5 Things We Love: Charcoal

With summer comes longer days, perfect for firing up hibachis for charcoal-and wood-fired meat for those glorious backyard or beach parties.

But there’s a different kind of charcoal that’s trending in the beauty and food worlds.

Different from those charcoal briquettes, more products are incorporating activated charcoal, a black powder derived from burning coconut shells. It’s the latest in detox because the porous, absorbent charcoal is said to act like a sponge, soaking up toxins in the body or binding with them on the surface of the skin and carrying them away.

We’ve become accustomed to the idea of associating white products such as toothpaste and cleansers with purity, so the black color of these new products manages to shock and awe, and at the same time making them look pretty cool.

Ingesting charcoal calls for some moderation, as some physicians have warned charcoal may also bind with nutrients and prevent their absorption by the body, as well as block some medications from working.

1. Your favorite juicer will probably offer a charcoal drink as a detox brew. At Pressed Juicery at Ala Moana Center, a blackened lemonade is said to help sweep toxins from the body while optimizing hydration; $7.50. It also contains a touch of lavender and honey. Shake well or you’ll be dealing with something like mud at the bottom. As a companion, a charcoal detox shot ($3.95) offers a smaller dose, with maple, ginger and milk thistle for liver support.

2. For easy exfoliation, the Korean cosmetic company JJ Young offers an activated charcoal Black Cleansing Stick that also exfoliates and moisturizes. Just apply to wet skin and massage gently to lather, removing impurities and blackheads. Then rinse off with lukewarm water. It’s $15 at jj-young.com.

3. This Maui-based skin care line specializes in gentle formulas handcrafted in small batches using organic, ethically sourced ingredients. The Oshan Essentials ‘Ele face wash draws out impurities from skin with a combo of activated charcoal and Hawaiian sandalwood powder. Jojoba and hemp oils add moisture. It’s $22 at Good Feelings, a made-in-Hawaii boutique on the second floor of Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Also available at oshanessentials.com.

4. Indigo Elixirs’ Midnight Eyes is an all-in-one eyeliner and eye shadow that’s as black as night. The makeup is handcrafted in Manoa with organic virgin coconut oil, organic raw cacao butter, Oahu beeswax and activated charcoal. Apply with a brush to paint a line, or smudge with your finger to create a smoky effect. Alas, without the bad solidifiers found in many cosmetics, it can be a bit runny, so go light and set with fine powder for the best effect without looking ghoulish. The 1/2-ounce tin is $20 at indigoelixirs.com or find it at Down to Earth, Madre Chocolate, Mori Hawaii or Lily Lotus stores.

5. It may seem counterintuitive to apply this black toothpaste to boost the shine of your pearly whites, but charcoal’s absorbent quality may be able to pull out stubborn stains. For $10.99 at Neo Plaza on the ground floor of Waikiki Shopping Plaza, the Heritage Store activated charcoal toothpaste is worth a shot. Kamaaina with ID will get a 10 percent discount. It has a light peppermint flavor. Also available at heritagestore.com.

“5 Things We Love” is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.