How to make an activated charcoal face mask at home

If you want to make your own spa-like face mask at home without the hefty spa price tag, you’ve come to the right place!

In the video above, we show you how to make a simple activated charcoal face mask using luxurious botanical powders – such as rose petal, hibiscus, marshmallow root, and cocoa powder – that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a spa.

A mask like this could easily retail for $40-60 for a single application. But you can make it yourself for a fraction of the cost. In fact, this entire jar costs only about $3 to make!

And it’s also super easy to make. All you have to do is mix some powders in a bowl, which takes 30 seconds total – and is exactly what professional spas do.

In this post, we explore the benefits of this mask and its key ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step process of making it, and share tips for customisation and ingredient substitutions. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Why you’ll love this face mask

Not only can you make this spa-like activated charcoal face mask in just 30 seconds and for a fraction of what a similar treatment would cost at a spa, but it also feels incredibly luxurious and indulgent on the skin.

And because you’re making a whole jar of it, you’ll have enough for multiple uses!

This mask is suitable for all skin types, though the activated charcoal makes it particularly lovely for oily or congested skin.

It contains gorgeous botanical ingredients like rose petal powder for radiance, marshmallow root and oat silk for soft skin, hibiscus for its gorgeous ruby colour, raw cacao for a natural chocolatey scent, and, of course, charcoal, which gives this mask a dark, rich colour. 

The final result also smells like a floral bouquet, which is just a treat for the senses.

Everything you’ll need to make this charcoal mask

Here’s everything you need to make this spa-like charcoal face mask. As you’ll see, you really don’t need much to make your own spa-like face mask at home!

Eequipment

Let’s start with equipment. You’ll need:

• A digital scale to measure your botanical ingredients accurately
• A bowl to mix everything in
• A spoon to combine your powder
• A coffee grinder (optional) if you want to make your blend finer, but most of these powders are already well-milled
• And a container to store your face mask – we used a glass jar

You can find all of this equipment online, in kitchenware shops, or on our Amazon storefront.

Before you start making this face mask, it’s also important to talk about safety.

When making this mask, make sure you’re wearing a face mask or covering at all times to protect your airways, as some powders – especially activated charcoal – can be irritating if inhaled.

Also tie your hair back and wash your hands before you start, and wear an apron and gloves to keep everything clean and hygienic.

Activated charcoal is notorious for staining almost anything it touches – from your hands, clothes, and countertops – so you’ll be glad to wear an apron and gloves! But don’t worry: it won’t stain your skin.

Ingredients

Next, ingredients! To make 50 grams of this charcoal mask, you’ll need:

• 15 grams of diatomaceous earth
• 12.5 grams of rose petal powder
• 7.5 grams of raw cacao powder
• 5 grams of marshmallow powder
• 4 grams of rice powder
• 2 grams of oat silk
• 1.5 grams of hibiscus powder
• And 2.5 grams of activated charcoal powder

You can find a full ingredient breakdown in the section below, and we also list some suggested ingredient suppliers at the end of this post.

Full ingredient breakdown

Before we show you how to make this luxurious activated charcoal face mask, here’s a breakdown of every ingredient we used, why we selected them, and their beneficial skin properties and benefits:

1. Diatomaceous earth

INCI: Diatomaceous Earth

First, you’ll need some diatomaceous earth.

If you’re wondering “what on earth is this?” (pun intended), it’s a special ingredient that comes from fossilised diatoms, which are single-celled organisms found in fresh water.

This powder is high in silica and various minerals that nourish and support the skin. We chose it because it has a high absorbency power, which helps draw impurities from your skin whilst providing gentle exfoliation.

2. Rose petal powder

INCI: Rosa Damascena Flower Extract

Up next, you’ll need some rose petal powder. This is a gorgeous and fragrant pink powder which is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

For centuries, rose has been used to perfume cosmetics, and here, it gives the face mask a soft, floral aroma.

We selected it because it helps cleanse and hydrate the skin, tighten pores, and brighten the complexion. 

3. Raw cacao powder

INCI: Theobroma Cacao Seed Powder

Next, you’ll need some raw cacao powder.

Cacao will give your face mask a rich chocolate scent, and make you want to eat it (but obviously, don’t!). It also helps make your face mask creamier, which creates an indulgent skin feel.

Raw cacao is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which help protect the skin from free radical damage. It’s also cheap and widely available in food stores. And chances are, you probably already have it in your cupboards!

4. Marshmallow powder

INCI: Althaea Officinalis Root Extract

Up next is marshmallow powder, which comes from the root of the marshmallow plant.

When you mix this powder with warm water, it creates a soft, runny, gel-like texture which creates a gentle, protective barrier on your skin, leaving it feeling calm, smooth, and moisturised rather than tight or stripped.

