By Lisa Maliga, copyright 2015
Activated charcoal is the type of coal you want to use any time of the year! Here’s an excerpt from my eBook, Organic and Sulfate Free Melt and Pour Glycerin Soap Crafting Recipes.
Nope, it’s not found in your outdoor gardening section in lumps of coal that’s coated with lighter fluid. Charcoal is very porous and is known for purifying water. Activated charcoal has been used as an antidote for poisons. It’s often used in hospitals to help with drug overdoses. There are various types of activated charcoal that you can buy for only a few dollars per ounce. The main types are: activated bamboo charcoal, activated coconut shell charcoal that has a neutral pH, and activated hardwood or willow bark charcoal.
Activated charcoal from coconut shells is a natural body deodorizer that also has cleansing and exfoliating properties. As it’s highly absorbent, it may help draw dirt from the pores, so this is a handy soap for very active/athletic people or those who live in urban areas.
Storage Tips: Activated charcoal should be stored in a container [NOT a bag] with a securely closed lid. By keeping it airtight, charcoal will not attract pollutants. Well-stored charcoal has an indefinite shelf life.
Also, when opening the container of charcoal, do so slowly and carefully due to the fineness of this ingredient. If you open it too quickly, you might spill some. If so, clean the surface right away!
As you can see, the color is jet black yet the suds are nice and white. Using any type of clear melt and pour glycerin soap base is recommended if you want this dramatic color. Another advantage to this type of soap is that you don’t have to be concerned about a fragrance or essential oil changing the color.
In my eBook I include two [2] different recipes for soap that contains activated charcoal. Yes, I love the stuff!
Read more about activated charcoal and other wonderful additives in this one of a kind eBook! Organic and Sulfate Free Melt and Pour Glycerin Soap Crafting Recipes
lisa maliga 
I have a really bad sun spot on my forhead, do you think that this product will be able to help me?
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Thanks for asking, Anthony.
For a sun spot you would probably be better off using aloe vera gel. Fresh aloe vera right gel from the leaf is preferable.
Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed aromatherapist or medical practitioner. I always recommend consulting with a medical professional for any question you may have.
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I use activated charcoal from coconut shells in my soaps. It just appeals to me more than the any of the wood charcoals. If I could find it, I might give the bamboo charcoal a try. But today I learned something new, that activated coconut shell charcoal is a natural body deodorizer. Great selling point.
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I haven’t tried any of the other types of charcoal. Thanks for sharing that information about coconut charcoal–good to know!
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