Charcoal soap: what it does and what it does not do

Charcoal soap gets a lot of big promises online. Here is a plain look at what a charcoal bar is, what ours contains, and where the limits are.

What is in our Charcoal Soap?

Our Charcoal Soap is a 4 oz (113 g) face-and-body cleansing bar. Every ingredient is listed: saponified oils (organic palm oil, organic coconut oil, organic sunflower oil and organic extra virgin olive oil), peppermint essential oil, tea tree essential oil and activated charcoal.

What does it do?

It cleanses. Worked into a lather on wet skin and rinsed off, it washes the surface of the skin like any traditional soap. The activated charcoal gives the bar its dark color and distinctive ingredient profile, and the peppermint and tea tree essential oils give it a crisp, bright scent.

That is the honest list: a good lather, a dark bar and a fresh aroma.

What does it not do?

It is a cosmetic cleansing bar. It is not an acne treatment, it is not a medical product, and we do not claim it cleans inside pores or treats any skin condition. Any soap that promises more than a clean, fresh feeling is overselling.

If you have a skin concern, a dermatologist is the right person to ask.

Who is it for?

It suits people who like a charcoal bar with a peppermint-and-tea-tree scent for everyday washing. If you do not like a strong, minty aroma, a softer scent such as Calming Lavender Soap may suit you better. Each bar is $20.

How do you use it?

Add warm water and work the bar into a thick lather. Cleanse wet skin, rinse thoroughly, and keep the bar dry between uses. It is for external use only. Avoid your eyes, rinse with clean water if contact happens, and stop use if irritation occurs. Because it contains essential oils, a quick patch test is a sensible first step.

Want to pair it with something? Breathe Clear Soap and Aloe & Cool Cucumber come together in our Fresh & Clear trio. See all bundles, or take the 60-second quiz.

Frequently asked questions

Does it treat acne?

No. It is a cosmetic cleansing bar and is not presented as an acne treatment.

Which essential oils are included?

Peppermint and tea tree essential oils.

How should I store it?

Keep it on a draining soap dish so it dries between uses.