Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
What’s the best charcoal cleanser? This black goo sounds fancy and people swear it clean out your pores like magic, pulling out dirt and oil. Kinda like the vacuum for your skin you never knew you needed. But the truth is, it’s not all as simple as it sounds. Some work wonders, but others can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, which is definitely not the point. So what makes a good charcoal cleanser? It’s all about getting that deep clean, but without feeling like your skin’s been robbed of everything good. Here’s what’s actually worth putting into your shopping cart for clearer skin:
Charcoal Benefits
Charcoal is carbon that’s been processed to have tons of tiny holes. These holes give it a large surface area. Think of it as a supercharged sponge, ready to grab onto anything that comes near it. Now, for the twist. Activated charcoal works through a process called aDsorption (NOT aBsorption). What that means is charcoal grabs onto dirt, oil, and toxins by sticking them to its surface. Think of it more like tape than a magnet. And then it removes from your skin.
Does Charcoal Do Anything In A Cleanser?
Word on the street is that charcoal can detoxify pores and remove gunk lodged deep into the skin. In theory, this is true. In practice, charcoal may not stay on the skin long enough to get that deep into your pores and suck all the gunk out. It’s more likely that it removes more gunk and skin’s natural oils than your average cleanser (after all, surfactants and oils – active ingredients in a cleanser only remove grime from the surface, not the pores), but we don’t know how much.
Some brands also swear charcoal provides gentle exfoliation that remove dead skin cells from your skin. On this front, the science is clear. There’s no proof charcoal has any exfoliating (or anti-aging, for that matter) properties. Bummer.
Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.
What To Look For In A Cleanser With Charcoal?
When you’re hunting for good charcoal face washes at Sephora, here’s what you should be looking for:
- pH-Balanced: Most cleansers have a high pH, like 7 or something. That’s way too high for skin. A high pH strip your skin’s barrier and welcomes in dryness and irritations. Charcoal can already be a bit intense, so you need something that’ll clean without making your skin freak out. Look for cleansers with a pH of around 5.5. Unfortunately, most cleaners don’t disclose the pH *sighs* The best they do is say pH-balanced on the packaging. But you’ll know when your cleanser isn’t. It cleans TOO well!
- Hydrating Ingredients: Charcoal’s awesome at pulling dirt and oil out, but if it doesn’t have some hydration in the mix, you’ll be left feeling dry as hell. Opt for cleansers with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid that’ll keep your skin smooth and plump after all the cleaning. You want that glow, not a desert vibe.
- Reduces pore size: Charcoal absorbs excess oil, something that can swell pores. When oil production is under control, pores go back to their original, smaller size.
- Smooth Texture: No one wants to feel like they’re scrubbing sand on their face. Charcoal cleansers can sometimes be gritty, but you want one that feels smooth and easy to work with. If it feels like a clay mask or has chunks in it, it’s not the one.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Low-pH Cleansers
FAQS ABOUT CHARCOAL FACE CLEANSERS
What can charcoal face cleansers do?
Charcoal cleansers are just cleansers. They do what every other cleanser does. Remove excess oil, dirt and grime from your skin. They may remove more excess oil than regular cleansers – but that’s good oily for oily skin.
What can’t charcoal face cleansers do?
Brands promise charcoal can do anything: exfoliate your skin, combat acne, fade away dark spots, slow down aging, and even make you coffee (ok, not that one yet, but you get the point!). Science says otherwise. There’s no proof charcoal than anything else than removing excess oil and impurities.
Who should use charcoal cleansers?
I recommend charcoal cleansers only to people with oily skin that have a ton of excess sebum causing all kinds of trouble. While charcoal can’t itself treat acne, by absorbing excess oil, it can help to keep it under control. So should you use it if you have acne, too? It depends? Oily or combination skin + acne? Hell yes! Dry skin + acne? Nope.Your skin is already dry enough. You don’t want to make things worse.
Who shouldn’t use them?
I don’t recommend charcoal cleansers to people with sensitive skin types or dry skin (even if you have acne!). Your skin doesn’t produce enough natural oil on its own. Don’t go stripping away that little natural lubricant it has left!
How often should you use charcoal face cleansers?
This depends on how resilient your skin is. While technically there’s nothing wrong with daily use, for some people it can be way too much. Start with 3 times a week and see how your skin reacts, before turning up the dial and using them more often.
Are there any side effects to using charcoal cleansers?
For most people, charcoal cleansers are safe, but if you have sensitive or dry skin, they might cause irritation, dryness, or redness. Always patch-test before you go all-in on a new product!
How do you use it?
