Activated Charcoal Protein Bars and Polishing Scrub
You know activated charcoal is great for your skin, but did you know it's good for your body too? Get charcoal's benefits inside and out with these recipes.
Cost: $15
Equipment
- Food processor
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
Activated Charcoal Protein Bars
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup lucuma powder can substitute 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 12-15 whole soft, sticky Medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup coconut oil room temperature
- 2 tablespoons raw honey or brown rice syrup or more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 teaspoons activated charcoal
Activated Charcoal Polishing Facial Scrub
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap preferably unscented, lavender or another mild scent
- 1 tablespoon almond oil or jojoba, apricot kernel, or vitamin E oil
- 2 tablespoons brown or white rice flour finely ground
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons activated charcoal
- 2-3 drops lavender essential oil optional
Instructions
Activated Charcoal Protein Bars
- Place the almonds, oats, coconut, and lucuma powder in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel chopping blade. Process until finely ground. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Place the pitted dates into the food processor. Pulse a few times, then turn on high and let process until a thick paste forms. Stop motor, remove top, and scrape down sides. Add the coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process again until well-combined.
- Add the almond, oat, coconut, and lucuma mixture to the food processor, along with the activated charcoal. Pulse a few times, then process until the mixture comes together into a ball. There will be chopped nuts visible, but the mixture should be well-combined. If it doesn't come together or if it's dry and crumbly, add a little more honey and process again. It should feel soft and pliable like playdough.
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or waxed paper. Press the bar mixture into the pan in a smooth, even layer. Refrigerate or freeze until firm enough to cut into bars, then cut into 8 rectangles.
- To store, keep well-wrapped in waxed or parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Will keep about one week refrigerated, or several months frozen.
Activated Charcoal Polishing Facial Scrub
- In a small bowl, stir together the castile soap and oil. Add the rice flour, baking soda, and activated charcoal. The mixture may bubble up a bit. Keep stirring until smooth and creamy. Add the lavender essential oil, if using. Transfer to an airtight container and store in cool, dry place.
- To use, splash face with a little water so it is damp. Take 1-2 teaspoons of the scrub and gently apply to the face with fingertips in small, circular motions, being careful to avoid the area around the eyes. If desired, let the scrub sit on the face for a few minutes for extra oil-absorbing benefits. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat face dry. For best results, use several times a week. If the scrub becomes dry, add a little water or almond oil and stir again until creamy.
Notes
Activated charcoal, as part a healthy diet, can help the body eliminate extra toxins we encounter naturally and improve gut health. Externally, especially on the face, activated charcoal can help alleviate excess oil and clear out blackheads.
Aside from these two recipes, feel free to add it to smoothies, oatmeal, face masks, homemade toothpaste, you name it.