Type the phrase “Facial masks” in any shopping site, and you will notice that 6 to 7 out of 10 products have Charcoal in them! Such is the demand for this ingredient! But why use charcoal in a mask? Is it really worth the hype? In this article, we shall clear all your questions about Charcoal face masks, along with the best-rated products in this segment. Are you ready to take the Charcoal route to beautiful skin?


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Let’s First Understand, What are Charcoal Masks?

Charcoal masks contain activated charcoal as their key ingredient, a black powder formed after burning bamboo, coconut shells, bone char, or sawdust at extremely high temperatures. Unlike regular charcoal, activated charcoal is more porous in texture and can attract impurities and toxins like a magnet.

This dirt-binding property makes it one of the most sought-after ingredients in many skincare products, particularly in facial masks.

Benefits of Charcoal Masks:

Here are the top benefits of using facial masks containing activated charcoal in them:

  • Deep clean pores.
  • Exfoliate dead and dry cells.
  • Remove dirt, toxins, impurities and pollutants from pores.
  • Reduce the formation of acne and pimples.
  • Absorb excess oil and grease.
  • Leave a healthy glow to the face.

List of 20 Best Charcoal Masks in India, 2023:

Today, we will cover some of the best charcoal face masks, Peel off masks and sheet masks which have earned good ratings from users:

Charcoal Face Masks:

1. WOW Activated Charcoal Face Mask:


WOW Activated Charcoal mask is enriched with the power of activated charcoal to deep clean your pores and remove impurities. It also contains liquorice and alternomonas extracts that absorb all the unwanted particles from your skin and leaves a healthy glow instead. It can be particularly beneficial to people who go out constantly and get exposed to harsh sun and pollution. You can also use this mask to lighten your complexion and attain a smoother texture.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Liquorice Extract and Alternomonas Ferment Extract.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Combination and Normal.

Pros:

  • Easy to spread and use.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Controls Oil and grease.
  • Instantly refreshes skin.
  • Tightens pores.

Cons:

  • Not very effective on blackheads or deep-rooted dust particles.
  • Expensive.

Ratings: 3.8/5

2. Mamaearth Charcoal, Coffee and Clay Face Mask:


Mama Earth is a popular brand renowned for making toxin-free products for adults and children. The C3 Face Mask has earned good reviews from users for a number of reasons. Firstly, it contains Activated charcoal that can clear impurities from your skin pores. The other key ingredients are coffee and clay, which can soak up excess oil from the skin and also stimulate better blood circulation. Also, the mask is free from parabens, silicones and other harmful agents.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, coffee, kaolin clay, bentonite clay.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin.

Pros:

  • Contains no harsh chemicals.
  • Gives a healthy, glowing complexion.
  • Soaks up excess oil and impurities.
  • Can buff away dead cells.
  • Cleanses and tightens pores.

Cons:

  • May not work on cystic acne.
  • Some people experience mild itching and irritation for the first few seconds.

Ratings: 3.9/5

3. POND’S Pure White Anti-Pollution Activated Charcoal Mineral Clay Mask:


If you are looking for a travel-friendly facial mask that you can carry in a handbag or even in your pocket, try this product! The Pond’s pure white mineral clay mask comes in a small satchet with an attached tube. The mask is made with activated charcoal that offers quick detox benefits to your skin. It contains Moroccan clay that has superior oil-absorbing properties and added minerals. You can use this mask for upto 12 times.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, kaolin clay, bentonite clay, Moringa seed extract etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oil to Combination Skin.

Pros:

  • Easy to carry tube.
  • Perfect for travel.
  • Spreads easily.
  • Leave your skin oil-free.
  • Cleanses effectively.
  • Budget-friendly.

Cons:

  • May dry out the skin

Ratings: 4.8/5

4. Carbon Bae Herbal Charcoal Mask:


This best Charcoal mask from Carbon bae is formulated with coconut shell steam-activated charcoal that offers superior results than any of its competitors. The jet-black facial mask can pull out all the dirt and impurities from the skin, leaving it shiny and glowing. Along with it, this mask is also known to lighten pigmentation, suntan and blemishes caused by acne. It is suitable for men and women and can be used on all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Coconut Shell Steam Activated Charcoal, Ela, Turushka, Phalini, Kumkumma, Jala, Sprikka, Tagara, Jati, Shukti, Agaru, Phalini, Devadhura, Punnaga, Xanthan gum

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin types.

