Charcoal Sugar Scrub

Using pure ingredients, this simple charcoal sugar scrub will work deeply to cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify your skin leaving it soft, smooth and hydrated. Making your own scrub means you don’t have to worry about all the nasties in commercial products.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen at very high temperatures to make it more porous. This odourless, fine black powder contains pores which trap chemicals. Commonly taken by mouth it has been used as a treatment for swallowed poisons, for overdosing and occasionally to treat diarrhoea.

It is thought to also offer some benefits in relation to flatulence, to kidney functions and to lowering cholesterol. It is also used to filter water and said to help with whitening teeth.

Activated charcoal is an excellent addition to a facial soaps and scrubs for oily and acne prone skin as it helps draw out dirt and impurities. As it does this, it also helps to tighten pores and improve the texture of your skin. 

It is also fabulous for removing grime build up, purify and refreshing the skin.

For this recipe, you will need activated charcoal which is not the same charcoal that you use in a bbq. Activated charcoal can be found in wellness, soap supplies stores and more.

Overall, activated charcoal is considered safe in most circumstances with limited adverse reactions. Just make sure to check with your doctor before using as it can interact with some medications.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this scrub is being used on your skin, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and used in the correct quantities. 

Just be careful using some essential oils such as tea tree, around children and pregnant women, making sure to do your research before using.

Some essential oils that can be used in this scrub are

• Tea Tree essential oil is believed to have antimicrobial, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helping with the soothing of skin conditions and with treating acne, nail fungus and insect bites.
• Peppermint essential oil is uplifting in nature and can improve depressive symptoms. It helps with mental fatigue, fights exhaustion and is highly effective at reducing stress. Peppermint essential oil encourages a positive outlook.
• Lemon essential oil contains antioxidants, and is astringent, meaning it helps keep your skin clean, less oily and help reduce acne breakouts. This is a photosensitive oil, which means that you can have a reaction if you go out in the sun within a few hours of using it, so it is recommended to use this scrub before bed. For this reason, when using Lemon essential oil in body care products, I use this Steam-Distilled Lemon Essential Oil from Plant Therapy as it is not phototoxic, which means you don’t have to worry about phototoxicity.
• Lavender essential oil is an antiseptic, an astringent, antiviral and antibacterial which aids in the healing of cuts, dermatitis, eczema, acne, boils and burns.

More Activated Charcoal Resources

• Homemade Charcoal Soap
• Charcoal Drawing Salve

Ingredients for this Sugar Scrub

To make around 5 ounces of this scrub, you will need:

• 1 TBSP Activated Charcoal
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 5 TBSP of a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond. An infused oil such as this calendula infused oil would also work well.
• 12 drops Essential Oils – optional
• glass jar for storage

Making Activated Charcoal Scrub

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and the carrier oil or infused oil.

Add the activated charcoal and stir to mix it through thoroughly.

If adding essential oils, add and mix well.

Pour into the glass jar and add the lid.

Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

To Use

Use in the shower a couple of times a week. Simply gather a small amount of the scrub in your fingertips. Rub your hands together and gently massage into your skin. Rinse off with warm water using a small wash cloth if desired. Make sure to rinse any excess away from the shower after use as well.

More Sugar Scrubs 

• Sandalwood Sugar Scrub Bars
• Lemon Rosemary Sugar Scrub
• Eucalyptus Mint Sugar Scrub
• Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
• Peppermint Sugar Scrub Bars
• Exfoliating Orange Lip Scrub
• Pink Himalayan Salt Scrub
• Lemon and Tea Tree Sugar Scrubs

DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS NOT INTENDED OR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE.