10 Best Charcoal Soaps in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Nowadays, charcoal soaps are making their way into many people's hygiene routines. And it's no surprise since they are said to do an excellent job of purifying your skin by drawing out excess oil, residues, and other impurities. Depending on their additional ingredients, they can also be a source of many skin benefits.
You can find charcoal soaps with emollients that moisturize your skin, and you can even spot ones with anti-bacterial agents. With that said, you might now have an idea that charcoal soaps are not created equally. Thus, to help you get a good one, we have a list of recommendations and a buying guide containing a run-down of the essential features to look for in charcoal soaps.
Quick List - Top Charcoal Soaps
Safeguard
Washes Away Germs, Dirt, and Excess Oils With Bamboo Charcoal
Dr. Sensitive
Includes Activated Charcoal to Eliminate Body Odor and Skin Impurities
Be Organic Bath & Body
Reduce Blemishes Using This Apple Cider-Infused Charcoal Soap
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose a Charcoal Soap – Buying Guide
- Know Your Skin Type to Get a Charcoal Soap With Ingredients That Are Suitable for You1
- Stay Away From Charcoal Soaps That Use a Significant Amount of Harsh Chemicals2
- Look for Expert-Approved Products to Ensure Safety3
- Face or Body: Check the Scope of the Charcoal Soap4
- 10 Best Charcoal Soaps to Buy Online
- No. 1Safeguard | Detox Face and Body Bar Soap Charcoal
- No. 2Dr. Sensitive | Activated Charcoal Whitening Soap
- No. 3Be Organic Bath & Body | Apple Cider Charcoal Soap
- No. 4Lush | Coalface Facial Soap
- No. 5Human Nature | Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Men
- 5 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
- Does Charcoal Soap Lighten Skin?
- Is Charcoal Soap Good for Acne?
- Is Charcoal Soap Safe During Pregnancy?
- Complete Your Skincare Routine
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
How to Choose a Charcoal Soap – Buying Guide
When choosing a charcoal soap, it's important to understand your skin type and avoid products with harsh chemicals. Look for expert-recommended options that match your needs, whether for your face or body. For more guidance, check our buying guide below.
Know Your Skin Type to Get a Charcoal Soap With Ingredients That Are Suitable for You
The first thing to consider when buying charcoal soap, or any soap for that matter, is your skin type. Certain skin conditions, such as dry and oily skin, require certain ingredients that might be helpful in addressing these skin problems.
Dry Skin: Go for Charcoal Soaps With Moisturizing Ingredients Like Aloe vera
Charcoal soaps can sometimes leave your skin dry and chapped. Fortunately, some brands have addressed this problem by incorporating a moisturizing feature in their charcoal soaps. These moisturizers help hydrate the skin, prevent extreme dryness, as well as prevent other skin problems.
Common moisturizing ingredients which can be found in charcoal soaps are aloe vera, glycerin, coconut oil, and shea butter. But you can also spot eucalyptus oil, mulberry root extracts, and grape extracts that boost skin's hydration. Picking a charcoal soap with moisturizing feature can save you time and money as it means that there is one less thing on your shopping list and skincare routine.
For years, charcoal has been used as an antidote for poisonings. Fast forward today, and it has now been incorporated into different products, soaps included! While a lot of claims of its effectiveness for various uses ranging from acne to anti-aging abound, experts are still on the fence on this one as clinical trials are still in the works.
Oily Skin: Try Charcoal Soaps With Ingredients, Like Salicylic Acid That Can Penetrate Inside Pores
There are charcoal soaps that go well with oily skin. Through deep cleansing, these charcoal soaps can minimize oiliness, especially in areas such as your T-Zone. To experience this benefit, you can look for charcoal soaps that contain ingredients such as tea tree oil, Moroccan ghassoul, and beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, known to have the ability to decongest pores and eliminate oil.
Some also contain activated charcoal that can draw out dirt and deep clean your pores for a fresh and matte look. It is equally important to steer clear of some ingredients if you have oily skin. You might want to avoid those with harsh chemicals and fragrances because they can cause irritation.
For oily skin, one of the top picks would be salicylic acid! The reason why salicylic acid is an attractive ingredient for oily skin is that it is lipid-soluble. Thus, it has the ability to penetrate inside pores and remove oil and debris.
Sensitive Skin: Double-Check the Ingredient List to Steer Clear of Any Content That Your Skin May React With
If you are aware that you have sensitive skin, it is important to look for soaps with milder or less harsh ingredients in their formula. Usually, this means natural ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula, chamomile extract, and elements with antibacterial properties like rosewood oil and licorice root.