Traditionally, marshmallow root was used to soothe sore or irritated skin. It can even be applied directly to chapped or inflamed areas, which is why it works so well in gentle, skin-loving face masks like this one.

5. Rice powder

INCI: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder

And now for the rice powder!

Rice powder is wonderful for absorbing excess oils and reducing shine, plus it temporarily helps minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines. It’s what makes professional masks feel so smooth and refined, and gives this particular mask its unique velvety feel.

It’s also super cheap and widely available.

6. Oat silk (colloidal oat)

INCI: Colloidal Oat

You’ll also need some oat silk, which is just colloidal oatmeal that’s been processed until it feels like silk.

Colloidal oat powder contains a very special compound called beta-glucan, which is known as nature’s alternative to hyaluronic acid, and the husks of colloidal oatmeal provide exfoliating properties that help with smoothing the skin and removing dead surface skin cells.

This powder is also soothing, restorative, and perfect for mature or sensitive skin.

On top of all that, it helps to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and maintain hydration. What’s not to love?

If you’re curious to learn more about the skin’s barrier, you’ll enjoy this post:

Skin barrier 101: Essential guide for natural cosmetic formulators

7. Hibiscus powder 

INCI: Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract

We’ve also added hibiscus powder to this face mask.

Aside from its gorgeous ruby colour, hibiscus is also a source of vitamin C, which, together with its antioxidant and exfoliating properties, helps stimulate skin cell renewal. 

8. Activated charcoal powder

INCI: Activated Charcoal Powder

And last, but certainly not least, it’s time for our final and hero ingredient: the activated charcoal!

Activated charcoal powder helps the skin by detoxifying, deep cleansing it, and absorbing excess oil and impurities. It also gives this face mask its gorgeous, deep black, almost gothic colour.

Just be careful when working with charcoal, as it’s so fine that it can get everywhere!

That’s why we’re only using a small amount. It’s also all you need, as it’s incredibly effective in small doses for drawing out impurities and absorbing excess oil.

You can source all of these ingredients from the suggested suppliers list at the bottom of this post.

How to make this spa-inspired charcoal face mask

• Makes: 50g
• Estimated time: Approximately 30 seconds
• Level: Beginner-friendly

Step-by-step method:

And now for the best part: let’s make this activated charcoal face mask!

Once you try this and see just how easy and quick it is to make, you’ll never want to spend money on a spa face mask treatment again.

Here’s how to make it in just 2 easy steps and less than 30 seconds:

• Step 1: Weigh all your ingredients in a bowl & mix everything together

Start by weighing all your ingredients in a large clean bowl, taring your scale after each addition using the ‘tare’ button to reset the scale.

You’ll need 15 grams of diatomaceous earth, 12.5 grams of rose petal powder, 7.5 grams of raw cocoa powder, 5 grams of marshmallow powder, 4 grams of rice powder, 2 grams of oat silk, 1.5 grams of hibiscus powder, and 2.5 grams of activated charcoal powder.

Mix everything together until you get a uniform blend that looks almost volcanic in colour.

Tip: If you want a finer texture, you could grind your powders in a coffee grinder, but the powders should already be smooth enough to start with! 

• Step 2: Package & label!

And that’s it! You’ve just made your own professional spa-like face mask! How easy and quick was that?

All that’s left to do is to package your charcoal face mask in a jar and label it, and it’s ready to use! Store your mask in an airtight container away from moisture, and it’ll keep for months.

Using your activated charcoal face mask

To use your face mask, simply add about a teaspoon of the powder to a small bowl and mix it with a little water. You could also use floral water, milk, cooled green tea, or even your favourite toner if you wanted.

Adjust the consistency to your liking – add more liquid for a thinner mask, or less for a thicker, paste-like texture.

Next, apply it to your skin. You can use your fingers, but a mask brush makes the whole process feel much more like a spa treatment. Then simply relax and enjoy the experience!

Don’t let the mask dry completely on your skin. If it begins to feel tight, lightly mist your face with water or toner to keep it slightly damp.

Before rinsing it off, gently massage the mask with damp fingertips. The diatomaceous earth and rice powder will transform it into a mild exfoliant, helping to buff away dead skin cells as you remove it.

Tip: If you’d like, you could also activate your face mask with a bi-phase product like this easy-to-make bi-phase cleanser, so your mask doesn’t dry out. Or mix your mask powder with some of your favourite cream to create a luxurious and moisturising cream-type mask!

How to customise your charcoal face mask

One of the best things about this charcoal face mask – aside from how quick and easy it is to make – is that it’s fully customisable.

Try swapping hibiscus for strawberry powder, add coconut milk powder and reduce the diatomaceous earth, or experiment with different clays. Instead of marshmallow, you could also use other herbal powders such as moringa, nettle, or powdered chamomile, which is especially great for sensitive skin.

