Some people put Elmer’s Glue on their face, because they say it can get rid of blackheads, whiteheads and dirt in their pores. I’m big on DIY beauty recipes, but even I can’t bring myself to put glue on my face. Especially, after I learned from the product’s website that,
Elmer’s Glues are chemical based. They are made or formulated from chemicals which are synthesized (created by Man). These chemicals were originally obtained or manufactured from petroleum, natural gas and other raw materials . . . .
No thank you! I’m not putting glue on my face. Rather, I want a more natural way to deep clean pores. Is there a way to make a glue free DIY charcoal mask that peels off gunk in the pores?
Yep, there is! All you need for this deep pore cleansing, glue-free, peel off DIY charcoal mask are a few natural ingredients: unflavored gelatin or agar powder (vegan jelly), and detox superstars activated charcoal and calcium bentonite clay.
This DIY charcoal mask is extremely effective in cleansing pores. How effective??! Scroll down and take a look at the blackheads and whiteheads that the mask pulled out on my dear husband’s nose. (He was such a good sport. Thank you, honey!) This peel off DIY charcoal mask is shockingly easy and cheap to make. And most of all it does an amazing job at cleansing pores on the face.
Using a few all natural ingredients, you can make 2 different versions of this DIY charcoal mask. You can make either a peel off DIY charcoal mask (what I used on my husband that produced the dramatic pictures below) or a non-peel off version. The non-peel off version is much gentler on your face. Instead of peeling off the DIY charcoal mask, you wash the mask off with warm water. While both versions of the face mask are effective, you shouldn’t use either face mask more than once a week. Also, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test, before using a new beauty product, including this DIY charcoal mask.
Peel Off DIY Charcoal Mask Made without Glue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Yields: 1 use for your entire face
Ingredients for Peel Off DIY Charcoal Mask, No Glue
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- Calcium Bentonite Clay – 1/2 teaspoon. I use Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. DON’T let your calcium bentonite clay touch any metal items, like utensils or containers. Metal interacts with the clay, making it less effective.
- Activated Charcoal – 1 teaspoon. I use Zen Activated Charcoal.
- Unflavored Gelatin (for a peel off DIY charcoal mask, and the best pore cleansing results) – 1 tablespoon. I use Knox Unflavored Gelatin. 1 small 0.25 oz packet of Knox unflavored gelatin is about 1 tablespoon. You can usually find unflavored gelatin in the jello or baking section of a supermarket.
- OR Agar Powder (for a gentler, non-peel off face mask) – 1/2 tablespoon. You can try Now Foods Agar Powder. Agar powder is a good vegan option.
- Distilled Water – 2 tablespoons. Get it at your local supermarket.
How to Make Peel Off DIY Charcoal Mask without Glue
(1) Add calcium bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and gelatin (or agar powder) to a non-metal container. I like to use a shot glass.
(2) Then add hot, freshly boiled distilled water.
(3) Mix all the ingredients well. It’s important that everything is mixed well, because you don’t want any clumps. I use a long bamboo skewer to stir the mixture pretty vigorously for a few minutes.
(4) Finally, when the DIY charcoal mask mixture becomes a paste, then it’s ready to be applied on the face. Be sure to check the temperature of the mask, because you don’t want to burn your face with a hot face mask.
Here’s a short YouTube video I posted on how to make and use this peel off DIY charcoal mask, made without glue.
How to Use Glue-Free, Peel Off DIY Charcoal Mask
(1) First, you should open up your pores. Wash your face with warm water, and then pat dry your face with a soft towel. If you are a guy, make sure you are fresh-shaven. Another great way to open up your pores is by taking a warm shower or bath, then apply the DIY charcoal mask right after.
(2) Use a makeup brush to apply the DIY charcoal mask on your face. This can get messy. So it’s a good idea to apply it over a sink. You want to apply a few layers of the mask on your face. You should have a thick layer on your face.
(3) DON’T put the peel off DIY charcoal mask (made with gelatin) on or near any hair, including eyebrows, because it will pull out blackheads and whiteheads, as well as hair.
Also, for the first few times you try the peel off mask, consider using it only on your nose or chin, rather than on your whole face. It can be uncomfortable (painful!) when peeling the mask off the entire face. Please remember that this DIY charcoal mask is fully water-soluble. So you can always wash it off, if peeling it off becomes too uncomfortable.
