Chapter 10

Activated Carbon for Cosmetics

Applications

Ismail Budiman, Rudianto Amirta, Yuliansyah,

Bernadeta Ayu Widyaningrum, and Widya Fatriasari

Abstract Biomass, as a renewable and abundant resource, holds significant poten-

tial for improving human lives across various sectors. One promising avenue is the
utilization of biomass for the production of activated carbon, which has multi-­
benefit resources and demonstrated exceptional properties for numerous applica-
tions. This review focuses on exploring the potential biomass-derived activated
carbon, especially in the context of cosmetic applications, and also be a significant
reference for researchers to determine the future technological and application
needs of activated carbon-based cosmetics. Activated carbon derived from biomass
processes has several advantageous characteristics, including its high porosity, large
surface area, and unique chemical composition. These attributes make it an excel-
lent material for various applications, especially for cosmetics formulations and
treatments, owing to its adsorption, purification, and detoxification capabilities. In
cosmetic applications, activated carbon from biomass serves as a versatile ingredi-
ent with multiple benefits. Its adsorption properties allow it to effectively remove
impurities, pollutants, and excess sebum from the skin, resulting in a deep cleansing
and detoxifying effect. Additionally, activated carbon can aid in controlling oiliness,

I. Budiman (*) · W. Fatriasari

Research Center for Biomass and Bioproduct, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Kawasan Sains Teknologi Dr. (H.C.) Ir. H. Soekarno,
Cibinong Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
Research Collaboration Center of Biomass-Based Nano Cosmetic, in Collaboration with
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
e-mail: [email protected]
R. Amirta · Yuliansyah
Research Collaboration Center of Biomass-Based Nano Cosmetic, in Collaboration with
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Faculty of Forestry, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia
B. A. Widyaningrum
Research Center for Biomass and Bioproduct, National Research and Innovation Agency
(BRIN), Kawasan Sains Teknologi Dr. (H.C.) Ir. H. Soekarno,
Cibinong Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte 217
Ltd. 2024
E. T. Arung et al. (eds.), Biomass-based Cosmetics,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-1908-2_10
218 I. Budiman et al.

reducing the appearance of pores and improving overall skin texture. The potential
applications of biomass-derived activated carbon extend beyond skin care. It can be
utilized in hair care products to remove pollutants, excess oils, and chemical r­ esidues
from the scalp, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. Moreover, acti-
vated carbon has the ability to neutralize odors, making it suitable for use in deodor-
ants and oral care products. In conclusion, biomass-derived activated carbon holds
immense promise for enhancing human lives through its application in cosmetics.
Its unique properties offer opportunities for deep cleansing, detoxification, and eco-
friendly formulations. Embracing this sustainable and renewable resource can revo-
lutionize the cosmetics industry, providing consumers with innovative, effective,
and environmentally conscious beauty products.

Keywords Biomass · Enhancing human lives · Activated carbon · Cosmetics

applications · Future technology

10.1 Introduction

Biomass refers to any organic matter derived from living or recently living organ-
isms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, including solid, liquid, and
gaseous products recovered from the decomposition of non-fossilized and biode-
gradable organic materials (Basu 2018). It can be used as a renewable energy
source and feedstock for various applications. There are several types of biomass,
including agricultural biomass, forest biomass, algal biomass, and municipal solid
waste (Gabisa and Gheewala 2018). Agricultural biomass includes crop residues
(such as empty fruit bunches and shells of palm oil, corn stalks, wheat straw, and
rice husks), energy crops (like switchgrass and miscanthus), and animal manure.
Agricultural biomass can be used for bioenergy production, bio-based products,
and materials, biorefinery, biochar for soil amendment, paper, and board (Deshmukh
et al. 2023). Forest or tree biomass consists of wood and woody residues from log-
ging operations, forest thinning, and tree trimmings, which can be used for heat
and power generation, biofuels, textiles, foods, health-promoting agents, and cos-
metics (Backlund et al. 2014). Algal biomass refers to biomass derived from micro-
algae, which are photosynthetic microorganisms. Algae can be cultivated and
harvested for various applications, including wastewater treatment, biofuels, food
additives, nutritional supplements, and cosmetics (Javed et al. 2022). Municipal
Solid Waste (MSW) biomass consists of organic waste from households, busi-
nesses, and industries. It includes food waste, yard waste, paper, and other organic
materials. MSW biomass can be converted into bio-based chemicals, polymers,
and biofuels through anaerobic digestion or used for waste-to-energy processes
(Ladakis et al. 2022).
Several ways are carried out to obtain other and more advanced functions from
biomass. One of them is by converting biomass into activated carbon or carbon-
rich materials. Biomass with the potential to produce rich-carbon materials
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 219