Pros:

  • High-quality packaging.
  • Spreads well on the face.
  • Nice consistency.
  • Gives an instant glow to the face.
  • Lightens complexion.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Removes dead cells and dirt effectively.

Cons:

  • Expensive

Ratings: 4.1/5

5. Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal Pack:


Here is another best-rated Charcoal face pack from Aroma Magic by Blossom Kochhar. The black-coloured mask is made with activated bamboo charcoal that deep cleans and detoxifies your pores. It also contains Himalayan clay that is mineral-rich and also has quick oil-absorbing properties. Along with leaving a matte finish on your skin, the mask also tightens your pores. With regular usage, you can notice younger, fresher-looking skin!

Key Ingredients: Bamboo Charcoal Powder, Juniper Berry Essential Oil, Aloe Barbadensis, Illlite, Simmondisa Seed Oils, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Pterocarpus Santalinus Wood Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum, Boswellia Carterioil, Aqua.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin types

Pros:

  • Absorbs grease and dirt.
  • Keeps your skin oil-free for a long.
  • Improves skin texture and complexion.
  • Nice packaging.
  • Soothing fragrance.

Cons:

  • May dry out the skin

Ratings: 4/5

See More: Best Charcoal Face Washes

6. The Moms Co. Natural Clay Face Mask with Activated Charcoal:


If you are looking for a chemical-free face mask that also promises to give you bright and beautiful skin, try Moms Co. Natural Clay Mask. This product’s key ingredients are Moroccan Lava Clay and Activated charcoal, which can detoxify and cleanse your skin pores. Witch Hazel extract present in this mask can fight acne, while the other plant AHA’s can reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. It is 100% natural and contains no harmful ingredients.

Key Ingredients: Moroccan Lava Clay, Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal, Witch Hazel Extracts, five plant AHA’s.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Acne Prone and Combination Skins

Pros:

  • Exfoliates skin and removes dead cells.
  • Clears impurities from skin pores.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Gives instant brightness.
  • Contains no silicones, sulphates, mineral oil, or other harmful chemicals.
  • Made from natural ingredients.

Cons:

  • May users complained of receiving products with fungus or a brown layer on the top. So, please be sure of checking the quality before applying it to the skin.

Ratings: 3.2/5

7. Good Vibes Activated Charcoal Deep Cleansing Face Mask:


Here is a budget-friendly charcoal mask that can offer numerous benefits to your skin. It is made with activated charcoal as the key ingredient that can draw out impurities, dirt and even dead cells from the skin. The Kaolin clay present in this product can absorb excess oil and prevents pore blockages. This helps in reducing breakouts on your skin and makes it visibly smoother and radiant.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, Glycerin, Kaolin

Suitable Skin Type: All skin types.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced.
  • Sturdy glass bottle packaging.
  • Good for deep cleansing.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Gives a smooth texture.

Cons:

  • Unpleasant smell.

Ratings: 3.8/5

8. Khadi Mauri Herbal Charcoal Face Pack:


Check out this all-natural charcoal face mask from Khadi Mauri. The mask is formulated with Activated charcoal and many herbal ingredients that can give you the best of deep cleansing benefits. The other key ingredient, Multani mitti, is known for lightening skin complexion, controlling excess oil, along with reducing breakouts on the skin. With regular usage, you can notice a visibly smoother and even-toned skin.

Key Ingredients: Charcoal, Multani Mitti

Suitable Skin Type: All skin types.

Pros:

  • Herbal Formulation.
  • Good Quantity for the price.
  • Contains no harmful chemicals.
  • Pleasant fragrance.
  • Doesn’t cause any allergic reactions.

