One at home whitening treatment that has grown in popularity quickly over the past couple years is activated charcoal powder teeth whitening.


Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is a is a finely milled black powder made from coconut shells, bone char, olive pits, coal, sawdust, or other materials.


The first documented use of activated charcoal was around 3750 B.C when it was first used by the Egyptians for smelting ores to create bronze.


Since then it has been used to treat various ailments such as poison, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, wounds and more. Because of its porous nature, activated charcoal has the ability to trap chemicals and prevent their absorption.


Therefore it stands to reason that activated charcoal can work in a similar way on your teeth - by absorbing and fighting tooth stains and discoloration.

Summary of the Top 10 Best Activated Charcoal Powder:

 

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Top 10 Best Teeth Whitening Activated Charcoal Powder for 2020

1. Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder Natural

This powder is made from very high-quality coconut; this makes the powder effective yet easy on your gums at the same time. Using activated charcoal, the powder purifies and detoxifies your teeth.


You should start seeing results with one or two applications of this powder, and you should use it twice per day.


Along with coconut charcoal powder, the powder formula used has bentonite, which remineralizes your teeth and absorbs toxins. There’s also orange seed oil to make the experience of rubbing the powder over your gums and teeth smooth.


The orange seed oil keeps the powder from being inflammatory and has antiseptic qualities. Overall, the powder is designed to be healthy and easy on your mouth over time.


This powder is made in the USA and doesn’t use hardwood in any part of its formula; this is intended to protect your teeth from any kind of damage whatsoever.


It’s great for removing stains from coffee, wine, cigarettes, and other foods or drinks which have a tendency to darken the teeth over time.


Once you’ve attained the right level of whiteness, you can always keep using the powder once in a while to maintain the same shade of color that you prefer.


This isn’t the most expensive charcoal on our list, but it is somewhat pricey. However, it makes up for the cost with its great powder formula, which is one of the most innovative and comfortable whitening powders on the market.

Pros

  • Great powder formula
  • Orange seed oil makes powder taste and feel great
  • Easy application and results in two uses

Cons

  • Somewhat pricey

2.Ecco Pure Activated Charcoal Natural Teeth Whitening Powder

This charcoal is made in the UK and comes from a long line of charcoal powder manufacturers dedicated to quality and consistency.


The powder formula is not mixed with any synthetic chemicals or colors, keeping it pure and simple. It’s made with activated coconut charcoal, bentonite clay, and ginger root extract, which adds some flavor and makes the entire experience gentler on your gums. The ginger root also makes your breath smell better after the fact.


The powder is great for removing the standard assortment of stains and long-term discoloration commonly-seen on teeth as people age and drink.


This includes coffee, wine, and tobacco products. It’s very fine in terms of grain size, making it perfect for use with teeth that are in the back of the mouth or stains that are hidden in crevices between teeth.


The powder also has a mild polishing effect on teeth; not only does it make them whiter, but it makes them shine and appear brand new.


This polishing effect protects enamel and long-term tooth health, making it a great addition to a cosmetic health routine every night before bed.


The jar is a great selling point, too; it’s sized at 75mL, which is enough powder to potentially last for months on end if it’s used properly. This powder should be applied twice daily, and without putting too much on your brush at one time.


This powder is a great product that’s affordable and provides great value for its asking price. The larger tub of the product is a nice bonus, too.

Pros

  • Great amount of powder for purchase
  • Powder formula is good
  • Tooth polishing effect

Cons

  • None

3. Sunatoria Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder

This powder is formulated to remove the usual variety of stains from food and drink as well as dark spots and plaque. Dark spots can sometimes occur due to bad tooth health or simple genetics, while plaque buildup can harm your teeth over time.


Applying this powder, therefore, helps to whiten your teeth and protect them from infection and damage that will normally be required to be fixed by a dentist.


The enamel health of your teeth is safe thanks to the composition of the powder. It has a low abrasivity score of 55, a great score for the tooth whitening powder market.


The charcoal powder is still made the excellent ingredients despite this focus on safety: coconut charcoal, coconut oil, and orange seed oil. It’s also made with orange extract and mint flavoring to enhance your experience and make your breath smell fresh after application.