typically refers to biomass rich in carbon content. It can be used as a precursor for
producing carbon-based materials such as activated carbon, biochar, and carbon
nanomaterials.
The potential of carbon-rich materials and activated carbon from biomass for
various applications is significant, such as for bioenergy/biofuel production
(Demirbas 2005; Saidur et al. 2011; Sadrul Islam and Ahiduzzaman 2012; Glushkov
et al. 2021; Ahanchi et al. 2022; Heberlein et al. 2022; Ni et al. 2022; Yana et al.
2022; Rehman et al. 2023), bio-based products and materials (Hermawan et al.
2022; Deshmukh et al. 2023), agriculture and fertilizer applications (Panwar et al.
2019; Chaturvedi et al. 2023), environmental remediation and pollutant adsorption
(Budiman et al. 2019; Freitas et al. 2019; Hara et al. 2020; Ahuja et al. 2022;
Dehmani et al. 2022; Golia et al. 2022; Ahmad et al. 2023), cosmetics (Hammani
et al. 2019; Pattananandecha et al. 2019; Dubey et al. 2022), pharmaceutical appli-
cation (Malesic-Eleftheriadou et al. 2022; Brito et al. 2023; Fatih Dilekoglu and
Yapici 2023; Jiang et al. 2023; Niu et al. 2023), water treatment (Xiao et al. 2020;
Khandaker et al. 2021; Krishnan et al. 2021; Huang et al. 2022; Menya et al. 2023),
and energy storage (Kumar 2022; Sevilla and Mokaya 2014; Qian et al. 2020; Chen
et al. 2022; Elanthamilan et al. 2022; Rashidi et al. 2022; Selvaraj et al. 2022; Yang
et al. 2022; Md Zaini et al. 2023). Based on its advantages, activated carbon offers
numerous advantages in various applications, particularly in cosmetics. Its unique
properties, including high adsorption capacity, porous structure, and versatility,
make it an ideal ingredient for skincare and beauty products. Activated carbon
effectively attracts and absorbs impurities, toxins, excess oils, and pollutants from
the skin, providing deep cleansing and detoxification. Additionally, it helps to mini-
mize the appearance of pores, control oiliness, and improve overall skin texture. Its
natural and sustainable nature aligns with the increasing demand for eco-friendly
and clean beauty products, making activated carbon a preferred choice in the cos-
metics industry.
This review, will describe the potential of biomass to be used as activated carbon
and carbon-rich materials, including the parameters used in the conversion process
and its applications. In addition, it will also explain the use of activated charcoal and
carbon-rich materials from biomass specifically for cosmetic applications, the tech-
nology currently used, and the future outlook for using activated carbon for
cosmetics.

10.2 Activated Carbon Potential from Biomass

(Carbonization Process, Characterization, Application)

Biomass with the potential to produce rich-carbon materials typically refers to bio-
mass rich in carbon content. It can be used as a precursor for producing carbon-­
based materials such as activated carbon, biochar, and carbon nanomaterials. These
materials have various applications, including water purification, energy storage,
environmental remediation, catalyst supports, and cosmetics.
220 I. Budiman et al.

