Charcoal: An Ancient Material with a New Face

Abstract Activated charcoal has become popular in the cosmetic industry and is found in a variety of products including facial cleansers and soaps. For centuries, charcoal has been used as an antidote for poisonings, but now companies claim that charcoal-containing products can treat acne, dandruff, and others; however, clinical evidence does not support these claims. Patien should be counseled that the use of activated charcoal is generally safe but advised that there is a lack of evidence to support its exfoliative or anti-aging abilities.