Charcoal Powder

Charcoal powder is a finely milled carbon material produced from pyrolyzed sources. It's used as a black colorant and to give an oil-absorbing, mattifying effect in cleansers, masks, and soaps, sometimes adding mild scrub texture.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Absorbs excess oil and grime for a fresher, mattified complexion.
Category
Cleansing, Oil Control, Color
Type
Colorant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps minimize surface shine and bind grime for a fresher-looking complexion. Can leave a soft-focus, matte appearance after rinsing.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Featured in rinse-off masks, foaming cleansers, bar soaps, and scalp shampoos; also appears in black-tinted skincare pastes.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally inert in rinse-off products, though it may cause dryness or minor mechanical irritation, especially with frequent use. Avoid inhaling loose powder during application and limit use on compromised skin.

Is Charcoal Powder a Good Ingredient?

Helps absorb excess oil and add a matte look in rinse-off formats, but evidence for deeper purifying benefits is limited. Overuse can be drying or mildly abrasive, which lowers the rating for delicate or dry skin types.

Products with Charcoal Powder

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