Bamboo charcoal is made up of pieces of the rapidly growing Moso bamboo, Phyllostachys edulis, plant. As the Moso bamboo matures, millions of tiny holes or pores form in the stalks. These tiny holes increase the surface area of the bamboo. As a result, a single gram (.035 ounces) of bamboo charcoal has as much as 600 square meters (718 square yards) of surface area. When the bamboo reaches the age of five, it is harvested and cut into pieces. These pieces undergo a firing process at temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit to create the bamboo charcoal.

To “activate” bamboo charcoal it is ground into a powder and injected with steam (no other chemicals). This “activation” process increases the surface area twofold. This large increase in surface area is what gives activated charcoal it's beneficial properties. The more surface available the faster the rate of adsorption. This means that the powder is able to adsorb (yes the word is adsorb) a greater volume of bacteria, toxins, and micro-particles. While regular bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal have the same adsorption abilities, activated carbon has a tighter hold on the substances it adsorbs.

Bamboo has become popular with environmentally conscious consumers because it is one of the most sustainable resources available. When harvested responsibly, bamboo can renew itself for generations without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. While activated wood charcoal has similar properties, activated bamboo charcoal is four times more porous than regular wood charcoal, which greatly increases its effectiveness to eliminate impurities and neutralize odors. The other considerations are that wood charcoal comes from “mixed woods.” Since we do not know the composition of mixed wood charcoal, it could pose a problem for folks with allergies or sensitivities. We also cannot answer other questions like, "where did the wood came from?" "was it harvested sustainably?" or "was it sprayed with pesticides?" Bamboo charcoal is an environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible ingredient. It is 100% natural and safe to use around pets and children.

Although the internet is jam-packed with loads of information about the benefits of activated charcoal, there have been no scientific studies conducted concerning the efficacy of activated charcoal in skincare. As with much of the information written about skin care, the evidence is anecdotal. Anecdotal evidence comes from actual life experiences and is not regarded as scientific evidence. However, so much of what we have learned in our history began as anecdotal evidence. Keeping this in mind, below are some of the properties of charcoal in skin care. Because of its natural ability to draw out dirt and debris from deep inside pores, activated bamboo charcoal has become a key ingredient in many skincare products. Activated charcoal.

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