Detox soap recipe

Natural charcoal face soap bar recipe is a purifying and detoxifying face soap using activated charcoal, lavender flowers, essential oils and Castile soap. It&#;s gentle, moisturizing and surprisingly easy to make in only five minutes!

What is Activated Charcoal?

So obviously this is not the charcoal that we grill with! Haha. Nope, this is an ancient remedy for everything from whitening the teeth, removing toxins and chemicals, to helping with poisoning and stomach bugs. Its first recorded use dates back to BC.

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from bamboo, coconut shells, wood, coal, or olive pits.

It becomes activated when it is processed at very high temperatures. The high temperatures change its internal structure, reducing the size of its pores and increasing its surface area (source).

This results in a charcoal that is more porous than regular charcoal so it can bind to toxins and chemicals in the gut and then the body excretes them through the feces. 

Used as a Poison Antidote & to Treat Drug Overdose

It has been used as a poison antidote and to treat drug overdoses and is still used in hospitals even today! It is not very effective for alcohol or heavy metal poisonings, however.

As for our skin, it does the same &#; it binds to chemicals, dirt, and bacteria and then they get rinsed off. So it can be very effective for keeping your skin clean and even help with acne!

Castile Soap

I use Castile Soap all of the time! I use it in all of our hand soaps and body washes. It lathers well and is also gentle and mild. It doesn&#;t contain any harsh detergents like Sodium Laureth or Lauryl Sulfate so it is wonderful to use on the body. It is an olive oil based soap that originated in the Castile region of Spain, which is where it gets its name. 

This recipe uses a Castile soap melt and pour base, which has all of the ingredients needed to make soap and makes the soap making process MUCH easier than it used to be! You can change out the charcoal for a different natural powder (like pink kaolin clay) and have a completely different colored soap and scent. They melt in just a few minutes and harden within 30 minutes to an hour. So convenient!

Dried Lavender or Rose Petals

I love to put lavender or rose petals in my soaps, bath bombs and shower steamers but it&#;s really more for aesthetics and scent than anything else! It makes for a luxurious natural charcoal face soap bar that you can give as a gift to family and friends, or to make a treat for yourself.

Cut up the soap into square chunks and microwave on 30 second internals. Stir after each interval and keep cooking until it&#;s all melted. One pound of soap fits in a two cup glass pyrex measuring cup.

Once the soap is melted, add the 1/2 tbsp. of charcoal to the soap once it&#;s removed from the microwave (2 cups of soap is 1/2 lb.). A note about the charcoal &#; because it is so richly pigmented and fine, it can make a MESS. So be gentle when using it and use on a surface that can be easily wiped down. I would maybe even wear an apron or a dark shirt so your clothes don&#;t get ruined!

Then add in tbsp. of flower petals and drops of essential oils.

Working quickly, pour into the soap molds.

They dry within 30 minutes to an hour!

Which essential oils to use?

I only use essential oils from Young Living. They are truly the best in the world! You have to use double the amount of other, cheaper essential oils to get the same scent and many essential oils on the market aren’t even effective (because I’ve tried many of them) for improving health issues. I’ve used Young Living’s oils for years to help keep my family healthy, and haven’t been disappointed yet! Learn more about them here.

The essential oils I suggest using in this natural charcoal face soap bar recipe are:

• Lavender (good for all skin types, aids in healing)
• Frankincense (great for aging and mature skin, helps to smooth and lighten)
• Jasmine (light, feminine scent that&#;s therapeutic for the skin)
• Geranium (excellent for acne-prone skin)
• Joy blend (lovely, feminine scent that includes rose and several oils that are excellent for hair and skin)
• Rose (super luxurious and healing for skin)
• Rosemary (excellent for acne prone skin)
• Lady Sclareol (lovely, feminine scent that includes rose and several oils that are excellent for hair and skin)
• Tea Tree (excellent for acne prone skin)

A lot of people have shown interest in these Detox Acne Soap Bars that I sell in my shop. Well, here&#;s the recipe so that you can make your own.

Detox Acne Soap Recipe

This is a basic soap recipe with just 2 added ingredients that will pull toxins from the skin, while killing bacteria at the same time.

The 2 Major Ingredients:

1. Activated Charcoal
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Activated Charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. (1)  Carbon is used to absorb toxic elements that are on the surface and just under the skin through chemical attraction.  Not all toxins will bond with it, but many will (including the chlorine from the water you are using).

