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What is Activated Charcoal?
Where does Activated Charcoal come from?
What makes Activated Charcoal special?
How is Activated Charcoal made?
How does Activated Charcoal work?
Is Activated Charcoal dangerous?
What can you use Activated Charcoal for?
What does Activated Charcoal look like?
How is the best way to store Activated Charcoal?
Where can you buy Activated Charcoal?
Activated Charcoal is a specially processed carbon that can bind all sorts of substances to itself through adsorption. In adsorption, the molecules of a gas or liquid adhere to the surface of a solid or liquid, thereby covering it with a layer. Adsorption is not the same as absorption. In absorption, the molecules mix with another substance, resulting in a mixture.
Through this special adsorption process, Activated Charcoal is able to separate substances from one another. For example, substances in (drinking) water are purified with Activated Charcoal. But substances from the air can also be separated with this carbon.
Activated Charcoal is also known as geactiveerde kool, Activated Charcoal or Activated Carbon. This carbon is processed and therefore has all sorts of special properties.
For this reason, Activated Charcoal is often added to various cosmetic and medical products. Think of mouthwash, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos and facial cleansers.
Activated Charcoal is also the active ingredient in the products of the well-known pharmaceutical brand Norit.
You can also buy Activated Charcoal in its pure form, for example as a powder or in a capsule.
Activated Charcoal has been used by various cultures since ancient times, including the ancient Egyptians and in China.
Nowadays, Activated Charcoal is widely used to remove substances from air and water. Over the years, more applications have been found for using Activated Charcoal. These applications will be discussed later in the article.
Activated Charcoal consists of all sorts of micropores. These are super tiny pores that hold on to unwanted substances during the purification process. Activated Charcoal adsorbs chemicals, metals and toxins, among other things. Thanks to this special property, Activated Charcoal is widely used to purify air and water.
In addition, Activated Charcoal is odourless and jet black, which makes it a striking ingredient in homemade cosmetics.
Moreover, Activated Charcoal contains all sorts of antioxidants.
All these special properties make Activated Charcoal a versatile raw material.
Activated Charcoal is processed carbon. It is therefore not the same as the charcoal you would use for a barbecue. Activated Charcoal is prepared through a thermal process in which gases and impurities are removed from the charcoal.
You can use various types of (fibre-containing) materials to make Activated Charcoal. Think of coal or charcoal. Organic material such as heated peat, peanut shells, rice husks, fruit stones and coconut shells can also be used to make Activated Charcoal. Activated Charcoal made from coal generally has the best quality because it has a high adsorption capacity compared to, for example, peat.
To make Activated Charcoal, one of the products mentioned above is carbonised and placed in a large oven where the charcoal is activated. This therefore happens through a thermal process involving high temperatures of up to 900 °C.
The first step in the reactivation process of the carbon consists of drying the product. Once the product is dry, volatile adsorbed components are evaporated. This happens at a temperature of approximately 300 °C. Non-volatile adsorbed components are broken down and destroyed at a temperature of 600 °C. Finally, the last unnecessary substances are gasified by steaming the carbon at a temperature above 800 °C. This process ensures that micropores are created, the property that makes Activated Charcoal so special.
Depending on the final application, the activated charcoal can also be washed with acid or ground into a powder.
Activated Charcoal is able to remove substances from air and water. This is due to the special action of, among other things, the fine microstructure with countless tiny pores. This fine structure can be clearly seen in the photo below.
Activated charcoal particles (carbon atoms) exert an attractive force on liquid or gaseous particles (molecules). The strength of this attraction depends on the shape and mass of the molecules. Because not all molecules are attracted and held by the Activated Charcoal with the same strength, it is possible to remove substances from air, gas or water.
Based on the studies conducted to date, it has been shown that Activated Charcoal is not dangerous. There is, however, some uncertainty about how Activated Charcoal binds with other (healthy) nutrients, particularly the water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C). If Activated Charcoal binds to vitamin C, the body does not have time to absorb this healthy nutrient. It is therefore not yet clear whether it makes sense to drink healthy smoothies in combination with activated charcoal.
Furthermore, it is important to drink plenty of water when you use Activated Charcoal. Without extra water, Activated Charcoal can dehydrate your body.
Lastly, it is important to order Activated Charcoal from a reliable shop. The safest Activated Charcoal is made from coconut shells or wood types with fine fibres.
Thanks to its special adsorbing action, Activated Charcoal has many uses. Below we discuss a number of things that Activated Charcoal can be used for.
Activated Charcoal is known for making your teeth whiter. Activated charcoal is able to bind to plaque, leftover food residue and other impurities in your mouth. Moreover, Activated Charcoal removes tannins. Tannins are stains that arise from drinking coffee, tea or wine.
In addition to whitening your teeth, Activated Charcoal also has a cleansing action that helps you maintain oral hygiene. This is because activated charcoal also binds to contaminating substances that are present in your mouth.
Always use Activated Charcoal as an addition to your normal brushing routine.
Activated Charcoal is also sold in capsule form. If you want to take it, always follow the instructions on the packaging and drink plenty of water with it.
Activated Charcoal is widely used to purify (drinking) water. Thanks to its fine pores, it binds all kinds of substances.
Activated Charcoal is also used in air filters, because it can remove substances from air and gas.
Activated Charcoal is often added to cosmetic products such as soaps, shampoos and face masks.
Thanks to its strong pigment, it colours your homemade products jet black.
You can also use Activated Charcoal to cleanse your skin. Especially when you mix Activated Charcoal with oils, it can provide good outcomes.
Activated Charcoal can absorb dirt from your pores. This way it cares for blemished skin in a cleansing way.
If you want to apply Activated Charcoal to your skin, it should be mixed with, for example, coconut oil, a clay mask or aloe vera gel. With a brush or your fingertips, you can gently apply the mixture to your skin. Once it has dried after about 10 minutes, you can rinse it off with lukewarm water. You will notice that your skin feels softer and is cleansed.
Activated Charcoal has a neutral scent and is pitch black. Depending on how the Activated Charcoal is processed, its appearance can vary. For example, there is Activated Charcoal in powder form. This powder is very fine. Activated Charcoal is also available in the form of capsules. These capsules are black in colour. Products such as toothpaste that contain Activated Charcoal are black in colour because Activated Charcoal has a strong pigment.
Activated Charcoal in powder form is best stored in the original packaging. It is difficult to transfer the Activated Charcoal to another jar. The black powder gets everywhere and can be hard to clean up.
A small jar of Activated Charcoal lasts an incredibly long time because you only need a minimal amount. Activated Charcoal generally keeps for at least 36 months if you do not mix it with other products.
Author: Aurelie
Activated Charcoal is very easy to use. First make sure to wet your toothbrush and then dip it in the charcoal (powder). Brush your teeth as you always do, especially in the areas with the most stains. Then rinse your mouth with water and only stop when the water comes out clear when you spit it out. Repeat brushing with activated charcoal two to three times a week for the best result.
You can also use Activated Charcoal powder as a mouthwash. You do this by swishing some Activated Charcoal powder with a little oil in your mouth for about 10 minutes.
By the way, Activated Charcoal is not a replacement for toothpaste. So if you want to keep your teeth healthy, it is wise to keep brushing your teeth in the usual way alongside using Activated Charcoal.
