• Skin Care
• Complementary Medicine

Activated Charcoal: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

Published: July 16, 2025
Updated: July 16, 2025
4 mins

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from carbon-rich materials – like wood, coconut shells, bamboo, or peat – that have been heated to very high temperatures to increase their surface area. This “activation” process creates a porous structure that can trap toxins and chemicals, making it useful in medical and wellness settings.

Activated charcoal has been used in everything from face masks to detox drinks, but it’s also used in hospitals to treat certain types of poisoning. In this article, we’ll explore how activated charcoal is made, what it does in the body, and its potential health benefits. We'll also look at its most common forms – such as activated charcoal pills – and discuss when it might be helpful versus when to avoid it.

What is Activated Charcoal?

While charcoal is simply the carbon-rich material left over after burning organic matter without oxygen, activated charcoal goes through a specific treatment that makes it far more porous. This allows it to adsorb unwanted substances – meaning they stick to its surface, rather than being soaked in like with absorption. That porous structure gives it the ability to trap toxins in the body or environment, unlike the charcoal you’d use for grilling.

How is Activated Charcoal Made?

Activated charcoal is made through a two-step process. First, raw materials go through carbonization, where they’re heated in a low-oxygen environment to create charcoal. Then, the material is “activated” by exposing it to oxidizing gases or chemical agents at high temperatures. This activation process creates a highly porous structure, allowing the charcoal to trap toxins and chemicals effectively.

People often wonder how to make activated charcoal at home, especially with its rising popularity in DIY health and wellness circles. While it’s technically possible, it involves high heat, controlled environments, and chemical treatments – not to mention significant safety risks. For that reason, making activated charcoal at home is generally not recommended, especially when safer, high-quality options are readily available.

It’s also important to note that activated charcoal is not the same as regular grilling charcoal. Charcoal briquettes contain additives and fillers that are not safe for internal or skincare use. Activated charcoal is specifically processed for medical, cosmetic, or purification purposes.

Activated Charcoal Uses and Benefits

Thanks to its powerful adsorptive properties, activated charcoal is used across a wide range of medical, wellness, and environmental applications. In hospitals, one of the most established activated charcoal uses is for treating certain poisonings or drug overdoses. When administered shortly after ingestion, it can bind to harmful substances in the stomach and help prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

This same mechanism has led to growing interest in the benefits of activated charcoal for everyday digestive support. Many people take it to help relieve gas, bloating, or occasional diarrhea. There’s also curiosity around activated charcoal for food poisoning – especially if symptoms are caught early. While it may help reduce toxin absorption in some cases, the evidence is still limited, and it’s not a substitute for medical treatment.

Similarly, some people turn to activated charcoal for stomach bugs, hoping it will ease symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Although anecdotal reports are common, research is still emerging, and its effectiveness may vary depending on the cause and timing.

Outside of digestion, activated charcoal has carved out a role in beauty and self-care routines. It’s a popular ingredient in skincare products like masks and exfoliants, where it’s used to draw out impurities and reduce excess oil. In oral care, it appears in some whitening toothpastes – though experts continue to study its long-term effects on tooth enamel.

Beyond personal use, activated charcoal is widely used in water and air purification systems. Its porous structure makes it ideal for trapping contaminants, chemicals, and odors, reinforcing its reputation as a versatile detoxifying agent both inside and outside the body.

When Should You Take Activated Charcoal Pills?

Activated charcoal pills have become a popular go-to for those seeking quick relief from digestive discomfort, hangovers, or as part of trendy “detox” protocols. Their appeal lies in convenience – pre-measured doses that are easy to take on the go, without the mess of powders or homemade mixtures.

Some people use them for gas relief, occasional bloating, or after a questionable meal. Others take them proactively, hoping to absorb toxins from alcohol or processed foods. While these pills can be helpful in certain situations, especially when recommended by a healthcare provider, there are a few important caveats.

The biggest concern is overuse. Because activated charcoal can bind to a wide range of substances in the gut, it may also interfere with medications, vitamins, or nutrients if taken too frequently or at the wrong time. And while the idea of detoxing sounds appealing, the body already has its own built-in detox system – mainly the liver and kidneys.

Currently, strong clinical evidence is limited for many of the claims surrounding daily or long-term use of activated charcoal pills. As with any supplement, it’s best to approach them with caution and consult a healthcare provider before incorporating them into your routine.

How Long Does Activated Charcoal Stay in Your System?

Activated charcoal works in the digestive tract and isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, it binds to substances in the stomach and intestines and is then passed out of the body through your stool. For most people, a single dose moves through the system within 24 to 48 hours.

Its effects typically begin shortly after ingestion, depending on how full your stomach is and what you’ve consumed. While it’s effective in the short term, activated charcoal doesn’t stay active in the body for days – so repeated use isn’t usually necessary unless advised by a medical professional.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

While activated charcoal is generally considered safe when used occasionally and appropriately, it’s not without potential downsides. Some of the most common activated charcoal side effects include constipation, nausea, and black stools – a harmless but sometimes alarming effect due to the color of the substance.

More importantly, activated charcoal doesn’t just bind to toxins – it can also interfere with medications and essential nutrients if taken too close to meals or prescriptions. This can reduce the effectiveness of everything from antibiotics to antidepressants, which is why timing and dosage matter.

It’s also not recommended for everyone. People who are pregnant, have certain gastrointestinal conditions, or take daily medications should avoid activated charcoal unless advised by a doctor. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before use – especially if you plan to take it more than once or include it in a regular wellness routine.

Where to Buy Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is widely available both in stores and online. You can typically find it at health food stores, major pharmacies, and through online retailers that specialize in supplements or natural wellness products.

Activated charcoal comes in several forms, depending on how you plan to use it. Capsules and pills are popular for digestive support, while powdered versions are often used in DIY skincare, oral care, or detox recipes. You’ll also find it as an ingredient in some toothpastes and face masks.

Where Can I Learn More About Alternative Wellness Solutions?

If you're exploring options like activated charcoal, it's important to do so with trusted medical guidance. LifeMD connects you with a team of licensed healthcare providers who can help you navigate alternative wellness solutions safely and effectively. While activated charcoal may offer certain benefits, it also carries risks – especially if you’re taking other medications or managing a health condition. If you’re experiencing symptoms or need medical advice, talk to a healthcare professional before trying it on your own.

Make an appointment today to learn more. 

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now