Instagram and YouTube are good places to find DIY health and beauty hacks. A trend that recently became popular is using activated charcoal for teeth whitening or as one of the ingredients in a face mask.

The first video I watched where a beauty influencer was using activated charcoal to whiten their teeth, I didn’t know what to expect. But upon further research, I discovered activated charcoal has been used over the years in hospitals as a form of detox for patients from harmful toxins, it prevents bacteria, removes stains, and is also used for water filtration (The black grains in our water filters) among other things.

Oral Care: 

Charcoal aids oral health by binding to harmful substances and bacteria and removing them from the mouth. It is mildly abrasive and should only be used once or twice a week for whitening purposes.

Powder Brushing:

How to:

Dip wet toothbrush into charcoal and brush gently, rinse out. Premade options like My Magic Mud: Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder for Whitening can be found here

In Toothpaste:

Premade options like My Magic Mud Activated Charcoal Toothpaste for whitening can be bought here

Skin Care:

For Masks:

Using your choice of ingredients (e.g. Bentonite clay, Tea tree oil, Apple cider vinegar)

Mix, allow to dry, rinse, moisturize skin.

For a quicker method, you can buy

Boscia Charcoal Pore Pudding Intensive Wash-Off Treatment can be bought here

ORIGINS Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores can be bought here

Need ideas on how to make one of the masks? Check out this video

*Note: Charcoal is not recommended for daily intake. Consult your doctor before using*

For more information on activated charcoal, Dr. Josh Axe explains:

By: Chizzy Obilonu

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