Bamboo Activated charcoal

Product Information

CosmySupplies supplies Bamboo Activated Charcoal cosmetic grade (INCI: Charcoal Powder, CAS 16291-96-6) in India. A fine black odourless powder produced by kiln activation of Mosso bamboo at over 1000 degrees Celsius. Used as a cosmetic absorbent, mattifying agent, gentle abrasive, and natural black pigment in face masks, cleansers, bar soaps, scrubs, and scalp treatment products. Particle size max 50% at 9.0 micrometres. Heavy metals: arsenic max 2 ppm, lead max 10 ppm, mercury max 1 ppm. 100% natural origin, renewable bamboo source. COA available on request. Shipped from Bengaluru across India. Available at cosmysupplies.com.

INCI: Charcoal Powder | CAS: 16291-96-6 | EC: 240-383-3 | COSING REF: 55298 | Grade: Cosmetic

Source: Mosso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) | Activation: Kiln at over 1000 degrees Celsius | Distributor: KIMIKA LLC, USA

Form: Fine black powder | Colour: Black | Odour: Odourless | Moisture: max 12% | Ash: max 7%

Granulometry: max 50% of particles at or below 9.0 micrometres

Heavy metals: Arsenic max 2 ppm | Lead max 10 ppm | Mercury max 1 ppm

Functions: Abrasive, Absorbent, Opacifying

Natural origin | Renewable resource | 100% plant-derived

Benefits

High surface area adsorption

Activated charcoal functions through adsorption — not absorption. The distinction matters for how this ingredient works and how claims should be framed. Adsorption is a surface process: molecules adhere to the large external and internal pore surface of the charcoal particle through Van der Waals forces. Activated charcoal has an exceptionally high surface-area-to-mass ratio due to the porous structure created during high-temperature activation. This porous network creates binding sites for sebum, surface oils, and environmental residues that come into contact with the charcoal particle on the skin surface. In rinse-off formulations such as cleansers, masks, and cleansing bars, this adsorption occurs during the time the product remains in contact with the skin and is removed when the product is rinsed off. The function is surface cleansing, not internal detoxification.

Natural black pigment: achieves intense black without synthetic dyes

Charcoal Powder is listed as an Opacifying agent in EU CosIng and functions as a natural black colorant in cosmetic formulations. It produces an intense, uniform matte black colour in masks, soaps, and skin care products without the use of synthetic black pigments or dyes. For brands positioning products as naturally pigmented or free from synthetic colorants, bamboo activated charcoal is the primary natural black ingredient available at cosmetic grade. At concentrations of 0.5 to 2% it produces a deep grey to black tint. At 5% and above it produces a dense, opaque black. The fine particle size at median below 9.0 micrometres ensures smooth colour distribution without graininess in the finished product.

Gentle physical exfoliation in masks and scrubs

The EU CosIng Abrasive function of Charcoal Powder refers to its ability to physically remove materials from the body surface during mechanical application. In a face mask or scrub at 5 to 15%, the fine charcoal particles provide mild physical exfoliation of the outer dead skin cell layer and surface debris during the application and removal process. The abrasion is gentle at this particle size versus larger granular exfoliants. The combination of physical exfoliation and surface adsorption in the same particle makes charcoal masks particularly efficient at surface cleansing: the physical action loosens surface debris and the adsorption binds the loosened material to the charcoal particle for removal during rinsing.

Mattifying effect in skin care and makeup formulations

Activated charcoal at 1 to 5% in skin care formulations functions as a mattifying agent by adsorbing surface sebum on oily skin, reducing the visible shine associated with excess sebum production. In makeup formulations including foundations, primers, and setting powders, it contributes a matte finish. The Absorbent function of Charcoal Powder in EU CosIng covers both water and oil adsorption, making it effective as a mattifier in both water-based and oil-containing formulations. The effect is cosmetic surface-level sebum control, not a pharmaceutical sebum regulation mechanism.

Bamboo source

Mosso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is one of the fastest-growing plant species on earth, reaching full height in 3 to 5 years. The bamboo was harvested at 5-year age, after full maturity, from a non-polluted source. Bamboo requires no pesticides, irrigation, or replanting after harvest as it regenerates from its root system. For brands building natural, renewable, or sustainable product claims, bamboo activated charcoal is a more compelling origin story than coal-derived, coconut shell-derived, or wood-derived activated carbons in terms of consumer communication. The 100% natural origin designation is consistent with the plant-origin, kiln-activation process.

