15 Best Activated Charcoal Scrubs Of 2024: Expert-Approved
Deeply cleanse your skin with these gentle, organic, and fragrant charcoal scrubs.
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.
Read full bio of Nichelle Temple
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: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali 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.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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If you thought a face wash is all you need to target acne, blemishes, pimples, and premature aging, well, you are wrong. The first step is to grab the best charcoal scrub and exfoliate your oily or acne-prone skin from all the dead skin cells, dirt, sebum, and impurities. Charcoal removes accumulated bacteria, removes dirt from deep-seated layers of the skin, and unclogs pores.
Nichelle Temple, an esthetician, adds, “If you have oily or combination skin, charcoal can help balance and regulate oiliness. It can help absorb excess oil and reduce the appearance of shine, by mattifying the skin.”
Activated charcoal cleanses the skin thoroughly, leaving it feeling fresh and healthy. It also reveals a naturally radiant complexion. We have got you the 15 best charcoal scrubs for all skin types. Have a look!
In This Article
15 Bestselling Charcoal Scrubs For Healthy Skin
1. Best Deep Cleansing:ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub
This charcoal scrub from Acure is infused with activated charcoal, blueberry, and lemon peel. It is formulated with botanical ingredients for revitalizing dull skin. The deep cleansing scrub gently exfoliates the skin of sebum, impurities, and dirt with plant cellulose crystals. It provides hydration and soothes and detoxifies the skin. This facial scrub is suitable for combination to oily skin types.
Pros
- Light fragrance
- Oil-control
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
Cons
- Beads do not dissolve.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,192 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Anti-Aging:M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub
The M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub exfoliates your face and body to remove dead skin and impurities. The activated charcoal and Dead Sea salts draw out toxins, bacteria, pollution, dirt, and excess oil from the skin. This scrub also acts as a polish for acne, scars, cellulite, and wrinkles. It is infused with stem cells and collagen that boost the natural collagen synthesis of the skin, increasing elasticity and cell longevity.
The charcoal skin care product has an anti-aging formula that minimizes pores, blemishes, stretch marks, and blackheads. It works for the entire body, including the face, lips, hands, and feet. It is enriched with coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Coconut oil is an excellent emollient and strengthens the skin barrier. Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and enzymes and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Jojoba oil is a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins E and B and minerals like zinc, copper, and chromium that nourish the skin. This charcoal scrub moisturizes and brightens the skin. It’s best to do a patch test before using the product if you have sensitive skin. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of this product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Natural
- Balance pH level
- Improves skin health
Cons
- Causes stains
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 11,743 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin:WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub
This activated charcoal face scrub from WOW Skin Science is an exfoliating formula that gets rid of blackheads and toxins and minimizes enlarged pores. It contains natural activated charcoal, virgin olive oil, walnut shell powder, vitamins B3 and B5, and licorice extract.
Charcoal draws out impurities from deep under the skin surface. Olive oil nourishes and hydrates the skin with its antioxidant properties. vitamins B3 and B5 combat pigmentation, fight the signs of aging, nourish the skin, and ensure even skin tone. Walnut shell powder helps with the exfoliation and moisture retention to make the skin supple and soft. Licorice extract combats discoloration and age marks. The face scrub is suitable for sensitive skin types, but a patch test is recommended to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Pros
- Gentle
- Suitable for all skin types
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 1,557 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
| ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub Best Deep Cleansing | M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub Best Anti-Aging | WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Dry |
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 1.9 x 6.6 inches | 3.5 x 3.5 x 0.7 inches | - |
| Weight | 4 Ounces. | 12 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,192 | 11,743 | 1,557 |
| Price | $13.99 | $26.61 | $337.0 |
4. Best Oil-Free:Biore Charcoal Acne Scrub
The Biore Charcoal Acne Scrub is an oil-free formula that absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin looking and feeling clear. The charcoal penetrates your clogged pores, exfoliates them, and prevents the development of new blemishes. The 1% salicylic acid in this natural charcoal product treats and tames the existing acne and inhibits the growth of the acne-causing bacteria thus preventing further breakouts. This clinically tested scrub sweeps away dead skin cells leaving your skin feeling moisturized.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Reduces blemishes
- Value for money
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
5. Best Soy-Free:The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Salt + Sugar Scrub
This natural exfoliator scrub from The Yellow Bird is made with activated charcoal, sugar, and Dead Sea salts. It is a gentle face scrub and a moisturizing body exfoliator that deep cleans pores. It is enriched with natural ingredients with anti-aging properties that firm the skin, increase elasticity, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Activated charcoal deep cleanses the skin of harmful impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells. It detoxifies the skin without drying it out. The salicylic acid from willow bark helps reduce acne and redness. The nourishing oils like kukui nut oil and oils of almond, avocado, coconut, lavender, rosemary, and grapeseed form a thin non-comedogenic layer on the skin to keep it hydrated and protected. This charcoal scrub has long-lasting effects and gives you soft and polished skin.