Aloe is known for moisturizing while gently cleansing the skin. Meanwhile, calendula is best for preventing skin irritation and its anti-bacterial properties. Lastly, chamomile is soothing, and lastly, oatmeal is soothing and anti-inflammatory on the skin.
It is also advisable to steer clear of certain ingredients which might be harmful to your skin. These include soap formulas with fragrances, essential oils, alcohol, or other formulas which use a significant amount of harmful chemical ingredients. This is because they can dry out your skin and cause other skin problems.
When you have sensitive skin, it means that you have higher chances of reacting to a product and developing signs of inflammation such as redness, flushing, stinging, acne-like eruptions. Thus, it's important to check the ingredients as well as to make sure you're not sensitive to any of those listed.
Stay Away From Charcoal Soaps That Use a Significant Amount of Harsh Chemicals
A general rule is that as much as possible, choose soaps with fewer ingredients or those that use natural or organic elements. It is because they tend to be gentler on your skin, as they typically contain fewer chemicals, wherein irritations usually stem from.
If you have sensitive, it is even more advisable to stay away from those that use a significant amount of harsh chemicals such as lead, phthalates, and fragrances that can cause irritations instead of lending benefits to your skin.
Definitely, checking the ingredients is a must. I always emphasize the importance of patch testing! Remember, personal sensitivities and personal tolerances dictate how our skin reacts to a particular product—with or without fragrance!
Look for Expert-Approved Products to Ensure Safety
If you have limited knowledge about charcoal soaps, there is definitely nothing wrong with seeking expert advice. When you're unfamiliar with a charcoal soap's ingredients, try to look it up, or better yet, listen to expert medical advice from dermatologists and physicians.
Also, be wary of brands resorting to false advertising and making false claims about the benefits of their products. Lastly, take into consideration honest customer reviews about charcoal soaps as they can be extremely helpful, especially if you haven't seen or tried the product before.
When in doubt, Ask Your Derma! Check-in with your dermatologist before adding different products into your routine so that they can identify your skin type, address your skin concerns, and suggest a routine suited to your needs (minus the irritation!).
Face or Body: Check the Scope of the Charcoal Soap
It is equally important to check the scope of particular charcoal soap. While using the same charcoal soap for your face and body may sound convenient and economical, it might cause more harm than good if it's not intended to be used like that.
The skin in your face is more delicate than the other parts of your body. Hence, body charcoal soaps that typically have more chemical concentrations may be too harsh for your face. But fret not, as apart from charcoal soaps specifically made for the face or body, you can also find ones that you can use for both.
10 Best Charcoal Soaps to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Best for | Benefits | Soap Type | For Face or Body | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Safeguard Detox Face and Body Bar Soap Charcoal | | Washes Away Germs, Dirt, and Excess Oils With Bamboo Charcoal | Bamboo Charcoal Extract | All Skin Types | Detoxifying, Deep Cleansing, Purifying | Bar | Face and Body | 108 g | |
2 | Dr. Sensitive Activated Charcoal Whitening Soap | | Includes Activated Charcoal to Eliminate Body Odor and Skin Impurities | Activated Charcoal, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid | Acne-Prone Skin | Eliminating Body Odor, Fighting Bacteria, Clearing Acne | Bar | Face and Body | 120 g | |
3 | Be Organic Bath & Body Apple Cider Charcoal Soap | | Reduce Blemishes Using This Apple Cider-Infused Charcoal Soap | Activated Charcoal, Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil | Normal, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin | Anti-Acne, Exfoliating, Deep Cleansing, Unclogs Pores, Soothing | Bar | Face and Body | 110 g | |
4 | Lush Coalface Facial Soap | | A Gentle Charcoal Soap Featuring Licorice Root and Rosewood Oil | Charcoal, Licorice Root, Rosewood Oil, Sandalwood Oil | Oily Skin | Gently Exfoliating | Bar | Face and Body | 120 g | |
5 | Human Nature Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Men | | Organic Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Your Face, Body, and Hair | Bamboo Charcoal Actives, Peppermint Oil | All Skin Types | Deep Cleansing, Moisturizing, Cooling, Absorbs Toxins | Bar | Face and Body | 120 g | |
6 | Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar | | Feel and Smell Fresh With a Peppermint-Infused Charcoal Soap | Natural Charcoal, Jojoba Beads, Peppermint Oil | Normal to Oily Skin | Deep Cleansing, Exfoliating | Bar | Face and Body | 107 g | |
7 | Noah Charcoal BLK Body Wash with Kojic | | Your Simple Yet Effective Solution for Body Odor | Activated Charcoal, Kojic, Argan Oil | All Skin Types | Brightening, Moisturizing, Absorbs Odor, Cleansing | Bar | Body | 135 g | |
