Activated Charcoal - DIY Face Wash and Cleanser

DIY Activated Charcoal Face Wash and Cleanser

OK so the new year has started. You are looking to shake up your skin care routine a little (see our post on skincare and body care rituals). Today we look at the benefits of a DIY activated charcoal face wash and cleanser mix. To learn more about the benefits of activated charcoal head over to our Body Benefits of Activated Charcoal page.

Why would I make my own activated charcoal face wash or cleanser?

  • You like to control all of the ingredients in your skin care products which is great ‘cos that means you know exactly what you are putting on your face
  • You are a little strapped for cash and it can be inexpensive to make your own face wash or cleasner
  • You are a loud, proud eco warrier. Product packaging, synthetic ingredients and chemicals are not your thing
  • You like to minimise your carbon footprint markedly. If you make your own face wash or cleanser at home there is no need for product manufacturing, packaging or product transportation

What ingredients can I use?

The beauty of making your own activated charcoal face wash or cleanser is that you can choose a whole range of natural ingredients to make something that is just right for you. Here are just a few natural ingredients you might like to consider adding to your DIY face wash or cleanser:

Green tea – anti oxidant and anti inflammatory qualities
Essential oils (organic coconut oil seems very popular) – benefits vary depending on the specific oil you utilise 
Bentonite Clay – detoxifying benefits
Pure baking soda – nourishing, protective and healing 
Witch Hazel – natural astringent, cleanser and toner
Aloe Vera – nutrient rich, natural moisturiser and has anti inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation 

What recipe should I use?

What you put in your activated charcoal face wash or cleanser is completely up to you. Be mindful of your skin type. Some people are sensitive to baking soda so make sure you test a sample on a small part of your face first. There are literally thousands of recipes available for you to choose from. C&B recommends surfing the web to find the best face wash or cleanser mix for your skin. Here are a couple of links to recipes to get you started:

http://livesimply.me/2016/06/23/activated-charcoal-exfoliating-facial-scrub/
https://goldmountainbeauty.com/blogs/news/76461125-diy-detoxifying-activated-charcoal-and-matcha-mask

Can I store my DIY face wash or cleanser mix?

This depends on the ingredients you put into your face wash or cleanser.
Mixtures without water may last up to one month. Again, it depends what ingredients you are using. Consider just making enough for your first face wash or cleanser. That way you can alter the ingredient mix for your next treatment if the first batch is not quite right for your skin.

Hints and tips

  • Use a non metal bowl and utensil if you are mixing ingredients that include bentonite clay
  • If you are looking to make a large batch use an airtight container to store
  • Store in a dry, cool place
  • Always batch test first. This applies for commercial products as well as DIY products

Remember that DIY ingredient mixing with activated charcoal can be very messy. Activated charcoal can stain clothes, towels and sinks. Make sure you clear your mixing space well before you mix ingredients. C&B

Have you made a DIY face wash or cleanser with activated charcoal? Let us know what has worked for you in the Comments section below. 

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