In the picture below, I’m using the non-peel off version of the face mask (made with agar powder). That’s why I put the DIY charcoal mask on my eyebrows too.
(4) Let the DIY charcoal mask dry completely on your face. It took me about 45 minutes. As the mask dries, you will feel it tightening on your face. When the DIY charcoal mask is completely dry, it feels very hard to the touch.
If you are using the peel off version of the DIY charcoal mask, then you have to wait until the face mask is COMPLETELY DRY on your face. Otherwise the mask won’t pull the gunk out of your pores. If the mask feels either rubbery or cold to the touch, then it’s not yet completely dry. When it’s very hard, and no longer cold to the touch, then it’s ready to be peeled.
(5) If you use unflavored gelatin to make the peel off DIY charcoal face mask, move your facial muscles to loosen the mask from your face. Then gently pull the mask off your face. Take your time, it can be uncomfortable and painful to some people. If it becomes too unbearable when you’re peeling the mask off, you can wash it off with water, because this face mask is fully water-soluble.
- If you use agar powder, then you don’t peel the face mask off. Instead, gently wash the DIY charcoal mask off your face with warm water. I massage my face while washing it, to allow the activated charcoal and calcium bentonite clay to gently exfoliate my face.
(6) After the DIY charcoal mask is completely off your face, gently wipe your face with a cold wet towel. A cold towel should calm the redness you might see on your face.
(7) Finally, I usually put rosehip oil on my face to further calm the redness and to add moisture.
Ok, as promised, here are some dramatic pictures showing how effective this DIY charcoal mask made without glue can be. The peel off face mask (made with gelatin) pulled out a ton of stuff on and around my husband’s nose.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Don’t you agree? You can see how much gunk, blackheads and whiteheads that the glue-free, peel off DIY charcoal mask pulled out of my dear husband’s face, especially around his nose area. I’m truly impressed with this DIY charcoal mask. It’s easy and costs very little to make. But it can do the job of many pricey store-bought pore strips. I’m talking about you, Biore Pore Strips.
So, will you be giving this DIY charcoal mask recipe a try? I’d love to know how it goes. If you are an adventurous type and want to try the Elmer’s Glue face mask, I’d love to know how that goes too. So, reach out! As always, please share and pin this recipe if you like it!
Can we make it in a jar quantity and keep it?
How regular can I use it?
Ok, I first tried the Elmer’s glue version of this mask and had the teen girls do it too! Then I read your recipe and bought the clay. I followed your recipe but I did, after reading the issues some had taking it of, try something that worked well. I did follow your gelatin, clay and distilled water with the charcoal to the tee, but since it’s humid where I live this time of year, I filled a dropper with the last bit of water and added in drops to smooth the consistency. Then here is the thing I had expected my stepdaughter and her friends to want to do this again, and with the Elmer’s glue it was a hard peel, so since I was using your method now with the clay I bought those cheap $0.75 moisturizing masks at CVS and had the girls use them, then after place each whole face mask on a paper towel and roll up. We did one girl at a time and I steamed their faces in my facial steamer prior to brushing your mask on then I placed the moisturizing paper mask over it and it worked great to peal off in a sheet to get the clarifying results that are amazing. All followed with a natural skin softener (Shiseido), then a serum of mine. They glowed and felt soooo good about their shin.
Thank you for reaching out and for your tip, Alicia! I haven’t used CVS’s moisturizing masks, I’ll be sure to check them out next time I’m in CVS. Also, some people add thin strips of paper towel on top of this DIY charcoal mask, which help in keeping the mask in one piece when it’s peeled off. You can try that next time on you and your girls. I’m so happy that you gave this recipe a try!
Is there an alternative to the clay?
Great question, Ariel. If you want you can leave the calcium bentonite clay out. Check out this DIY charcoal mask recipe that uses 2 ingredients and doesn’t include any clay. Hope you give the recipe a try! 🙂
Mine didn’t peel off so much as being chiseled off. I ended up washing off the last flakes and bits as it didn’t just peel off in big pieces. Also maybe I needed a bit more water as I live in a very dry climate and I wasn’t able to get a second /thick coat on as it was hardening in the bowl. Having said that, it was fun and easy and I followed up with my essential oil facial oil. I don’t really have skin problems but my son does so I have to practice on myself to find the best recipe before I tie him down and put gunk on his face.
