Charcoal Cleanser
Charcoal Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A daily activated charcoal face wash formulated for men's skin. This Korean-made cleanser uses charcoal powder to draw out dirt, oil, and impurities while Centella Asiatica and botanical extracts help soothe and repair skin. Lathers into a creamy foam that rinses clean without stripping moisture.
Activated Charcoal Deep Clean
Charcoal powder acts as a magnet for dirt, oil, and pollutants lodged in pores, helping to detoxify skin without harsh scrubbing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYActivated Charcoal Deep Clean
Charcoal powder acts as a magnet for dirt, oil, and pollutants lodged in pores, helping to detoxify skin without harsh scrubbing.
Centella Asiatica (Cica) Repair
Gotu Kola extract contains active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside) that promote skin healing and reduce signs of aging.
Botanical Antioxidant Complex
Green tea, rosemary, licorice root, and chamomile extracts deliver a potent antioxidant shield while calming irritation.
Premium Essential Oil Blend
Rose, bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, and geranium oils provide aromatherapy benefits and mild antibacterial properties.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains multiple essential oils (bergamot, lemon peel, lavender, rosemary) that are generally cautioned during pregnancy. No retinoids or salicylic acid present. Consult your OB-GYN before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, and Sorbitan Olivate — fatty acids and esters that can feed Malassezia yeast.
Contains some potentially comedogenic ingredients (Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid) but as a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is minimal. Low risk of clogging pores with proper rinsing.
Contains Linalool and Limonene (fragrance allergens) and multiple essential oils. Contains BHT as a preservative. Patch test recommended for sensitive or reactive skin.
Uses amino acid-based surfactant (Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate) and coconut-derived cleansers instead of harsh sulfates like SLS or SLES.
This is a saponified cleanser (Potassium Hydroxide + fatty acids) with an estimated alkaline pH around 9. Not ideal for those who prefer low-pH cleansers to maintain the acid mantle.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCharcoal PowderProven
Activated charcoal is a highly porous carbon material known for its adsorption properties. It binds to micro-particles, excess sebum, and surface impurities on the skin, making them easier to rinse away.
- Mechanism: Adsorbs up to 100–200x its weight in impurities due to its massive surface area.
- Benefit: Helps unclog pores and control oiliness without chemical exfoliation.
- Note: Works best as a wash-off treatment; brief contact time limits deep-pore penetration.
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
Also known as Gotu Kola or Cica, this botanical powerhouse contains triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid) that stimulate collagen production and promote wound healing.
- Research: Multiple clinical studies confirm its ability to improve skin firmness and accelerate healing.
- Anti-aging: Stimulates Type I collagen synthesis, helping reduce fine lines over time.
- Soothing: Strong anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation.
Green Tea Leaf ExtractProven
Camellia Sinensis leaf extract is rich in polyphenols (especially EGCG), one of the most studied antioxidants in skincare. It provides protection against environmental stressors and reduces sebum production.
- Antioxidant: EGCG neutralizes free radicals more effectively than vitamins C and E combined.
- Sebum control: Studies show topical green tea can reduce sebum production by up to 70% over 8 weeks.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce redness associated with acne and rosacea.
Rose Flower OilPromising
A premium essential oil valued for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Contains citronellol and geraniol which offer mild antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria.
- Benefit: Helps reduce puffiness and boosts skin vibrancy.
- Aromatherapy: Clinically associated with reduced cortisol levels and stress relief.
Shea Butter Low %Proven
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a rich emollient loaded with fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic), vitamins A and E, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Helps prevent the cleanser from over-stripping the skin.
- Moisturizing: Creates a protective barrier that helps retain skin moisture post-cleanse.
- Comedogenic rating: 0–2 (low), generally well-tolerated.
Licorice Root ExtractProven
Glycyrrhiza Glabra root extract contains glabridin, a potent brightening agent that inhibits tyrosinase to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production to even skin tone over time.
- Anti-inflammatory: Glycyrrhizin helps calm irritation and reduce redness.
30 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cocamide MEA, Charcoal Powder, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sorbitan Olivate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmorosa) Oil, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum (Japanese Knotweed) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Limonene.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night as the first step of your skincare routine. Follow with Lumin Daily Face Moisturizer for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to open pores and prep the skin for cleansing.
Lather in Hands
Squeeze a dime-sized amount into wet hands and work into a creamy lather.
Massage onto Face
Apply to face in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds, covering forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel — never rub. Follow immediately with your next skincare step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a simple, effective daily cleanser built for men's skin
- You deal with oily, congested, or dull-looking skin
- You need to remove daily grime, sweat, and excess sebum
- You prefer K-beauty formulas with botanical ingredients
- You enjoy a subtle herbal-floral scent during cleansing
- You're new to skincare and want a straightforward first step
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) — this formula is not FA-safe
- You need a low-pH cleanser to protect your acid mantle
- You're sensitive to essential oils or fragrance allergens
- You have very dry skin that feels tight after foaming cleansers
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your doctor first)
- You prefer fragrance-free or unscented products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCharcoal effectively absorbs excess sebum and deep-cleans pores. The matte finish post-wash is ideal for oily skin types.
Balances well — charcoal targets the oily T-zone while Shea Butter and Glycerin prevent drier areas from feeling stripped.
Provides a satisfying daily cleanse without disrupting normal skin balance. Great for maintenance routines.
Centella and chamomile are soothing, but essential oils and alkaline pH may irritate very reactive skin. Patch test first.
Shea Butter helps, but the alkaline pH and foaming surfactants may leave dry skin feeling tight. Follow with a rich moisturizer.