Like with all cleansers, wet your face with warm water first. Rub it in gently, especially where you get more oil or blackheads, using circular motions. When you’re done, rinse well. Fair warning: charcoal is super messy and can leave stains all over your sink. If you’re a clean freak, you may not want to use it ever again. Then, pat your face dry and done. Oh, if you’re double cleansing, make this the first step of your routine so the oil remover can get rid of any extra black specks.
What’s The Best Charcoal Face Wash?
The best charcoal face wash for me may be different from what you like. So, I’m sharing several excellent options for you to choose from for your skincare routine:
Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover ($44.00)
If you’re tired of makeup removers that leave your skin feeling tight, Clinique’s Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm is a game-changer. This charcoal wash melts into this smooth oil and literally lifts all your makeup and impurities without drying you out. The charcoal helps get rid of all the stuff you don’t want on your face (including oil build-up), while some plant oils keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It’s simple, it works, and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling like it’s begging for moisturizer afterward. Super solid pick!
Available at: Clinique, Look Fantastic, and Ulta
Active ingredients: safflower seed oil and charcoal powder.
Benefits: Absorbs excess oil and melts away even the most stubborn of makeup.
Cons: Messy to use.
Skin type: Combination.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Erborian Black Charcoal Mousse ($29.00)
Erborian Black Charcoal Mousse is like a little refresh for your skin. The charcoal does its thing, pulling out all the oil and dirt without leaving you feeling dry or tight. It’s got this light, fluffy foam that’s super fun to use. The best part? It doesn’t strip your skin. Plus, with soothing natural ingredients like centella asiatica and camellia sinensis (green tea extract) in the mix, your skin stays smooth and calm, no redness or irritation. If you want that deep clean but without the harshness, this is one of the best charcoal cleansers for the job. It’s a great product for a quick detox without all the uncomfortable side effects.
Available at: Dermstore and Erborian
Active ingredients: Charcoal powder, centella asiatica, and green tea.
Benefits: Cleanses and soothes skin.
Cons: Messy to use.
Skin type: Oily, combination, and acne-prone
Fragrance-free: No.
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead BHA Charcoal Daily Face Cleanser (£6.66)
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead BHA Charcoal Daily Face Cleanser is seriously a bargain for what it does. The BHA (aka salicylic acid) digs deep into your pores, helping to clear out blackheads without drying you out. Keep in mind, Salicylic Acid works better when left on the skin overtime, not removed within seconds. Better than nothing, but not a substitute for a proper exfoliant. The charcoal is a nice touch too, pulling out all that extra oil and gunk. A great cleanser, it’s gentle enough to use every day, and honestly, for the price, it works way better than some of the more expensive stuff. If you’re on the hunt for something that keeps your skin clear without breaking the bank, this is your go-to.
Available at: Garnier and Look Fantastic
Active Ingredients: Surfactants (Sodium Lauren Sulfate, Decyl Glucoside, & Cocamidopropyl Betaine), Salicylic Acid, and Charcoal Powder
Benefits: Cleanses, absorbs excess oil and provides minimal exfoliation.
Cons: You’re barely getting any exfoliation at all. Plus, it’s messy to use.
Skin type: Oily and acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free: No.
Frank Body Charcoal Face Cleanser (£15.95)
Frank Body Charcoal Face Cleanser is a total gem if you’re after a deep cleansing action without all the harsh stuff. The charcoal pulls out all the gunk to help clean up skin, and the coconut and almond oils make sure your skin doesn’t feel all dry and tight (thank its moisturising fatty acids content). It’s also got a sprinkle of salicylic acid, but it’s too little to have any real exfoliating benefits. The cleanser is gentle enough for everyday use and leaves your face feeling fresh without any of that tight, stripped feeling. If you want a cleanser that works without the fancy price tag, this is it.
Available at: Boohoo, Cult Beauty, and Look Fantastic
Active Ingredients: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Charcoal Powder, Coconut oil.
Benefits: Cleanses and absorb excess oil. It’s also less messy to use than the other options.
Cons: Doesn’t exfoliate.
Skin type: Combination skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes
The Verdict
So what’s the best facial cleanser with charcoal? It depends! If you want something budget-friendly that really works, Garnier Pure Active is a solid pick. For a bit more luxury without the hefty price tag, Frank Body gives you that deep clean with a bit of hydration. If you’re after something light and gentle, Erborian is perfect for a fresh, everyday cleanse. And if you just want a solid makeup remover that works, opt for Clinique. All of them keep your skin clean without stripping it, so it really comes down to what vibe you’re going for!