Cons:

  • Consistency is too thick and must be diluted before use

Ratings: 3.8/5

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Charcoal Peel-Off Masks:

9. Urban Gabru Charcoal Peel-Off Mask:


The Urban Gabru Charcoal Peel-off Mask is made from safe and natural ingredients to give you the best of deep cleansing experience. It contains Activated charcoal which is known for its skin-purifying properties. Along with unclogging skin pores, the mask also helps in preventing blackheads and whiteheads. It also offers an active cooling effect that can soothe your senses, along with making your skin look smooth and shiny!

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal

Suitable Skin Type: Oily and Combination Skin types

Pros:

  • Holds onto your skin tightly.
  • Very effective in removing blackheads and whiteheads.
  • Smoothens your skin.
  • Removes oil and impurities.

Cons:

  • Can be painful while removing.
  • Not for sensitive skin.
  • The packaging is not that sturdy.
  • The formula is too thick.

Ratings: 3.7/5

10. VLCC 7X Ultra Whitening and Brightening Charcoal Peel-Off Mask:


This product from VLCC claims to give you 7 times the whitening and brightening benefits of a charcoal peel-off mask. Along with containing activated charcoal as its key ingredient, the mask also contains mulberry extracts, turmeric oil and vitamin C, which can offer anti-oxidant protection and deep cleansing benefits. These agents also lighten your complexion and minimize the appearance of dark spots.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Mulberry Extract, Turmeric Oil, vitamin C etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily and Combination Skin types

Pros:

  • Doesn’t irritate the skin.
  • The formula is easy to spread.
  • Leaves a cooling sensation on the skin.
  • Gives a nice glow after peeling it off.

Cons:

  • Not effective in removing blackheads.
  • Doesn’t help for people who are regularly exposed to pollution.

Ratings: 3.9/5

11. WOW Skin Science Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask:


WOW, Skin Science Activated Charcoal peel-off mask is regarded as one of the most effective products in its segment. It is powered with activated bamboo charcoal, along with trehalose and aloe vera extracts. The product is good for those who have pores clogged with dirt and impurities, as it can remove them out in one or two applications. It contains no parabens or mineral oil that harm your skin.

Key Ingredients: Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Trehalose, Aloe vera extract etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Combination and Normal

Pros:

  • Revives skin instantly.
  • Doesn’t cause pain while removing.
  • Spreads well.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores.

Cons:

  • May not help in removing stubborn blackheads.

Ratings: 3.7/5

12. Faces Canada Urban Balance Charcoal Peel-Off Mask:


This product from Faces Canada is formulated with Activated Charcoal that can draw out all the impurities, dirt and oil which damage your skin structure. The other herbal ingredients- Moringa and Amla oil take care of fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. The mask also contains turmeric extract, which can reduce the size and severity of pimples. You can use it as part of your weekly skin detox ritual to maintain its health.

Key Ingredients: Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Moringa Extracts, Amla Oil, Turmeric Oil etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Pros:

  • Deep Cleans skin.
  • Easy to Apply.
  • Peeling action is good.
  • Doesn’t dry out the skin.
  • Causes no pain while peeling out.

Cons:

  • Not effective for blackheads and whiteheads

Ratings: 4/5

13. Oriental Botanics Australian Tea Tree Peel-Off Mask:


Take a look at this purifying facial peel-off mask from Oriental Botanics. The packaging instantly attracts us with its choice of colors and graphics. Coming to the product, the peel-off mask contains activated charcoal and tea tree oil to deal with oily and acne-prone skin. These ingredients work by controlling excess oil and suppressing the existing breakouts on the skin. You can also get rid of blackheads and whiteheads to enjoy a flawless, smooth skin.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Soybean (Glycine soja) Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Tea Tree Leaf Essential Oil, Passion Fruit Seed Cold Pressed Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Pros:

  • Contains no harsh chemicals.
  • Infused with many natural ingredients.
  • Attractive packaging.
  • Controls excess oil.
  • Smoothens skin.
  • Leaves a matte finish on the face.

Cons:

  • May dry out the skin

Ratings: 4.2/5

14. The Man Company Activated Charcoal Peel-off Mask:


Take a look at this best charcoal mask for Men from the brand ‘Man Company’. The mask contains activated charcoal, along with moringa and gooseberry extracts. Apart from deep cleaning your pores and removing suntan, the mask also hydrates and nourishes your skin. Using it once a week can reduce the number of blackheads, whiteheads and unwanted texture on your face. The product is free from sulphates and parabens.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Moringa extract, Turmeric extract, Gooseberry extract, Lavender Essential oil etc.

