Charcoal Face Mask

This charcoal face mask recipe only has two ingredients!  It is simple and effective.  Charcoal helps to deeply cleanse the skin, drawing out toxins to help with skin issues such as acne, black heads, white heads, oily skin, bug bites, and abscesses.  Jojoba is a light carrier oil that absorbs easily into the skin and creates a softer mask.  Adding jojoba, makes the ask better for sensitive skin and easier to remove when it dries.

Charcoal Face Mask Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp of activated charcoal powder*
• 1 tsp of jojoba oil
• 1 Tbsp of water

*Alternatively, dried sea clay powder can be used instead of activated charcoal.  It also pulls impurities out of the skin and is antimicrobial.  Or, both can be added to the recipe: 1/2 Tbsp of activated charcoal and 1/2 Tbsp of dried sea clay.

Charcoal Face Mask Instructions

Mix the three ingredients together.  Then, get the face wet.  Or, or with a dry face, put a thin amount of jojoba oil on the face before applying the mask.  Then, apply the mask evenly across the whole face and allow to dry for about 15 minutes.  Do not let the mask over dry as it will be hard and irritating to remove from the skin.  Finally, rinse off with warm water and a wash cloth.  Ahhh, who would have thought putting dirt on your face would make you looking so squeaky clean!

Charcoal Face Mask Research

• A face mask with sea clay and jojoba reduced acne marks in participants.  Meier, L., Stange, R., Michalsen, A., & Uehleke, B. (2012). Clay jojoba oil facial mask for lesioned skin and mild acne–results of a prospective, observational pilot study. Complementary Medicine Research, 19(2), 75-79.
• In a double blind study of 100 infants, bentonite was more effective than calendula in treating diaper rash.  From:  Mahmoudi, M., Adib-Hajbaghery, M., & Mashaiekhi, M. (2015). Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. The Indian journal of medical research, 142(6), 742.

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT

Updated: 10/6/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.