12 Best Charcoal Soaps For Every Skin Type, Expert-Approved – 2024
Exfoliate and detoxify your skin to tackle acne, pigmentation, and more with these bars.
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained her makeup and esthetics education from Makeup Designory in Soho, NYC and Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We’ll tell you why using the best charcoal soap is perfect for everyday use. Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb dirt, pollutants, toxins, bacteria, and several impurities from your skin. This dark soap gently exfoliates excess dead cells from your skin, leaving you glowing and happy. Oily skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, charcoal soaps are perfect for every skin type. While switching to charcoal soap may take some testing and getting used to, once you do, you’ll soon see the results. Now that you know what the hype is about, check out our list of charcoal soaps you can buy for your collection. Scroll down to see what they are and add them to your skin care routine!
In This Article
11 Best Charcoal Soaps Available Right Now
1. Best Overall: Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Soap Bar
Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Soap Bar offers clearer skin. It has a fresh minty scent with woodsy undertones. This naturally scented soap is made with therapeutic-grade essential oils like eucalyptus oil,peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil. The clinically verified organic ingredients like shea butter, palm oil, sunflower oil, castor oil, and extra virgin olive oil provide intense hydration and moisturization to the skin to offer visible results. This soap bar contains Dead Sea mud which is rich in minerals that soothe the skin. Thus, it is perfect for treating skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. This vegan, cruelty-free soap can be used by anyone as it suits all skin types. As it is made of non-irritating ingredients, it is gentle enough to be used on the delicate skin on your face. This purifying soap bar cleanses and exfoliates the skin and can also be used as shaving cream. The activated charcoal in it draws out impurities and dead skin cells from the skin, leaving it clean, soft, and smooth while also calming the mind.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Can be used for shaving
- Suitable for all skin types
- Exfoliates the skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Organic ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts initially
"This soap is gentle enough for both my body and face. I like how long-lasting it is in comparison to other soaps. It has a refreshing scent that I love. It creates a creamy lather that feels soothing on my skin."
Quick Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,675 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin: The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Lemongrass & Lavender Soap Bar
The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Lemongrass & Lavender Soap Baris a handmade soap that is ideal for sensitive skin. Its absorptive property soothes inflamed skin and calms skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, and acne. The activated charcoal in it works as a natural skin detox to remove dirt, impurities, and excess oil from the skin. This gentle exfoliation helps in removing blackheads and evening out the skin tone to offer visible results. Its natural ingredients are free from harmful chemicals that do not irritate the skin. This unisex vegan cleansing bar is made with high-quality ingredients such as shea butter that moisturizes the skin. This is particularly helpful as activated charcoal can strip away the natural oils from the skin. The antibacterial, antifungal, and astringent properties of the essential oils in this soap bar help in keeping your skin germ-free. This facial detox soap is produced in small batches to maintain its quality and authenticity.
Pros
- Softens the skin
- Moisturizes the skin
- Contains organic botanical oils
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons
- Expensive
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,757 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Antimicrobial Properties: Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar
Bioré is a well-known name in the skin care market. Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar contains natural charcoal that absorbs excess oil and draws out deeply embedded impurities from the skin pores. It also contains jojoba beads that exfoliate your skin gently and make it refreshed. This amazing soap bar is infused with natural peppermint oil that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. It claims to cleanse your pores 2x better than basic cleansers and removes most skin impurities. It deep cleanses and exfoliates dead skin cells and product build-up. The charcoal absorbs excess oil and balances the skin’s sebum production, making it an excellent choice. This is particularly beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. Peppermint oil also has antimicrobial properties that fight the acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Use this soap bar to get blemish-free, soft, and smooth skin. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision and get a closer look at the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Absorbs excess oil
- Unclogs pores
- Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- May cause breakouts
Pro Tip| Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Soap Bar Best Overall | The Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Lemongrass & Lavender Soap Bar Best For Sensitive Skin | Bioré Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar Best Antimicrobial Properties | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All | Oily |