8 | Lana PH Activated Charcoal Soap | | An All-Natural Soap That Helps Lighten Age Spots and Unclog Pores | Activated Charcoal, Mulberry Root Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Lemon Peel Oil | Acne-Prone, Dry, Sensitive, Oily, Combination Skin | Prevents Acne, Cleansing, Unclogs Pores, Lightening | Bar | Face and Body | 120 g | |
9 | Milea All Organics Charcoal Clarifying & Detoxifying Soap | | Deeply Moisturize Your Skin With All-Natural Ingredients Like Virgin Coconut Oil | Activated Charcoal, Virgin Coconut Oil | Oily and Combination Skin | Unclogs Pores, Clarifying, Detoxifying, Cleansing | Bar | Face and Body | 100 g | |
10 | Tokyo White Natural Whitening and Oil Control Face & Body Soap | | Helps to Remove Dirt, Oil, Impurities, and Whitens Your Skin | Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Grape Seed Extract, Arbutin, Glutathione, Vitamins C and E | All Skin Types | Deep Cleansing, Whitening, Detoxifying, Moisturizing | Bar | Face and Body | 100 g | |
Washes Away Germs, Dirt, and Excess Oils With Bamboo Charcoal
Its triple detox formula cleanses and clarifies your skin while offering 99.9% germ protection. Users have praised Safeguard for its dependable quality, consistently experiencing its reliability in effectively cleaning and protecting their skin. Furthermore, this soap is also suitable for dry skin as it helps treat rough and flaky areas, promoting healthier and smoother skin!
| Key Ingredients | Bamboo Charcoal Extract |
|---|---|
| Best for | All Skin Types |
| Benefits | Detoxifying, Deep Cleansing, Purifying |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 108 g |
Dr. SensitiveActivated Charcoal Whitening Soap
Includes Activated Charcoal to Eliminate Body Odor and Skin Impurities
Want to whiten your skin and get rid of body odor? Then, this bar soap from Dr. Sensitive is the ideal choice. Its main ingredient, activated charcoal, draws out skin impurities and bacteria to get rid of body odor. Plus, it has kojic acid and salicylic acid to help clear up pimples and lighten the skin!
You can use it on your body and face to even out your complexion. Its formulation allows for skin whitening without drying it out. Buyers remark that this soap exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. If you're after a 2-in-1 soap that will treat BO and give you a glowing complexion, check this out!
| Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
| Benefits | Eliminating Body Odor, Fighting Bacteria, Clearing Acne |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 120 g |
Reduce Blemishes Using This Apple Cider-Infused Charcoal Soap
This charcoal soap from Be Organic Bath & Body is infused with apple cider, providing an ideal solution for skin blemishes. It works to dry pimples out and remove dead skin cells, revealing healthier, glowing skin. This combination of apple cider and activated charcoal enhances the exfoliation process, delivering effective results while staying true to its gentle formulation.
In addition to these two key ingredients, this soap is enriched with tea tree oil, which not only soothes your skin but also leaves it with a crisp, clean scent after each use. According to reviews, it's a fantastic choice for individuals with acne-prone skin or anyone seeking a natural way to improve their skin.
| Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin |
| Benefits | Anti-Acne, Exfoliating, Deep Cleansing, Unclogs Pores, Soothing |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 110 g |
A Gentle Charcoal Soap Featuring Licorice Root and Rosewood Oil
If you're looking for a gentle solution, Lush has you covered! This charcoal soap is formulated to be mild enough for your face, yet it's equally suitable for your body. It contains charcoal to absorb excess oil, licorice root to soften the skin, and antiseptic rosewood oil to combat breakouts.
Thanks to its blend of ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals and preservatives, it works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin. Users also love its design and the soothing scent of earthy sandalwood that leaves them feeling calm and refreshed during their shower.
| Key Ingredients | Charcoal, Licorice Root, Rosewood Oil, Sandalwood Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Oily Skin |
| Benefits | Gently Exfoliating |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 120 g |
Human NatureBamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Men
Organic Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Your Face, Body, and Hair
This versatile bar is suitable for use on your face, body, and hair. It is a convenient all-in-one solution for men with various skin types, including oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Customers have praised this product in their reviews, highlighting its effectiveness in clearing up acne, cleansing, and moisturizing their skin without causing irritation!
| Key Ingredients | Bamboo Charcoal Actives, Peppermint Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | All Skin Types |
| Benefits | Deep Cleansing, Moisturizing, Cooling, Absorbs Toxins |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 120 g |
BiorePore Penetrating Charcoal Bar
Feel and Smell Fresh With a Peppermint-Infused Charcoal Soap
Additionally, the peppermint oil in this soap helps reduce inflammation and redness. Users particularly appreciate the refreshing and cooling sensation it provides. While some find it quite drying, using it moderately can maximize its invigorating benefits for your skin!