Tea Tree Essential Oil, also called Melaleuca, is an amazing anti-bacterial oil.  You can read more about disinfectant essential oils, which ones are the best and why, in my article Disinfectant Essential Oils Blends.

Detox Acne Soap Recipe

This will make just over 2lbs of soap or 8, 4-oz bars.

Superfat: 5%

Detox Acne Soap Recipe

 

Author: Kelly - Simple Life Mom

1. See 7 Steps to Homemade Lye Soap fro Beginners for more info. on making basic soap bars.
2. Weigh tallow, olive, and coconut oil and place in a large pot. Melt over medium heat and then allow to cool to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Weigh water and set aside. Weigh Lye in a zip close bag. Wearing protective gloves and charcoal mask, go outside and pour lye into water and stir until dissolved. Do not breathe in fumes. It will dissipate in minutes. Allow to cool to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Pour lye water into oils and mix with a stick blender or whisk on and off until it reaches light trace (starts to thicken).
5. Add essential oils and mix well.
6. Add activated charcoal and mix until fully incorporated.
7. Pour into prepared mold and insulate lightly for 24 hours.
8. Remove from mold and cut. Allow to cure for weeks.

You can get the Anti-Aging Eye Cream, Acne Detox Bars, and much more in my Etsy Shop

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The hubby recently brought home some activated charcoal soap, and I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. This gal loves her body wash and foaming hand soap. But now I’m hooked. I have become a total convert to the simple bar of soap (makes sense why it’s been around so long)!

Activated charcoal is an odorless, black powder that has impressive absorptive properties. When used in soap, it is detoxifying, exfoliating, clarifying, and just plain ol’ feels good—all without drying out the skin (I use it head to toe, face included).

Don&#;t worry—it&#;s not the same kind of charcoal that you would find in a chimney sweep or on burnt pieces of food. It&#;s % food grade and perfectly safe for use in bath and body products like these charcoal soaps. Plus,melt and pour soap is embarrassingly easy to make (which is why I love it), so here is an easy, detoxifying activated charcoal soap recipe.

Benefits of Activated Charcoal Soap

As a kid, my dad pulled out activated charcoal all the time for everything from bee stings to upset stomachs. But now beauty companies are turning to activated charcoal more and more as a key ingredient in masks, cleansers, and even toothpaste!

Charcoal is most effective for people with acne-prone skin, as it gently exfoliates and draws out dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores. Addingtea tree oil adds natural anti-fungal and antiseptic properties [source].

Here, we take a closer look at the myriad benefits activated charcoal can provide when used as a beauty product:

It’s all-natural.

Why depend on chemicals to leave your skin looking its finest when you can use something found in nature? Activated charcoal not only works, but it also won’t cause adverse reactions—or lead to pesky breakouts due to chemical reactions.

It’s antibacterial.

Activated charcoal has some pretty impressive antibacterial properties. One study even found that it has the ability to destroy E.coli [source].

It unclogs pores.

Even with the chemical-laden, store-bought stuff, it’s hard to unclog the pores on your face (and your face contains a whopping 20,+ of them).

But activated charcoal does a pretty impressive job. It visibly reduces pore size, thanks to its ability to clean out the dirt, grease, and grime inside each one.

It exfoliates.

The texture of activated charcoal makes it a great, all-natural exfoliator. It helps slough off dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother, glow-ier, and more youthful-looking skin underneath!

How to Make Activated Charcoal Soap

I&#;m not yet ready to learn how to make my own soap with lye—but hey, if you want to, check out our post on cold process soaphere. So I&#;ve become a big fan of melt-and-pour soap base.

There are a ton of varieties for bases: plain glycerin, olive oil,goat milk, honey, andoatmeal. Here, I used ashea butter base for an added major moisture dose.

Shea butter, likeGreek yogurt, helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, treats acne and blemishes, cuts down on skin inflammation, and more [source]. You can also add additional moisturizing oils (like argan or coconut) or even honey if you have reallydry skin.

But feel free to use whichever soap base and oils you prefer! If you’re wondering how to use melt-and-pour-soap or what kind of base to use when, check out ourComplete Guide to Using Melt and Pour Soap.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Cut the soap base into small chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in second intervals until completely melted. (You can also use a double boiler to melt the soap if you prefer.)

2. Remove a small amount of soap into a cup and let cool slightly. Open the charcoal capsules and mix charcoal into slightly cooled soap until blended and no lumps remain. Add back into the rest of the melted soap base, and stir well to fully disperse charcoal.

