Is Activated Charcoal Good for You?

The substance is showing up in toothpaste, cleansers, deodorants and even our food

At your local supermarket, you’ll see activated charcoal in cleansers, deodorants and even toothpaste. Activated charcoal is created by burning carbon-rich materials such as wood, peat, coconut shells and olive pits, and transforming them into a concentrated black substance. Then the charcoal is ‘activated’ by steaming it at high temperatures, which opens up its carbon structure and makes it porous, which allows the binding of gunk like dirt and oil on its surface.

Here’s the thing: despite anecdotal reports of clear, glowing skin from nutritionists, personal trainers and celebrities, there simply hasn’t been any substantive research to investigate the claims.

Likewise, there is no solid evidence showing that using charcoal products for oral health will make your breath fresher or teeth whiter – in fact, they may be damaging to tooth enamel.

Activated charcoal is also being used by restaurants to turn ice cream, pizza crusts, ramen broth, juices and other things deep black. But before you shell out extra cash, remember that you’re paying for the look – there’s no scientific evidence for the ‘detox’ action it promises.

“It’s not going to hurt you,” says dietician Abby Langer, “but it’s not going to have the effect you might think, so what’s the point?”