All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(35184 products available)
Ready to ShipActivated charcoal is a black, odorless powder made from carbon-rich materials. It's used in beauty products like toothpaste, face masks, and soaps. The types of activated charcoal are listed below:
Medical Charcoal
Medical charcoal is created for ingestion and is safe for humans. It has a larger surface area to absorb toxins and chemicals in the digestive system better. This type of activated charcoal is commonly used in hospitals to treat cases of poisoning or overdose because it binds to the harmful substances and helps eliminate them from the body. It is important to note that medical charcoal should only be taken under the advice of a healthcare professional.
Beauty Charcoal
Beauty charcoal is primarily used in skincare and oral care products. It has finely-ground particles that cleanse the skin and remove impurities. The charcoal in facial masks, scrubs, and cleansers absorbs excess oil from the skin and unclogs pores, which helps prevent acne breakouts. Additionally, it is used in toothpaste and whitening to eliminate bad breath and whiten teeth. Although beauty charcoal is safe, it should be used in moderation as it can be abrasive to the skin and teeth.
Food Grade Charcoal
Food-grade charcoal is safe for human consumption and is used in various food and beverage products. It has a similar absorption property as medical charcoal, which helps detoxify the body by binding toxins and chemicals. This type of activated charcoal is commonly used in smoothies, juices, and dietary supplements. It is important to check the amount of activated charcoal in food products as excessive consumption can interfere with nutrient absorption and medication.
Pharmaceutical Charcoal
Pharmaceutical charcoal is used in supplements and meets the standards set by the pharmaceutical industry. It is available in capsule, tablet, and powdered form for easy consumption. This type of activated charcoal is commonly used in supplement to promote digestive health, reduce bloating, and freshen breath. It is important to follow the recommended dosage when taking pharmaceutical charcoal to avoid potential side effects.
While there are many different kinds of activated charcoal, the primary deciding factor for bulk buyers will be the type of activated charcoal they wish to purchase. For example, will they need coconut shell activated charcoal or wood-based charcoal?
Coconut shell activated charcoal has a much higher surface area compared to wood-based charcoal. This means that it can absorb toxins much more quickly and efficiently. That is why most people prefer using coconut shell activated charcoal for medical purposes.
On the other hand, wood-based activated charcoal is the more economical option. It is also easier to produce and has larger pores, making it more suitable for filtering larger molecules.
When choosing between the two types of activated charcoal, buyers need to consider their requirements and budget. If they need highly porous activated charcoal and have a higher budget, they should choose coconut shell activated charcoal. If they are on a budget and need activated charcoal for less severe purposes, wood-based charcoal will be a more suitable option.
Another important thing buyers need to keep in mind is the size of the activated charcoal particles. While smaller particles are more effective at absorbing toxins, they are also messier and may not be suitable for all applications. In contrast, larger particles are less effective but are easier to handle and can be reused more times.
Lastly, buyers need to consider the source of the activated charcoal. Coconut shell activated charcoal is usually sourced from tropical countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia. On the other hand, wood-based activated charcoal is primarily sourced from pine wood found in Europe and North America.
One can use activated charcoal in various ways. The most common is in a detox drink. Many detox drinks contain lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and any desired fruit for flavor. Users can then add a pinch of activated charcoal. They should drink it in moderation because too much activated charcoal can cause constipation.
People can also use it in face masks. Many skin care products containing activated charcoal are used to unclog pores and brighten the skin. A simple recipe for a face mask is one part activated charcoal and two parts water. Mix the two until they form a paste and apply it to the face. It can be left on the face for 10-15 minutes before being rinsed off. However, like activated charcoal tablets, it is best used in moderation to avoid discoloration of the skin.
Another way people use activated charcoal is in toothpaste. Many natural toothpaste recipes contain activated charcoal because of its ability to whiten the teeth and freshen the breath. People brush their teeth with this charcoal-infused toothpaste. They can also use a mixture of one part activated charcoal and one part water as a mouthwash. Swish it around in the mouth and then spit it out.
When taken in the right dosage, activated charcoal has many health benefits and no side effects. However, caution is necessary when consuming it. This is because it can interfere with the absorption of certain drugs. It is advisable for people on medication to consult a health professional before using activated charcoal. It is also not recommended for people with slow intestinal motility. This is because activated charcoal can cause constipation.
It is also essential to consider the source of the activated charcoal to ensure that it is of high quality. It is advisable for users to follow the usage guidelines on the product to avoid any adverse effects.
Below are some of the key functions of activated charcoal:
Detoxification
Due to its high absorbent ability, activated charcoal is an excellent detoxifying agent. It aids in removing toxins from the body by trapping them within its pores and thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream.
Whitening
Activated charcoal can whiten stained teeth by removing surface stains through its mild abrasive properties. It can improve the tooth's color and health, even though it doesn't contain fluoride to strengthen teeth against cavities.
Anti-inflammatory
Activated charcoal possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and redness. It can be particularly beneficial in treating insect bites, burns, and other skin irritations.
Gas and bloating relief
Activated charcoal can trap gas molecules in its porous structure, which helps relieve bloating and flatulence. It can enhance general digestive health by reducing the frequency of burping and flatulence due to excessive gas buildup in the digestive tract.
Powdered and capsule forms
Activated charcoal is available in powdered and capsule forms. The powdered form is more versatile and can be used in different applications, such as brushing teeth, adding to face masks, or even sprinkled on food. The capsule form is more convenient and easier when taking it as a supplement.
Purity and surface area
The effectiveness of activated charcoal depends on its purity and surface area. It is more effective if it contains a high carbon content and is produced from coconut husks or bamboo. The larger surface area allows it to absorb more toxins and pollutants.
Q1: Can charcoal clear up acne?
A1: Activated charcoal may not work if the pores are clogged due to acne. If the acne is due to bacteria, charcoal face masks may help since it has antibacterial properties.
Q2: How long do the effects of activated charcoal last?
A2: The effects of activated charcoal depend on the use. For instance, if it's used for medicinal purposes, the result can last up to 72 hours. On the other hand, it can be reused daily for skincare and oral purposes.
Q3: What are the side effects of activated charcoal?
A3: While generally safe, activated charcoal can cause constipation and interfere with the absorption of drugs and nutrients. When used on the skin, it can cause dryness.
Q4: Should charcoal be rinsed off?
A4: Yes, users should rinse charcoal off, especially when it's used for teeth whitening and skincare. Failing to do so can leave a black residue on the surface and cause skin dryness.
Q5: How much activated charcoal should I take?
A5: The amount of activated charcoal a person can take varies. On average, adults can take 25-100 grams as needed. For daily oral usage and skincare, using a provided charcoal brush or small spoon is enough.