You could also replace the rose petals with some kind of fruit powder! Banana powder would work particularly well as it’s a superb natural moisturiser.

Just keep in mind that fruit powders tend to absorb more moisture than plant powders, which can make your blend slightly clumpy over time.

Can’t find every ingredient? No problem – you can substitute almost any plant powder. Practically everything works with this mask, and that’s the beauty of it.

Tip: Have a look at the different powders available to you and check their skin benefits, colour, and scent before purchasing them to create a blend that’s uniquely yours and suited to your skin.

This is the stage where the mask really becomes your own, and it’s an incredibly fun and exciting step. It’s also exactly what professional formulators do, but more on that below!

Anyone can formulate + your next steps

We hope you enjoyed this post and give this activated charcoal face mask a go! If you do, why not take a photo or video and tag us on social media using #FormulaBotanica? We’d love to see how your mask turned out!

Hopefully, this post also showed you just how easy it is to make your own spa-worthy face mask at home.

The truth is, anyone can make a spa-like face mask at home. The markup at spas is mostly for the experience and service – not because making the mask is actually complicated or expensive. As you saw, all you really need are a few powders and a bowl.

And this is true for almost any skincare or haircare product out there. You can make your own safe, effective, and professional-grade cosmetic products just as easily, and from the comfort of your home, and we teach you how in our award-winning courses.

Start with our free training to discover just how easy it is to create your own professional-quality products at home!

Suggested suppliers

Below is a list of recommended suppliers you can use to source the ingredients to make this spa-inspired charcoal face mask:

INKY Ingredients (UK)

Aroma-Zone (EU)

Aromantic (UK)

Alexmo Cosmetics (EU)

Manske (EU)

The Soap Kitchen (UK)

Ellemental  (EU)

Lotioncrafter (USA)

Essential Labs (USA)

Go Native NZ (New Zealand)

Naturally Balmy (UK)

O&3 – The Oil Family (UK/EU)

Soap & More (Canada)

Handymade (EU)

Formulator Sample Shop (USA)

FAQ

• What is a face/facial mask?

Facial masks are concentrated treatments designed to be used on occasion rather than daily. They often contain high-potency ingredients that help address specific skin concerns.

Masks come in many other forms, from gel and clay-based formulas to superfood and gel-to-milk types, and show you how to make all these in this post dedicated to face masks.

• What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a natural ingredient made from organic materials, mostly coconut shells, which has a sponge-like structure that absorbs impurities.

In skincare, it helps remove excess oil, dirt, and sebum, which is why it’s often described as “pore-cleansing,” “detoxifying,” or “blackhead” removing. Activated charcoal face masks have become a popular skincare treatment in recent years.

• Why is it called ‘activated’ charcoal?

As we said, charcoal is residual matter produced by burning materials such as wood and coconut shells. This matter then goes through various processes, such as steam treatment, during which the surface area is expanded, and the charcoal becomes ‘activated’.

According to one study, 50 grams of charcoal powder after activation can have a surface area as big as 17 football pitches. How amazing is that? That’s why we don’t need to use a lot of charcoal in this face mask to make it effective.

When working with activated charcoal powder, always make sure you wear a protective face mask. It is a fine powder and can irritate your airway when breathed in. It also stains, so make sure you’re wearing an apron and gloves.

• How can I activate my charcoal mask?

To activate your mask, simply mix a teaspoon of your powder with water, a floral water, or even your favourite toner. You could also try using milk or cold green tea! Adjust the liquid-to-powder ratio based on your preferred consistency.

• How do I use this mask?

Apply your charcoal face mask to clean skin using a mask brush or your fingertips. Try not to let the mask dry completely. If it starts to feel tight, lightly mist your face with water, floral water, or toner to keep it comfortable on the skin.

Before rinsing it off, gently massage your skin with damp fingertips to gently exfoliate your skin. Then simply rinse the mask off with water, pat your skin dry, and follow with your favourite moisturiser!

• Can I customise this charcoal mask?

Absolutely! You can use any other clay or powder to fully make it your own!

For example, you could use clays like pink or green clay, herbal powders like chamomile or lavender, or fruit powders like strawberry and banana. Play around with the different scent and colour combinations, as a professional formulator would!

• Where can I learn how to formulate professionally?

Join us at Formula Botanica, where tens of thousands of students and followers have taken our free and paid award-winning online courses to learn how to formulate organic skincare and haircare for themselves or to sell.

Start with our free training and learn the secrets behind making professional-grade products from the comfort of your home!

Lorraine Dallmeier

Lorraine Dallmeier is a Biologist, Chartered Environmentalist and the CEO of Formula Botanica, the award-winning online organic cosmetic science school. Read more about Lorraine and the Formula Botanica Team.