5 Best Activated Charcoal Body Washes For Women

Scrape away pollutants to unveil a brighter skin with the goodness of charcoal.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Schwarzburg, MD Dr. Schwarzburg Dr. SchwarzburgMD insta_icon
Written by Oyendrila Kanjilal, MA, Certified Skin Care Coach Oyendrila Kanjilal MA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Last Updated on
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When it comes to deep cleansing, charcoal is the one ingredient that instantly comes to our minds. While some exfoliating body washes might be harsh and strip off the natural oils from your skin, the best charcoal body washes have gentle exfoliating properties that allow your skin to breathe. In addition, charcoal helps eliminate all the stubborn grime, dirt, sweat, oil, and toxins from your skin. So, there is no better option than including a charcoal body wash in your shower routine. We have curated a list of the 5 best charcoal body washes that you can try. Scroll down to explore the whole list!

Why Is It Good To Use Charcoal Body Wash?

Charcoal is a natural absorbent. Meaning, it binds to dirt, grime, and all that pore-clogging materials that collect on your skin. Regular soaps may not effectively remove these tough impurities, but charcoal-infused body washes surely can.

Here are a few advantages of using charcoal body wash or soap on your skin:

  • Gets rid of excess sebum in oily skin
  • Helps unclog skin pores
  • May prevent acne flares and breakouts
  • Helps keep skin tight and firm
  • Suits most skin types
  • Clears blemishes and product build-up
  • Gently exfoliates skin
  • Helps treat dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions or issues
Top PicksCheck Price
Best Nourishing:Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Body WashPrice on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Olay Charcoal & Mint Hydrating Glow Body WashPrice on Amazon
Best For Acne-prone Skin:Dr.Hempster Charcoal Detox Body WashPrice on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin:Archipelago Botanicals Charcoal Rose Body WashPrice on Amazon
Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Purifying Body WashPrice on Amazon

5 Best Activated Charcoal Body Washes For Women

1. Best Nourishing:Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Body Wash

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4.5
Image: Theorie

The Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Body Wash is packed with nourishing oils that leave your skin moisturized and soft afterward. This formula aids the detoxification of the skin as its powerful charcoal absorbs all impurities and dirt build-up,
while the rich bamboo extract deeply nourishes the skin from within. The jojoba oil, a high-quality ingredient, in the formula helps reduce redness and control irritated skin, while the sesame and sweet almond oil enhances the skin’s elasticity and moisturizes it. This charcoal body wash with antioxidants contains vitamins A and E, active ingredients that calm the skin. Regular use helps achieve healthy, clear, and supple skin. The cleansing and refreshing body wash leaves behind a sweet earthy fragrance that is loved by multiple reviewers.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry

Pros

  • Mildly scented
  • Cruelty-free
  • Phosphate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Nitrate-free
  • GMO-free

Cons

  • None
My Personal Experience

"It removes all residue along with dirt and grime. The fragrance is pleasantly fresh and the quality is high. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and smooth, and I turly appreciate this product."

2. Best For All Skin Types:Olay Charcoal & Mint Hydrating Glow Body Wash

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4.7

Olay Charcoal and Mint Hydrating Glow Body Wash is clinically proven and formulated with VitaminB3 and niacinamide. These ingredients are skin brighteners that, along with the charcoal, gently exfoliate and detoxify your skin to draw out impurities. Natural, plant-based oils restore and replenish skin moisture levels to prevent drying and tightness of the skin. Multiple reviewers love the lingering, fresh fragrance it leaves behind after washing off the creamy lather. Your skin feels refreshingly clean, glowing, and smooth after using this charcoal product.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal extract, Mint, Soybean oil, Peppermint oil, Vitamin B3, Niacinamide.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Pleasant smell
  • Lathers well
  • Long-lasting freshness
  • Doesn’t leave behind scum or residue
  • Suits all skin types

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This body wash left my skin soft, smooth, and noticeably less dry. It truly moisturizes my skin from the first use. If post-shower dryness is a concern for you, this just might be your savior."


protip_icon StyleCraze Says
After getting out of the shower, try not to rub your skin too vigorously. Rubbing can dry out the skin and aggravate skin irritation.

3. Best For Acne-prone Skin:Dr.Hempster Charcoal Detox Body Wash

If you have acne-prone skin, then Dr.Hempster Charcoal Detox Body Wash should be your bath staple. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD mentions, “It contains hemp and lavender oils which keep the skin hydrated and give off a pleasant fragrance. The primary ingredient in this body wash is charcoal, which detoxifies the skin upon use by absorbing bacteria and grime that lies within the pores. This wash is particularly beneficial for those with body acne, to help reduce its severity.” This detoxifying, charcoal body wash with deep pore cleansing body wash contains charcoal and magnesium that clarify and heal your skin. While charcoal removes germs, pollutants, and sebum from your skin; magnesium restores the nutrient balance. It easily seeps into your skin to prevent breakouts, pimples, and allergies. The organic plant oils deeply moisturize your skin and mask signs of aging.

Reviewers are a fan of the relaxing scent of lavender that keeps you fresh all day long.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, Magnesium, Hemp oil, Lavender oil.

Skin Type: Oily

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Ideal for acne-prone and combination skin
  • Mildly scented
  • Lathers well

Cons

  • Scent may be overpowering for some

My Personal Experience

"After using this charcoal body wash, my skin felt absolutely amazing - clean and moisturized. It has a mild but clean scent, and it's not too drying or slippery. I find myself gravitating towards it for its all-natural and cruelty-free ingredients."


