Medical researchers note a significant surge in activated charcoal’s popularity, with the ingredient appearing in everything from face masks to toothpaste. This centuries-old substance, traditionally ...

Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is a fine, black powder that treats life-threatening poisoning or overdose. Proponents say it has additional benefits for digestive, kidney, and skin health.

Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) causes symptoms like nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Some people use activated charcoal to treat this condition, but there isn’t much evidence to support its effectiveness.

Activated charcoal has been buzzy in the wellness world for years, popping up in a whole bunch of products—from facial cleansers to deodorants—and promising a slew of benefits, from unclogging pores ...