Coconut charcoal vs hardwood charcoal in soap?

[Ammanley]

Hi CP-ers,

I am interested in making an activated charcoal facial soap. It seems like most suppliers offer hardwood-based charcoal, but I found at least one company that offers coconut-based charcoal. Is there any discernible difference between charcoal made from coconut vs charcoal made from hardwood? Do you use activated charcoal in soap and if so, do you have a preferred supplier?

 

[CreativeWeirdo]

Hello! I am no expert in charcoal soap, but did do some research back in the day when charcoal was starting to become more mainstream. Whatever activated charcoal I bought was from the local "health food" store. It was the only one they had designated for cosmetic use; they also had AC rated for ingestion.

From what I remember, and I will fully admit that there may be more current information, is that coconut AC is more sustainably made/sourced than hardwood AC.

Maybe this will bump your post and a more knowledgeable member could chime in.

 

[Marsi]

The difference you want to look for is activated charcoal vs. charcoal.

Hardwood charcoal could be plain charcoal (not activated), unless it states otherwise.

I agree that activated charcoal made from coconut husks would be more sustainable than hardwood charcoal
(my personal preference is bamboo activated charcoal)

 

[Ammanley]

@Marsi and @CreativeWeirdo thank you both! I think I have just assumed that “charcoal” has been activated charcoal (which is not the case), and I might check out my local health food places to see what they have. There are a few places by me that might have what I’m looking for. Thanks again!!!