Our Activated Charcoal Acne Cleanser has many beneficial properties making it an excellent alternative the harsh petrochemical-based acne products on the market. And, best of all, you get to make it, so you know what's in it! This charcoal acne cleanser is mild and non-abrasive so is less likely to cause dryness, stinging, redness or damage to already sore and delicate skin. It is suitable for those with combination skin, though not dry skin, and is particularly beneficial for problematic, oily and acne prone skin. We're not saying this cleanser is a miracle cure, though we feel that with regular twice daily use, it can assist in combating the early signs of pimples and acne, potentially soothe and lesson the blow of a major breakout, and discourage new outbreaks. None the less, it will certainly give an oily face a thoroughly good clean!
How our Activated Charcoal Acne Cleanser was created
This recipe was developed by our Product Manager, Nancy, who with teenage sons, is passionate about finding a natural alternative to the nasty synthetic formulas marketed to vulnerable teens. Here Nancy tells us why she choose to incorporate these amazing natural ingredients. I made this Charcoal Acne Cleanser in a base of unscented Liquid Castille soap. This mild, organic and preservative free soap lathers really well and is super gentle on the skin. Activated Charcoal and Bentonite Clay are the true heroes working hard in this recipe and will be your new best friend! Whilst gently lathering this cleanser onto your face, these two gentle giants work their magic using their powerful absorption skills to draw out the oil, dirt and other harmful substances from clogged pores. They also assist with reducing inflammation and redness, while Bentonite Clay is among the few effective home remedies to remove scar tissues and can help in lightening acne marks on the face. Both these powders work wonders internally and topically to help detox, remove excessive oil, sebum, dead skin cells and excess bacteria which can in turn result in acne. They are wonderfully clarifying, and help promote fresh and glowing skin. Essential ingredients in the recipe! Two buttery blissful blobs of Cocoa and Shea Butter are added for their amazing skin healing properties, which have been used traditionally for Centuries to treat damaged skin conditions. They are both high in nutrients, fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins A, E and F which help promote new healthy skin growth and assist the healing of skin damage caused by acne. I purposefully added some Organic Palm Free Glycerine. Often under-estimated as “just” being the filler or binder in skin care products, this precious liquid gold is one of my absolute favourites! This 100% natural plant product has a myriad of skin benefits and uses including moisturising and acne fighting talents. Glycerine is a humectant, this means it has the ability to draw moisture from the air into the skin's outer layer. It also forms a protective layer that helps lock that moisture in. This is really important during the cleansing and treating stages of acne to minimise water loss due to evaporation in oily skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished. Also, glycerine bursting with anti-bacterial properties which acne and pimples just hate! And last but not least, the finishing line...our awesome foursome! These four super power essential oils were obvious choices for this recipe. Lavender If you need a soothing essential oil for fighting acne, lavender is the oil for you. Lavender essential oil can help calm skin and reduce blemishes at the same time. While you might think that putting an oil on your face would worsen acne, plant oils like lavender won't clog your pores and the natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties can offer an ideal solution. Harsh chemicals and over-the-counter or prescription drugs can lead to further irritation, making the problem worse than it was to begin with, but essential oils like lavender have the power to kill bacteria on the skin naturally, as well as to protect it from irritation and stress. Lavender also helps to balance hormone levels while offering many other benefits that promote better skin health. Rosemary Rosemary is well known for its ability to reduce excess oil on skin. A natural astringent, rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory properties known to ease redness and puffiness, which is perfect for treating breakouts. This versatile oil with regular use may improve circulation, firm, tone and clear the skin. Tea tree If you've ever experienced the powerful and antiseptic scent of tea tree oil, then you probably won't find it hard to believe that tea tree oil contains some serious antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint Peppermint oil, the aromatic extract or distillate of the peppermint plant, acts as a cleanser and a decongestant for the skin. Peppermint oil exhibits three key properties beneficial in the topical treatment of acne. It is cooling to the skin, inhibits bacterial growth and reduces testosterone 5 ALPHA-reductase production. Note: Even though the essential oil content in the recipe is low, some people are sensitive to these. Please exclude from the recipe if this is you. These essentials oils are also not to be used undiluted on the skin. Always blend with a light carrier oil such as our hemp or rosehip oils.Activated Charcoal Acne Cleanser Recipe
This recipe makes enough to fill approximately one 440ml glass mason jar with dispenser. All of these ingredients, except the Vitamin E, are available from Biome in our handy reusable glass jars at all stores and online, or in bulk at all of our stores where you can buy just the amount you need. Ingredients:- 2 tbsp cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp shea butter
- 2 cups liquid castile soap
- 2 tbsp 100% palm free glycerine
- 10 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
- 3 tsp activated charcoal
- 3 tsp bentonite clay
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops rosemary essential oil
- 12 drops tea tree essential oil
- 6 drops peppermint essential oil
- Remove the dispenser lid from the mason jar. Place the jar into a saucepan that has been filled with about 2cm of water. Turn the heat to medium.
- Add the cocoa and shea butters to the glass jar and heat gently until they melt.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vitamin E oil and glycerine if using.
- Add the activated charcoal and bentonite clay and stir until combined with a wooden spoon (don't use metal as it will react with the clay).
- Add the castile soap, followed by the essential oils and stir.
- Place your dispensing lid back on tightly. It is now ready to use.
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