Versatile across multiple product formats from rinse-off to colour cosmetics

The TDS dosage range of 0.5 to 5% for daily use and 5 to 30% or more for special use and makeup covers a wide formulation territory. At the low end, 0.5 to 2% in a liquid cleanser or toner provides mild mattifying and adsorption effects. At 5 to 15% in a wash-off face mask it provides the visible charcoal aesthetic, adsorption activity, and mild exfoliation. At 20 to 30% in a peel-off mask, it provides the dense black texture and intensive surface adsorption characteristic of the charcoal peel-off format. At 0.5 to 2% in bar soap, it provides visual differentiation and mild adsorption without staining the lather excessively. This multi-format utility across both skin and hair care and colour cosmetics is what makes this a high-utility single stock item.

Applications and Usage Rates

For wash-off face masks

Use at 5 to 15% in clay-based or gel-based wash-off face masks. At 5 to 8%, the mask has a deep grey appearance and moderate charcoal benefit. At 10 to 15%, it produces a dense, intensely black mask with maximum adsorption activity. Combine with kaolin or Tersil CB at 20 to 30% for a comprehensive mattifying and cleansing mask. Disperse the charcoal powder in a small amount of glycerin or a humectant carrier before adding to the water or clay base to prevent dry clumping and ensure even colour distribution.

For peel-off masks

Use at 10 to 30% in PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or gum-based peel-off mask formulations. At 20 to 30%, it produces the dense black peel-off texture that has strong consumer visual appeal. The adsorption activity is maximised at higher concentrations during the time the mask is in contact with skin before peeling. Ensure the peel-off base polymer is compatible with charcoal powder at the intended concentration before committing to a full-scale formula.

For cleansers and foaming products

Use at 0.5 to 5% in liquid cleansers, foaming gels, and micellar formulations. At 0.5 to 1%, the cleanser has a grey to light black tint and provides mild adsorption activity during the contact time before rinsing. At 3 to 5%, the cleanser is visibly black and provides stronger adsorption. Charcoal is compatible with most anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactant bases used in facial cleansers. Disperse in a small amount of water or glycerin before adding to the surfactant base to prevent powder agglomeration.

For bar soaps

Use at 0.5 to 5% in cold-process and melt-and-pour bar soap formulations. At 1 to 2%, the soap has a streaked or marbled grey appearance. At 3 to 5%, it produces a uniformly dark grey to black bar. Bamboo activated charcoal is stable in the high-pH environment of saponified soap (pH 9 to 10). Disperse in a small amount of oil or water before adding to the soap base for even colour distribution.

For scrubs and exfoliants

Use at 5 to 15% in physical scrub formulations where charcoal provides both colour, mild abrasion, and surface adsorption. Combine with larger granular exfoliants (rice bran, sugar, salt) where stronger physical exfoliation is required alongside the charcoal adsorption effect. At 5 to 10% as the sole exfoliant for sensitive skin scrubs where a very mild physical action is desired.

For scalp treatments and hair care

Use at 2 to 5% in scalp cleansing masks, pre-shampoo treatments, and scalp scrubs. The adsorption activity of activated charcoal on the scalp removes excess sebum, product build-up, and environmental residues from the scalp surface. Combine with Tersil CB (Black Kaolin) at 2 to 4% for a synergistic scalp purifying treatment. For shampoos, use at 0.5 to 2% for a charcoal-infused cleansing base with mild adsorption and natural black pigmentation.

For colour cosmetics and special effects makeup

Use at 5 to 30% or more in colour cosmetics applications including black eyeliner, kajal, mascara (when formulated appropriately with safety data), black nail polish additives, and theatrical black makeup. At these high concentrations, charcoal functions primarily as a natural black pigment. Lead content at the maximum TDS specification of 10 ppm must be confirmed from the batch COA before using in eye area products. EU limits for lead in cosmetic products are 10 ppm in the finished product.

How to Use

Dispersion method

Bamboo Activated Charcoal is a fine dry powder that can form agglomerates if added directly to water-phase formulations. For best results, pre-disperse the powder in a small amount of glycerin, propylene glycol, or a carrier oil at approximately 5:1 ratio (wetting agent to charcoal) before adding to the main formulation. Stir or mill until a smooth, lump-free dispersion is achieved before incorporating into the bulk. Alternatively, use a high-shear mixer or three-roll mill for professional production settings.

