Activated Charcoal has been used for centuries dating back to the ancient Egyptians and in healing traditions such as Ayurveda in India. But what is activated charcoal and what are its benefits?
Activated charcoal is produced by super-heating natural carbon sources such as bamboo, coconut or wood using steam. This causes the molecules in the charcoal to develop deep pores that greatly increase its surface area.
Through adsorption, it acts like a magnet and attracts toxins and impurities to its surface. Due to this, it is used in the emergency room to treat cases of poisoning, in air and water filtration systems to remove contaminants and pollution and now it is becoming popular in skincare products as well.
Activated charcoal may be beneficial in a facial soap as it attracts impurities, dirt, makeup and bacteria and therefore helps to cleanse the skin. Note that it is good for oily skin types but may be too drying for dry skin.
Also, sea clay is known for being rich in nutrients and it acts as a gentle exfoliant that helps to soften the skin.
For this natural soap, I added tea tree essential oil but you may use any essential oils you choose or just leave it unscented.
Related Post: Tools To Make Your Own Soaps From Home
Ingredients
- Coconut oil – 10oz
- Olive oil – 12oz
- Palm oil – 8oz
- Cocoa butter – 2oz
- Shea butter – 1oz
- Tea Tree oil – 1oz
- Sea clay powder – 1 tbsp
- Activated charcoal – 1 tsp
- Sodium hydroxide – 4.85oz
- Distilled water – 12.9oz
Directions to make Activated Charcoal and Sea Clay Soap
Safety first – ensure that you are suited up with your protective gear – safety goggles, long sleeves and gloves before getting started. Also ensure that no children or pets are in your working area.
Prepare your lye solution first. Weigh your water in a heat proof container such as Pyrex or heavy duty plastic. Next weigh your sodium hydroxide in a dry container.
In a well-ventilated area, slowly add the sodium hydroxide to the water and mix well with a stainless steel spoon until fully dissolved. Be careful not to inhale the fumes. Set the solution aside in an area where it will not be disturbed to cool.
Weigh out your individual oils and add them to your mixing bowl.
Weigh your shea and cocoa butter and melt them together in a microwave or double boiler. Heat them just to melting point and be careful not to allow them to overheat.
Add the butters to the oils.
In a plastic cup, mix the activated charcoal with 2 tablespoons of water. Set it aside.
Weigh your tea tree oil (if used) in a small glass or ceramic container as tea tree oil absorbs into plastics.
Stir the sea clay powder into the cooled lye solution….Now you are ready to put it all together.
Gently pour the lye/clay mixture into the mixing bowl with the oils and melted butters, insert the stick blender and stir it a bit before starting up the blender. Use a combination of intermittent blending and stirring with the stick blender until you reach a light trace.
Once trace is achieved, add the tea tree oil and stir it in well. You may give it a few pulses with the stick blender to incorporate it fully.
In a separate container pour out half of the soap mixture and add the activated charcoal; use a stainless steel spoon to mix it in.
In your prepared mold, (I used this silicone mold from Nurture Soap) pour alternating layers starting with the sea clay layer.
When all layers are in the mold, use a spoon or chopstick to create a swirl design moving from side to side in an ‘S’ shape or however you like. Be careful not to mix the colours together.
Set the mold aside to allow your soap to harden. Cover with a sheet of cardboard and a towel. After 24 hours, check to see of the soap is solid enough to come out of the mold, if not, leave it for another day.
Once it is ready, remove from the mold and cut into bars according to your preference.
Put the bars in an open area where they can rest and cure for 6 weeks before using. Be sure to rotate them occasionally to let all sides be exposed to the air.
After the curing period lather up and enjoy the spa-like feeling of these luxurious activated charcoal and sea clay bars.
Hello i got one of these and i must say i love it..