| Key Ingredients | Natural Charcoal, Jojoba Beads, Peppermint Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Normal to Oily Skin |
| Benefits | Deep Cleansing, Exfoliating |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 107 g |
Your Simple Yet Effective Solution for Body Odor
It also contains argan oil, which is rich in antioxidants and can help moisturize the skin. Moreover, this body wash is gentle on the skin, so it's suitable for daily use. Users shared that whether you're looking to combat body odor, improve your skin's texture, or achieve a more even complexion, this body wash has you covered!
| Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Kojic, Argan Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | All Skin Types |
| Benefits | Brightening, Moisturizing, Absorbs Odor, Cleansing |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Body |
| Net Weight | 135 g |
An All-Natural Soap That Helps Lighten Age Spots and Unclog Pores
Made with activated charcoal, this soap by Lana PH makes a perfect addition to your skincare routine if you need a product that can cleanse the skin and unclog pores. In addition to activated charcoal, it contains all-natural ingredients like mulberry root extract, which hydrates the skin and lightens dark spots and discoloration.
Furthermore, it has grape seed oil, a well-known antioxidant rich in vitamin E that helps moisturize the skin. Besides its skincare benefits, it's also a sustainably made and cruelty-free charcoal soap, which users love. If you care about the environment as much as you care about your skin, this charcoal bar soap can address both concerns!
| Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Mulberry Root Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Lemon Peel Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Acne-Prone, Dry, Sensitive, Oily, Combination Skin |
| Benefits | Prevents Acne, Cleansing, Unclogs Pores, Lightening |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 120 g |
Milea All OrganicsCharcoal Clarifying & Detoxifying Soap
Deeply Moisturize Your Skin With All-Natural Ingredients Like Virgin Coconut Oil
If you're in search of a charcoal soap that purifies and nourishes your skin, look no further! Milea All Organics Charcoal Soap has what you need. It is rich in virgin coconut oil and packed with antioxidants that soften and deeply moisturize your skin.
This soap cleanses, purifies, and balances your skin’s oil levels, leaving it thoroughly cleansed, moisturized, and glowing. It also helps protect the skin from impurities that can cause irritations like acne. Despite its compact size, reviewers have attested that this charcoal soap offers great value considering its price point and the skin benefits it provides.
| Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Virgin Coconut Oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Oily and Combination Skin |
| Benefits | Unclogs Pores, Clarifying, Detoxifying, Cleansing |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 100 g |
Tokyo WhiteNatural Whitening and Oil Control Face & Body Soap
Helps to Remove Dirt, Oil, Impurities, and Whitens Your Skin
According to reviews, this soap is a solid option for those looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser that can help improve their skin's appearance. It is also made with natural ingredients that are safe for all skin types, and it leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed, and moisturized.
| Key Ingredients | Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Grape Seed Extract, Arbutin, Glutathione, Vitamins C and E |
|---|---|
| Best for | All Skin Types |
| Benefits | Deep Cleansing, Whitening, Detoxifying, Moisturizing |
| Soap Type | Bar |
| For Face or Body | Face and Body |
| Net Weight | 100 g |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Katrina Luz
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
Does Charcoal Soap Lighten Skin?
Clinical studies on the lightening ability of charcoal have yet to be done.
Is Charcoal Soap Good for Acne?
Charcoal soaps have been posited to have clarifying abilities, hence, its proposed use for acne. The thing is there's still little science to back up these claims. Besides, there are so many tried and tested alternatives in the market.
Is Charcoal Soap Safe During Pregnancy?
There are so many safe and effective alternative options to charcoal available in the market. When pregnant, it's best to err on the side of caution and prioritize the safety of your baby above all.
Complete Your Skincare Routine
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. Taking care of it might be expensive and laborious, but it will definitely benefit us in the long run. Below are links to our articles about other skincare products that can help you care for your skin.
10 Best Foaming Cleansers in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Face Washes for Darkened Pores in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Whitening Soaps in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Face Washes for Acne in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Katrina Balingit
Re-editors: R. Victoriano, D. Trinidad
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Charcoal Soaps
No. 1: Safeguard｜Detox Face and Body Bar Soap Charcoal
No. 2: Dr. Sensitive｜Activated Charcoal Whitening Soap
No. 3: Be Organic Bath & Body｜Apple Cider Charcoal Soap
No. 4: Lush｜Coalface Facial Soap
No. 5: Human Nature｜Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar for Men
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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