You may have seen activated charcoal promoted as a detox aid, teeth whitener, skin clearer or digestive fix. Products containing the fine black powder are widely available and often marketed with claims that they can trap toxins, bacteria or chemicals.
Those claims can be appealing, especially when the products are easy to buy. But “natural” and “over the counter” don’t always mean safe – and many activated charcoal products aren’t backed by strong evidence. Here’s what to know before using them.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from the burning of natural elements, such as wood chips or coconut shells.
The burning process creates large pores that are believed to trap substances, such as toxins, chemicals or bacteria.
Many products containing activated charcoal claim to bind to toxins and chemicals in your body or to bacteria that’s on your skin.
What can activated charcoal do?
The only known evidence-based use for activated charcoal is to treat people for certain poisonings or overdoses under medical supervision.
But you can’t expect over-the-counter products to work the same way, so don’t try to use activated charcoal to treat a poisoning or overdose at home.
Products used in an emergency setting are different from those sold to consumers. And what happens in an emergency setting is different from what happens at home.
If you suspect poisoning, reach out to Poison Control, call 911 or go to the emergency room, based on the seriousness of the situation. The quicker you respond, the better. Activated charcoal is most effective if it’s administered within an hour of someone ingesting a toxin.
Risks of using activated charcoal at home
Interference with nutrition and medication
Activated charcoal binds to more than just unwanted toxins. It can also bind to vitamins and nutrients or medications. This means your body may not get the nutrition it needs, and your medications may not be as effective.
Activated charcoal can reduce the effectiveness of medications such as oral birth control, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and pain relievers.
If your doctor has advised use of a product containing activated charcoal, take it at least three hours before or after medications or other supplements.
Lack of regulation
Activated charcoal that’s available over the counter is considered a dietary supplement and not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy like other over-the-counter medications.
It’s difficult to know what additives or chemicals may be included in these products and the effect they could have on you.
Side effects
Activated charcoal’s main side effects include bloating, gas, nausea, constipation, a blackened tongue and black stools.
More seriously, activated charcoal can cause a block, or obstruction, in your stomach as well as unintended consequences from medications not working as expected.
Social media claims about activated charcoal
Be skeptical of social media wellness claims, and consider the source’s training before following any advice. Also consider whether recommendations apply to you, based on the medications you take and your health conditions.
Can activated charcoal be used to detox?
Activated charcoal can bind to some substances, but it’s not a safe or effective daily detox product.
Can activated charcoal help with bloating and digestion?
There’s not enough evidence to determine whether activated charcoal itself helps with digestive issues. Many of these products also contain simethicone, which is used on its own to treat gas, so it’s difficult to know if the charcoal has any benefit.
Can activated charcoal help with weight loss?
There’s not enough evidence to show that charcoal-based products cause meaningful or safe weight loss.
Can activated charcoal alleviate hangovers?
Alcohol doesn’t bind to charcoal, so activated charcoal won’t help with hangovers.
Activated charcoal in toothpaste and skin care
Toothpaste
Charcoal-containing dental hygiene products are often marketed for whitening teeth or removing stains, but they don’t work better than other whitening products, such as those containing bleach. Further, charcoal can be abrasive and may damage tooth enamel, especially when people brush vigorously or more frequently to try to get their teeth whiter.
Skin care products
Charcoal face masks are popular, particularly among adolescents, because they’re marketed as trapping acne-causing bacteria. However, there’s not enough evidence that charcoal products reliably provide that benefit.
Some products may also include chemicals or additives not clearly listed on labels, leading to skin irritation or chemical burns or peeling away healthy skin.
Should you use activated charcoal?
Many supplements seem safe because they’re easy to buy, but they can carry hidden risks and shouldn’t be used without medical guidance, especially by children or pregnant people.
Activated charcoal is sometimes used by people on specific blood thinners if the blood becomes too thin. In this case it would most likely require a prescription and specific guidance on dosing, timing and length of use.
Always check with a physician or pharmacist before using activated charcoal.
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