4. Best For Sensitive Skin:Archipelago Botanicals Charcoal Rose Body Wash

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4.6
Image: Archipelago

The Archipelago Botanicals Charcoal Rose Body Wash has both rose’s nourishing and calming qualities and charcoal’s purifying abilities. These two components work in perfect harmony to gently cleanse and refresh your skin. It promotes healthy and radiant skin. It has a subtle scent of charcoal, rose, and mandarin peel that makes you feel refreshed and relaxed. This hydrating and detoxifying body wash can be used by both men and women and leaves you with a clean and refreshed feeling. Many reviewers have highly recommended this cleanser for its luxurious feel and moisturization.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 4.7 x 10.4 inches | Weight: 2.06 Pounds

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Mild fragrance
  • Long-lasting freshness
  • Unisex

Cons

  • A little expensive

My Personal Experience

"It smells divine, leaving my skin beautifully soft. It doesn't dry out the skin; instead, it left my skin slightly hydrated. It’s honestly a treat for your skin."


protip_icon Remember
Using excessive clarifying body wash may strip your skin of natural oils, resulting in dry skin. Therefore, use it in small amounts.

5. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Purifying Body Wash

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4.4
Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Purifying Body Wash Image: Earth Therapeutics

Earth Therapeutics’ Charcoal Purifying Body Wash has medicinal bamboo charcoal along with several organic, ethically-sourced plant and seed butters. Dr. Schwarzburg, MD explains, “Bamboo charcoal is used for medicinal purposes for anti-aging, skin cleansing, and various purposes that go beyond the skin. As the active ingredient in Earth Therapeutics’ Charcoal Purifying Body Wash, it will help revive your skin and rid it of dead skin cells and impurities. It leaves you with a smoother, cleaner, gentler finish and also contains sunflower oil, which is calming for the skin, making this product appropriate for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.

These ingredients cleanse toxins, accumulated impurities, and dead cells from your skin. Organic cocoa and shea butter, aloe extract, and tea tree, and sunflower oils deeply moisturize the exfoliated skin. This exfoliating body wash with charcoal is one of the best options if you have acne-prone skin. It soothes and invigorates the senses with a fresh minty scent and gives you smoother and more supple skin after every wash.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal powder, Sunflower oil, Cocoa butter, Mango extract, Tea tree oil, Vitamin E.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 8 inches | Weight: 0.01 Ounces

Pros

  • Organic ingredients
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS-free
  • No artificial colors
  • Suits acne-prone skin
  • No animal testing

Cons

  • None
My Personal Experience

"This body wash works wonders on my skin. It doesn't irritate or aggravate broken or compromised skin. The scent is not overpowering either. The resulting deep cleanse feels great. Totally worth using!"

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Charcoal Body Washes

Charcoal body washes are becoming increasingly popular due to their detoxifying and purifying properties. They also contain other key ingredients that work together to provide a deep cleanse and leave the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of them.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Charcoal Body Washes (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Pollutants, germs, impurities, and dirt settle on your body. So, using a body wash that exfoliates your skin without stripping off the oils is a good investment to retain the health and clarity of your skin. The Theorie Charcoal Bamboo Detoxifying Body Wash offers a powerful detox with a blend of charcoal and bamboo for refreshed skin. The Olay Charcoal & Mint Hydrating Glow Body Wash balances detoxification and hydration, leaving skin radiant with a minty-fresh touch. The Archipelago Botanicals Charcoal Rose Body Wash combines charcoal’s cleansing with rose’s elegance for a luxurious and fragrant bathing experience. A charcoal body wash can balance the sebum level while removing all the tough impurities from the skin. Besides removing dirt and build-up, the body wash can also keep your skin moisturized. Pleasant fragrance, paraben-free, and sulfate-free body washes are suitable for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, make sure that you check the ingredient list thoroughly to avoid irritation or redness sensitive skin, make sure that you check the ingredient list thoroughly to avoid irritation or redness sensitive skin.

Why Trust Stylecraze

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach with a penchant for unearthing effective products that improve your skin health. In this article, she lists the most productive charcoal body washes that deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin, removing any impurities. She poured over each product, investigating and researching its benefits and reviews. These products were recommended based on advantages like skin-enriching ingredients, absence of harmful elements like dyes or paraben, fragrance, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use charcoal body wash on my face?

Yes, you can use charcoal body wash on your face to control facial oil, remove dead skin cells, and achieve clear, flawless skin.

Can we use charcoal body wash daily?

You can use charcoal body wash every day because it helps remove oil and dirt from the skin and helps open up pores.

Is charcoal body wash good for body odor?

Yes, charcoal body wash with an invigorating scent is good for body odor. ItsThe lather gives your skin a clean, glowing appearance and aids in absorbing smells.

Can charcoal body wash dry out the skin?

No, a charcoal body wash will not make your skin dry. However, dry skin can benefit from the gentle cleansing action of activated charcoal for moisturization and nourishment.

Does charcoal body wash whiten the skin?

Yes, charcoal body wash lightens the skin because it regulates the amount of melanin, giving you a fairer appearance.

Is charcoal body wash good for aging skin?

Yes, charcoal body wash benefits aging skin because it reduces wrinkles and fine lines, keeping you from looking dull and tired.

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Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Schwarzburg
Oyendrila Kanjilal
Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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