 The price is very reasonable for the amount of powder you get in the jar, and it’s made in the UK, which is always a great sign. 


Overall, this powder is a good purchase that emphasizes easiness on the surface of your teeth, so if you’re concerned about your long-term tooth solidity you might pick this up.

Pros

  • Powder formula for sensitive teeth
  • Protects and whitens at the same time
  • Great mint flavor

Cons

  • Not the finest powder on the market might have difficulty with crevices

4. MayBeau Organic Activated Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder (2 Pack)

Here we have a teeth whitening powder 2-pack, making this a great bargain for those on a budget. The powder is made with all-natural, organic ingredients such as activated coconut charcoal.


It’s also formulated with calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate, which are mild abrasives designed to remove plaque safely while brushing without harming the surface of your teeth. It’s also got a little xylitol, which prevents tooth decay and fights harmful microbes.


There’s plenty of this powder in each container and a mint finisher has been added to freshen your breath and make sure that you’re comfortable the entire time you’re brushing through your routine.


The set also comes with two bamboo toothbrushes, eliminating the need for you to buy or find your regular toothbrush. You can take the entire set with you when traveling, for instance.


The fact that you get two times the powder with this purchase really makes it a great buy for those who are looking for the most bang for their buck. The fact that they don’t skimp on their powder formula is even better. Altogether, this is an excellent product.

Pros

  • Comes with 2 brushes
  • Great powder formula
  • Protects teeth while whitening
  • 2 Pack

Cons

  • Not the finest powder consistency
  • Toothbrushes are nice, but a little cheap

5. Purean Teeth Whitening Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder

This is the most expensive powder on our list, but it’s definitely worth the cost. Its powder formula is powerful enough to start showing you results within minutes of application; the powder is made from coconut charcoal and other totally-organic ingredients.


It’s a great stain remover from those incurred from common vices or dark liquids, and it’s anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. This leads to exceptional mouth health over time.


It’s got excellent absorption properties that breaks up plaque and makes it easy to remove with your brush; this has a side-effect of protecting the enamel on your teeth, too.


The powder is great for sensitive teeth and is easy on gums thanks to its low levels of abrasion. It’s also fine enough to work into crevices and narrow spaces between teeth, ensuring a whole-mouth whitening effect. A mint flavor added to the formula freshens your breath after you’re done.


The two-ounce bottle is enough for sustained whitening over time, which is great because of the price. However, you shouldn’t need to buy replacements so often that you feel that your wallet is hurting. Overall, this is one of the best premium whitening powders on the market.

Pros

  • Excellent powder formula
  • Plenty of powder in the package
  • Excellent protective and whitening properties

Cons

  • Expensive

6. Black Pearl Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Tooth Powder

This powder is made in the USA and is very high-quality. The materials put into its formula are non-toxic and all-natural. It uses organic activated coconut charcoal, bentonite clay from California, peppermint for a refreshing aftertaste and a freshening of your breath during the routine, and baking soda to break down plaque and the materials which linger on teeth, causing stains.


The baking soda does make this a little harder on your teeth than some other powder formulas, although it won’t be necessarily harmful if you already have healthy teeth in the first place.


The powder will be fine for gums, however, and enamel should be safe during daily use. It’s just not quite as perfect for sensitive teeth as some other powders we’ve reviewed.


However, the baking soda is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, so if eliminating odor and getting rid of plaque with gusto is on your agenda, you should definitely consider this particular power.


This formula requires you to brush for three minutes, which is a little longer than the industry standard. However, this is only to ensure that the plaque and stain particles are removed thoroughly during your brushing routine.


In the end, this is a fine whitening powder that’s best for those with really tough teeth and stains that need to be removed with some force.

Pros

  • Tough powder formula
  • Excellent against plaque

Cons

  • Slightly-longer routine
  • Not as good for sensitive teeth and gums as other powders

7. Burt’s Bees Activated Coconut Charcoal Powder

Burt’s Bees has been around for a long time, and their charcoal powder is another great product in their line. It’s gentle enough to be used once a day, which is tougher than some powders but gentler than others.


It doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or sweeteners, so you’re not covering your teeth with sugar or unhealthy materials. This includes microbeads, which are harmful both for humans and for the environment when they inevitably end up in sewage and nature.


This powder should be used nightly instead of in the morning, and for best results, regular brushing should occur beforehand to remove large pieces of food.


However, this powder is excellent at getting rid of plaque and bacterial particles. Used with toothpaste, this charcoal powder is certain to create a healthy environment for your mouth.


This powder is a bit expensive, although it’s not the most expensive jar we’ve reviewed. It makes up for it in terms of powder quality and consistency, as you won’t find many jars that have a better, totally-natural powder composition.

Pros

  • Great powder formula, safe for humans and the environment
  • Good amount of powder in the jar
  • Removes plaque

Cons

  • A little on the expensive side

8. Pexup Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder

This well-priced charcoal powder is very fairly-priced and is sized as an extra-large tub, enough for two ounces of powder. This is appropriate since it's made in the USA.


The powder formula is made with all of the great ingredients which are also natural, such as organic coconut charcoal, and is also vegan for those of you interested! It’s extremely fine, perfect for rubbing into tooth crevices and narrow spaces where stains tend to form over time.


It has one of the highest absorption rates of any whitening powder, making it exceptional at removing stains and plaque on the surface of teeth.


Despite its fine grain-size, it’s wonderful for sensitive teeth and corrects pH imbalances in your mouth as you use it. This leads to a healthier bacterial biome and a better-smelling mouth as time goes on. It’s safe for your enamel, too, of course.


Finally, it has a mint freshener included in the formula to make the experience comfortable.


 You only need to use this powder for one to two minutes once or twice a day to see results. For everything that comes with the purchase, and the reasonable price, you can’t deny that this powder is one of the best jars we’ve reviewed. Pick this up if you want a great, all-around winner.

Pros

  • Fantastic powder formula
  • Large jar, plenty of powder
  • Protects and cleans teeth
  • Freshens breath
  • Vegan

Cons

  • None

9. Arishine Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder Natural

This powder uses a special kind of gray coconut charcoal powder for added dental health effects. In addition to the charcoal, it’s composed of orange seed oil, baking soda, sucralose, and a mint flavoring to add breath freshening to your routine.


It’s free from materials that might harm your teeth or gums, although the presence of baking soda means that people with very sensitive mouths might find this formula to be a little too tough.


However, a benefit of the baking soda is the polishing effect it has on your teeth. At the end of a brushing routine, you’ll find that your teeth shine like they’re brand new.


The powder also removes plaque very effectively, again, thanks to the presence of the baking soda. A pH balancer ensures that your mouth will become healthier the more you use the powder.


This is a great powder for those with tougher stains or plaque buildups and who need a powder that can get all of their dental jobs done. When used with toothpaste and regular dental care, this powder will allow users to brandish a truly-fantastic smile.

Pros

  • Great, tough powder formula designed to take on tough stains
  • Polishes and makes teeth shine
  • Great price and amount of powder in purchase

Cons

  • Somewhat rough on sensitive teeth

10. Fairywill Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder

This powder uses food-grade coconut charcoal; this means that only the finest coconuts are used in the composition of this particular powder.


It’s also made with bentonite clay and peppermint oil. The simple formula matches up with the cheap asking price, although to say it’s not effective would be false. It gets the job done without a lot of extra ingredients, focusing instead on the most important, core aspects of whitening powder.


The formula does do great work with absorption rate and plaque removal, too. The simple powder strengthens your enamel over time; this is invaluable because you can't replace enamel that you lose over your life.


You can only make what is left as healthy and as strong as possible. It does a good job at removing stains from coffee, wine, and other dark food and drink products, and it’s very sensitive on your gums. Those with sensitive mouths don’t need to worry about this powder.


This powder gives you results really quickly, too. You’ll start seeing whiter teeth within one or two uses of the powder, and you can use it twice daily: once in the morning and once in the evening.


After only one week, you should see the long-term results you’ve been thinking about. It’s been dentist recommended for detoxification and purification of the mouth.


