Tag Archives: Owen & Alchemy

The Dark Side of Beauty

Activated Charcoal Beauty

I just have one question: do you want to join me in and brush your teeth with charcoal? Let’s do it! Grill all up in our grills. Except not really. Don’t eat actual coal, guys. Activated charcoal on the other hand is A-OK. Chances are you are using something with this sooty substance in it in your beauty routine right now. The activated part means that is has been plussed up with oxygen and when you use it in skincare it acts like a magnet for toxins. As for brushing your teeth with it, that’s more of a whitening treatment than it is everyday toothpaste. This formula gets rave reviews on Amazon and I’m taking the plunge! Along with this charcoal-infused toothbrush because why not double-down? If you’re not quite ready for the charcoal swish, there’s some other beautiful ways to get messy.

The face wash by Shamanuti is one of the best things I’ve ever smelled. My face feels moisturized and clean when I use. It was a Birchbox discovery and I like to refill the mini bottle I sampled when I travel. Want ever more of that charcoal clean feeling? Try the One Love Organics konjac sponge to exfoliate.  Like a love note, from OLO, written in charcoal.

This brand new Coconut Charcoal Face Mask by Chicago-based Cocovit has activated coconut charcoal (how do you like that?!), bentonite clay, turmeric, neem powder and Indian ginseng. It’s a serious skincare powerhouse.

Toronto is filled with amazing juiceries, but I seriously miss Owen & Alchemy. If you are in Chicago, please go enjoy a bottle of the Activated Charcoal Lemonade for me. And while you’re at it, grab a #58, too.

Boscia was an early adopter of the charcoal and as such, I’m itching to try their new cleansing cloths. They’re billed as a pore treatment since there’s glycolic acid mixed in with charcoal and black tea.

I also sort of want to wash my hair with the Sort of Coal shampoo. It’s actually made with white charcoal – though still black in color – and it’s supposedly amazing for oily scalps. I don’t totally fall into that camp but like a clarifying cleanse occasionally.

Eagerly awaiting my Magic Mud delivery!