Charcoal unclogs pores and green tea helps control sebum. However, not fungal-acne safe and contains no active acne-fighting ingredients (BHA/benzoyl peroxide).
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3Immediate Clean Feel
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less greasy after each wash. Pores appear slightly less congested. The satisfying "squeaky clean" finish is noticeable from the first use.
85% noticed cleaner feelReduced Oiliness & Fewer Breakouts
Consistent use starts to regulate excess oil production. Fewer new blemishes appear as pores stay cleaner. Skin texture begins to feel smoother overall.
70% reported reduced oilinessClearer, More Vibrant Complexion
Cumulative benefits of botanical antioxidants become visible. Skin appears healthier, brighter, and more even-toned. Blackheads and surface congestion are noticeably reduced.
65% saw visible improvement in 30 daysLong-Term Skin Health
Centella Asiatica and green tea deliver cumulative antioxidant protection. Skin barrier feels stronger. Overall complexion clarity and smoothness are well-maintained.
60% reported sustained improvementRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at removing oil and leaving skin feeling thoroughly clean
- Pleasant, sophisticated herbal-floral scent that isn't overpowering
- A small amount produces generous lather — a dime-size goes far
- Gentle amino acid-based surfactants instead of harsh sulfates
- Rich botanical blend with Centella, green tea, and licorice root
- Great entry point for men new to skincare routines
- Korean-formulated with quality control standards
Criticized
- Small 3.4oz tube for $20 — expensive per-ounce compared to competitors
- Alkaline pH (~9) can be drying and may disrupt the skin's acid mantle
- Not fungal acne safe due to fatty acids and esters
- Contains multiple essential oils — potential allergens for sensitive skin
- Contains BHT preservative which some consumers prefer to avoid
- Subscription model on brand website can be confusing
- No active acne-fighting ingredients (no BHA, no benzoyl peroxide)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
No charcoal, but uses Niacinamide and Ceramides for a gentle deep clean. 16oz bottle is 4.7x the size for a similar price. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe. Better for sensitive and dry skin types.
Also charcoal-based, but uses a salicylic acid system for acne. Much more affordable. Less elegant formula — no botanical extracts or essential oils. Unisex formulation.
Men's cleanser with green tea and similar botanical approach. No charcoal. Larger 5oz tube at much lower price point. Simpler formula with fewer active botanicals.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to prevent drying.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap
Yes — 100ml / 3.4oz meets TSA carry-on liquid limits
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The Lumin Charcoal Cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly restricted pregnancy ingredients. However, it does contain multiple essential oils including Bergamot Fruit Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosemary Leaf Extract, which are generally recommended to avoid or minimize during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since this is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, the risk is lower than leave-on formulas, but we recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Myristic Acid (C14 fatty acid), Stearic Acid (C18 fatty acid), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, and Sorbitan Olivate (an ester). If you have diagnosed fungal acne or Malassezia folliculitis, look for alternatives like the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser which have FA-safe formulations.
Yes, you can use this cleanser alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs since it is a rinse-off product that doesn't leave active ingredients on the skin. However, be aware that its alkaline pH (~9) may temporarily disrupt the skin's acid mantle, which could increase sensitivity to actives applied afterward. If using strong retinoids or chemical exfoliants, consider waiting a few minutes after cleansing for your skin's pH to normalize before applying them.
This cleanser works best for oily and combination skin types. The activated charcoal excels at absorbing excess sebum and unclogging pores, making it ideal for those who struggle with shine and congestion. It's also suitable for normal skin as a daily maintenance cleanser. Dry or sensitive skin types may find it slightly stripping due to the alkaline pH and foaming surfactants — if this describes you, follow with a hydrating toner and rich moisturizer, or consider a creamier, low-pH cleanser instead.
You'll notice an immediately cleaner, less oily feel from the very first use. Visible improvements in skin clarity, reduced breakouts, and smaller-looking pores typically begin around 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For the full benefits of the botanical antioxidant complex (Centella, green tea, licorice root), allow 6–8 weeks of regular use. Lumin's own marketing states "results seen in 30 days" with consistent use.
This cleanser is always Step 1 in your routine — both morning and night. Apply it to wet skin, massage for 30–60 seconds, then rinse. After cleansing, follow with toner (optional), serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). If you double cleanse at night (recommended for sunscreen/heavy products), use an oil cleanser first, then this charcoal cleanser as your second cleanse.
The comedogenic rating is 2 out of 5 (low risk). While it contains some potentially comedogenic ingredients like Myristic Acid (rating 3) and Stearic Acid (rating 2), this is a rinse-off cleanser with very brief skin contact time — the ingredients don't sit on your skin long enough to cause significant pore-clogging. The charcoal powder actually helps unclog pores. Most users report cleaner, less congested pores with regular use.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. After opening, use within 6 months for optimal efficacy and freshness. The 100ml/3.4oz tube typically lasts 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use (a dime-sized amount per wash), so you'll likely use the entire product well within the PAO window. Store with the cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
Verdict: The Lumin Charcoal Cleanser is a solid entry-level men's face wash with a premium K-beauty formulation. Its activated charcoal delivers a satisfying deep clean, and the botanical complex (Centella, green tea, licorice root, rose oil) adds genuine skincare value beyond basic cleansing. However, the alkaline pH, small bottle size for the price ($5.88/oz), non-FA-safe formula, and essential oil fragrance hold it back from top marks. Best suited for men with oily or combination skin who want a simple, effective cleanser with a touch of luxury — but if you're on a budget or have sensitive/fungal-acne-prone skin, competitors like Brickell or CeraVe offer better value and compatibility.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.