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 2.5 x 1 inches | 2.5 x 1 x 3.25 inches | 1.56 x 2.81 x 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 4.5 Ounces | 4.64 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,675 | 1,757 | 435 |
| Price | $9.87 | $9.95 | $5.96 |
4. Best For All Ages: Keika Naturals Charcoal Black Bar
Keika Naturals Charcoal Black Bar is made of high-quality ingredients that are ethically sourced, 100% vegan, and chemical-free. This handmade soap contains coconut-origin charcoal that is healthy and good for the skin. Charcoal is known for its detoxifying and cleansing properties. This soap gently exfoliates your skin, so it is suitable for all ages and genders. This soap is a versatile charcoal product and can be used in a variety of ways – as a facial cleanser, body soap, shaving soap, and shampoo bar. It has ingredients like bentonite clay and therapeutic essential oils that soothe irritated and inflamed skin, making this soap bar a perfect choice to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Sustainability is a big part of this company’s ethos. Keika Naturals is partnered with a non-profit organization that plants one tree for every soap you buy! Thus, you can do your bit for the environment by simply switching over to Keika Naturals Charcoal Black Soap Bar. Several reviewers praised this charcoal skin care product for its high performance. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Pros
- Soothes inflamed skin
- Gently exfoliates the skin
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Bigger than standard soaps
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May cause initial skin purging
5. Best With Natural Ingredients: Charcoal Face Wash Bar Soap
The Charcoal Face Wash Bar Soap gives you a healthy, glowing complexion by removing dirt and oil from your skin and keeping it moist. It is made with high-quality activated charcoal that removes acne-causing impurities and offers several skin benefits. The absorbent quality of charcoal helps to take out pollutants, while the antifungal qualities of charcoal aid in keeping outbreaks at bay. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal characteristics of tea tree oils are a wonderful fit for acne, eczema, and dermatitis. This soap naturally removes blackheads and dead skin cells and keeps dryness at bay.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Non-toxic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- No synthetic ingredients
- Natural
Cons
- None
6. Best For Itchy Skin: Southern Natural Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Goat Milk Soap
Southern Natural Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Goat Milk Soap is an all-natural face and body soap made with clinically-proven activated charcoal and Dead Sea mud that detoxify the skin without any side effects. It treats blackheads, fights acne, and clears blemishes without stripping away your skin’s moisture. The goat milk in the soap moisturizes the skin while soothing and calming it and rejuvenating the skin cells. Thus, it is an ideal choice for dry and sensitive skin. This soap bar does not cause any irritation and helps soothe dry and itchy skin. It is a handmade soap made with sustainable palm oil, olive oil, and coconut oil that ensures skin rejuvenation and moisturization. This natural soap has a fresh minty scent as it contains peppermint and rosemary essential oils that relieve stress and anxiety. According to multiple reviews, this charcoal soap lathers up well, makes the skin fresh, and offers visible results.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Prevents acne
- Anti-aging formula
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizes the skin
- Balances the pH of the skin
- Soothes and rejuvenates the skin
- Non-GMO
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Stains the soap holder
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 601 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
7. Best Pore Tightening: One With Nature Dead Sea Spa Activated Charcoal Soap
This activated charcoal soap is a triple-milled mineral soap with argan oil and shea butter that makes the skin smooth. The high mineral content of Dead Sea salt in the soap cleanses the skin and exfoliates rough, dull, and dead skin effectively. It softens the skin and also promotes tissue growth for healthy and firmer skin. In addition, activated charcoal minimizes the appearance of pores and tones your skin, helping refresh and revitalize the skin, revealing a clear, balanced complexion. The creamy soap goes smoothly onto the skin and suits all skin types.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Creamy texture
- Cleanses skin
- Exfoliates dead and rough skin
- Tightens pores
- Heals skin issues
- Reveals bright and clear skin tone
- Non-drying
- Lasts long
Cons
- None
"This soap has a pleasant, subtle fragrance and provides a thorough cleanse without leaving the skin dry. It's long-lasting if kept dry between uses. It's also very effective for reducing the oiliness in my T-zone and the detoxifying properties are a bonus."
8. Best Cruelty-Free: Koji White Kojic Acid & Charcoal Soap
Koji White Kojic Acid & Charcoal Soap restores the health of acne-ridden skin. The charcoal in it deep cleanses your skin and fights acne, while kojic acid lightens acne scars and brightens the skin. This blend removes all dirt and grime and also clears blemishes, dark spots, and freckles, and rejuvenates sun-damaged skin. This non-drying soap creates a luscious lather that gives you a luxurious bath experience. It contains hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E that nourish, brighten, and restore plump, youthful, healthy, and balanced skin. Regular use of this soap will give you soft, blemish-free, and radiant skin.