I’m glad to hear that you gave this DIY charcoal mask a try. I’ve heard from some people that the mask tends to break apart when they peel it off. Definitely try to add more water next time. Having a thick mask on your face helps to keep the mask in one piece when you peel it off. Another option is adding paper towel strips on your mask, like I did for this DIY face mask recipe. Please keep me posted on how the mask works for you or your son (hope you won’t need to “tie him down” 🙂 ).
For how long can I store the peel-off mask in a container and in where should I place it? (Should I keep it warm, refrigerated, etc.)
Once you’ve combined all the dry ingredients, place your mixture in an airtight glass container, and keep it in a cool, dark place. You don’t need to refrigerate, but you can if you want. The DIY charcoal mask mixture should keep for at least a month. Please let me know if you have more questions.
I accidentally bought sodium bentonite clay. After I bought it I tried to find calcium but then in the nutrition information there’s 43mg of sodium listed. Does it really matter if I use sodium bentonite clay instead of calcium bentonite clay? Will it not work as well?
P.S. just in case more information on the bentonite clay I have helps; It’s Australian Bentonite Clay. The jar says things like natural clay powder, suitable for internal and external use, it’s a healing clay, it has instructions on the back for how to use it for face mask and body wrap. I don’t have the receipt anymore and I’m strapped for cash so I really hope the fact that it’s sodium based and not calcium based is not a problem.
Thanks for reaching out! Calcium bentonite clay and sodium bentonite clay are similar, but not the same. One is high on calcium content, the other is high on sodium. Personally, I like Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (a calcium bentonite clay). But if you have sodium bentonite clay instead, you can certainly use it to make this face mask. Either clay will work for this recipe. Keep me posted on how it goes please!
It went okay. I messed up a little here and there and some parts of the mask didn’t hardened even though I gave it double the time that the recipe needed. For a first go at attempting a DIY beauty recipe I’m happy. Doing it again right now and not repeating the same mistakes. Just wondering, While I’m applying the mask and the liquid start getting cool and glumpy should I keep some hot water ready to add to to keep it in a liquid form? I feel that maybe some parts of the mask had trouble hardening because it was getting glumpy while trying to apply which also made it hard to keep an even layer. Also, is it okay as long as the bentonite clay doesn’t DIRECTLY touch metal? Is it okay If I use metal spoons to measure the other ingredients?
So glad you gave the DIY charcoal mask recipe a try. Don’t worry that the face mask doesn’t go on your face smoothly, the side that pulls the nasty stuff out will be smooth, because it touches your face. I recommend adding hot water to the dry ingredients, then mixing everything very quickly, and applying the mixture on your face. Make sure it’s not too hot. I wouldn’t add additional water, because it might make the mixture too watery. Also, it’s fine to use a metal spoon to measure out the non-clay ingredients. Please let me know how your 2nd try goes!
You might want to give this DIY blackhead mask recipe a try as well. Some people find it easier to peel the mask off with the recipe.
It actually went pretty bad haha. 90% of the mask just wouldn’t harden at all this time. I’ve retrying my second go right now. It’s winter where I am now so even though I mix the ingredients and apply the mask as quickly as I can before it gets cold, it just gets cold quicker from winter air. I haven’t worried at all about it being to hot for my face. I tried to add just a little bit of freshly hot boiled water not knowing what else to do and I’ll let you know how to goes. Thank you for getting back to me 🙂
Oh no! After adding the hot water, you can try putting your mixture in a microwave for a few seconds, or putting it in a double-boiler for a few minutes to heat up the mixture. Also, assuming you use the correct amounts for the ingredients, if your face mask doesn’t dry after application, it’s probably because the gelatin is not mixed well with the other ingredients. Adding additional heat should help. Keep me posted please!
Hey been awhile. I’m doing it again and one of the issues is that it runs down to my chin before it sets. so gravity is the issue. im trying this on the other website u had me try. im not doing the cloth part though. i feel though i mixed it really well this time as well so i’ll just wait and see how it goes. but any advice regarding having the mixture not all go to your chin?
