Working as an anti-inflammatory, this homemade charcoal soap recipe will help in absorbing excess oil, dirt and bacteria from your skin. As it absorbs these substances which are common causes of breakouts, is helps prevent redness, leaving you with clearer and cleaner skin.

Homemade Charcoal Soap

Activated charcoal is an excellent addition to a facial soap 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.

Using Charcoal Soap

For those with oily skin, this charcoal soap could be used daily as a cleanser.

Those with normal skin, about two to three times a week is usually enough. For those with dry or dehydrated skin, be careful as this soap may dry your skin even more as charcoal draws out oil and impurities.

Therefore, before using this soap, I recommend testing on a small area first to see if it is suitable for your particular skin type.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this soap 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.

This scrub is really very beneficial as the

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.

Ingredients for this Charcoal Soap Recipe

To make this soap, you will need:

1 tsp Activated Charcoal
1 tsp isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol) plus more in a spray bottle
1 pound (454g) Melt and Pour Soap Base – Clear, goat’s milk or aloe vera are good options
20 drops Essential Oils – Optional – Tea tree, Peppermint and Lavender are good options
Flower soap mould

Making Charcoal Soap

Add the activated charcoal and the rubbing alcohol to a small glass jar. Mix well. Doing this will help the charcoal mix thoroughly through the soap.

Cut up the soap base into small cubes and place in a microwavable safe jug.

Heat on high in the microwave for 30 seconds. When done, remove and stir.

Continue heating for 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soap base is melted.

Slowly, add the charcoal mixture to the melted soap base, mixing until the soap base is all black.

Add in the essential oils.

Pour the soap into your soap mould and spray the top with a light spritz of rubbing alcohol to prevent bubbles from forming on top of the soap.

Let the soap sit for around 4-6 hours until set.

Pop out of the mould and enjoy!

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