Pros
- Reduces dark spots
- Treats blemishes
- Lightens acne scars
- Brightens the skin
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Cruelty-free
- Natural ingredients
- SLS-free
- Moisturizesand nourishes the skin
- Does not dry out the skin
Cons
- It may dry out the skin initially
"This soap has good non-drying qualities and is very effective on my clogged pores. It's also unscented, and a good choice for sensitive noses. The texture doesn't dissolve into a gooey mess. I usually lather up with a loofah for an enhanced experience."
9. Best For Removing Blackheads: Joanna Vargas Bamboo Charcoal Soap
This sweet orange-scented bamboo charcoal soap from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas is targeted at acne-prone and oily skin. This soap is safe and effective as it is made of high-quality natural ingredients that control oily skin and help with blemish control and blackhead removal. This soap bar cleanses and balances the skin by deeply cleansing it. Glycerin, olive oil, and shea butter moisturize and nourish the skin to deliver visible results. It unclogs pores and draws out impurities, bacteria, dirt, and excess sebum to reveal clean, clear, and flawless skin. Several reviewers have given positive reviews for this product.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses the skin
- Hydrates the skin
- Balances sebum production
- Unclogs pores
- Made with natural ingredients
- Sweet fragrance
- Suitable for acne-prone, oily skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
"This soap is quite effective, especially for my combination skin prone to occasional breakouts. In the summer months, it seems to keep oiliness and acne at bay without causing dryness. It's a simple product that cleanses without any strong scents, leaving the skin feeling refreshed."
10. Best Unscented: Splendor Pure Coconut Oil Black Activated Charcoal Soap Bar
Splendor Pure Coconut Oil Black Activated Charcoal Soap Bar is made with the healthiest source of charcoal – sustainable coconut husk. This 100% natural, unscented soap cleanses the skin from impurities, germs, and oil. This charcoal skincare contains food-grade coconut oil that moisturizes the skin and makes it soft and smooth. It can be used to treat bug bites, acne, and rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This gentle soap soothes the skin, so it is for sensitive and inflamed skin. The slow-processed soap retains natural glycerin in the soap to moisturize the skin. Its rich, creamy lather does not leave behind any residue. This eco-friendly brand donates a bar of soap to a local homeless shelter for every soap you purchase. It also comes in recyclable packaging, and its palm oil-free policy supports rain forest preservation.
Pros
- Soothes inflammation
- Moisturizes the skin
- Unscented
- 100% natural
- Handmade
- Vegan
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Palm oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Soy-free
- Sustainable packaging
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-Free
- Cruelty-free
- Plastic-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
"This charcoal soap will be the best ally for oily skin types like mine. It gives a silky lather with soothing qualities and has also helped get rid of body odor effectively. Just pair it up with a good moisturizer to support its drying nature after a good exfoliation session."
11. Best For Oily Skin: Charcoal Bar Soap from The Grandpa Soap Company
The Charcoal Bar Soap from The Grandpa Soap Company is formulated with vitamin-rich organic hemp and mint oils that help to clear up clogged pores and restore clarity to oily skin. The product is also suitable for combination skin and blemish-prone skin types. It pulls out dirt and other impurities by penetrating deep into the pores. This soap not only helps you keep your face and body clean and smelling fresh, but it also helps your body clear itself of toxins while replenishing moisture. When used on wet skin, the soap will produce a foam that will thoroughly clean your skin without causing any irritation to the skin. It is simple to remove with water.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses the pores
- Detoxifies the skin
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- EDTA-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial fragrances
- Color-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
"This charcoal soap is a must-have for people with oily skin. It effectively cleared my blackheads without leaving the skin too dry. The exfoliating properties work well, and the mild scent is pleasant too. Overall, it's good for a simple, clean formula without unnecessary chemicals."
Activated charcoal can draw out impurities, as it binds to the dirt, excess oil, and grime from the deepest layers of the skin and delivers squeaky clean skin. Therefore, charcoal soaps are so popular. They pull out toxins and treat various skin conditions. Due to its popularity, multiple brands are selling charcoal soaps, and picking one is tricky. So, read on to learn the essential factors to remember when choosing the best charcoal soaps suitable for every skin type.
