Activated Charcoal

AllowedReviewed September 18, 2026

Charcoal Powder

Carbon treated to be extremely porous, used to absorb moisture and oil.

What it does: Feel & finish
Our take: It genuinely absorbs, which is why it earns its place in a deodorant. In a face wash it is mostly there to look dramatic and rinses off before it does much. Judge it by the format.

What we read

Added from the September 2026 core sweep

Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.

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ParabensPhthalatesFormaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservativesPEG compoundsPolysorbatesEthoxylated ingredientsDEA, TEA and MEA compoundsBHA and BHTPetrolatum, mineral oil and paraffinIsothiazolinone preservativesRetinol and retinyl estersHydroquinoneChemical UV filtersTalcCoal tar and synthetic dyesPFAS and fluorinated compoundsTriclosan and triclocarbanAntibacterials and antimicrobials we excludeSynthetic fragranceSynthetic musksSodium lauryl and laureth sulfateEDTA and synthetic chelatorsIndustrial solventsHeavy metalsPlastic microbeads and film-formersAerosol propellantsOther synthetic preservatives we excludeCyclic silicones

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