Staining note

Bamboo activated charcoal will stain light-coloured equipment, work surfaces, and containers black. Use dedicated equipment for charcoal formulations or clean thoroughly with soap and water before switching to lighter-coloured formulations. The staining is from the carbon pigment and is not a safety concern, but requires good GMP housekeeping.

Inhalation precaution

Fine charcoal powder (particle size at or below 10 micrometres) presents an inhalation risk when weighed or processed in open environments. The TDS granulometry specification states that up to 50% of particles may be at or below 9.0 micrometres, which is within the respirable particle size range. Always use appropriate respiratory protection (N95 mask or enclosed weighing area) when handling quantities above 10g. This is standard practice for all fine cosmetic powders and is not specific to a toxicity concern of charcoal itself.

Claims You Can Make

For your label :

Natural Black Pigment | Bamboo-Derived | Plant Origin | Renewable Resource | Surface Adsorbing | Mattifying | Gentle Exfoliating | Oil-Absorbing | Cleansing | 100% Natural Origin | Odourless

For teeth whitening products only :

Whitening: use as: contains bamboo activated charcoal, used in teeth whitening and oral hygiene products. Product type qualification is mandatory. Do not use whitening language in any skin care context.

For your formulator brief:

INCI: Charcoal Powder  | CAS 16291-96-6  | COSING REF 55298 | EC 240-383-3 | Functions: Abrasive, Absorbent, Opacifying | Source: Mosso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), kiln-burned over 1000 degrees C  | Appearance: Black powder, odourless  | Moisture max 12%  | Ash max 7%  | Granulometry: max 50% at 9.0 micrometres | Arsenic max 2 ppm | Lead max 10 ppm | Mercury max 1 ppm  | Dosage: 0.5 to 5% daily use, 5 to 30% special use | Shelf life 24 months 

For formulation support or sample requests, contact the CosmySupplies team.

WhatsApp | Email: info@cosmysupplies.com

Technical Information

Pairs Well With

Kaolin (White) or Tersil CB (Black Kaolin)

The standard clay pairing for charcoal masks. Kaolin at 15 to 25% provides the clay base, adsorption, and texture. Bamboo Activated Charcoal at 5 to 10% adds visual impact, enhanced adsorption, and the natural black colour that gives charcoal masks their characteristic appearance. Tersil CB (Black Kaolin) can replace white kaolin for a fully black, high-adsorption mask system.

Glycerin

Humectant for face masks and cleansers. Glycerin at 3 to 5% balances the oil-absorbing, potentially drying effect of high-concentration charcoal in masks. Also used as the dispersion medium for charcoal powder before adding to the main formulation.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Mild amphoteric co-surfactant in charcoal cleansers and foaming masks. Provides the foam structure that carries the suspended charcoal particles to the skin surface and removes them during rinsing.

Xanthan Gum

Suspension thickener in liquid charcoal cleansers and charcoal-infused toners where the powder must remain evenly distributed throughout the product. At 0.3 to 0.5%, xanthan gum prevents charcoal sedimentation in liquid formats during shelf life.

Bentonite

High-swelling clay for peel-off and strong draw-off mask formats. Bentonite at 5 to 15% alongside bamboo activated charcoal at 5 to 15% creates a powerful draw-off mask with both clay mineral adsorption and activated charcoal adsorption acting simultaneously.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Conditioning polymer for charcoal-infused hair care products. In scalp purifying shampoos and pre-treatment masks containing bamboo activated charcoal, GHTC at 0.3% ensures the formula also delivers conditioning performance alongside the scalp cleansing and adsorption function.

Important Information

Bamboo Activated Charcoal will stain surfaces, equipment, and skin contact areas intensely black. Use dedicated equipment for charcoal formulations. The black staining is from the natural carbon pigment and is not a safety hazard, but requires appropriate workspace hygiene management.

This ingredient is for cosmetic formulation use only. The claims substantiated by the supplier TDS are limited to cosmetic function. This ingredient does not treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate any skin condition or disease. Brands must not make drug claims for finished products containing this ingredient in any market.

Lead content is specified at max 10 ppm in the raw material. Brands formulating at high concentrations above 20% must calculate and confirm the finished product lead contribution against the applicable regulatory limits in their target market. COA is available on request. No download link. Contact us via WhatsApp or email