How To Choose The Best Charcoal Soaps For All Skin Types
- Active Ingredients:Apart from activated carbon, look for clinically-proven ingredients like castor oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, sunflower oil, and extra virgin olive oil in your soap that provide intense hydration to your dry skin and restore its youthful glow. In addition, pick soaps containing dead sea mud and bentonite clay to soothe your sensitive skin and calm irritations and inflammations. On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, pick soaps containing peppermint oil and kojic acid to fight the acne-causing bacteria and lighten your scar marks.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Pick charcoal soaps free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, SLS, gluten, silicones, and artificial fragrances. These harsh ingredients can dry out, irritate your skin, and cause long-term damage.
- Formula: Pick creamy soaps that lather well. They glide on your skin smoothly and are easy to use. Ensure that the soaps do not leave behind any residues and wash away without clogging pores.
- Size And Design: Choose a soap size that will last a long time. Ensure that the soap features an ergonomic design that is easy to grip. Soaps that slip easily are a complete waste. So, read the reviews on its size and design before purchasing.
- Versatility: Choose versatile charcoal soaps that can be used for multiple purposes, like as a shaving soap, body soap, or a shampoo bar.
Charcoal soaps are great for your skin. But, who should really use it? Find out in the next section.
Who Should Use Charcoal Soap?
According to several reviewers and tester’s experiences, charcoal soaps are gentle and versatile enough to be used by people of all skin types, genders, and ages. Listed below are all the skin conditions and types that can benefit from charcoal soap:
- The highly adsorbent property of charcoal is clinically verified and especially beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin types. It draws out impurities from clogged pores to make them look smaller and less visible.
- It is beneficial for removing blackheads and clearing blemishes, age spots, and acne scars.
- It is free from harsh chemicals, so it is not irritating on sensitive skin. It is a little bit drying on the skin, but that can be easily remedied by adding moisturizing and hydrating agents like natural oils, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter to it.
- It is also a natural exfoliator that is great for deep cleansing and treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
- Since it absorbs smell, it is recommended for people who sweat a lot or are have strong body odor.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Charcoal Soap
Activated charcoal soaps are designed to pull out dirt, oil, and impurities from deep within the skin. However, this may leave your skin yearning for nourishment. Hence, it is important that the soap contains some moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin soft, smooth, and nourished. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
No matter what kind of shower routine you follow, having charcoal soap in your arsenal is a must-have. Several testers’ experiences and reviews have attested to the fact that charcoal soaps are versatile and safe to use by everyone, particularly people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Charcoal’s detoxifying and deep cleansing properties can help clear blemishes, remove blackheads, draw out excess oil, and unclog pores. The Aspen Kay Naturals Dead Sea Mud & Charcoal Soap Bar is completely organic and helps manage akin conditions, while the One With Nature Dead Sea Spa Activated Charcoal Soap is suitable for all skin types. But if you are looking for a formula that works on sensitive skin, try the Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Lemongrass & Lavender Soap Bar. These soaps reviewed in the curated list are devoid of synthetic chemicals and are suitable for all skin types. Charcoal soaps also have great anti-aging properties to combat the early signs of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can charcoal soap be used everyday?
Charcoal is safe and gentle on the skin, but the highly adsorbent nature of charcoal may dry out your skin if it is overused. Different people react to the soap differently. Thus, it is recommended to use thrice a week or less.
Does charcoal soap remove blackheads?
Yes,charcoal has exfoliating properties that unclog pores and remove blackheads and other debris from the skin.
Is charcoal soap good for rosacea?
Yes, charcoal can be used for soothing rosacea as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Does charcoal soap lighten your skin?
No. Charcoal soap exfoliates the skin, eliminates dirt and grime from the skin, and restores its natural color. However, it does not lighten your skin tone.
Is charcoal soap good for dark skin?
Yes. Charcoal soap is suitable for all skin tones.
Is charcoal soap antifungal?
Yes. Activated charcoal contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. It prevents the growth of bacteria and treats acne.
Can you use charcoal soap during pregnancy?
Yes. Charcoal soap is safe to use occasionally during pregnancy. However, avoid using it if you are experiencing bowel obstructions and digestive issues.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who loves experimenting with various products in the domain. She has curated this list of the best charcoal soap by conducting in-depth research into their ingredients and sifting through many online user reviews on trusted online forums. She loves to use charcoal soap because it helps draw out impurities, bacteria, and toxins from the body and is suitable for all skin types.
Read full bio of Olunife Ofomata
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