10.2.1 Conversion Process

Converting biomass into rich-carbon materials can vary depending on the material
produced. Here are a few conversion processes, along with some references for
further reading:
(a) Pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts biomass feedstocks into
valuable products, including biomass-derived activated carbon. Pyrolysis
involves the heating of biomass in the absence of oxygen, leading to the decom-
position of complex organic compounds into simpler molecules, especially
holocellulose and lignin, to become carbon atoms. This process offers several
advantages for the production of activated carbon, such as the ability to tailor
the properties of the final product and the utilization of various biomass feed-
stocks (Awasthi et al. 2023). Based on temperature, temperature increase rate,
and annealing time, pyrolysis is further divided into three classifications,
namely slow pyrolysis, fast pyrolysis, and flash pyrolysis. All three of these
processes have the goal of producing a specific end product (Awasthi
et al. 2023).
(b) Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a process that involves the conversion of
biomass into carbon-rich materials under high temperatures and pressure in the
presence of water. It can be used for feedstocks, including lignocellulosic bio-
mass, algae, and waste materials (Funke and Ziegler 2010; Libra et al. 2011).
This hydrothermal carbonization is carried out at temperatures below 300 °C to
release hemicellulose and is an intermediate process prior to the activation pro-
cess to produce activated charcoal. It is hoped that the activated charcoal pro-
duced by using hydrothermal carbonization as an intermediate process is
activated charcoal which has the ability to be an excellent adsorbent (Ishibashi
et al. 2014; Budiman et al. 2019).
(c) Activation is a process that enhances the porosity and adsorption properties of
carbon materials. It involves the treatment of biomass-derived carbon materials,
such as biochar or carbonized biomass, with activating agents like steam, car-
bon dioxide, or chemicals, and a combination of physical and chemical pro-
cesses. This process is commonly used to produce activated carbon. Several
factors affect the quality of activated carbon through this activation process,
including activation temperature, type of activator, the ratio of activator to char-
coal, and activation or residence time (Anuwar and Khamaruddin 2021).

10.2.2 Process Parameters

The process parameters for carbonizing biomass can vary depending on the specific
biomass feedstock, such as carbonization temperature, and the desired properties of
the resulting carbon material. Here are some commonly studied process parameters
for biomass carbonization (Weber and Quicker 2018; Serafin and Dziejarski 2023):
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 221

(a) Particle size and feedstock preparation can impact carbonization efficiency.
Smaller particle sizes provide a larger surface area for heat transfer and chemi-
cal reactions, which can improve carbonization. However, fine particles may
lead to increased tar and gas production. Therefore, a suitable particle size
range needs to be determined based on the specific feedstock and process
conditions.
(b) Carbonization temperature is a crucial parameter that significantly influences
the properties of the resulting carbon material. Higher temperatures generally
lead to higher carbon content and increased thermal stability. The optimal tem-
perature range for biomass carbonization varies depending on the feedstock but
typically falls between 300 °C and 800 °C. Different temperature profiles, such
as slow or fast pyrolysis, can also impact the final product.
(c) Residence time or duration the biomass is exposed to the carbonization tem-
perature is a significant parameter. Longer residence times often result in higher
carbon yields and increased carbonization efficiency. However, excessively
long residence times can lead to excessive carbon loss and degradation. The
optimal residence time depends on feedstock composition, particle size, and
reactor design.
(d) The heating rate influences the rate of volatile release and carbonization reac-
tions. A slow heating rate allows for better control over the process and can
result in higher-quality carbon materials with improved porosity. However,
slower heating rates can increase the process duration and energy requirements.
The heating rate is typically expressed in degrees Celsius per minute (°C/min).
(e) Pressure and atmosphere can affect the carbonization process. Carbonization
processes can be conducted under various atmospheric conditions, such as inert
gas or vacuum. These conditions help prevent unwanted oxidation reactions
and promote carbonization. The pressure and atmosphere chosen depend on the
specific carbonization process and equipment being used.

10.2.3 Characteristics of Activated Carbon

The characteristics of carbon derived from biomass can vary depending on factors
such as biomass feedstock, carbonization process parameters, and post-treatment
methods. Here are some key characteristics commonly observed in carbon materials
derived from biomass (Serafin and Dziejarski 2023):
(a) Carbon content. Carbon materials derived from biomass typically have a high
carbon content. The carbon content can range from 40% to 95% or even higher,
depending on the feedstock, carbonization, and activation process.
(b) Porosity. Biomass-derived carbon materials often possess a significant amount
of porosity, which can be categorized into three types: micropores (pores with
diameters less than 2 nm), mesopores (pores with diameters between 2 nm and
50 nm), and macropores (pores with diameters greater than 50 nm). The
222 I. Budiman et al.

