to your skin you are going to have to do a little more research on your own. I have to be very careful with the information I provide due to regulations. This post is for general information purposes only and is not intended to make any claims as to what my products will do for you. Additional information is out there and I encourage you all to do the research and even check with your Dr. before using any product that has ingredients to which you may be unfamiliar.

I hope this tid-bit of info helps!

Have a great day! Also remember, Soapin’ Happens at Hazel’s Soapery.

~Camille

FYI- Be Still Activated Charcoal Spa Bar pictured above available HERE

We also have Divine Activated Charcoal and Lavender Facial and Body Bar.