Activated charcoal – its effects on body, skin and hair

They've been seen everywhere for a while now: black toothpastes, creams and other cosmetic products. What they have in common is medicinal charcoal. But what exactly is behind it and where does the hype around the product come from? Does it really deliver what it promises? Find out more about the basic composition of activated charcoal, its effects and possible applications here!

Activated Charcoal: How it's Made

Activated charcoal, also known as medicinal or activated carbon, has nothing to do with the small black briquettes you're probably familiar with from grilling. In fact, it's a specially manufactured product with many tiny channels and a porous surface – similar to that of a sponge. It's created when a natural product, such as coconut shells, is dehydrated at high heat. We're talking about temperatures of up to 900 °C here. However, the substances are not burned, as no ash is to be produced. Instead, all their moisture is extracted. Over time, this forms the characteristic channels and pores.

The finished product is a small, black, but light lump that has a huge internal surface area around its pores. A single gram of this corresponds to about 1,300 square meters. But what can such a piece of activated charcoal do? We'll tell you about its effects and its discoverers right away!

Discovery of Activated Charcoal's Effects and its Application

As early as the late 18th century, researchers observed the absorbing capabilities of charcoal. After various test series, they switched to activated charcoal some years later. French scientists, such as Bertrandt or Touéry, finally dared to experiment on themselves and took arsenic or strychnine in front of their colleagues. In combination with activated charcoal, both managed to survive their experiments. Thus, the highly effective absorption power was proven at this point. But how does that benefit you?

The experiment primarily shows us that activated charcoal can exert its effect in the human body without causing great harm. In fact, due to its capabilities, it is one of the five antidotes on the "Bremen List." No wonder then that it is part of the basic equipment of ambulances. It can bind certain unwanted substances and help you excrete them. This works particularly well in the stomach or intestines, which is why it is often used in medicine for diarrhea or flatulence. In fact, it is also very popular in the cosmetics industry due to its absorption power. More on that later! However, medicinal charcoal does not bind every poison – its effectiveness varies depending on the substance. It can only absorb harmful substances such as acids, alkalis, metals, or alcohol to a very limited extent, but many medications well. If you have accidentally taken an overdose of medicine or other harmful substances, you should still immediately contact the poison control center. They will tell you exactly what to do and whether taking activated charcoal will help at all. In a nutshell – activated charcoal:

• can bind certain substances in the stomach and intestines.
• is often used for diarrhea and flatulence.
• can absorb fats, oils, and some bacteria.
• can also bind vitamins and nutrients.
• has limited effect on acids, alkalis, metals, and alcohol.

Intake and Side Effects – What Does Activated Charcoal Do in the Body?

If you want to try the effects of activated charcoal for yourself, there are different forms of intake available. You will find the remedy mainly as powder, tablets, or capsules. You can simply swallow the latter or dissolve them in water beforehand, like the powdered version.

Although this ingredient is a natural drug with many benefits, it can still cause side effects in some cases. Since it acts purely physically in the body, meaning it is completely excreted, these are limited. In most cases, excessive activated charcoal intake leads to complaints such as vomiting or constipation. You should also bear in mind that the absorption power is not limited to harmful substances. While these are primarily removed from your system, you also lose vitamins and other nutrients. This can also lead to deficiency symptoms with long-term use. A neutralizing effect on medications, such as the birth control pill, cannot be ruled out either. Therefore, if you have any uncertainties, it is best to discuss them with a doctor or pharmacist.

The Effect of Activated Charcoal in the Cosmetics Industry

For many years now, the absorbing effect of activated charcoal has been found in the cosmetics industry. Especially to free various areas of the body from dirt and harmful substances. Thus, over time, the somewhat unsightly product became an absolute must-have. You have probably already held various cosmetics in your hands that advertised this special ingredient.

Want to try it right away? Then get cosmetics with activated charcoal from our shop!

Black Toothpaste for a White Smile

The idea of coloring your teeth black to achieve a radiant white sounds a bit confusing at first. But in fact, carbon particles are also supposed to remove discolorations without damaging the tooth enamel. Here, activated charcoal can unfold its effect and remove unsightly residues from tea, coffee or wine, while abrasive agents and chemical bleaches become completely superfluous.

However, whether it really removes discolouration has not yet been scientifically proven. Always take a close look at the ingredients before buying these products. If you cannot find the term "charcoal" there, it is most likely not activated charcoal. Instead, the contents have simply been dyed black.

Refreshing Showers: Activated Charcoal Shampoo & Its Effects

Your body and scalp can also be cleansed with the intensive effect of activated charcoal. Why not try a shampoo and see for yourself? Its detoxifying properties not only remove harmful substances but also fats, styling product residues, and dirt, which are then rinsed away.

Activated charcoal shampoo from klairs

At the same time, shampoos of this type are said to have a particularly refreshing and anti-dandruff effect and give you more volume. With regular use of activated charcoal, it can help you improve the condition of your scalp and lengths. Especially if you have rather fine or quickly oily hair. We give you even more tips on the subject in our article on Korean hair care. A similarly cleansing result can also be seen with shower gels. Here, particles up to 200 times the activated charcoal's own weight are absorbed. In principle, these are suitable for every skin type, but they are particularly helpful if you want to get rid of pimples. Read our beauty blog for even more interesting tips!

Cosmetics with Activated Charcoal: Effect on Skin Texture and Impurities

However, this miracle cure is most frequently used in the beauty industry. There are countless different activated charcoal masks, creams, and soaps in which it unfolds its effect. They also make use of its absorbent properties. This is because they can free your face from impurities by binding oils, fats, and some bacteria. The ingredient can also penetrate deep into the skin layers and is particularly suitable as a peel due to its slightly porous texture. It can absorb excess sebum and is therefore often used in products for oily, large-pored or blemish-prone skin. No wonder, then, that the natural cleansing effect of activated charcoal has been making its mark on the Japanese and Korean cosmetics market for quite some time. But is it just exaggerated hype or a truly proven product? We lean towards the latter. While some aspects have not yet been fully proven, such as the whitening properties in toothpaste, other effects have already been confirmed – including the improvement of skin texture. But it's best to convince yourself and order cosmetics with activated charcoal on LoveMyCosmetic.de!

Further links www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/.../aktivkohle www.gesundheit.de/.../aktivkohle www.chemie.de/.../Aktivkohle.html