Buzz
Activated charcoal is everywhere. Promoted within alternative health communities as a remedy for just about every ailment, supporters argue that it helps clear acne, alleviates inflammation from "toxic mold," extracts venom from snake bites, relieves hangovers, stops your farts, eliminates "toxins" from your body, and even whitens your teeth.
However, there's little to no scientific proof to back these claims. While charcoal has a long history as a folk remedy—ancient Egyptians used it for treating "odorous vapors from decaying wounds"—its main use in modern medicine over the past century has been in emergency rooms to treat overdoses and poisonings. In many cases, clinical studies to support other uses are lacking. Moreover, experts have warned that these treatments could come with their own risks, too.
WHAT IS "ACTIVATED CHARCOAL"?
Activated charcoal is not the same as the briquettes you use for grilling. While both are created from residue left after burning carbon-rich organic materials such as wood, peat, or coconut shells, activated charcoal undergoes a process where it is oxygenated, making it far more porous. To activate the charcoal, manufacturers use steam or hot air to erode its internal surface [PDF], which increases the surface area and boosts its adsorption rate—the ability to attract and hold onto substances. This unique property has earned charcoal a reputation as a powerful body cleanser.
When consumed, activated charcoal acts as a "gastrointestinal decontaminant," drawing chemicals from your stomach and digestive system, then eliminating them from your body. This is why it is useful in cases of poisoning or drug overdose: It binds to harmful substances, preventing them from entering your bloodstream, and then simply passes through your system.
FROM E.R. TO GOOP
Activated charcoal had been a popular item in health food circles for years, but in late 2014, Gwyneth Paltrow's website Goop showcased a "charcoal lemonade" from a California juice bar in a list of the top juice cleanses for "a good old-fashioned detox." Today, this substance appears in various products from facial masks and odor-neutralizing comforters to a range of food and beverages: Chefs have embraced activated charcoal to make strikingly black cakes, cocktails, pizza crust, and even ice cream that has taken Instagram by storm.
A small amount of activated charcoal in an occasional cocktail likely won't cause harm, but regularly consuming it is not advisable, says Rachele Pojednic, a professor of nutrition at Simmons College. "When you ingest it, you can't control what it interacts with," she explains, "so if you're on certain medications, you must be very cautious."
Some have never supported the use of activated charcoal, including the FDA and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which recently began enforcing a long-standing ban on activated charcoal in restaurants. The agency—guided by FDA regulations—deems it an "adulterated food."
IN CASE OF POISONING …
When it comes to detoxifying your body, there's no need for any special supplement, juice, or soup—nothing at all. That's precisely what your liver is designed to do.
"There's really no data to suggest that [activated charcoal] does anything beyond removing some high-level ingested toxins," such as those found in cases of poisoning or overdose, Pojednic explains.
It’s also questionable whether activated charcoal can actually cure a hangover, despite some alternative health practitioners recommending it. "You feel a hangover because you're severely dehydrated," Pojednic tells Mytour. "There's nothing in your system that needs to be removed." While you might feel better after using it, she says, that's most likely because the hangover naturally subsides over time.
There are some risks to consider when ingesting activated charcoal. Due to its adsorption properties, it can also absorb beneficial chemicals in your body, including essential nutrients and the active components of medications (such as antidepressants) if consumed around the same time.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH BLACK?
One of the most popular uses of activated charcoal is in toothpaste, with supporters claiming it helps whiten teeth. About a year ago, John Brooks, DDS, a dentist and researcher at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, began receiving questions from clinicians and students asking how to advise patients about activated charcoal toothpaste. He, along with two other professors, reviewed the scientific literature and concluded that there's little evidence supporting the claims of charcoal toothpaste, as these products haven't been scientifically tested. Brooks tells Mytour, "None of these charcoal toothpastes have undergone the rigors of scientific testing."
And once again, there are potential dangers. While these toothpastes might whiten your teeth temporarily, their highly abrasive nature can wear down the enamel, meaning your teeth won't stay white for long. Brooks is also concerned about patients repeatedly swishing known carcinogens—like silica and bentonite clay, which are found in some charcoal toothpastes—around their mouths. Additionally, he warns that charcoal could interfere with beneficial ingredients in toothpaste, such as fluoride.
IN THEORY, IT COULD HELP YOUR SKIN
Activated charcoal might offer a cosmetic benefit in skincare products—possibly. As chemist Michelle Wong writes, "There isn't any solid data on whether it works, but in theory, it could work." The idea is that activated charcoal’s adsorption properties might help cleanse your pores by pulling out dirt and oils trapped inside. However, these products haven't been thoroughly tested, so their effectiveness remains uncertain. Wong also notes that activated charcoal typically takes hours to show results, while most charcoal skincare products are left on the skin for only minutes.
The activated charcoal trend continues to thrive, despite the lack of evidence supporting its health benefits. So, if you enjoy the occasional pitch-black ice cream, go ahead—but don't expect it to do anything for your health.
