I love my charcoal soap bar. I’ve been using one for several years now and it’s really helped clean up my oily, congested skin. I also appreciate that it has multiple uses and there are so many options for any need and budget. The charcoal bar is definitely having its moment! Activated charcoal is the key ingredient because it bind to and cleanse unwanted substances or “impurities” from the skin’s surface and washes them away. It also has exfoliating properties so it will also exfoliate along with cleansing. Many soap companies are also adding other helpful skin-friendly ingredients like witch hazel and oils to help clarify and soften the skin.

When shopping for a charcoal soap, be sure to read the ingredients to make sure that there aren’t any added fragrances or other ingredients that may irritate skin. Simple ingredients are probably best. So many soap companies are making their version of a charcoal soap so there is definitely one out there for you.

Check out how versatile this trendy soap can be!

Uses for Charcoal Soap and My Charcoal Bar Shopping Guide

Help Clarify Oily and Acne Prone Skin - Activated charcoal skin products, including a charcoal soap, are a great addition to a regime for oily and acne prone skin because it can help exfoliate and pull impurities and excess oil from the skin.

May Help Soothe Psoriasis and Eczema Prone Skin and Flare-Ups - The right charcoal soap may gently cleanse and help soothe any psoriasis and eczema flare-ups due to its antibacterial and purifying properties.

Makeup Brush Cleanser - Lather a bar and use it to do your weekly wash of your makeup brushes.

Use as a Deodorant Soap - Take advantage of the purifying and antibacterial properties to help deodorize in the shower.

May Help with Dandruff - Charcoal may also help clarify and gentle cleanse dandruff-prone scalps to help ease the flakes. Some companies have even come out with activated charcoal shampoo bars.

Find the Right Charcoal Soap for You:

Beautycounter Charcoal Bar - This is my favorite by a landslide because it’s gentle and versatile. It contains skin soothing oils along with some witch hazel. It also lasts a long time. With a ton of 5-star reviews, you won’t be disappointed. Available on the Beautycounter website for $26.

Megababe Space Bar - A great detox soap for your underarms but can used for other body parts as well. The perfect prep for your deodorant and may help keep you smelling fresh longer. Available on the Megababe website for $8.

Soapbox Detoxifying Shampoo Bar - Great reviews online and just the scalp clarifying properties you’re looking for. Available on The Grove website for $15.

Beekman’s Lump of Kohl Detox Purifying Bar - Contains goat milk, olive oil and coconut oil for super moisturizing experience. Beekman has more of a masculine feel if that’s what you prefer. Available on the Beekman website for $15.

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Whether you’re using conventional deodorant or deodorants of the “clean” variety, there are some things you can do to help them work a little better for you. These are super simple tricks that do not require expensive and hard-to-find additional products or have you jumping through hoops just to keep your pits smelling fresh. I should also note that these aren’t foolproof; there are many variables that come in to play when it comes to deodorant efficacy. So there’s a chance you may still have to apply a mid to late day layer to keep you smelling fresh or even possibly consider switching formulas or brands if you’re not getting the results you want. This does not just apply (ha!) to “clean” deodorants either. Unless you’re using some sort of industrial strength deodorant/anti-perspirant, you probably have to reapply to maintain that all-day freshness.

How To Make Your Deodorant Work Better and Last Longer

Make sure your underarms are completely dry before applying deodorant. Wait until the end of your morning bathroom routine, rather than right after your shower when your skin is still damp and warm (I know, your armpit is always warm, the point is damp and warm).
Lather and gently exfoliate in a circular motion your underarms to remove dead skin cells which prepares skin for application and by unblocking pores that may be harboring stink causing bacteria. This step has been key for me. It really does help maximize and extend the efficacy of my deodorant. I’ve also noticed that just washing with soap does not always leave me smelling fresh (yes, I have smelled my pits after my shower) so this extra step of exfoliating has really helped.
If you have just shaved, wait a few minutes after your shower (you know like I said above) to apply to avoid stinging and irritation.
Less is more. You only need a light, thin layer to do the trick. Too much can stain your clothing and feel uncomfortable on your skin.
This is not spackle people, you may need a touch up. It doesn’t mean that natural deodorants don’t work. There are several factors that may interfere with the its efficacy (activity, overheating, hormones) or that particular deodorant may not be for you. I know people who need a touch up even when using conventional deodorants. This is not uncommon. Keep one at work or some deodorant wipes in your car or purse.
If you have never used a natural, non-toxic deodorant before, your armpits may go through a "detox" stage. Learn more from Schmidt's blog "The Natural" about Underarm Detox. I, personally, have never done an armpit detox but some people sweat, I mean swear by it.
Try using a charcoal bar to cleans your armpits. Cleansing with a charcoal bar may help absorb impurities and detoxify the armpit area (can also be used on other body parts too) to help reduce stink-causing bacteria. Try Beautcounter’s Charcoal Bar or Megababe’s Space Bar Underarm Soap.

Low and/or Non Toxic Deodorant Brands You May Want to Try

Schmidt's

Schmidt’s has a variety of scents and a sensitive skin formula in a variety of scents as well. It goes on smoothly and does not feel sticky or goopy. Odor control is all natural and non-toxic and Schmidt's also has some wetness absorbing properties via it's "award winning" mineral formulation. It’s available at Target and their own website. The regular formula is $9-$10 and the sensitive skin formula is $11 and Schmidt's also offers a "bundle and save" option via their website.

Native

I’ve used Native for a few years and it has worked really well for me. They offer a wide variety of scents including unscented. Check out their website for testimonials and more information. Native is available at Target and Walmart. It’s $12 a stick. You can also buy through their website.

Lavanila

Lavanila was very similar to Schmidt's in consistency and I did find that it kept me fresh all day. However, I only have the travel size and I used it once when I recently had an overnight. Lavanila also has a few lovely scents, including a "sport" formula for more intense odor control. Lavanila is $14-$16 for a 2oz. stick depending on the formulation. Check out their website for more information.

Megababe - A “new to me” deodorant. I just started using and it’s been really good at keeping me fresh and comfortably dry. I typically reapply about three quarters through the day to maintain that freshness through the evening. It’s $14 full price on the Megababe website.

Beautycounter - As a lover of many Beautycounter products I was excited to try their deodorant. It’s comfortable going on and not heavily fragranced. At first, I wasn’t sure if this one was going to work for me but it ended up being really good. Also, I love the sustainable refill packaging. The initial purchase is $28 and then $18 for the refill so if it really works for you, it might be worth the investment. Check it out on Beautycounter’s website.

Deodorant Wipes

I have never used wipes for all day protection, but they are great for a refresh in the middle of the day or after a trip to the gym. I keep one in my purse and my daughter keeps one in her backpack for gym and after school sports. They come in several scents and I have been finding them at Target for $9 a pack but you can also purchase from Pacifica's website or try Megababe’s Deodorant Wipes.

Lume

Lume is a new natural deodorant developed by OB/GYN, Dr. Shannon Klingman. It is made from naturally-derived ingredients that are suitable for even sensitive skin-types. It’s clinically proven to control odor anywhere on the body for 72-hours and has been getting rave reviews from users. I have yet to try so I can’t personally comment but let’s just say I have one on order as I write this. Learn more about Lume and purchase through their website.

*Updated from a previous post on June 2019.

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