Glad to hear you’re giving my other charcoal mask recipe a try as well. If your mask is too runny, then use less water. Depending on what brands of dry ingredients you use, you might need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe. Keep me posted, please!
Hi there, I was wondering how much of the mixture should you apply to your face, all of it? I tried it out today and it came off crusty and flaky, and didn’t clean out my pores very well. I’m wondering if I should have used a thicker layer. Would that have helped? I did have quite a bit left over.
Thanks for reaching out! For the best result, I recommend putting on all or most of the mask. Usually, the thicker the mask, the easier it’ll be when you pull it off after it dries. Also, you might want to consider adding a paper towel on top of the mask. The paper towel really helps with pulling the mask off in one piece. Here’s a post and video on how to do that. Keep me posted please.
Where should I buy the clay and charcoal? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Great question! If you scroll up, you’ll see the heading “Ingredients for DIY Charcoal Mask” in this post. The blue links will take you to Amazon, where you can buy your ingredients. You might also find the ingredients in Wholefoods Supermarket or other health food stores. Hope you’ll give this recipe a try!
Can you put it in a jar for later use or do you have to use right away?
Yep! If you want, you can make a big batch of the mask by mixing all the dry ingredients, then keep the mixture in a glass, airtight container, in a cool, dry place. When you’re ready to use it, just add hot distilled water. Let me know how it goes!
So a couple of days ago my sisters and I did it for the first time and for me it came off almost in one piece whereas my sisters it came off in pieces. Then I did it on my husband but only on his t-zone area and wow!!! It pulled a lot of gunk out and wanted to do another one soon.
Only question I have is how often can you do the mask??
Glad to hear the mask worked well for you and your husband! I recommend using this mask no more than once a week. As to your sister, maybe she can try a DIY blackhead face mask, which uses a paper towel to pull the mask off, and the mask will pull off in one piece. Thanks for reaching out!
For this mask to work properly you have to activate the gelatin by cooking it. I put mine in the microwave on high for 20 seconds, as soon as you see it foam up it’s done. I cooled it by stirring for about 5 minutes before applying. It went on in thick gooey layers and became rubbery, then tight. Perfect peel!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing, Kat. 🙂
How long does this last? I want to gift some to a friend. If i make it will it stay right for a week? Thanks!!
Thanks for reaching out! If you keep the dry ingredients in an airtight glass container, and keep it in a cool and dark place, your DIY charcoal mask mixture should keep at least for a month, if not longer. Hope your friend likes the mask. 🙂
So she just needs to add water? It would dry out if i added water ?
Yep, you can mix all the dry ingredients. Your friend will need to add hot distilled water when she’s ready to use it.
I just did this mask and it came off all in one piece! It was perfect! I think the mistake some of the ladies are making is that they are applying a thin layer of the mixture. The mask must be applied thick in order for it to come off all in one piece.
Fantastic! I’m so glad you like this recipe. Thank you for the great tip!
Why not sodium bentonite clay? I see in the comments you referred to sodium bentonite clay as one of the ingredients… Are they interchangeable?
Great question! While calcium bentonite clay and sodium bentonite clay are similar, they are not the same. One is calcium rich, the other is sodium rich. Personally, I like Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, which is a calcium bentonite clay. It has worked well for me in this charcoal mask recipe.
Hi Silvia, I just read some comments here and find out that you can’t pull out the mask one at a time. Is it possible if we add additional measurement on the gelatin so the mask’s can be thicker and will not easily break up when you pull it? 😀
That’s a good suggestion. I will definitely experiment with different amounts of gelatin. Also if you’ve tried adding more gelatin, I’d love to know how it goes!
Fail 🙁 i mixed as the recipe suggested. Did everything right. Applied what i thought to be a thick enough layer on my face and it still came off in flakes. It dried thin and just broke everytime i tried to peel. Im not sure what i did. But it was tight!!! It felt so good. Maybe that was the clay? Im not sure. My skin is soft but unfortunately i dont think it pulled anything from my pores. Any idea what went wrong?