Pros
- Mild
- No residue
- Paraben-free
- GMO-free
- Soy-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Oily
6. Best All-Natural:White Naturals Charcoal Scrub
The White Naturals Charcoal Scrub is a skin-clarifying formula that exfoliates and detoxifies the skin pores. It is suitable for the body and face and is not harsh on the skin. This scrub removes dead cells and increases collagen synthesis and blood circulation, making the skin look healthy and radiant.
The pure charcoal scrub is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps remove blackheads and acne marks and reduces aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. The unique formula of bamboo charcoal, corn gluten amino acids, vitamin E, and other botanical extracts purifies the skin and makes it soft and youthful.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- 100% natural
- Additive-free
- Filler-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May be rough for the face.
"What I like the most about this scrub is that it shrinks the appearance of my pores. It draws out trapped dirt and excess sebum from my skin. It boosts my skin’s blood circulation and improves collagen production. Thus, my skin looks glowing and firmer after I use this scrub."
7. Best Lather:GATSBY MANDOM Charcoal Facial Scrub
The MANDOM Facial Scrub is infused with charcoal that draws out dirt and toxins from deep under the skin’s surface. Its gentle exfoliation removes dead cells, dry skin, dirt, impurities, and excess oil from the skin without drying it out. This exfoliating scrub lathers up well and gives a cooling effect and refreshing feel to the skin.
Pros
- Cool finish
- Suits sensitive skin
Cons
- Contains parabens
"I love the cooling sensation that I get after I apply this scrub to my skin. The formula soaks up excess sebum from my skin without drying it out. It minimizes the appearance of my pores and lends my skin a silky feel. It also tingles my skin slightly."
8. Best Sulfate-Free:Cosmetasa Activated Charcoal Body & Face Scrub
The Activated Charcoal Body & Face Scrub from Cometasa is a charcoal cleansing scrub that has a skin-lightening and brightening formula. It is enriched with activated charcoal that deeply cleanses the skin by removing dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells. The unique blend detoxifies the skin and unclogs the pores.
This charcoal scrub reduces blackheads, cystic acne, and excess oil. It is rich in minerals and Dead Sea salt that minimize pores and moisturize the skin. The natural and nourishing oils of coconut and jojoba, along with aloe vera juice, hydrate and brighten the skin. This scrub comes with a pair of gloves, which are made of fabric that enhances the exfoliation process and increases the scrub’s potency.
Pros
- Natural fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Comes with gloves
Cons
- Dry texture
"What I like the most about this scrub is that it reduces the appearance of my cellulite. It exfoliates my skin to remove dead skin cells and trapped pollutants. The formula boosts my skin’s collagen production and minimizes the appearance of my age signs and spots. I also like that it comes with a pair of exfoliating gloves."
9. Best For pH-Balance:AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal
The AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal is a charcoal face product that is powered with salicylic acid and has pore refining properties. It exfoliates the grime, dirt, or pollutants from the skin. The charcoal in the formula draws out the impurities gently and moisturizes the skin, offering it flawless blackhead removal and a healthy glow. The scrub also is infused with jojoba oil that reduces inflammation without clogging pores. This dermatologist-recommended scrub detoxifies, hydrates, and soothes your skin while maintaining your skin’s natural pH balance.
Pros
- Suitable for daily use
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Gentle
- Does not clog pores
- Value for money
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Quick tip10. Best Hypoallergenic:Calily Life Charcoal Body Scrub
The Calily Life Charcoal Body Scrub is a deep cleanser infused with Dead Sea salts and minerals. This formula is enriched with essential oils of almond and grape seed and other food extracts that unclog the pores for purifying the skin.
Charcoal absorbs toxins and impurities from the pores. A light massage with this scrub and keeping it on for 10 minutes will provide instant detoxification and purification to the skin. The nourishing formula reduces aging marks and restores skin elasticity. Powerful ingredients like copper, vitamins A, C, and E, and fatty acids reduce scars, marks, varicose veins, eczema, and other skin ailments. This charcoal scrub makes the skin firm, plump, nourished, and healthy with a refreshed glow.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Amazing smell
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Leaves an oily film in the shower.
Pro Tip11. Best Soothing:Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub
The Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub is a gel exfoliator that cleanses the pores, tightens them, and gives you smooth skin. The activated charcoal in the scrub pulls out the dirt, grime, and acne-causing bacteria from the pores and reveals glowing skin. The scrub also contains salicylic acid that calms your skin by soothing irritation. The gentle exfoliator leaves your skin looking plump and offers it a natural finish.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soothes irritation
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This scrub removes blackheads from my skin and detoxifies my pores. My skin looks clear and feels soft to the touch after I use this product. It lends my skin a healthy matte glow. I like its refreshing scent as it never gets overwhelming."
