If you’re always on the hunt for the best acne-fighting products, I think it’s time I remind you about an age-old purifier that literally always gets the job done. According to Kaveri Karhade, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Bay Area, it was historically used to filter toxins and contaminants, so you know it’s effective. Yep, I’m talking about activated charcoal, folks. It’s an oldie but a goody. Karhade adds, “Medically, its original use was to help manage poisoning and overdoses. More recently, it has been added to some skincare products with a goal of helping to cleanse or purify the skin. In particular, it’s often marketed as a skincare ingredient that helps to unclog pores, remove impurities, and exfoliate.”
So yeah, if you have problem skin and could use a good deep clean without getting an actual facial, you may want to give it a try. If you’d like a few more details on this star ingredient and how it works, keep reading.
“Activated charcoal has a very large surface area—similar to how a fluffy popcorn kernel has a large surface area as compared to a kernel of corn,” says Karhade. “This large surface area can theoretically have a large capability to filter contaminants and impurities. However, the evidence on activated charcoal’s ability to unclog pores and remove impurities is sparse. Since it’s likely to be safe, it’s worth a try! I recommend using with caution, however, as sometimes activated charcoal can have a mild drying effect on the skin. A weekly charcoal mask for those with oily, blemish-prone skin may be beneficial.”
Although there isn’t a ton of scientific evidence to say that charcoal is the absolute best acne-clearing ingredient, it can still help clean blocked pores, and there are plenty of charcoal products on the market to choose from. To get you started, I’ve rounded up Karhade’s recommendation as well as a few of my own favorites. Keep scrolling for the all-stars.