I’m sorry the mask turned flaky when you try to pull it off. When I pull the mask off my face, it doesn’t come off in one piece. It comes off in patches. I find that using a tweezer to slowly pull the mask off helps with getting a bigger patch off at a time. Maybe give that a try next time?
Or you can try my other charcoal blackhead mask recipe, which doesn’t have calcium bentonite clay as an ingredient. Keep me posted please.
So I tried this tonight. I used exactly the portions you suggested and the mask came out nicely. After 30 minutes had passed it was bone dry already so I decided to start peeling. It wouldn’t come off… what did come off, came off in tiny flakes. Eventually I had to scrub my face with a wash cloth to get the rest off. This was extremely painful and I feel like it took off a layer of healthy skin.
What could have gone wrong?
Thanks for reaching out, Kimberly! Some people do experience discomfort when pulling off the DIY charcoal mask. The great thing is that the mask is fully water soluble, and can always be washed off (like you did). The next time you try this charcoal mask, consider apply it only to your nose and chin. If you don’t use it on your whole face, it should minimize your discomfort. As to the mask turning into flakes when it dries, maybe try putting on a thicker layer of the mask.
Please let me know if you have any more questions. Hope the mask will work out better next time.
I just tried this… and am so disappointed! It was a definite fail this time around.
I halfed each measurement, and it will not go on my face smoothly…. it’s extremely patchy! Not sure where I went wrong. I’m going to give it another try and see how it goes- hopefully it will be better
Sorry to hear that the DIY charcoal mask didn’t work well for you. You mentioned that the mask did not go on your face smoothly and it was patchy. The mask doesn’t necessarily have to go on your face smoothly for it to work well. The ingredients include gelatin, which does harden with time. It’s not uncommon that the DIY charcoal mask becomes thicker and thicker as you apply it to your face. Sometimes the mask doesn’t appear smooth after application, but as long as it stays on your face after application, it should be able to cleanse your pores after it completely dries.
Also, you might want to give another charcoal mask (DIY charcoal blackhead mask) recipe a try. Keep me posted please. I’d love to know how it goes next time.
Hi there! Just wondering if you can make this ahead of time and store it? I’d love to have it on hand where I can just grab and go.
You sure can! Mix all the dry ingredients and keep them in an airtight glass container. When you’re ready to use your DIY charcoal mask, just add water, and warm everything up. Hope you’ll give this recipe a try.
This mask was fantastic! I used less gelatin than in the recipe and used hot tap (I’m on a good well) water and it worked perfectly. No microwaving or double boiling. Just got water. It was a great consistency and it went on smooth. OMG avoid your eyebrows and baby hairs on your hairline. I got some on it and pulled a bit, but wised up and used spray toner and it rehydrated and wiped right off. I’m excited to do this mask again.
I’m so glad you like this DIY charcoal mask recipe. Great tip on using hot water. I might try using hot distilled water next time!
Help!! I used purified hot water. Size for everything was 1tsp gelatin, 1tsp charcoal and 1tsp clay. Then I added water then stir until it gives a paste texture. My mask is near 45 minutes and physically, the result was a cracked mask. I didn’t remove the mask yet but as I looked into the mirror my mask is looking cracked. I tried getting a small portion then it just fell off. Heeeellpp 🙁 what did I do wrong?
Mmmm… I think you might have used the wrong amount for each ingredient. You used 1 teaspoon for each of the 3 ingredients. The recipe calls for:
1 tablespoon (which is 3 teaspoons) of gelatin (Anna said she used a little less gelatin),
1 teaspoon of charcoal, and
1/2 teaspoon of calcium bentonite clay.
Hope your next try will work well!
Thanks for the info.. Really helpful
I’m excited to try this. My question: Does the water have to be distilled? Also, do you level off the teaspoons/tablespoon measurements when scooping the powders so they are exact?
Thanks!
I’m so glad that you’ll be trying this DIY charcoal mask recipe. I recommend using distilled water because it doesn’t have many of the impurities found in tap water. I also recommend leveling off your measuring teaspoon and tablespoon. Doing this should give you good and consistent results. Please keep me posted on how you like this recipe.
I recently posted another charcoal blackhead mask recipe. You might want to give that a try too!
