Activated Charcoal – What is all the buzz?

Charcoal – for those of you (like myself until a year ago) who think of Charcoal as being something we associate with lazy weekend barbecues and school art lessons, be prepared to be bedazzled! Enter activated charcoal, the beauty ingredient of the moment that has been added to face masks, dental products, even hang over remedies and juices! Why? This is due to charcoal’s ability to absorb toxins and pollutants; it was even used by world War 1 soldiers to prevent them from inhaling the poisonous fumes coming through their gas masks! History continues to tell of the natural remedies which date back thousands of years.

Let us explore further…

What is Activated Charcoal?

Firstly, lets clear up what Activated Charcoal really is. Activated Charcoal (also known as activated carbon) is NOT the same thing as the ashes from burning wood or other fires at home, it is however regular charcoal that is heated with a gas that causes the charcoal to expand, creating a porous surface that traps toxins. Due to its large surface area, activated charcoal has very strong absorption properties, which means that it is highly porous and can absorb over 100x its weight in impurities – stay with me, so everything sticks to it!

How can I benefit from Activated Charcoal in beauty products?

There are many benefits to be gained from this natural alternative in everyday beauty products, I have tried and tested the Activated Charcoal products and wanted to share them with you. The well Store has done the research and hand picked these Charcoal infused products just for you.

Charcoal Me - Activated Coconut Charcoal

While there are several different forms of charcoal on the market, the more refined the charcoal, the better. Coconut charcoal includes a step in processing which removes the heavy metal toxins from them and produces finer grains. This makes it more efficient at binding to toxins in the body. Charcoal Me have created a multipurpose Activated Coconut Charcoal product using the finest coconut fibres. This bag of natural goodness is made using the finest coconut fibres, which according to the manufacturers can be used as Face Mask to clear your skin and minimise pores, reduce bloating, whiten teeth and help with a hangover!* To be used as a face mask you need 1 teaspoon of Charcoal Me and mix with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply to your face and leave until it dries. Wash the mask off and feel sparkly! This product comes in a re seal-able bag so you can store it easily. This 100% natural product is Vegan and Cruelty Free. 

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My Magic Mud Tooth Whitening Powder 

This is one of the most popular Activated Charcoal products we sell at The Well Store. Why? Because it is an easy and effective,100% natural way to whiten and clean your teeth without the use of harsh chemicals and toxins. My Magic Mud Tooth Whitening Powder cleans, polishes, whitens and detoxes your teeth. It is totally flavourless, formulated with a blend of activated charcoal, bentonite clay and organic orange and mint extracts to keep your teeth feeling clean and healthy. Despite the fact that it can get a little messy, My Magic Mud helps to remineralise teeth, strengthen gums and remove toxins in your mouth. This product is suitable for people who drink coffee, red wine, smoke, want whiter teeth or simply want to avoid unnecessary chemicals in their mouth. This can be used daily, until desired tooth whitening is achieved and then use 1 -2 times a week as maintenance.** Or if you do not like the idea of a charcoal powder then you could opt for the My Magic Mud Toothpaste in 4 Flavours, Wintergreen, Spearmint, Cinnamon Clove and my favourite Peppermint. This toothpaste still has all the goodness of Activated Charcoal, Bentonite Clay and tooth whitening power, however it is in a paste form which many people prefer because of the flavour and of course less mess as it is a toothpaste. Use this to compliment your daily dental routine, it is not to replace your normal natural toothpaste, rather use this in the evenings for whiter teeth and a dentist like clean! 

PearlBar Eco Friendly Bamboo & Charcoal Toothbrush

PearlBar is a Vegan and Eco Friendly company who have created a 100% biodegradable, activated charcoal-infused bamboo toothbrush. Charcoal is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral agent; it detoxifies and deodorises your mouth, balancing PH levels while absorbing odour. The bristles are made with activated charcoal, and have powerful absorption qualities – as you brush daily, stain-causing toxins in the mouth are absorbed, reducing the growth of cavity-forming bacteria that may cause bad breath. Too easy – right?

Bare & Co.Charcoal-Infused Planet-Loving Floss Picks - 30 pack

Even floss comes infused with Activated Charcoal! Let’s not forget about the Floss and their importance to dental hygiene routine. These Bare & Co. charcoal infused planet-loving floss picks work by deodorising your mouth and keeping your teeth white. These little beauties come in a handy little re seal-able pack which you can throw in your bag and use when you need a freshen pick-me-up!
                              

Bottom line: a little dirt is good for the soul, over look the mess and take the plunge!

Be Well xx

*Charcoalme.com                                                                                         ** Mymagicmud.com