Let’s say you’re vigilant about removing your makeup and cleansing your skin every day and — poof! — all of a sudden you’re seeing clogged pores and breakouts. At some point in time, toxic buildup happens to us all. But don’t reach for the abrasive scrubs or clay mask.

Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is a fine black powder that’s produced when common charcoal is exposed to high heat. This exposure creates tiny interior spaces or holes in the charcoal, making it highly absorbent and enabling it to trap toxins. The idea is that, when applied to the skin, the charcoal draws out oil, bacteria, and dirt, leaving your complexion looking clearer and revitalized. And in case you were wondering, activated charcoal is different from the charcoal used on an outdoor grill. Good to know, right?

It’s also good to know that activated charcoal can play a role in helping you achieve clear, glowing skin through its superb grime-fighting, pore-purifying power. Here are the three top ways in which activated charcoal can give your skin a deeper-level detox.

Activated charcoal is known to be an excellent skin fix for clearing up acne and blackheads. As you probably already know, acne is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that gets trapped inside pores. The result is pimples and other inflammatory lesions.

Since charcoal has antibacterial properties and pore-purifying abilities, it can treat the acne you have, while preventing future breakouts by keeping pores clean.

The skincare world has exploded with charcoal masks, spot treatments, and cleansers that have varying ingredients. To find a product that’s compatible with your skin type, it’s important to read the labels and do your research.

For example, if you have sensitive skin, stay away from charcoal products that also contain fragrances, dyes, parabens, and other chemicals that may trigger a reaction. If you have oily skin, make sure your charcoal cleanser or mask contains other non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) and oil-controlling ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. If you have dry skin, choose a charcoal product with hydrating botanical ingredients like olive oil or jojoba oil.

Before using a charcoal facial treatment for the first time, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin on the inside of your wrist or elbow. If you don’t experience any itching or redness within a few hours, then it’s probably safe to use on your face.

Activated Coconut Charcoal, the purest source of activated charcoal, is the main ingredient in our Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser. Our charcoal comes from coconut shells, a material so clean that it’s classified as food-grade. Blackout Coconut Charcoal Face Cleanser also contains soothing aloe vera, anti-aging reishi, and calming lavender.