Just tried the peel version again today and had a few observations:
1. The first time I tried this, I added the water to the gelatin and stirred, then measured out the powders. By the time I’d done that, the gelatin had solidified. This time I just combined all the powders before adding any water. Also added a few drops of tea tree oil as well.
2. 10 seconds in the microwave definitely helped with the consistency and didn’t make it too hot, however a burning smell and some smoke accompanied the jar when I removed it from the microwave. Any tips on this? It wasn’t much, but I don’t want it to turn into something bad.
3. This recipe makes a lot. I only used half of it for my entire face. Any recommendations on cutting it in half? Or proper disposal methods for what is left over?
Great observations! Thanks for sharing your tip about mixing all the dry ingredients first, then add water.
It’s unusual for the charcoal face mask mixture to have a burnt smell and to smoke. I wonder if 10 seconds are too long in your microwave. Maybe try putting the mixture in your microwave for only 5 seconds next time. Also, you might want to try using hot distilled water (without using the microwave) next time. One DIYer commented that she uses hot tap water.
If you want to make a smaller batch, you can use half the amount for all the ingredients. You might also want to try this charcoal blackhead mask recipe, which makes a smaller batch of charcoal face mask. Finally, to discard unused charcoal mask, you can run water over your container. This face mask is fully water soluble.
Please let me know if you have any more questions! Thanks for reaching out!
This is way too much gelatin and unfortunately I was too excited when I found out there is a recipe for a charcoal mask that doesn’t use glue, that I just jumped on this. One Packet of Gelatin is about 2 tsp. and cannot be said to be “close enough” to just round it up to one Tbsp. That made the difference between giving me a razor burn-like rash when I peeled off the mask when using this recipe or it working like it’s supposed to. Make sure the mask had a somewhat rubbery texture to it when completely dry (not totally hard and plasticy) or else don’t peel it off.
*I did this just last week. So, I can update when I find a fail-proof recipe combination.
I’d love to know more about a fail-proof recipe. Both my hubby and I used this recipe and it worked great for us. But everyone’s skin is different. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a patch test when trying any new products.
Also, for us, if we peel the DIY charcoal mask off when it’s still soft and rubbery, it doesn’t get rid of any blackheads. We get the best results when we peel it off after the mask is completely dry and hard. Consider trying this charcoal blackhead mask. Maybe it’ll work better for you.
I’d like to make this in large quantities and store it. Any ideas on how to do that and what the shelf life would be?
You can try mixing only the dry ingredients: gelatin (or agar powder), activated charcoal, and sodium bentonite clay. If you keep this mixture in an airtight glass jar, in a dry and cool place, it should keep for at least a month. When you are ready to use the peel off DIY charcoal mask add hot distilled water, or warm up the mixture and water in a double-boiler or microwave. Let me know how it goes!
Please add a disclaimer that bentonite clay should not interact with any form of metal!
Very good point! My Indian Healing Clay (calcium bentonite clay) says: “Use a non-metal bowl and utensil.” Thanks for the reminder.
When i made this, it was super watery and once I put it in the freezer it began to get too jelly with no real in between. I got it applied and it dried well, but it literally did not pull anything out once I peeled it. What am I doing wrong??
The next time you try this DIY charcoal mask, maybe use a little more gelatin (or agar powder) and maybe skip putting it in the freezer. You want your mask to have a thick gooey consistency when you put it on your face. You should also put a thick layer on. The more of the mask you have on your face, the better it’ll be in getting the dirty stuff out of your pores once it dries. Finally, make sure your mask is completely dried (and very hard) before peeling it off. Keep me posted please. I’d love to know how it works out next time.
Activated charcoal and baking soda are two of my go-to favorite ingredients for DIY skin care recipes. So inexpensive, natural and effective! Love this recipe. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your light. Those after pics are disturbing but strangely satisfying. Lol.
So glad you like the recipe! I agree, those after pics are quite dramatic, and they really show how effective the charcoal face mask can be.
I tried this today without the clay and it worked well. However I found out that the “whiteheads” that were dotted on my nose were in fact sebaceous filaments, a natural collection of sebum that occurs in everyone’s skin. Have mixed feelings if I should retry the mask again. Would love to know what you think about this.
