Activated Charcoal Soap

Activated charcoal has become a skincare favorite for its powerful ability to draw out impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin. This beginner-friendly melt and pour recipe creates dark, striking bars that deliver professional-grade deep cleansing without any complexity in the making process. Perfect for acne-prone, combination, or oily skin types, activated charcoal soap leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, and detoxified. The dramatic black color and silky texture make these bars both visually impressive and highly functional.

Ingredients

Base

• 2.0 lbs (908g) white melt and pour soap base

Charcoal and Additives

• 0.75 tsp (4ml) activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
• 1.0 oz (28g) fractionated coconut oil
• 1.0 tbsp (15ml) bentonite clay (optional, enhances detoxification)

Fragrance

• 0.5 oz (14g) charcoal fragrance oil or cedarwood essential oil
• Optional: 0.1 oz lemongrass essential oil (for herbal note)

Color

• Small amount of activated charcoal provides natural black color

Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe glass bowl or double boiler
• Thermometer
• Digital scale
• Rubber spatula or whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Small glass bowl (for charcoal prep)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Silicone molds (14-18 cavity)
• Spray bottle with isopropyl alcohol
• Cooling surface
• Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Charcoal Suspension

In a small glass bowl, combine activated charcoal powder (0.75 tsp) with fractionated coconut oil (1 oz). Mix thoroughly with a whisk or spoon, breaking up any charcoal clumps. The oil suspends the charcoal, preventing it from settling to the bottom of your soap bars. This step is crucial for even color distribution throughout the batch.

Step 2: Optional Clay Addition

If using bentonite clay for enhanced detoxification, add it to the charcoal-oil mixture. Bentonite clay pairs perfectly with activated charcoal and amplifies the soap's purifying properties. Mix until completely smooth with no visible lumps.

Step 3: Strain for Smoothness

For extra smooth texture without any gritty particles, gently press the charcoal mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This removes any undissolved particles and ensures completely smooth, luxurious bars.

Step 4: Organize Workspace

Arrange all equipment and ingredients for efficient workflow. Place silicone molds on a stable, level surface at room temperature. Have all ingredients within arm's reach. Ensure proper ventilation when working with activated charcoal, as the powder can become airborne and create visible particles.

Step 5: Cut and Measure Soap Base

Remove melt and pour soap base from packaging and cut into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife. Using your digital scale, weigh exactly 2 lbs of cubed soap. Set excess aside for future batches.

Step 6: Melt Soap Base

Place cubed soap in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler method with simmering water. Target temperature is 170-175°F. Do not exceed 180°F, which can compromise texture and create bubbles.

Step 7: Check Temperature

Verify with your thermometer that the soap has reached 170-175°F and is completely melted with no lumps remaining. If overheated above 180°F, allow 1-2 minutes cooling time before proceeding.

Step 8: Add Prepared Charcoal Mixture

Slowly pour the prepared charcoal-oil mixture into the melted soap while stirring constantly. Add over 1-2 minutes to prevent sudden color changes or lumping. Continue stirring vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the charcoal is completely dispersed and the entire mixture has a uniform black color with no white streaks.

Step 9: Blend Fragrance

Add your chosen fragrance (0.5 oz charcoal fragrance oil or cedarwood essential oil) and stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes. If using lemongrass oil as an additional note, add it now. The entire mixture should have consistent scent distribution.

Step 10: Cool Before Pouring

Remove from heat and let the soap cool for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should still be pourable but no longer piping hot. This brief cooling prevents the charcoal from settling during molding.

Step 11: Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the activated charcoal soap into silicone molds, filling each cavity 3/4 to full. Work at a steady pace. If the mixture begins to thicken, reheat briefly (10-15 seconds) in the microwave.

Step 12: Eliminate Bubbles

Inspect for air bubbles on the surface of the molded soap. Lightly spray with isopropyl alcohol and gently tap the molds. This creates a smooth, professional surface on finished bars.

Step 13: Allow Initial Set

Let the molded soap cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours without disturbance. The charcoal will settle completely and the bars will firm up.

Step 14: Complete Cooling

After initial setting, allow additional cooling time or place in a cool location to accelerate hardening. The bars are ready for demolding when you can insert a fingernail without leaving an impression.

Step 15: Demold Bars

Gently flex the silicone molds to release the bars. If they resist, place in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up further, then try again. The bars should release without deforming.

Step 16: Air Dry

Allow bars to air dry on a clean surface for 24 hours before use or packaging. The black color will deepen slightly during curing. This drying period creates slightly harder bars with better longevity.

Step 17: Storage and Use

Store finished bars in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. The deep black color may slightly stain light-colored clothing or surfaces if soap is very wet, so allow to dry before storage.

Tips for Success

• Quality Charcoal: Use food-grade activated charcoal from reputable suppliers. This ensures purity and effectiveness for skincare use.
• Don't Skip the Oil: Oil suspension is essential for preventing charcoal settling and ensuring even color throughout all bars.
• Stirring Consistency: Use firm, continuous circular motions. Vigorous stirring ensures complete charcoal dispersion without lumps.
• Gentle Handling: While charcoal bars are durable, handle them gently during demolding to prevent accidental chips or cracks.
• Staining Prevention: The wet charcoal may temporarily stain. Allow bars to cure fully and dry before use to minimize any staining potential.

Variations

• Charcoal and Coffee: Add 1 tbsp finely ground coffee for extra texture and additional skin-stimulating properties.
• Charcoal and Clay: Combine with 1 tbsp kaolin clay (suspended in 0.25 oz oil) for enhanced detoxification and gentle exfoliation.
• Activated Charcoal and Oatmeal: Add 2 tbsp colloidal oatmeal for a gentle exfoliating bar that combines charcoal cleansing with oat soothing.

Cost Breakdown

Estimated Cost per Bar: $0.92-$1.18

Related Recipes

• Tea Tree Charcoal Soap
• Eucalyptus Clay Soap
• Melt and Pour Oatmeal Soap

Skin Benefits: Activated charcoal is exceptional at drawing out impurities, toxins, and excess sebum. It's particularly beneficial for acne-prone, oily, or combination skin types. The charcoal's porous structure traps unwanted substances on the skin's surface, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. Regular use may help prevent acne breakouts and improve overall skin clarity.