The Vitamin Shoppe is your source for activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is a versatile and effective product. And yet, figuring out what stores sell activated charcoal can be tricky, especially if you’re looking for specialty variations such as activated charcoal powder or coconut charcoal products. At The Vitamin Shoppe, we have you covered with a variety of activated charcoal options that you can take as a supplement for digestive health or use in DIY wellness staples.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a carbon produced from a variety of materials like bamboo, wood, corn husks, coconut shells, and peat. Charcoal becomes activated when it's processed at very high temperatures that change its internal structure. Activated charcoal is more porous than regular charcoal, and the resulting powder has a number of uses in medical, dietary, and cosmetic applications.

How does activated charcoal work?

The porousness of activated charcoal lets it cling to toxins and chemicals in the digestive system and work to help prevent their absorption. The powder carries a negative charge that's attracted to positively charged molecules in gases and toxins. Since the early 1800s, activated charcoal has been used as a poison antidote by medical professionals.

How to use activated charcoal

When searching for activated charcoal powder in stores, you may discover there is more than one type of the product to consider. Depending on the version you choose, there are a number of different ways to use activated charcoal:

Take charcoal for digestive health

You can buy activated charcoal pills to take as a supplement for a range of benefits:

• Cholesterol levels: may bind cholesterol and cholesterol-containing acids in the stomach and prevent the body from absorbing them.
• Digestive system function: can absorb gas-producing substances in the stomach and colon.
• Kidney function: may work to reduce the amount of waste products your kidneys have to filter.

Not into swallowing pills? Try mixing activated charcoal coconut powder with a glass of water.

Make your own toothpaste

Use activated charcoal powder to support clean teeth. The charcoal may also work to whiten your teeth by absorbing and scrubbing away stain-causing substances. Simply dip a wet toothbrush into powdered charcoal and brush your teeth as normal.

Make your own facial mask

Activated charcoal can be used to draw out impurities from your pores. Mix two tablespoons of activated charcoal powder with ¼ cup coconut oil, ½ cup bentonite clay, and add water as needed. Apply to clean skin and allow the mask to dry before removing with a warm washcloth.

Add to your shampoo

Many types of charcoal-based shampoos are available to purchase, but it’s also easy to make your own. Just blend a few teaspoons of charcoal with your regular shampoo and enjoy the added cleaning power.

Deep-clean your skin

Harness the cleansing and detoxifying properties of activated charcoal to support clean, healthy skin. Make a deep-cleaning body scrub by adding two to three teaspoons of charcoal powder to your regular body wash.

Where do they sell activated charcoal?

If you’re ready to see what this impressive powder can do for you, you’ve come to the right place. Buy activated charcoal pills or powder at The Vitamin Shoppe online or in your nearest store. We have a great variety of super-powered activated charcoal from top-rated brands. Grab some today and see what you can do with it!