You raise a good point! While we all have sebaceous filaments (which are collections of sebum and dead skin cells) in our pores, for some people they can lead to clogged pores and blackheads. For them, this DIY charcoal face mask can help in cleansing their pores. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This did not work at all. I put my mask in the double boiler for 15 minutes and it didn’t thicken at all! I finally decided to put the mask in the freezer and after 30 seconds of being in there it turned into charcoal jello. I tried again and the results weren’t that different.
Oh, I’m sorry it hasn’t worked. Did you use gelatin or agar powder? I think the problem might be not using enough gelatin or agar powder. While the recipe says to use 1 tablespoon of gelatin, or 1/2 tablespoon of agar powder, you might need to adjust the recipe based on the brand of gelatin or agar powder that you use.
When you try this DIY charcoal face mask next time, I recommend adding more gelatin or agar powder. Maybe add either 4 teaspoons (which is more than 1 tablespoon) of gelatin, or 2 teaspoons (which is more than 1/2 tablespoon) of agar powder. Also, after warming the mixture in the double boiler (step 3), consider letting the mixture cool in room temperature to see if it will become thick enough (and cool enough) to apply on your face. Hope it works out next time!
Hi, Is it possible make this recipe in larger quantities and store it somehow?
You can mix all the dry ingredients together, but don’t add distilled water. That mixture (without water) should keep for as long as the gelatin or agar powder stays fresh. It should stay fresh for at least a month or so, if you keep the mixture in a airtight jar, in a dry and cool place. When you’re ready to use the DIY charcoal mask, add distilled water. Once you add water, you have to use the face mask right away, because the mixture will begin to thicken and harden. If you wait too long, you won’t be able to apply it on your face. Let me know if you have any more questions. Hope you’ll be giving this DIY charcoal mask recipe a try!
Can you prep more than one mask’s worth of ingredients, mix thoroughly, and when ready to use measure out 1.5 tablespoons into a shot glass to add water to?
Absolutely! Just be sure to keep your dry mixture in an airtight glass container, in a cool and dry place.
If the gelatin is in sheet form, then how many sheets should I use comparable to a TB?
Interesting question! I recommend using about 5-6 grams (about 0.20 oz) of leaf/sheet gelatin to make this DIY charcoal peel off mask. That’s the approximate weight of 1 tablespoon of powder gelatin. Please do keep me posted on how your face mask turns out!
Thank you!
Gelatin is usually made using pork bones (cheaper) along with beef bones, non-clean and obviously not vegetarian. People need to know what they are putting on their face.
Thank you for commenting. Gelatin is made from animal collagen. While gelatin is not vegan, I disagree that it’s “non-clean.” Gelatin is widely used in food (including jello, gummy bears, marshmallows), in medicine (soft capsules), and in cosmetics (including face creams, body lotions, shampoos, hair sprays, sunscreens, bath salts). If you are looking for a vegan/vegetarian option, consider using agar powder instead of gelatin. A number of people told me that they had tried the DIY charcoal mask using agar powder and got great results.
Can we use this charcoal gelatine mask without the bentonite clay?
Will it change the consistency of the mask if we don’t use it
Good question! Calcium bentonite clay is a great detox spa clay. I highly recommend including it in your DIY charcoal mask. But the mask will still work wonders without it. You can follow the same recipe, but less the clay. The consistency of your clay-less mask will be a little less grainy. Please keep me posted on how your DIY charcoal mask turns out!
Trying this as we speak. Measured and Mixed as directed. I did not put mine the the freezer. I used an old, but clean, blush brush and mopped, seriously feels like that, it on pretty thick, like a lady below suggested. It felt warm but not hot on my face, which was amazeballs. It’s now sucking the gunk out of my pores and I can feel it. Love it. I’m going to wait about an hour, unless it begins to burn, before I peel it off. Oh and before application I washed my face with a gentle exfoliator l, filled by a warm towle to open up my pores a bit. I’ll update when I peel it off. Here’s to not peeling the skin off my face!!
Very glad you’re giving the recipe a try. So??! What do you think? Updates, please. Did the deep cleansing DIY charcoal mask work for you? Hope it worked as well for you as it did me!
