Additional information

Charcoal Powder

For best results, masks should be used on cleansed skin.

Decant a small amount of powder into a bowl. One 50g pouch gives roughly three uses. Mix with an activator (wetting agent) of your choice: plain water, a dairy or plant milk, natural yoghurt, honey, aloe vera gel, a floral hydrosol, or a fruit or vegetable pulp (avoid citrus).

Each brings something slightly different to the mix. Yoghurt contains lactic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid known for its mild exfoliating effect on the skin surface. Honey is naturally humectant, drawing moisture to the skin as the mask sits. Aloe vera gel is naturally hydrating, thanks to its high water content and water-loving (hygroscopic) plant sugars. Floral hydrosols are the water collected during the steam distillation of flowers for essential oil, carrying a light trace of their scent.

Mix to a smooth paste and apply to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and pat skin dry. Moisturise as normal.

This mask is gentle enough for hands and feet too, though it’s designed first and foremost as a face mask.

Top tips: Mix only what you need. Any leftover paste must be discarded rather than saved, as the powder does not contain a preservative to hinder the growth of mould, yeast or bacteria. Don’t mix with vinegar, as this will affect the pH of the finished mask.

Cautions: If new to using masks, patch test before first use. Not intended for use on infants. For external use only; avoid the eye area and don’t apply to mucous membranes or broken skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Avoid getting water or other liquid into the pouch itself. Discard the batch if this happens.

New to DIY masks? Lauren talks through the basics of mixing your own mask at home in this video, a good starting point if you’d like the wider context before you dive in with your Sugarbush pouch.

Store the unopened pouch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in humid spots like the bathroom, as moisture can find its way through the packaging. Stable for up to 30 months unopened; use within 6 months of opening (see the PAO symbol on your pack).