Activated charcoal is used for all kinds of detoxification. This Charcoal Detox Soap is refreshing and cleansing and a great pick-me-up in the morning or to get the grime off at the end of the day. It’s also super easy to make. Get the DIY…
I love making soap! I want my homemade soap to be free of lye (a dangerous process to make), and made with all natural ingredients. It took a while to research different recipes and soap making techniques, but once I figured it out, I was shocked at how easy it is!
The muse for this Charcoal Detox Soap was the Charcoal Cleansing Bar by Beautycounter.
I choose Beautycounter because they are committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what’s required by U.S. law: They have prohibited the use of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals through “The Never List™” — all while ensuring their products perform and that they’re as indulgent as any other luxe shampoo, lipstick, or oil in the market. It’s how I keep my youthful glow and put my best face forward. Every day.
My professional tough guy Green Beret Hubby loves this soap! It lathers up really well and is clarifying and cleansing. It’s perfect for a great wake-me-up or to get the grime off at the end of the day!
Charcoal – The Good, Bad & Ugly
Activated charcoal (not the kind in your grill) is the secret ingredient. It comes with the good, the bad, and also the ugly.
First, the good. Charcoal is a natural detoxifier. It helps to bind to toxins and flush them out of your body. It’s been used in emergency rooms and for trauma for years. Many who subscribe to a more natural or alternative health lifestyle use it to help with detox and to reduce bloating.
Second, the bad. It will stain. Don’t wear your nice clothes when you make this soap.
Even though you are bathing with this and not consuming, it’s still important to discuss… Activated Charcoal can interfere with medications and existing health conditions. The Mayo Clinic has a whole list of drug interactions for you to review and discuss with your doctor before using or consuming charcoal. Here are a few:
- Naltrexone (used for alcohol and opioid dependence)
- Acrivastine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Acetaminophin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Theophylline
The Other Ingredients
Castor Oil (optional but recommended)
Your Grandmother just called. She wants her castor oil back. Yep, castor oil is making a comeback in the natural health space. Castor oil may help with liver cleansing, keeping regular bowel movements, overall gut health, reduce inflammation, hormone balance, and even stress reduction.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree, also known as Melaleuca alternifolia is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds. There are over 300+ scientific studies on the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil, and its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s used the world over as an antiseptic and to treat wounds.
Psst… wanna know which skincare ingredients are toxic, hormone disruptors, and carcinogens? Click below…
Charcoal Detox Soap DIY
The ingredients here will make 6 bars of Charcoal Detox Soap. You can add or subtract the quantities as needed for the number and size of bars that you use.
We have a lot of vegans in the Pink Fortitude family, so you can use shea butter suspension. Or goats milk suspension is lovely too for anyone else. The choice is yours. I personally like shea butter for this soap.
You will want about 6-8 drops of Essential Oil per bar of soap.
**It’s also very important to note that the charcoal will still stain while in the shower. Be sure to use only dark colored washcloths or scrubbies!**
Don’t forget… It will stain. Don’t wear your nice clothes when you make this soap!
Ingredients
1 Pound Shea Butter Soap Suspension Base (preferred, or if vegan)
OR…Goats Milk Soap Suspension Base (alternate soap base)
20 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
20 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
1 tsp Castor Oil (optional, but recommended)
Toothpick or similar instrument to stir.
Directions
The directions look lengthy, but I spelled it out so you can follow the directions easy peezy charcoal breezy. I recommend reading through the directions first before making this, so you know what to do.
- Cut the soap into smaller pieces to make it easier to melt.
- Empty out your charcoal pills into a tablespoon until 3/4 or full. Set aside.
- Queue up the castor oil, essential oils, and soap mold.
- Heat ALL of the soap in a glass measuring cup until melted. Depending on your microwave, this should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the castor oil and essential oils and stir.
- Pour HALF of the melted soap into the molds.
- Add the charcoal to the remaining soap in the measuring cup and stir.
- Pour this on top of the soap already in the molds. You want to do this quickly so the soap doesn’t settle.
- Take a toothpick or something similar and stir. NOTE – you want an easy stir to get that pretty marbled pattern. If you mix it, you’ll end up with a boring and blah gray soap.
- Let sit for four hours at room temperature.
- Gently remove from the silicone molds.
That’s it! I broke it down into detailed steps, but honestly, it only takes like 5 minutes to make. SIMPLE!
More Great Resources You Will Love
Beautycounter Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap
The Dangers of Detox and How to Detox Safely
10 Weird Health Hacks that Drs Swear By (and really work!)
15 Easy Ways to Stimulate Your Lymphatic System
Are you Inspired? Get Your FREE List of Toxic Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid!
Love, hugs, and I’m gonna wash those toxins right off of my skin.
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