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Combination skin

Pros:

  • Nice packaging.
  • Smells good.
  • Makes skin glow.
  • Peels off easily.
  • Doesn’t damage the skin while peeling.
  • Sulphate and Paraben-free formula.
  • Spatula provided for easy application.

Cons:

  • Consistency is too thick
  • Take a lot of time to dry out

Ratings: 3.6/5

15. Khadi Natural Herbal Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Mask for Women:


The Khadi Natural Herbal peel-off mask is formulated with activated charcoal to detoxify and deep clean your skin. It is gentle and doesn’t cause any pain or abrasion while peeling it out. The product is also good for removing impurities from the skin pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. It doesn’t dry out the moisture levels in your skin and maintains its suppleness.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal

Suitable Skin Type: Oily, Combination skin

Pros:

  • Affordable Product.
  • Makes your skin look fresh.
  • Exfoliates skin well.
  • Contains natural ingredients.

Cons:

  • Consistency is too watery.
  • Causes a stinging sensation for a few seconds.
  • Strong, overpowering smell.

Ratings: 3.6/5

16. Pure Blend Charcoal Peel-off Mask for Men and Women:


This Charcoal peel-off mask for men and women from Pure Blend offers much more than deep cleansing benefits. Along with activated charcoal as its key ingredient, the mask also contains witch hazel and eucalyptus oil for an active cooling effect on the skin. The product is ideal for a quick skin detox at home, along with enjoying a facial-like output, including the removal of blackheads and attaining a flawless skin.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Jojoba Oil, Rosemark Oil, Eucalytpus Oil, Witch Hazel etc.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin Types

Pros:

  • Formulated with natural ingredients.
  • Makes skin soft and supple.
  • Deep cleans effectively.
  • Reasonable pricing.
  • Nice smell.
  • Peeling action is excellent.

Cons:

  • May dry out the skin

Ratings: 4.1/5

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Charcoal Sheet Masks:

17. Garnier Skin Naturals Charcoal Sheet Mask:


Garnier Skin Natural Charcoal sheet mask is a convenient and mess-free way to give the benefits of charcoal to your skin. The mask is soaked in a concentrated serum made with activated charcoal, black algae, LHA and Hyaluronic acid that can purify and hydrate your skin. It is suitable for all skin types and doesn’t cause allergic reactions. You can use this mask anywhere and anytime, even while traveling in your car!

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Hyaluronic acid, LHA, Glycerin, Pineapple Fruit Extract, black alage etc.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin Types

Pros:

  • Easy to Use.
  • Softens Skin in just 20 minutes.
  • Removes dullness and dryness.
  • Hydrates intensely.
  • The sheet is thick and spreads very well on the skin.
  • Leaves a healthy glow on the skin.

Cons:

  • Can leave a sticky feeling on the skin for a few hours.

Ratings: 4.1/5

18. MIRABELLE COSMETICS KOREA Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask:


Here is a Korean Charcoal Facial Sheet Masks from Mirabelle cosmetics that is specially formulated to suit Indian skin types. The mask can be used by both men and women and helps in oil control, dirt removal and skin detox. The key ingredient is activated bamboo charcoal which works well for absorbing impurities from deep within the pores. It can also hydrate your skin and keep it soft and supple for a long.

Key Ingredients: Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Coffee Seed Extract, Niacinamide, Safflower Extract, Chestnut Shell Extract, Grape Fruit Extract etc.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin Types

Pros:

  • Affordable product.
  • Instantly refreshes skin.
  • Cleanses skin very well.
  • Fits your face perfectly.
  • Effective in hydrating skin.

Cons:

  • The packet has no extra essence to use it on other areas.