This isn’t just a budget choice for those looking to limit their spending; it’s a great product overall. The very affordable price is just an extra bonus.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Simple formula
  • Dentist recommended
  • Fast results

Cons

  • None

Teeth Whitening Activated Charcoal Powder

How Does Charcoal Whitening Work?

Activated charcoal works by adhering to the rough portions of your teeth, like plaque. It then ‘absorbs’ the surface stains and when it is washed away, it takes those stains and plaque with it.

But how?


Activated charcoal has a negative electrical charge that allows it to attract positively charged substances like toxins. To put it simply, activated charcoal is essentially a natural adhesive. And its natural qualities are part of what make it so popular.


While (most) other whitening treatments rely on chemical whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal is completely natural.


But does it actually whiten teeth?


While there is still little scientific evidence to prove that activated charcoal successfully whitens teeth, there are plenty first-hand accounts that prove its validity.


One beauty editor performed a two week experiment testing the effects of activated charcoal and claimed her teeth were noticably whiter at the end of it. Other users have claimed similar results.

So, yes, activated charcoal does whiten teeth - but only to a certain degree.


Intrinsic VS Extrinsic

 

Of course, activated charcoal will work most successfully on surface stains and may have a harder time whitening deep-set stains or naturally yellowing teeth.


These surface-stains are called extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains can be remedied through toothpastes, rinses or natural whitening treatments like activated charcoal.


The deeper stains are intrinsic, and require stronger chemicals that can penetrate beneath the enamel layer of the tooth. (Or further research on activated charcoal to prove that it has an effect on intrinsic stains).


Therefore it’s important to be realistic about your expectations when using activated charcoal. If you have deep-set stains or teeth that are naturally yellowing due to age or other factors, you may need to opt for a stronger, chemicals treated whitening solution.

How to Use Activated Charcoal

There are a few different ways to use activated charcoal but the most popular way is to turn it into paste and brush with it.

Activated charcoal comes in a powder form, usually either in one large container or in smaller, individual capsules that you break open.

To use activated charcoal, start by wetting your toothbrush. Slowly sprinkle the activated charcoal powder onto your toothbrush and then brush for approximately 2-3 minutes. (You can also create a paste in bowl by mixing equal parts water and powder and then apply this to your toothbrush.)

The charcoal will begin to form a paste-like substance in your mouth as you brush, clinging to plaque and stains as you do so.

Continue brushing as normal and ensure that you have rinsed thoroughly when you are through. You want to make sure to remove all traces of the activated charcoal to prevent it from sinking into the gaps or cracks in your teeth, which could result in a residual black outline on your teeth.

One of the benefits to using activated charcoal as your teeth whitening technique is you do not have to clean your teeth beforehand - the charcoal will do all the work for you and remove any plaque or other substances. With most other whitening products, such as whitening strips or trays, you are required to brush your teeth prior to completing the treatment.

And because it is a natural ingredient, it is completely safe to ingest so you don’t need to worry about accidentally swallowing any chemical products while performing your whitening treatment.

So we know that activated has properties that make it an ideal teeth whitening solution. But in terms of your health…

Is Activated Charcoal Safe

There remain conflicting opinions on the effectiveness and safety of activated charcoal. Most people on the internet and those who have tried it do claim to have seen results. It’s hard not to be drawn to activated charcoal after seeing ad after ad of brilliant white teeth after its use.

But most dentists advise against using the substance due to its abrasive quality. Abrasive textures can wear down the outermost layer of your teeth, the enamel.

Enamel plays an important role in protecting your teeth and cannot be restored. When enamel is worn down, the dentin layer beneath is exposed, which can cause increased tooth sensitivity and more yellowing.

Even the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet granted activated charcoal their seal of approval. In a 2017 journal entry, they announced that activated charcoal requires much more study and research to determine its validity and safety.

Therefore, use caution when opting for activated charcoal as your tooth whitening treatment.

Can anyone use activated charcoal?
 

Those with dental restorations such as veneers, crowns or otherwise are advised to be cautious when using activated charcoal. Like most whitening solutions, activated charcoal can not whiten non-natural teeth and may actually end up discoloring the very dental restorations you are attempting to whiten.

