Do you struggle with persistent blackheads and blemishes? Looking for a new way to remove impurities from your skin? Charcoal is said to aid in detoxification by absorbing acne-causing bacteria and dissolving impurities.
Though there’s no scientific data to back up these benefits, anecdotal evidence has long supported the healing effects of charcoal.
Here are some of the best charcoal masks available everywhere, from your local drugstore to the virtual shelves of Sephora.
What is Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a natural ingredient often used in skin care for its deep pore-cleansing benefits. It also helps exfoliate, resulting in skin that looks and feels super clean. Many skincare gurus love charcoal because it helps fight blemishes as well!
Side Note: Charcoal is often used in teeth products as well (such as toothpaste) because of its teeth-whitening effects.
Best Charcoal Masks
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask
Great for combination skin and dull, uneven texture, this Origins mask leaves skin feeling moisturized and purified by drawing out deep pore impurities.
Golden wildflower and fermented honey also contribute to the conditioning and healing effects of this mask.
Derma E 2-in-1 Charcoal Face Mask
One of the top skincare brands around, Derma E’s charcoal face mask is the clean product your skin has been craving.
With powerful natural ingredients like aloe and Kaolin clay, this mask will detox your skin and make it feel 10 years younger. Best of all, you can find it for under $15 (and the bottle lasts forever)!
GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Mask
It’s no surprise that GLAMGLOW, a top brand for face masks, ended up on our list. Although their products are a bit of a splurge, people give this charcoal mask very high praise.
Reviewers love it for clearing out their pores and balancing out their skin. And thankfully, you can try out a mini size for cheaper (even the small jar lasts longer than you’d think)!
Pure Aura Charcoal Mask Sheet
Available at Target, this sheet mask draws out excess oils from the skin and replenishes them with electrolytes.
TONYMOLY I’m Real
While many other masks featured on our list of best charcoal masks come in tubes, this is a single-use sheet mask that’s well worth mentioning!
This product is especially great for beginners looking to try out charcoal and see how their skin reacts to it.
Biorè Charcoal Whipped Detox Mask
Packed with natural charcoal, this Bioré mask only takes 5 minutes to work and does not need to dry or harden, leaving behind a radiant and clarified complexion. The 5-star reviews speak for themselves.
Draw it All Out Peel Mask
For this product, simply cleanse and dry your face, then apply a thin coating of the mask.
Let dry for 10-15 minutes and peel off, starting at your jawline and moving upward—maybe the most satisfying part of the process. Your skin will be left feeling clear and rejuvenated.
Boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask
Made with activated black charcoal, this is also a peel-off face mask.
It minimizes the appearance of pores while also gently exfoliating, ultimately leaving your skin with that post-spa luminous glow.
Olay Clay Charcoal Facial Mask Stick
This product comes in the form of an easy-to-apply stick, making it simple to spread around the eyes and mouth.
The charcoal and clay in this mask work together for an effective, deep clean that will leave your skin with a soft glow.
Honest 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask
This formula will work on any skin type whether you struggle with excess oil or dryness.
Not only does it work to draw out imperfections, but this mask also helps exfoliate dead skin cells and conditions. The after-effects are luminous.
Belei by Amazon Charcoal Mask
We’re not too surprised that Amazon has their own skincare line now. We are surprised at how well this charcoal mask works!
This fragrance-free and paraben-free mask will help clear pores without irritating the skin, all for an affordable price.
Clinique City Block Clay Mask & Scrub
Another budget-friendly charcoal mask, this product acts as both a face mask and an exfoliating scrub! You can also get a smaller tube for travel or just to test the product out.
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask
Enriched with Himalayan Bamboo Charcoal, this mask is great if you’re hoping for a rejuvenating, at-home facial.
As the ingredients work on your skin, you may feel a tingling sensation––not to worry, it will just leave your face feeling moisturized and smooth!
The Bottom Line
Charcoal is known for its many benefits for skin, from acne treatment to oil reduction to fighting impurities.
Treat yourself to an at-home spa day with one of these top charcoal masks on the market! Chances are, your skin will be left feeling conditioned, clarified, and radiant.
UP NEXT: 5 Best Homemade Face Masks