Ratings: 4.1/5

19. SUGAR Cosmetics Charcoal Patrol Bubble Mask:


Check out this innovative Charcoal sheet mask from Sugar Cosmetics. Once the mask is placed on the skin, a layer of bubbles starts forming on the surface. This helps in better oxygenation of the skin, along with deep pore purification. That’s all not! It can gently dissolve the makeup and exfoliate dead cells to reveal clean and fresh-looking skin. Green tea, Lavender, Chamomile and grapefruit extracts calm down the skin, repair sun damage and aid in skin brightening,

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Lavender and Chamomile Extract, Aloe Water, Fruit Extracts, Tea tree extracts, Green tea extracts, Rose and Jasmine extracts etc.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin Types

Pros:

  • Interesting Bubble effect.
  • Cleanses skin very well.
  • Leaves a radiant look on the face.
  • Contains excess serum to use it on the neck, hands etc.
  • Makes skin elastic and bouncy.

Cons:

  • May not help with pigmentation or deep-rooted sun damage

Ratings: 3.9/5

20. Kara Purifying and Sebum Control Face Mask:


Kara Purifying Charcoal mask is ideal for instant pore cleansing and sebum control on the face. It is Made in Korea for Indian skin types. Along with activated charcoal, the essence also contains grapefruit extract, Aloe vera juice, Konjac root extract, and other natural ingredients to make your skin visibly younger and brighter. It also works well to remove dryness and dead cells.

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal, Glycerin, Aloe vera juice, Grapefruit Extract, Honeysuckle extract, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum etc.

Suitable Skin Type: All Skin Types

Pros:

  • Affordable product.
  • Hydrates skin very well.
  • Makes skin bright.
  • Glow stays on the skin for a while.
  • Contains natural extracts.

Cons:

  • The sheet is slightly thin, which can make the application difficult

Ratings: 4.5/5

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How to Use a Charcoal Mask?

A charcoal mask’s usage instructions depend on the type of mask – paste, Peel off or sheet.

Let us look into the steps for using each of these:

Traditional Face Mask with Charcoal:

  • Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat dry
  • Now apply a thin layer of mask evenly on the skin.
  • Allow it to dry for a while
  • Use a wet cloth or wet fingers to gently massage and remove the mask.
  • Rinse your face thoroughly with water

Peel-Off Mask:

  • Make sure that your face is clean and dry before applying the mask.
  • Spread a thick layer of the product evenly on the skin. Avoid hairline, eyebrows, lips and eyes.
  • Wait until the pack is completely dry.
  • Hold the ends firmly and peel off the mask in upward direction gently.
  • Rinse your face thoroughly with water.

Sheet Mask:

  • Cleanse your face and pat dry.
  • Open the mask from the packet and unfold it.
  • Spread the mask on your face and make sure that the eyes, nose and mouth fit in the slots.
  • Remove the outer layer (if provided for the mask).
  • Relax for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the mask and massage your face with the extra essence from the pack.
  • Do not rinse with water.

Are There Any Risks of Charcoal Masks?

So far there have been no major complaints on topical application of Activated charcoal.

However, most of these masks have other active ingredients which may cause certain side effects like:

  • Skin Sensitivity
  • Dryness
  • Redness
  • Itching or Stinging Sensation
  • Pain (while removing a peel-off mask)

If you experience any of these symptoms with a mask, discontinue the product immediately and check with a doctor.

If you are willing to jump into the ‘black mask’ bandwagon, then try out these Charcoal Masks in the market. Along with the goodness of activated charcoal, these products also offer a myriad of benefits to your skin. If you have tried any of the products before, do share your experiences with us! We’d be happy to know your experiences.

DISCLAIMER: The article is written purely for the informational purpose(s) only. We do not endorse or are affiliated to any of the brands mentioned above. However, we do earn a small commission if you buy the product through our website. You must use these products at your own risk, and we do not undertake any responsibility for any damages that occurred in connection with them.

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About Siva Bhupathiraju

Meet Siva Bhupathiraju, our Senior SEO & SMO Analyst, with over 5 years of experience in writing content related to interior and lifestyle products for our company. Siva has rapidly excelled in various areas, including Keywords Research, Affiliate Marketing, Pre & Post Optimization, and Link Building. Apart from his work, he has a keen interest in interior design and photography!
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