Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Valencia Higuera on August 7, 2019

Activated charcoal has become a popular ingredient in the beauty world lately. You’ll find it in products ranging from facial cleansers and shampoos to soaps and scrubs.

Because it’s believed that it can draw bacteria and impurities from the skin, activated charcoal has also become a popular ingredient in face masks, too.

Whether you’re looking to improve your complexion or fight acne, here’s a look at how activated charcoal may benefit your skin, as well as other practical uses for this product.

What’s activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a fine black powder that’s produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat. This exposure creates tiny internal spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it highly absorbent and able to trap chemicals and toxins.

Although it’s a type of charcoal, activated charcoal is different from the charcoal used on an outdoor grill.

The benefits of a charcoal mask

Because there’s limited scientific research on the skin benefits of activated charcoal, many of the potential benefits of a charcoal mask are based on anecdotal evidence.

A charcoal mask may:

Remove impurities from the skin

Because of activated charcoal’s ability to absorb bacteria and toxins in the body, some skin experts believe that a charcoal face mask can help draw impurities from the skin.

Anecdotal evidence claims that by removing trapped dirt and bacteria from the skin, using a charcoal face mask can lead to a healthier, clearer complexion.

Improve acne

Acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that gets trapped inside the pores in your skin. Acne-causing bacteria can trigger pimples and other inflammatory lesions, resulting in irritation, redness, and swelling.

The antibacterial properties of activated charcoal, however, may help lift bacteria from the pores. This may help with reducing acne and improving overall skin complexion.

Treat insect bites

Insect bites and stings can cause your skin to itch and swell. According to anecdotal evidence, activated charcoal may help take the sting out of a bite by neutralizing the toxins in insect venom.