Charcoal (or activated carbon, as it is known in Spanish), is one of the ingredients that has caused the most frenzy, an unusual interest that has been growing in recent years. It has snuck into our detox drinks with the promise of purification, into our whitening toothpastes and, of course, into our cosmetics.
This fine-grained black chalky powder is, literally, a sponge. It sucks up everything with the power of a magnet. For this reason, it was once used for medical purposes, as it tenaciously trapped all kinds of toxins. It was the perfect antidote for the most difficult ailments, such as typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis, conjunctivitis, and even diabetic ulcers.
But this 'trendy' ingredient is a double-edged sword... Great at trapping impurities and excess oil, yes, but devastating on delicate skin. "When formulating, I always use sensitive and reactive skin as a benchmark," says cosmetologist Pedro Catalá. "Activated charcoal is one of the best natural ingredients, but on numerous occasions, it is not well tolerated by this type of skin."
A tenacious, yet gentle cleanse
“The idea of formulating a cleanser with activated charcoal, like Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser, capable of effectively yet respectfully capturing and removing dirt, appealed to me greatly. The problem was the density of surfactants used in similar products to date, which tend to precipitate to the bottom of containers. The latest technologies and, consequently, new ingredients, have made it possible to develop a formula that offers deep cleansing, but is delicate enough for daily use,” adds Pedro.
Because not all are suitable. The search for the perfect charcoal has also caused headaches. In the case of Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser, it involved a long search and much trial-and-error. Its purity and medicinal grade made the product possible. "The charcoal used is activated with a unique technology that allows it to generate more porosity than normal, thus increasing its ability to trap dirt residues," adds Pedro.
And not only the extreme purity and quality of the charcoal used in the formula is the main asset of Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser, but also its texture. Not in vain, Pedro Catalá is called "the magician of textures"; the award had to be ratified. This curious cleanser starts as a dense and deeply black gel-like base, which transforms into a light oily emulsion through massage, to finally become a milk when emulsified with water.
The result is extremely soft and radiant skin. It offers a powerful yet sensorial cleanse, and is delicate enough to become a daily cleansing ritual. It is perfect for combination or congested skin.
The perfect accessory elevated to the category of art
To complement Charcoal Peace Calming Cleanser, The Hand Wand is recommended, an organic cotton mitt specifically designed to facilitate the removal of cleanser residues. But if we are talking about a revolutionary cleanser, it couldn't be accompanied by just any mitt.
The Hand Wand is handmade by an artisan from Gata de Gorgos (Alicante), of extraordinary quality to the touch, it is the perfect complement to remove effectively, but with maximum respect for the skin.
And that's not all. The packaging in which the mitt is presented is an exclusive design by the multi-award-winning artist Joan Castejón, considered one of the main representatives of social realism in the plastic renewal of post-war Spain.
As the artist himself explains: “human anatomy is one of the classic elements of my iconography and I accepted this collaboration with Twelve Beauty because this brand and my work share many values, such as craftsmanship and the time we invest in each creation, which is why I am proud to explore this new adventure with a natural cosmetics brand, as beauty is a very present argument in all my work."