Charcoal

When you think of charcoal, chances are you think of a summertime backyard BBQ, but it's time to rethink charcoal and discover its many uses. For centuries in countries like Japan, Egypt and India, people have been using charcoal as a means to treat wounds. By applying heat to charcoal, you create activated charcoal, an ingredient that's more porous and absorbent.

Mixed into cleansers and face masks, you create a powerhouse formula that acts like a magnet for dirt, oil and impurities, drawing them out of pores to promote a clearer complexion. Especially beneficial to oily and blemished skin, charcoal absorbs 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities. When added to skin care, this natural ingredient purifies skin by sloughing away the oil, dirt and grime that clog and enlarge pores. The result? Smoother, clearer skin with tighter pores that go virtually undetected. Get to know charcoal by shopping Dermstore's curated selection below.