So….. I not only did this to myself but my the bf fell victim too!!! H*LY CR*P IN OUR FACES!! It worked so well to clear out blackheads and smooth our skin but I think he’s now a believer!! I’m obsessed and will have to do this again today. I left it on for about an hour to ensure it was dry, for the most part it was. Today, I will not apply as thick but not too thin as to peel easier. My face was red, like really red, for about an hour but it eventually subsided. Thus the reason I will not apply as thick to cut dry time this round! Happy flushing ladies!!
Glad to know the DIY Charcoal Mask worked well for you and your bf! You might want to consider apply calendula oil to calm the redness on your face after you peel off your mask. Here is a recipe on how to make your own calendula oil. While the mask is super effective, I think it’s better to allow some time (at least a week) between uses. Thank you for your comments!
There’s nothing h*ly about cr*p.
OMG Thank you for this. I just bought the Biore wash with Charcoal but was not pleased because I don’t know what else is in there. Anyway, I will try this version because the reason why I didn’t try before is because I didn’t want to put glue on my face.
Glad to know that you’ll be giving this recipe a try. Please keep me posted on how you like the DIY Activated Charcoal Mask.
I tried this today with the gelatin and loved it! I did not freeze it. I heated it for 5-10 seconds in the microwave and applied it with a paint brush so it went on thick. It took awhile to apply, but I went over it several times to get a thick coat. It peels MUCH better when it is on as a thick layer as opposed to thin layer. Just be sure to let it dry for a LONG time. I got a ton of gunk out of my pores. I even gently steamed my face prior to the application with a pot on the stovetop. After peeling, I rinsed with warm water, patted dry, wiped with alcohol free witch hazel and applied coconut oil. My pores are tight, and my face feels super soft. I am looking forward to doing this every week now! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Thank you for the great tips, Sara!! So glad you like the recipe. 🙂
Hi I’m going to try this out in a few days and just wanted to know beforehand if I can put some on my neck as well?
Thanks for making a non-glue version 🙂
So glad you’ll be trying the cleansing mask recipe! Sure you can use it on your neck, but it will get VERY messy when you apply the mask on your neck. I’d probably use the non-peelable mask, and I’d apply it (and wash it off) while I’m taking a bath. That should minimize the mess. Let me know how it goes!
I feel like i just completely waxed my entire face. Slowly. And painfully. And still have too many white and blackheads to make it worth while…. i saw way more hairs on the pieces of mask than bacteria. Not trying to be negative but really. H*ly cr*p. Something people should know before they try this.
Mmmm…. sounds like you tried the peelable version of the mask. It can pull hair out when it is pulling out blackheads and whiteheads. That’s why it shouldn’t be applied on or near eyebrows. Maybe you can try the peelable mask only on your nose or chin (where most people have blackheads and whiteheads)? Also, if you begin to peel off the mask, and find it too uncomfortable, you can wash the mask off, instead of continuing to peel. Or maybe next time you can try the gentler version of the mask, that you wash off, not peel off? Thank you for reaching out, hope it works out better the next time you try the recipe!
What should the consistancy of water and agar be once mixed? Mine came out super think and adding the other powders only thickened more so it was not spreadable at all, and the microwave and freezer only made it worse. It never had a honey consistancy. Any suggestions?
Thank you for reaching out! After mixing water and the agar powder, your mixture should have a milk shake consistency. If your mixture is super thick, try using less agar powder. Maybe use 1/2 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon (rather than 1 tablespoon) of agar powder. When you’ve mixed all the ingredients, you should still be able to apply your activated charcoal mask on your face. Please let me know how your 2nd batch works out!
Hi! This looks amazing. How ofter will you recommend using this mask?
Cheers!
Thank you for reaching out! I recommend using this DIY Activated Charcoal Deep Pore Cleansing Mask no more than once a week. If you make and use this mask, please keep me posted on how you like it.
Mine came out like jello I couldn’t put it on my face twice . What did I do wrong ?
Thank you for reaching out! Did you use unflavored gelatin or agar powder? If your DIY activated charcoal deep pore cleansing mask comes out like jello, it’s possible that it was in the freezer for too long. Next time try skipping the freezer all together. But make sure the face mask is at a comfortable temperature before putting it on your face. Or next time, use less gelatin or agar powder, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon of gelatin or agar powder, instead of 1 tablespoon. Let me know how it goes!