12. Best For All Skin Types:Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Deep Cleansing Scrub
The Yes To Tomatoes Charcoal Scrub is gentle and suitable for all skin types. The activated charcoal offers deep cleansing to the skin by removing dead skin cells and impurities. It is rich in antioxidants that help unclog pores for a thorough skin detox, leaving it naturally soft and radiant. This dermatologist-tested charcoal scrub comes with a built-in cleansing brush for exfoliation and facial massage. It pampers your skin and makes it luminous.
Pros
- 95% natural ingredients
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Vegan
- Toxin-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
"This cleanser unclogs my skin pores and removes dead skin cells from them. It smoothes out my skin and restores its natural tone. With the consistent use of this product, my skin looks even and has fewer blemishes."
13. Best Parabe-Free:SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub
SheaMoisture’s charcoal body scrub is formulated with bamboo charcoal and African black soap. These ingredients help draw out dirt from deep within the pores and reduce skin problems.
The scrub is infused with organic shea butter, which soothes stressed skin and moisturizes it. Tea tree oil helps cleanse, detoxify, and clarify the skin. This scrub is also enriched with botanical oils like jojoba, coconut, and mango oils that deeply hydrate and moisturize the skin. It calms troubled skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Pros
- Light scent
- Easy to use
- No residue
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- Loose, gooey texture
"This body scrub is easy to spread on my skin. It buffs out impurities from my pores and restores my skin’s natural tone. The formula soothes my itchy skin by nourishing it from within. The best thing about this product is that it is devoid of any overwhelming scent."
14. Best Gluten-Free:Nature’s Beauty Activated Charcoal Facial Scrub
This scrub from Nature’s Beauty is infused with activated charcoal and coconut shell that exfoliate and detoxify the skin. It draws out toxins and impurities from the pores, helping to shrink the pores back to their original size. The formula refines the skin and revives its radiance. This scrub is enhanced with a refreshing citrus fragrance, and it smoothens the skin and balances the oils. It polishes the skin, leaving dull skin with a renewed glow. This scrub is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Gentle
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
15. Best For Clogged Pores:Indigo Wild Zum Face Charcoal Sugar Facial Scrub
Rejuvenate and hydrate your skin with the Indigo Wild Zum Face Charcoal Sugar Facial Scrub. The scrub lifts excess dirt and oil that can clog pores. It removes impurities and dead skin cells, thereby promoting skin renewal. It is packed with natural ingredients like charcoal powder, jojoba, olive oil, and coconut oil that help keep your skin healthy.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No artificial fragrance
- Pleasing scent
- Organic ingredients
Cons
- None
The Bottom Line
Charcoal is a great ingredient known for its cleansing and exfoliating properties. The best-activated charcoal scrubs for your face will eliminate all the dirt, oil, dead skin cells, excess sebum, and impurities. The ACURE Incredibly Clear Charcoal Lemonade Facial Scrub helps detoxify and soothe the skin with a non-drying formula, the WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Face Scrub helps minimize enlarged pores and suits sensitive skin, and the SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub deeply hydrates the skin while removing impurities from the pores. These scrubs will cleanse your skin thoroughly while leaving it fresh and clean. The reviewed products in the listicle do not contain any synthetic chemicals, and they help balance the natural pH level of your skin while improving overall skin health. To nourish your skin, you can also blend these clinically proven, dermatologist-tested scrubs with other nourishing and hydrating ingredients.
Why Trust Stylecraze
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and blends her valuable insights and research skills to help her readers make the right buying decision. After thorough research and sifting hundreds of user reviews on trusted online forums, she curated this list of the best-activated charcoal scrubs. The shortlisted products help gently exfoliate your skin to maintain its glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use charcoal scrub daily?
No, a charcoal scrub should not be used daily. Depending on your skin type and issues, use this scrub once to thrice a week. It deep cleanses the skin and removes toxins, but overuse will drain the skin of its natural oil and moisture.
Can charcoal scrub remove pimples?
There is no study to prove that charcoal scrubs remove pimples completely. However, they cleanse the skin of all toxins, sebum, and bacteria that cause acne. The antibacterial properties of charcoal substantially reduce acne formation and improve overall skin health.
Is charcoal scrub good for your armpits?
Yes, armpits sweat often, and the pores get clogged with impurities, oil, and toxins. Using a light charcoal scrub once or twice a week will remove these toxins and open up the pores. This will help in controlling bad odor and bacteria formation. Avoid using a very abrasive scrub on the underarms as the skin is soft and fragile.
Does charcoal lighten dark spots?
Activated charcoal helps to remove dead skin cells making the blackheads and dark spots less visible. It deeply cleanses the skin and lightens the blemishes.
How long do you leave charcoal scrub on?
You can let charcoal scrub sit on your skin for no more than one to two minutes. Rub it on your skin very gently and rinse it off with water.
Are there any side effects of using charcoal scrub?
No, charcoal scrub is safe as long as you are using it the right way. It’s best to apply once or twice a week or less depending on your skin type. Test it on a small patch of skin on the inside of your elbow. If you don’t experience any itchiness or redness, then you are ready to go. However, overusing charcoal scrub can cause itchiness or redness in the skin.
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