3. Add the tea tree oil. If you don&#;t like the smell of tea tree, you can add peppermint essential oil to hide the scent.

4. Pour into a mold (silicone baking molds and muffin tins work well) and let cool completely before removing.

Some helpful tips:

Adding charcoal to a small portion of soap should help it mix better. If you’re having problems with clumping, use a wire whisk to break them up.

Only when you’ve gotten rid of all clumps should you add it to the larger portion of soap base.

Feel free to lightly coat your muffin tin with nonstick spray if you’re worried about your soaps sticking. Otherwise, just put the muffin tin in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, and they should pop right out.

These soaps should last about 6 months.

Activated Charcoal Soap FAQ

Can I use another type of soap base?

Sure! Use whatever you have on hand.

Can I use charcoal meant for teeth whitening?

I recommend using pure activated charcoal without any additional ingredients so that you don’t end up irritating your skin.

What ratio of soap to activated charcoal should I be using?

I used approximately 4 grams of activated charcoal (or 1 teaspoon) for every ½ pound of soap base. But you can always tweak that ratio slightly without hurting the recipe.

If I want to add moisturizing carrier oils to my soap, what ratio of soap to carrier oils should I be using?

A good rule of thumb is roughly 1–2 teaspoons of carrier oil per pound of soap base. The exact ratio depends on the type and brand of soap base you use as well as your skin&#;s particular needs. Just be aware that adding too much oil may affect the firmness and lather of the final bar. It’s best to test it out until you find a ratio you like. 

Can I make this into a liquid soap?

Yes! We even show you how toright here.

What quantity does this make?

If using a muffin tin like I did, this makes about 6 bars of soap.

What are some good options for natural soap bases without weird additives?

I have always usedOur Earth’s Secrets soap base. While they&#;re not perfect, they disclose their ingredients on the label and try to stay away from anything too harsh, so I feel confident using it on my skin.

Will charcoal stain?

No, the soap itself may create a gray-colored lather or leave a bit of residue in the tub, but it won’t stain. If you get any loose charcoal on your clothes while making the soap, rinse them immediately, and spritz with a bit of laundry spray. It should come right out in the wash.

Some other DIY posts you might be interested in

Not in the mood to DIY it? Here are some of our favorite charcoal beauty products:

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope is great for everything from rashes to oily skin.

Remember when soap on a rope was the hottest thing going? Before body wash and poufs took over? Besides the fact that it looks pretty cool there are other reasons to make your on a rope- Hanging it on a hook out of the way is a great way to extend the life of your soap, keep your tile cleaner, and it’s handy to hold onto. This Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope is great for removing oil, grease, or dirt as well as soothing and healing rashes and body acne as well.

I made this Charcoal Detox Soap on Rope Recipe to be a little more masculine for him (but I won’t tell if you sneak it too).

Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope Recipe

Supplies:

Additional Items Needed:

Directions:

1. Many people like to precisely measure out their soap but I just eyeball it and have great success every time. Use a large knife to cut your melt and pour soap into 1&#; squares.
2. You can use just silicone molds to create your soap, pour it into muffin tins, or wax coated paper cups. The shape and size is totally up to you, the size and shape of your mold will determine how many bars of soap you are able to make and after your first bt
3. If I have a little leftover I just pour what&#;s left into some small mold, you can remelt it and add it to your next batch or use it as is.
4. Lay a length of rope (or use a fun ribbon like this mustache one I found and couldn&#;t resist)folded in half through the center of your mold as pictured below, be sure to put a pencil or something else through the loop to keep it above the soap. 
5. Place soap in pot and heat over low until melted, stirring frequently.
6. Remove from heat and stir in activated charcoal, clay, witch hazel, coconut oil and, essential oils well.
7. Pour melted mixture carefully into molds over the rope.
8. Allow to cool and harden for 2 to 3 hours.
9. Remove from molds and wrap the soap you won’t be using immediately to protect it from the air, otherwise, your soap may develop glycerin “dew” or discoloration.

Printable Recipe for Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope

Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope

This DIY Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope makes a great gift for Father's Day.

