7 Best Expert-Approved Charcoal Face Scrubs For Women – 2024
You wouldn't know the exfoliating wonders of activated charcoal until you try it.
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provided ample opportunities for her to collaborate with some of the most popular names in the beauty industry, such as Dr.
Read full bio of Hillary Clark
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
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Charcoal is an excellent ingredient with great exfoliating and cleansing properties. Adding the best charcoal face scrub to your skin care routine can benefit your skin in many ways. The activated charcoal in these facial scrubs can effectively absorb excess oil and remove dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells from your face. It also leaves your face softer, fresh, and radiant. In this article, we have listed the 7 best charcoal face scrubs. These have also got a good number of reviews that show a positive people’s experience. Scroll down to check them out!
Medical Esthetician, Hillary Clark, states, “Smooth charcoal can be a gentle way to exfoliate and detox pores without relying on harsh, scratchy scrubs.”
In This Article
7 Best Recommended Charcoal Face Scrubs Of 2024
1. Best Vegan Formula: ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub
This facial scrub from ACURE is a deep cleansing treatment enriched with charcoal, lemon peel, and blueberry to rejuvenate dull and tired skin. The blend of lemon peel and blueberry with charcoal gives this scrub antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to protect the skin against acne and premature aging. It exfoliates dead skin cells and boosts collagen production simultaneously. It is infused with plant cellulose exfoliating crystals to gently even out the skin tone.
Skin Type: Oily, Normal, Acne-prone, and Combination
Key Ingredients: Charcoal, Lemon peel, and Blueberry
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- Watery consistency
"This product made my skin clear up noticeably. I love the delightful scent and the silky finish it offers. The granules are not harsh on the skin but do help eliminate all the gunk in the pores, leaving my skin squeaky clean and healthy. Definitely worth trying!"
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,192 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Dermatologically Tested Formula: WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub
The WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub is a blend of exfoliating and nourishing agents that clear out clogged pores, minimize blackheads, and prevent pigmentation. The fast-acting activated charcoal and walnut shell powder remove excess oil and dirt, while the olive oil provides intense hydration to the skin. This unique blend of oil smooths rough skin as well. This black charcoal face scrub is enriched with vitamins and licorice extracts with anti-aging properties to reduce age spots and keep the skin youthful and supple. The antioxidant-rich face scrub has a gentle yet powerful formula that leaves the skin firmer and brightens the skin tone.
Skin Type: Dry
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, Extra virgin olive oil, Walnut shell powder, Vitamins B3 and B5, and Licorice extract
Pros
- Gentle
- Dermatologically-tested
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Leaves a residue.
"It gently cleanses my face, leaving it smooth and silky. I like that it is made with gentle ingredients and does not contain any toxic or harsh ones. My face feels fresh for a long time after using this mask. However, it can be a bit drying, so follow up with a moisturizer."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,557 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Refreshing Fragrance: ZUM Face Charcoal Sugar Facial Scrub
This facial scrub from Indigo Wild is a blend of cane sugar and charcoal to provide gentle exfoliation to the skin. These two beneficial ingredients in this natural exfoliator work together to slough away dead cells, excess oil, dirt, and dry skin cells that clog your pores to reveal soft and glowing skin. The scrub also contains jojoba, olive, coconut, and castor oils, and essential oils to deliver intense moisturization to the skin and keep it smooth and supple. It has a refreshing citrus fragrance with a floral undertone, which energizes and revitalizes the senses.
Skin Type: Dry
Key Ingredients: Charcoal powder, Cane sugar, Jojoba oil, Saponified coconut, Olive oil, and Castor oil
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Refreshing fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
"The wonderful aroma and perfect moisturizing balance are truly commendable! The most impressive result I saw was how it cleans all stains from my face from a DIY-turmeric-mask-gone-wrong. It cleanses thoroughly without being harsh on the skin. I see myself using it again."
| ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub Best Vegan Formula | WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub Best Dermatologically Tested Formula | ZUM Face Charcoal Sugar Facial Scrub Best For Refreshing Fragrance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Normal | Dry | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 1.9 x 6.6 inches | - | 2.25 x 2.25 x 3.25 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces. | - | 4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,192 | 1,557 | 108 |
| Price | $13.99 | $337.0 | $15.0 |
4. Best Cruelty Free Formula: nature’s Beauty Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub
The nature’s Beauty Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub is a scientifically proven formula to remove impurities and toxins from the skin by offering gentle deep cleansing. It uses charcoal sourced from coconut shells to exfoliate, polish, and shrink open pores, leaving the skin soft, fresh, and smooth. It is very absorbent and has a hydrating and balancing action on the skin to reduce dryness and flaking. This scrub has a refreshing lemony citrus fragrance, which invigorates and refreshes the senses while clearing pores.
Skin Type: All
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal and Glycerin
Pros
- Gentle
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol
"I was pleasantly surprised at how effectively this scrub removes makeup. Its gentle citrus fragrance is delightful and the fact that it lathers well is a bonus. As an exfoliant, it's quite good. I love the natural coconut particles, they leave my skin baby-smooth. However, noticed some redness on the sensitive bits of my skin. But otherwise, a good product overall."