p­resence of porosity provides a large surface area, allowing for increased

adsorption capacity and potential applications in gas storage, catalysis, and
water treatment.
(c) Surface chemistry. The surface chemistry of biomass-derived carbon materials
can be modified during carbonization and post-treatment processes. Surface
functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic, can be present on
the carbon surface. These functional groups play a crucial role in the adsorption
and reactivity of carbon materials.
(d) Thermal stability. Carbon materials derived from biomass can exhibit good
thermal stability, especially when carbonized at high temperatures. It is suitable
for applications requiring high-temperature stability, such as catalysis or elec-
trode materials in energy storage devices.
(e) Electrical conductivity. Depending on the carbonization conditions, biomass-­
derived carbon materials can exhibit varying degrees of electrical conductivity.
This property makes them useful for applications in energy storage (e.g., super-
capacitors) and electronic devices.
(f) Surface area. Biomass-derived carbon materials can have a high specific sur-
face area, which is beneficial for adsorption-based applications. The surface
area typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand square meters
per gram.

10.2.4 Activated Carbon Application

Biomass-based activated carbon has many functions and can be used in various
applications, including bioenergy/biofuels, the development of biomass-based
materials, environmental remediation and pollutant adsorption, energy storage, and
cosmetics.
Bioenergy and Biofuel Production. The increasing global demand for clean and
sustainable energy has led to a growing interest in bioenergy production. Biomass-­
derived activated carbon plays a vital role in this field by facilitating the conversion
of biomass feedstocks into biofuels through various processes such as pyrolysis,
gasification, and carbonization. Activated carbon serves as a catalyst, adsorbent, or
support material, enhancing the efficiency of biomass conversion and the quality of
biofuel products. The unique properties of activated carbon, including its high sur-
face area, porosity, and thermal stability, contribute to improved biofuel yields and
higher energy content (Saidur et al. 2011; Heberlein et al. 2022; Yana et al. 2022).
Bio-based Materials. The development of bio-based materials is crucial for
reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact asso-
ciated with traditional materials. Biomass-derived activated carbon offers a sustain-
able and versatile solution in the production of bio-based materials. Its porous
structure and adsorption properties enable the incorporation of activated carbon into
composite materials, coatings, and membranes. These materials find applications in
diverse industries, including construction, packaging, textiles, and electronics.
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 223

Biomass-derived activated carbon enhances the performance, durability, and sus-

tainability of bio-based products, contributing to a more circular and eco-friendly
economy.
Environmental Remediation and Pollutant Adsorption. Environmental pollution
and the presence of various contaminants pose significant threats to ecosystems and
human health. Biomass-derived activated carbon offers a promising solution for
remediation purposes. Due to its porous structure and exceptional adsorption capa-
bilities, activated carbon can effectively trap and remove pollutants, including heavy
metals, organic compounds, and even emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals
and microplastics. Its application in water and air purification systems contributes
to mitigating environmental pollution and safeguarding public health (Zhang et al.
2021; Nicolae et al. 2022; Ramya et al. 2022).
Energy Storage. Activated carbon derived from biomass is gaining significant
attention as a promising material for energy storage applications. This renewable
and sustainable resource offers numerous advantages, including its abundant avail-
ability and low environmental impact compared to traditional fossil fuel-derived
carbons. The unique porous structure of activated carbon enables high surface area,
which allows for efficient adsorption of ions and molecules. In energy storage sys-
tems, such as supercapacitors and batteries, activated carbon can serve as an elec-
trode material, providing a large interface for electrochemical reactions and
enhancing energy storage capacity. Furthermore, the ability to tailor the activation
process and precursor materials allows for the optimization of specific properties,
such as pore size distribution and surface chemistry, further enhancing the perfor-
mance and stability of the energy storage devices. By utilizing activated carbon
derived from biomass, we can not only mitigate the reliance on non-renewable
resources but also contribute to the development of sustainable energy storage tech-
nologies for a greener future (Rashidi et al. 2022; Selvaraj et al. 2022; Yang
et al. 2022).
Cosmetics. The cosmetics industry is increasingly embracing sustainable and
natural alternatives in product formulations. Biomass-derived activated carbon has
gained attention as an eco-friendly ingredient with multiple benefits. Its adsorption
properties make it suitable for deep cleansing, detoxification, and oil control in skin-
care products. Activated carbon can remove impurities, pollutants, and excess
sebum from the skin, contributing to improved complexion and overall skin health.
Furthermore, its use in hair care products helps eliminate pollutants and enhance
scalp health. A description of the use of activated carbon for cosmetic applications
will be presented in the chapter below.

