WE'VE ALL seen influencers flaunting their pearly whites while waving a tube of charcoal toothpaste in the air. Well, it turns out they were onto something. 

Below, we've created a handy guide, answering some frequently asked questions about activated charcoal, and rounded up the best places to get your hands on it.

Activated charcoal is a jet-black powder that looks a little like the briquettes you’d expect to find at the bottom of your BBQ (it isn’t).

Having been used since ancient times as a remedy to treat various ailments, this now-trendy product is made using natural ingredients including bamboo and coconut shells, which are broken down into minute pieces.

The charcoal is then treated with oxygen and heated to a very high temperature, causing it to develop microscopic holes and change its structure, becoming more porous.

This new texture has a negative electrical charge, allowing the activated charcoal to attract toxins, gases, and other nasties in the air, including bad smells. 

Activated charcoal doesn’t get absorbed by your gut, meaning the toxins and chemicals it attracts are eliminated through stool instead of being absorbed into your system.

This makes it a particularly popular method for reducing flatulence, according to Healthline.

Activated charcoal has a list of health benefits.

It’s widely known for its household and cosmetic purposes, with charcoal toothpastes used for teeth whitening, charcoal face masks for skin treatment, and charcoal deodorant to help control body odor – although there is limited evidence to support claims these products help in a significant manner.

Activated charcoal may also help to filter water, by removing chlorine, heavy metals, and other unwanted substances from tap water. 

There are various medical uses for activated charcoal. Since as far back as the 1800s, activated charcoal has been used as an emergency anti-poison and overdose treatment due to its ability to absorb a drug by up to 74%, once ingested.

It also helps to promote kidney function through reducing the amount of waste products the body has to filter – which may be particularly beneficial to people who suffer with chronic kidney disease, according to some studies.

Plus, activated charcoal in foods may also help to lower cholesterol levels by absorbing “bad” cholesterol – meaning those chic black burger buns aren't just gram-worthy.

Activated charcoal is widely available at major online retailers including Amazon, and in supplement stores and pharmacies.

We’ve rounded up the best places to buy, so you can stock up on the black stuff.

There’s a wide variety of activated charcoal products available to buy on Amazon.

You’ll find everything from teeth whitening powder to charcoal shampoo, capsules and supplements, and even moisturizing bath bars.

Here are some top activated charcoal choices on Amazon:

Whether you want to stock up on your activated charcoal teeth whitening strips or relieve symptoms of bloating caused by gas, you’ll find the remedy at Walmart. 

You can even buy air purifying bags to hang up in your home – they’re chemical free, eco-friendly, safe for the whole family (even furry friends), and prevent any unwanted moisture or odors.

You’ll find a pick ‘n’ mix of activated charcoal products at Walmart below:

Your local Walgreens will stock a variation of activated charcoal products, but you may not have noticed if you don’t have a prescription for it. You’ll find a medley of soap bars, capsules, toothpastes, mouthwash, skin care treatment and beyond on the shelves and online – while some supplements may be provided over the counter.

You can find a handful of Walgreens activated charcoal products here:

Holland & Barrett stores are bursting with a wide variety of vitamins and supplements, natural beauty products, CBD, and more.

In fact, there’s so many supplements to be bought here you’ll leave the store practically shaking with the stuff.

You’ll find a selection of activated charcoal tablets and supplements, peel off masks, pimple potions, and plasters available in store or online – plus, you may even benefit from Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price, and if you spend £75 ($93.98), you get free US delivery.

Find activated charcoal capsules available at Holland & Barrett below:

If you’re heading to CVS Pharmacy, you’ll find a selection of activated charcoal products that can be purchased in store or over the counter, depending on whether you’re using it for cosmetic or medical reasons.

Activated charcoal will stay in the body until it is passed in stool, taking any toxins, chemicals, and other nasties it has absorbed with it.

Activated charcoal can be taken in various doses based on whether you are consuming it for cosmetic or medical purposes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no regulation on activated charcoal, but if you purchase charcoal supplements or powder there will likely be dosage instructions on the label.

In the case of drug poisoning or overdose, a medical professional should analyse a person’s condition before recommending a particular dosage.

Activated charcoal is safe for dogs when administered properly but must be approved first by your vet.

The substance can be mixed with water for your dog to drink or can be given orally as a medication. Activated charcoal is generally used after vomiting to help absorb any remaining toxins or acidic poison in the gastrointestinal tract your pet may have.

The recommended guideline for a single dose of activated charcoal is 1-5 grams per kilogram of your dog’s weight — however, we recommend consulting your vet before administering.

Activated charcoal is made from natural ingredients including coal, bamboo, wood pulp, and coconut shells that are broken down into tiny, fine pieces.

Yes, activated charcoal is considered safe in most cases, however, it can cause a few unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and constipation.

Since its known for its absorbing benefits, it may also stop the body from absorpting certain prescriptions or medications, so it is advised that you speak to your doctor before considering activated charcoal. 

In rare cases, consumption of this substance can be linked to bowel blockages, dehydration, and when taken for poison treatment, may even enter the lungs.

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