Charcoal: Beauty’s wonder mineral

You wouldn’t think from looking at a black lump of charcoal that it was any more than a byproduct of a good braai. On the contrary, this combination of carbon and ash has a multitude of uses when it comes to health and beauty.

It can be ingested to trap toxins in the gut and used to whiten teeth, and the activated variety, or charcoal that has had oxygen added to it, is showing up more and more in skincare products. But what can it do for your face and body?

Banishes impurities

Just like it draws toxins out of the body from the inside, the same goes for your skin. The oil and dirt that is in your pores sticks to the carbon and is drawn out, leaving your skin cleaner and resulting in fewer breakouts.

Tightens pores

Because it removes buildup from pores, over time it can help to minimise them because they are kept cleaner from regular use of activated charcoal cleaning products. You might even be able to ditch the primer!

Related: 5 ways to minimise pores

Clarifies hair

This all-purpose mineral is great for your tresses too because it helps to remove any dirt or product buildup that might be clinging to your locks. This means that your hair will be lighter, shinier and squeaky clean.

Keeps things natural

One of the best reasons to use charcoal-based cleansers rather than other chemical-laden alternatives is that it is natural. Incorporating more organic products into your beauty and cleaning regimen is better not only for the environment but, in the long run, for your skin and body too.

While this product might be a bit on the gritty side, it is making massive waves in the beauty and skincare industry because of its incredible purifying properties. A little bit of grit with the promise of great results? Count us in!