10.3 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Application

Carbon or biocarbon is activated charcoal, like coal but from biomass that has been
carbonized and ground into powder. The use of carbon in beauty products became a
popular trend due to their properties. Enhancements in the properties of carbon,
224 I. Budiman et al.

such as color, solubility, high porosity, controllable size, adsorptive, and low toxic-
ity, are potential implications for personal care and cosmetic products (ECHA n.d.;
Palsan et al. 2020; Johnson et al. 2023). A number of cosmetic companies and sev-
eral dermatologists have included carbon as an ingredient in care and beauty prod-
ucts (Palsan et al. 2020; Johnson et al. 2023). In the following, we describe the
application of carbon in cosmetics.

10.3.1 Skin Cleaner

Nowadays healthy skin is important in maintaining youthful skin. Exposure to pol-

lution such as dust or smoke and make-up use could trap in pores and cause skin
problems. Cleaning the skin could bring advancement in the treatment of everyday
skin problems. Intense deep cleansing into the pores without disturbing the oil
glands is indispensable. Carbon with a large surface area, high porosity, and low
irritation are important factors for effective cleaning (Asari 2007; Juliano and
Magrini 2018). It has the advantage of trapping and absorbing toxins (cutaneous),
oil, and chemicals from the skin’s surface, clearing clogged pores and detoxifying
them (Sanchez et al. 2020).
Around 2014, several well-known cosmetic companies in the field of skin care
launched charcoal-based products that can smooth the skin from first use (Sanchez
et al. 2020). Afterward, the use of carbon in skincare products began to be popular
and produced in facial cleansers, pore strips, face masks, scrubs, toothpaste, sham-
poo, bath soap, and facial soap. In its working system, the carbon naturally cleans
the pores and detoxifies when the charcoal product is rinsed or peeled. Apart from
that, it has other benefits for the skin, including removing dead skin cells and
improving texture and appearance. However, the carbon density in the surfactant is
unstable, which makes it precipitate to the bottom, requiring a new formulation.
Recent advances in formulation techniques and natural ingredient formulas offer
a deep cleansing action and are gentle. In previous studies, Kabra et al. (2018)
reported that the addition of activated carbon combined with green tea extract in the
facial cleanser formulation provides mild skin cleansing (Kabra et al. 2018). They
also did a test to check the accuracy of the face wash, and it came out clean, softer,
and smoother.
Exfoliation is also part of skin cleansing. They can remove dead cells, dirt, dust,
and oil from the skin. Physical exfoliation usually uses two types of ingredients,
synthetic and natural sources. Commonly, synthetic materials used as microbeads
are made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or cross-linked polymethacry-
late in a spherical shape (Napper et al. 2015; Draelos 2018). However, the properties
of synthetic beads that are difficult to decompose and build food chains become
considered. This problem was reported by Chang (2015), through its consumer sur-
vey regarding the estimated volume of microplastics entering wastewater streams
(Chang 2015). Therefore, it is important to minimize microplastic pollution by
using natural materials (Chang 2015; Mu et al. 2023).
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 225

Natural scrubbing agents are made of various types of seeds, shells or grains,
and biocarbon. Even though this type is from a natural source, it may cause skin
irritation due to its abrasiveness. Irregular shapes with sharp edges and inconstant
size became one of the factors(Chang 2015; Mu et al. 2023). Here, carbon is the
best choice as an exfoliating agent that is able to cover up these weaknesses. A
large number of pores and the ability to absorb carbon make it easy to formulate
various types of cleansers, such as cold cream cleansers, cleansing milk, cleansing
oils, oil cleansing balms, and micellar water cleansers (Kitsongsermthon
et al. 2017).