In addition, activated charcoal can make its way into the cracks and crevices of dental restorations, resulting in a grey or black line around restoration margins.



Post Treatment

Like all whitening treatments, it’s important to implement proper follow-up care. Taking care of your teeth after treatment can help whitening effects last longer and protect your teeth.

Soft-Bristled Brush: Using a soft-bristled brush after an activated charcoal treatment will limit the abrasiveness on your teeth. (It’s also recommended to use a soft-bristled brush when applying the activated charcoal to avoid being too rough.)

Regular Dental Visits: Regular dental visits are important - in general and when you are performing at home whitening treatments. Your dentist can let you know of any issues that might prevent whitening or can let you know if you’re doing anything to harm your teeth.

Stain-Causing Substances - Limit how many staining substances you consume such as coffee, red wine, red meats, tea and dark sodas to keep your teeth whiter for longer

Pros and Cons of Activated Charcoal

Let’s go over the pros and cons of activated charcoal below:

Pros

  • Chemical-Free - One of the biggest draws of activated charcoal is the fact that it contains zero chemicals. While other whitening treatments rely on hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth, activated charcoal contains only natural ingredients. Using activated charcoal over other methods can help prevent tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
  • Tasteless and Odorless - Unlike some other whitening treatments, activated charcoal won’t leave a chemical taste in your mouth. The substance has no taste or smell, making it the perfect option for those who might be sensitive.
  • Immediate Results - After just one brushing users claim to have see whiter teeth. This is faster than other (at home) whitening methods that may take a few days or even weeks to yield results.

Cons

  • Abrasive - Some dentists warn that activated charcoal is too abrasive for teeth and can do permanent damage. The texture of the charcoal can erode the enamel of the teeth, which cannot be restored. In addition, when the enamel is worn down, the dentin layer beneath can show through. This layer of tooth is naturally yellow so you can actually end up reversing the whitening effects.
  • No ‘Official’ Evidence: There is no official scientific evidence that activated charcoal has any substantial effect on tooth color and it is not an approved teeth whitening method under ADA.
  • Won’t Help Deep Stains - Activated charcoal is great for absorbing and removing surface stains but will not be able to remedy deep tooth stains or discoloration. Those stains will need to be treated with stronger ingredients. Talk to your dentist about possible whitening options.

What to Look For In Activated Charcoal

Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) - The RDA scale is one that measures the abrasiveness of substances on teeth. In general, it’s recommended to use products that rank lower than 250 on the RDA scale. When shopping for activated charcoal, try to find a product with a low RDA. This will help prevent too much wear and tear on your teeth.


How Much Does Activated Charcoal Cost?

Compared to other whitening treatments in its field, charcoal teeth whitening is very affordable. You can often get a container of activated charcoal powder for under $15.00.


Tips for Using Activated Charcoal

Avoid being too abrasive on your teeth and getting the most out of your teeth whitening experience by implementing the following tips:


Alternate Days - To avoid wearing down your enamel, try alternatively your activated charcoal with a less abrasive fluoride toothpaste.


Moderation - Try to limit how often you brush with activated charcoal to give your teeth time to heal from any abrasiveness caused by the charcoal.


Apply With Your Finger - Some people suggest applying the paste to your teeth with your finger rather than a toothbrush to avoid being too rough.


Use as a Rinse - You could even opt to not brush with activated charcoal at all and instead use it as a rinse. Combine water with the activated charcoal as usual (you may need a little more water for this technique) and then swish it around in your mouth for a minute. Let it sit in your mouth for approximately 3-5 minutes more before rinsing it out thoroughly.


In conclusion:

 

Because the dental jury is still out on the exact safety and effectiveness on activated charcoal, it’s important to use care and caution when opting for this particular whitening treatment.

Try to find activated charcoal that has an RDA rating of less than 250.


Use activated charcoal occasionally and alternate it with a fluoride toothpaste.

If you have sensitive teeth, opt to place the activated charcoal paste with your finger or turn it into a rinse.


But there is no denying that activated charcoal has the ideal properties that make it a great, natural whitener - and it clearly yields results! As with any whitening treatment, always consult with your dentist prior to application.