Beauty spotlight on charcoal

Charcoal’s absorbing quality cleanses and purifies, says Claudia Renford.

1. Hask Charcoal with Citrus Oil Purifying Shampoo, $15. Charcoal derived from coconut shells is combined with lemon and grapefruit oils to wash away impurities in your hair. 2. For problem or acne-prone skin try gently exfoilating with QVS Charcoal Cleansing Sponges, $10 each, to remove built-up oil and dirt. 3. With charcoal and black sugar, Lush’s Dark Angels Cleanser, $19.50, is for those who like a really good scrub. 4. A bright smile starts with clean teeth – even your chompers and breath can benefit from charcoal. Lush Boom Toothy Tabs, $13. 5. Derived from a traditional form of a Japanese ubame oak, Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, $89, is suitable for all skin types. 6. Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask, $4.50, is for the budget-minded beauty. 7. Apply Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask and Scrub, $67, after removing make-up, leave on for 5 minutes, massage over face and rinse off. 8. Sukin Anti-Pollution Facial Masque, $21, uses bamboo charcoal to reduce pores. 9. Lather up a cake of Lush Coalface Cleanser, $18, for the face and body. 10. Guard against break-outs with Sukin Purifying Gel Cleanser, $14.