Ingredients  

You will need:

• 10 1 inch chunks of Goats Milk Melt and Pour Soap Base
• 3 teaspoons Activated charcoal
• 2 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay
• 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
• 2 teaspoon coconut oil
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• small pot
• wooden spoon

Instructions 

Directions:

• Many people like to precisely measure out their soap but I just eyeball it and have great success every time. Use a large knife to cut your melt and pour soap into 1" squares.
• You can use just silicone molds to create your soap, pour it into muffin tins, or wax coated paper cups. The shape and size is totally up to you, the size and shape of your mold will determine how many bars of soap you are able to make and after your first bt
• If I have a little leftover I just pour what's left into some small mold, you can remelt it and add it to your next batch or use it as is.
• Lay a length of rope (or use a fun ribbon like this mustache one I found and couldn't resist)folded in half through the center of your mold as pictured below, be sure to put a pencil or something else through the loop to keep it above the soap.
• Place soap in pot and heat over low until melted, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat and stir in activated charcoal, clay, witch hazel, coconut oil and, essential oils well.
• Pour melted mixture carefully into molds over the rope.
• Allow to cool and harden for 2 to 3 hours.
• Remove from molds and wrap the soap you won’t be using immediately to protect it from the air, otherwise, your soap may develop glycerin “dew” or discoloration.

Notes

Remove from molds and wrap the soap you won’t be using immediately to protect it from the air, otherwise, your soap may develop glycerin “dew” or discoloration.

Keyword Charcoal Detox Soap on a Rope

Our skin is one of the major organs that works to eliminate toxins and impurities from our bodies.

But sometimes it needs a little extra help.

Maybe we&#;ve been stressed,

eaten too much junk food,

not gotten enough sleep,

slept in our makeup,

spent time in polluted air,

or any of the other toxic things that can cause our skin to become clogged, appear dull, and reddened.

That&#;s when we need to detox our skin.  Using peppermint & charcoal detox soap is an easy way to help increase circulation, unclog pores, remove impurities, and improve the health of skin.

Benefits of Peppermint & Charcoal Detox Soap

• Detoxifies skin by drawing bacteria, dirt, and toxins to surface of skin
• Stimulates blood flow
• Moisturizes
• Tones and tightens skin
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
• Brightens dull skin
• Soothes and reduces skin inflammation
• Helps fight acne
• Removes excess oils from skin which helps control oily skin

What&#;s used to make this homemade peppermint & charcoal detox soap?

This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. 

Activated charcoal (this is the kind I use)&#; Activated charcoal is great for detoxing.  It draws out impurities like bacteria, dirt, and toxins to the surface of your skin so that they can be washed away.  It&#;s also an astringent that tightens skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and help fight acne.  Plus it stimulates blood flow and acts as a very mild exfoliant, both of which help to brighten dull skin.  Activated charcoal also helps to soothe and reduce skin inflammation.

Peppermint essential oil &#; Peppermint essential oil smells great and gives a slight cooling sensation on the skin.  But it also has a long list of skin benefits.  Its stimulating properties promote blood circulation which leads to healthy skin. Like activated charcoal, peppermint has astringent properties that help tighten skin and lessen the appearance of large pores. It removes excess oils which helps control oily skin.  And It also has antiseptic properties that kill acne-causing bacteria.

Goat&#;s milk melt & pour soap (I use this kind that&#;s % natural)&#; Goat&#;s milk is loaded with vitamins like vitamin A (which is one of the most important vitamins for skin) and B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, B6, and B  It also has alpha-hydroxyl acids like lactic acid that help remove dead skin cells.

triple butter melt & pour soap (like this) &#; Made three highly moisturizing butters &#; cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter.  It&#;s high in vitamin E, D, and A.

silicone mold (like this)

wooden skewer to stir (grocery store, party store, or find online here)

heat-safe glass measuring cups (Walmart, Target, or find online here)

How to make peppermint & charcoal detox soap?

click here to get a free printable of the recipe

step 1:  cut 2 pounds of goat&#;s milk melt & pour soap into small pieces (about 1/2 inch cubes)

Click here for the melt & pour goat&#;s milk soap that I use.  I love that it&#;s % natural.

step 2:  cut 1/2 pound of triple butter melt and pour soap (like this)

then set this triple butter soap aside and SAVE IT FOR LATER in the recipe

step 3:  melt goat&#;s milk soap (only melt goat&#;s milk soap, set triple butter soap aside and save it for later)

option 1: use microwave &#; melt for 30 seconds, stir, melt for another 30 seconds, and stir.  If soap is not completely melted, continue with this process until it&#;s completely melted and liquid all the way through.