10.3.2 Facial Mask

The moisture of skin content plays an important role in skin health, aesthetics, and
radiance. The effects of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays (sun damage), aging,
dehydration, stress, medications, and various illnesses can cause skin decay
(Nilforoushzadeh et al. 2018). Face masks are a solution that is easy to come by,
easy to apply, and shows an instant effect on the skin. Nowadays, facial masks have
become popularly used by both men and women. The bioactive ingredients added to
the mask are expected to provide good and deep moisture to the skin, remove sebum,
and rejuvenate the skin.
There are several types of facial masks, such as sheet masks, rinse-off masks,
peel-out masks, and hydrogel masks. Sheet masks are not designed for oily or acne-­
prone skin due to the increased amount of bacteria on the surface skin
(Nilforoushzadeh et al. 2018). In general, sheet masks contain more facial serum
(Zhou et al. 2022). Rinse masks are masks that must be rinsed after use. There are
several types, such as moisturizing, cleansing, toning, exfoliating, waxing, and mud
masks. Because it can be composed of a variety of good ingredients that the skin
needs with various problems, this type of mask can be used by various skin types.
In contrast, to rinse masks, the use of peel-off masks after use can be easily peeled
off without needing to be rinsed. Application time depends on the material of the
mask. This mask can also be composed according to skin care (Velasco et al. 2014;
Prasetyo et al. 2019). A hydrogel mask is a mask that can contain water in it.
Hydrogel masks are usually used for sensitive skin with a cooling and soothing
effect (Aramwit and Bang 2014).
Here, carbon is widely used in peel-off and rinse masks as an absorbent for
facial oil, deep pore cleanser, and exfoliant. In 2019, Kulkarni et al. formulated an
activated charcoal peel-off mask, and their report showed the addition of activated
charcoal could enhance the peel-off mask by absorbing dust and unblocking the
clogged pores (Kulkarni et al. 2019). However, peel-off masks containing charcoal
can cause excessive exfoliation, especially in people with sensitive skin or acne-
prone or problematic skin that results in very painful conditions. Therefore, com-
binations with moisturizers and herbal extracts can be added to reduce the negative
effects.
226 I. Budiman et al.

10.3.3 Eye Cosmetics

The statement “speak with the eyes” makes eye make-up a must in make-up perfec-
tion. Eye cosmetics have been used for thousands of years in Egyptian, Greek,
Roman, Chinese, Japanese, Phoenician, Indian, and Muslim civilizations (Zhou
et al. 2022). The historical use of eye make-up was to take a model of Gods, seek
divine favor, protect the eyelids from the glare of the sun, keep out flies, protect
toward the Evil Eye, and serve as an important burial gift, to purify and allow entry
to the afterlife (Crespi and Mattix 2000; Al-Ashban et al. 2004; Murube 2013;
Sullivan et al. 2023). Today, glamorous lifestyles and social media are influencing
the use of eye make-up. Eye make-up is not only used by women but also by men
with various artistic creations. Eye cosmetics, or eye make-up, include mascaras,
eye lines, eyeliner pencils, eyebrows, and shadows.
Eye shadow is a cosmetic made by compaction of powder, anhydrous cream, and
emulsions, but nowadays, paste forms are also made for easier application (Draelos
2001; Volpe et al. 2012). Eye pencils are made from natural or synthetic wax bases,
which are composited with mineral or vegetable oils, pigments, and lanolin deriva-
tives to help achieve colored pencils that are extruded or printed in containers or
molds (Karthikraj 2018). Eyeliner is designed to sharpen and line the lower and
upper eyelids, thereby enhancing the appearance of the eye shape. Eyeliner is avail-
able in two forms, liquid or solid (Al-Ashban et al. 2004; McMichael and Stoff
2018). Mascara has the same content as eyeliners but has a higher percentage of wax
(Al-Ashban et al. 2004; McMichael and Stoff 2018; Sullivan et al. 2023). Most of
them use coal or activated carbon as the black pigment.
Previously, eye make-up used ingredients derived from plants, animals, and/or
minerals (Sullivan et al. 2023). In Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, they often use
Kajal, collyrium, surma, or kohl. These materials may be toxic because they contain
galena (i.e., lead sulfide) or stibnite (i.e., antimony sulfide), as well as green udju-­
containing malachite (i.e., copper carbonate) (Murube 2013; McMullen and
Dell’Acqua 2023). Canada and the European Union prohibit the presence of harm-
ful minerals in eye cosmetics because they can cause eye problems such as conjunc-
tivitis, ulceration, and allergic contact dermatitis (Al-Ashban et al. 2004; Murube
2013; McMichael and Stoff 2018; Sullivan et al. 2023).
Activated charcoal is chosen to be one of the black pigment ingredients (Couteau
et al. 2022). Counteau et al. (2022) reported that the use of activated charcoal in eye
cosmetics had been extensively studied. This means that the cosmetic industry
needs to find alternative black pigments that are less irritating and harmful (Couteau
et al. 2022). Activated charcoal is produced from natural materials such as bamboo,
coconut, or wood, which have a lot of carbon content and are heated to high tem-
peratures. Many DIY (do it yourself) mascaras that are more eco-friendly and less
harmful use activated charcoal topped with olive oil (Brandon n.d.; Expert n.d.;
Worldexpogreece n.d.; Couteau et al. 2022). The use of activated charcoal does not
exclude the presence of hazardous materials, such as heavy metals, which are harm-
ful to human health. However, the amount of heavy metal content will be much
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 227

