Oct 28, 2021

Activated Charcoal: The Ultimate Way to Detox Your Skin


There’s something that works more powerfully to unclog congested skin and it’s called activated charcoal.

What is activated charcoal?

Let’s say you’re vigilant about removing your makeup and cleansing your skin every day and — poof! — all of a sudden you’re seeing clogged pores and breakouts. At some point in time, toxic buildup happens to us all. But don’t reach for the abrasive scrubs or clay mask.

Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a fine black powder that’s produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat. This exposure creates tiny interior spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it highly absorbent and enabling it to trap toxins. The idea is that, when applied to the skin, the charcoal draws out oil, bacteria, and dirt, leaving your complexion looking clearer and revitalized. And in case you were wondering, activated charcoal is different from the charcoal used on an outdoor grill. Good to know, right?

It’s also good to know that activated charcoal can play a role in helping you achieve clear, glowing skin through its superb grime-fighting, pore-purifying power. Here are the three top ways in which activated charcoal can give your skin a deeper-level detox.

Cleanse deeply.

Clear skin starts with an effective cleanser. For a better cleanse, you want something that does more than rinse away impurities from the skin’s surface. Activated charcoal goes the distance by not only rinsing away dirt from the surface, but also extracting it out of your deepest pores. If you truly want a detox that does more, a cleanser with mineral-rich activated charcoal can give your skin a super-clean feeling while removing dead skin cells, grime, and oil.

A deeper cleanse doesn’t mean aggressive. Look for an activated charcoal cleanser that is non-abrasive and sulfate-free. Some formulas also contain ingredients that calm redness, prompt collagen production, and protect your skin’s barrier.

Treat and prevent acne.

Activated charcoal is known to be an excellent skin fix for clearing up acne and blackheads. As you probably already know, acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that gets trapped inside pores. The result is pimples and other inflammatory lesions.

Since charcoal has antibacterial properties and pore-purifying abilities, it can treat the acne you have, while preventing future breakouts by keeping pores clean.

Balance skin quickly.

So you’ve tried everything to get your skin in shape but nothing is working? We’ve all been there. The truth is, pretty much anyone’s skin could benefit from a deep detox from time to time.

The right charcoal cleanser or mask can balance skin quickly, helping to absorb excess oil and gunk that’s making your skin seem duller than normal and your pores seem larger than they should. Especially if you live in a city where air pollution is severe, you’ll want a detoxifying charcoal product in your beauty kit.

The feeling of fresh (not stripped) skin and the look of smaller pores are two of charcoal’s biggest benefits.

How to Invest in the Right Charcoal Treatment for Your Skin Type.

The skincare world has exploded with charcoal masks, spot treatments, and cleansers that have varying ingredients. To find a product that’s compatible with your skin type, it’s important to read the labels and do your research.

For example, if you have sensitive skin, stay away from charcoal products that also contain fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other chemicals that may trigger a reaction. If you have oily skin, make sure your charcoal cleanser or mask contains other non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and oil-controlling ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. If you have dry skin, choose a charcoal product with hydrating botanical ingredients like olive oil or jojoba oil.

Before using a charcoal facial treatment for the first time, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin on the inside of your wrist or elbow. If you don’t experience any itching or redness within a few hours, then it’s probably safe to use on your face.

Activated Coconut Charcoal, the purest source of activated charcoal, is the main ingredient in our Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser. Our charcoal comes from coconut shells, a material so clean that it’s classified as food-grade. Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser also contains soothing aloe vera, anti-aging reishi, and calming lavender.

A purifying cleanser with added anti-aging and skin soothing ingredients like organic aloe, lavender and reishi to complete your cleansing experience.

Size: 120 ml / 4 fl oz

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or 4 interest-free payments of $6.50 with or

Key Ingredients


You care about the ingredients going into your skin. We care too, that’s why our formula is made up of natural, organic and cruelty-free ingredients sustainably sourced from mother earth with zero parabens, phthalates or sulfates. We are proudly commited to carbon neutral manufacturing, eco-friendly bottling, and sourcing of only the finest earthbound ingredients.

Activated Coconut Charcoal has a molecular structure full of tiny spaces that, when they contact your skin, draw out blemish-inducing oil, bacteria, and toxins. Coconut is the purest source of activated charcoal, so naturally, it’s the only kind we use.

Aloe has serious anti-inflammatory powers, which makes it perfect for calming irritated skin and preventing acne. It’s also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, and it locks in moisture without feeling oily.

Astragalus Root, a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, contains enzymes that contribute to your skin’s natural collagen production and cell repair processes.

Lavender is a skincare powerhouse with the ability to kill bacteria, soothe dry skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and smooth fine lines. Plus, it smells marvelous.

Reishi is a mushroom with potent anti-aging capabilities. It fights free radicals, strengthens the moisture barrier, and soothes irritation and discoloration. The result is plumper, smoother skin with reduced fine lines and acne scars.

How to use & tips


Can be used on face and/or body. Apply to hands, sponge, or cloth, moisten with water and wash. Rinse off and follow with our charcoal mask if desired.

Available in kits:

The Radiance Kit

The Whole Truth Collection

Sustainable Skincare + Our Mission


Our environmental commitment to nature and the sustainability of our planet is echoed in each bottle and further driven by our commitment to carbon-neutral manufacturing, eco-friendly bottling, and sourcing of only the finest earthbound ingredients.

Every bottle of 2BETRUE is manufactured in the USA in a women-owned and operated facility, powered 100% by renewable wind energy.

Every part of the products packaging is recyclable, and we bottle all of our products in glass - a fun and creative medium for tons of upcycling possibilities.

Through our tree planting partner, The Eden Reforestation Project, we plant 1 Mangrove tree in Madagascar for every order we receive. Our Mangroves store 4x the carbon compared to tropical rainforests. This is one of the ways that we minimize the impact of all of the natural raw materials that we ask our beautiful earth to provide for us.

Save With Kits

The Radiance Kit

The four-step routine for even, firm and glowing skin.

Includes:

+ True Glow Active Botanical Hydrating + Firming Serum ($34 Value)

+ Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser ($26 Value)

+ Clementine Complexion Enhancing Milk Toner ($32 Value)

+ Lumos RX Brightening Lotion ($34 Value)

$126 $99

or 4 interest-free payments of $24.75 with or

The Radiance Kit

The four-step routine for even, firm and glowing skin.

Includes:

+ True Glow Active Botanical Hydrating + Firming Serum ($34 Value)

+ Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser ($26 Value)

+ Clementine Complexion Enhancing Milk Toner ($32 Value)

+ Lumos RX Brightening Lotion ($34 Value)

$126 $99

or 4 interest-free payments of $24.75 with or

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Written by Jasmine Ramos