5. Best Moisturizing: Natural Activated Charcoal Body & Face Scrub
The Natural Activated Charcoal Body & Face Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells and moisturizes the skin. It is made with mild, natural components that won’t irritate the skin. The anti-aging formula increases skin suppleness and decreases fine wrinkles. The gentle exfoliator contains willow bark extract, an active ingredient that helps curb redness and acne and tighten your pores. It also contains grapeseed, almond, and kukui nut oil to keep your skin hydrated for a long time and make it radiant and glowing.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Not ideal for dry skin
"This product proved effective with daily use, lasting about six months. Its strong scent and shower-friendly nature were plus points for me. It left my skin softer, reduced scar appearances, and didn't break me out. A solid, scrubby, and hydrating product; akin to avocado oil minus the novelty."
6. Best Oil Free Formula: Biore Charcoal Acne Face Scrub
The Biore Charcoal Acne Face Scrub contains 1% salicylic acid that effectively treats existing acne conditions and prevents breakouts in the future. It is made with natural charcoal as its key ingredient that gently absorbs impurities, exfoliates the skin, clears deep-seated impurities, unclogs pores, and prevents blemishes. In addition, this result-oriented product leaves the skin feeling clear, smooth, and soft. If you want to find out more about this product with natural charcoal and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Skin Type: Acne-prone and Oily skin
Key Ingredients: Natural Charcoal and Salicylic Acid
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
- Gentle on skin
- Effective results
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Might cause redness after use
"After incorporating this facial scrub into my routine, I've noticed a reduction in the occurrence of blackheads around the nose. It's been effective in preventing breakouts as well without irritating my skin. The exfoliant works well, leaving my skin smoother, although those with dry skin may need to follow up with a moisturizer."
7. Best Multipurpose Use: MINIMO Flawless Charcoal Face Scrub
The MINIMO Flawless Charcoal Face Scrub is specially designed to fight acne-causing bacteria to help you achieve clearer complexion. It is formulated with activated bamboo charcoal and raw manuka honey to exfoliate the skin, get rid of impurities and toxins, and reduce redness and inflammations. Willow bark and ginger extracts have natural astringent properties and encourage cell turnover to reduce age spots and acne scars without irritating the skin. Vitamin B5 reduces oil buildup that leads to breakouts, resulting in flawless complexion. Using it on the face in a circular motion stimulates blood circulation while its multipurpose formula leaves the skin feeling soft and visibly brighter.
Skin Type: All
Key Ingredients: Activated bamboo carbon charcoal, Raw manuka honey, Willow bark extract, Ginger extract, Vitamin B5, and Salicylic acid
Pros
- Gentle
- Organic ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Anti-acne
- Multipurpose
- Applicator included
- Antibacterial properties
Cons
- None
Infographic: Key Ingredients That Complement Charcoal Face Washes
Charcoal face washes are known for their various benefits, including deep cleansing and exfoliation. However, before indulging in one, it’s crucial to understand the ingredients that comprise it, so you can properly understand its benefits. Check out the following infographic to learn more!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Activated charcoal cleanses and exfoliates your skin and removes dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells deep inside the pores. In addition, these face scrubs absorb excess sebum, rejuvenate dull skin, and give you that spotless, oil-free look. The ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub offers balanced cleansing and skin rejuvenation, while the WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub is suitable for individuals seeking a deep cleansing scrub. Those seeking gentle exfoliation can try the MINIMO Flawless Charcoal Face Scrub. Adding these face scrubs to your skincare routine can help you get fresh, soft, glowing, and clearer skin. The skin care products on our list are gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free. Use any of these scrubs once or twice a week to get healthy, clean, and smooth skin. Perform a patch test before trying any new scrub and adding it into your skin care routine to avoid skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is charcoal scrub good for evening the tone?
Yes, charcoal scrubs remove dead skin cells, tighten the pores, detoxify, and even skin tone.
Can I use charcoal scrub daily?
No. Exfoliating with charcoal scrub daily can strip away the natural oils from your skin and cause dryness and irritation. It is best to use a scrub once a week. If you have oily skin, you can use it twice a week.
Can I use sunscreen after using a charcoal face scrub?
Yes. You can safely apply sunscreen after using a charcoal face scrub if you are going outdoors.
Are there any side effects of charcoal face scrub?
No, charcoal scrub is safe for weekly use. It removes impurities from the skin’s surface and evens out the skin texture. However, if you have highly sensitive skin, do perform a patch test before use.
Does charcoal face scrub remove facial hair?
Yes, some charcoal scrubs can remove peach fuzz from your face. However, it can take about 2-3 uses to see satisfactory results.
Can I use face wash after using a scrub?
Yes, wash your face with water to remove the scrub along with dirt and impurities.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, who authored this article, is a certified skincare coach and loves experimenting with different skincare products. To help her readers find the best charcoal face scrub, she tried some herself and read several customer feedbacks, and compiled a list of them with the insights she gained. These products that have been listed have activated charcoal that can absorb excess oil and eliminate dirt and impurities from the skin.
Read full bio of Hillary Clark
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