option 2: double boiler method &#; place heat- safe glass bowl or measuring cup fill with soap inside of a pot that has inches of water at the bottom.   Heat pan and soap over medium heat until the soap I see completely melted.  Stir occasionally.

step 4:  remove soap from heat and let it cool for just a few seconds before adding essential oil.

add 25 drops peppermint essential oil and stir well to mix essential oil evenly throughout soap

step 5:  carefully add 2 tablespoons activated charcoal (this is the kind I use) to soap

tip: add it slowly and close to the bowl.  You don&#;t want activated charcoal flying everywhere.  It&#;s black and can stain.

step 6:  mix well

step 7: working quickly pour charcoal soap mixture into silicone molds.

Fill about 3/4 full.

You want to leave room for the white triple butter soap that we&#;ll add next.

step 8: melt triple butter soap

option 1: use microwave &#; melt for 30 seconds, stir, melt for another 30 seconds, and stir.  If soap is not completely melted, continue with this process until it&#;s completely melted and liquid all the way through.

option 2: double boiler method &#; place heat- safe glass bowl or measuring cup fill with soap inside of a pot that has inches of water at the bottom.   Heat pan and soap over medium heat until the soap I see completely melted.  Stir occasionally.

step 9:  pour melted triple butter soap on top of the goat&#;s milk/charcoal soap

step   use a wooden skewer or small knife to swirl the white and black soaps

step   (optional) to prevent the air bubbles on the top of the soap that I got in my soap bars, you can spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol

step   allow to dry completely before removing from molds

After about 24 hours the bars should be completely hardened and cured.

Here&#;s the Peppermint & Charcoal Detox Soap recipe one more time

click here to get a free printable of the recipe

1. prep the melt & pour soap

cut 2 pounds of goat&#;s milk melt & pour soap into small pieces (about 1/2 inch cubes)

cut 1/2 pound of triple butter melt and pour soap, then set this triple butter soap aside and SAVE IT FOR LATER in the recipe

2.  melt goat&#;s milk soap (only melt goat&#;s milk soap, set triple butter soap aside and save it for later)

option 1: use microwave &#; melt for 30 seconds, stir, melt for another 30 seconds, and stir.  If soap is not completely melted, continue with this process until it&#;s completely melted and liquid all the way through.

option 2: double boiler method &#; place heat- safe glass bowl or measuring cup fill with soap inside of a pot that has inches of water at the bottom.   Heat pan and soap over medium heat until the soap I see completely melted.  Stir occasionally.

3. remove soap from heat and let it cool for just a few seconds before adding essential oil.

add 25 drops peppermint essential oil and stir well to mix essential oil evenly throughout soap

4. carefully add 2 tablespoons activated charcoal to soap

tip: add it slowly and close to the bowl.  You don&#;t want activated charcoal flying everywhere.  It&#;s black and can stain.

5. working quickly pour charcoal soap mixture into silicone molds.

Fill about 3/4 full.

You want to leave room for the white triple butter soap that we&#;ll add next.

6.  melt triple butter soap

7.  pour melted triple butter soap on top of the goat&#;s milk/charcoal soap

8.  use a wooden skewer or small knife to swirl the white and black soaps

9.  (optional) to prevent the air bubbles on the top of the soap that I got in my soap bars, you can spray the top of the soap with rubbing alcohol

allow to dry completely before removing from molds

After about 24 hours the bars should be completely hardened and cured.

Where to get supplies?

This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. 

activated charcoal &#; this is the kind I use

melt & pour goat&#;s milk soap &#;  I use this kind.  I love that it&#;s % natural

melt & pour triple butter soap &#; find it here

silicone mold &#; craft stores or find online here

wooden skewer to stir &#; grocery store, party store, or find online here

heat-safe glass measuring cups &#; Walmart, Target, or find online here

click here to get a free printable of the recipe

here are a few other essential oil posts that I think you&#;ll like:

essential oil face wash for your skin type

DIY face serum with essential oils &#; customized versions for every skin type (dry, oily, acne-prone, mature, sensitive, normal)

20 Favorite Roller Bottle Blend Recipes and Free Printable Labels

Homemade Essential Oil Healing Salve

DIY Calming Magnesium Body Butter with Essential Oils

Clever & Creative Ways to Use Empty Essential Oil Bottles

Best deals for essential oil supplies&#; diffusers cases, spray bottles, carrier oils, essential oil tools

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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care.  Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.