They are being talked about all over the Internet as a way of clarifying the skin and removing 鈥渢oxins", but is there any science to back up the use of charcoal face masks?
The idea is to cover the face with glue that is mixed with charcoal and then let it harden until it can be pulled off. Blackheads are supposed to get embedded in the glue and be plucked out. It is more likely that bits of skin will be pulled off resulting in irritation. Activated charcoal does have the ability to bind substances to its surface and is used in water filters, air filters, shoe inserts and is a staple in emergency rooms to deal with swallowed poisons. But there is no evidence it does anything when applied to the skin which isn鈥檛 surprising because there are no 鈥渢oxins鈥� to deal with there. 鈥淭oxin鈥� is a meaningless term unless specific substances and specific amounts are documented.
In many cases people make concoctions at home with charcoal bought in art supply stores, which is not activated charcoal, and Elmer鈥檚 glue. While the glue made of polyvinyl acetate is not 鈥渢oxic,鈥� it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. I don鈥檛 know of anyone who has tried a charcoal face mask more than once.
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