lower than minerals, so users must be more attentive when buying products by read-
ing the composition first. Some recipes just mention ‘charcoal’ not “activated.”
Charcoal-based would not be possible to check the quality first before incorporation
into the excipient (Couteau et al. 2022). However, this problem can be reduced by
varying the dosage accuracy and particle size and combining it with other good
ingredients.

10.3.4 Anti-Odorant

Body odors are a common problem, but they can greatly affect the quality of life of
a person, regardless of age or gender, because they can create a negative impression.
There is a misconception that sweat causes body odor when in fact, human sweat is
almost odorless. Body odor occurs due to bacterial metabolism, which decomposes
protein molecules in sweat and produces odor and oxidation of sweat and lipids on
human skin (Hara et al. 2020; Nahar 2020). Human body odor consists of several
volatile organic compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, ketones, amine, alco-
hols, aldehydes, ketone phenols, etc. (Natsch et al. 2006; Nahar 2020). Several
analyses have been carried out to identify volatile odor compounds and their precur-
sors in human body odor. In previous studies, diacetyl was identified as a bad odor-­
producing compound released by the scalp, axillae, and feet (Hara et al. 2014). In
2015, Hara et al. categorized three major axillary odors of Japanese: milk-like odor,
cumin-like odor, and acid-like odor (Hara et al. 2015). Nahar (2020) reported that
trimethylamine, acetic acid, and caproic acid are the main substances of bad smell
(Nahar 2020).
Due to increased awareness, many people wish to enhance their impression by
suppressing their unpleasant body odor. Many cosmetic industries are concerned
with creating products and treatments to reduce human body odor and have bacteri-
cidal and antiperspirant properties. Commonly used deodorants can be used as anti-
perspirants that block human sweat, bactericidal agents to prevent bacteria from
growing and inhibit the formation of odors involving metabolism, and adsorbents
that prevent body odor due to volatile organic compounds (Hara et al. 2014, 2015,
2020; Nahar 2020). Deodorants are produced in liquid forms, such as roll-ons, and
powder forms, such as powder sprinkles.
Over the decades, new technologies have been developed, providing innovations
in increasing the effectiveness of odor protection using natural materials that are
harmless. Activated carbon is a candidate for an anti-odor agent made from biomass
such as bamboo, coconut shells, empty fruit bunches, fibers, shells, fronds, and
wood chips. It has a porous surface that can deactivate various substances by absorb-
ing them on a large carbon surface. Activated charcoal draws out and absorbs dirt
and bacteria from your pores and detoxifies the skin to remove body odor without
harsh chemicals or synthetics. In 2014, activated carbon was reported to be used
therapeutically by patients with trimethylaminuria, a self-described condition of
fishy body odor. After being treated with activated charcoal, the fishy odor was
228 I. Budiman et al.

drastically reduced (Ulman et al. 2014). Hara et al. (2020) reported a new deodorant
ingredient, white activated carbon, exhibits a natural tone to human skin. Compared
with ZnO, which shows better deodorant characteristics, increasing the rate of
adsorption to volatile organic compounds significantly suppresses the formation of
axillary odor without bactericidal effect and poses no risk to human skin (Hara et al.
2020). Deodorant formulations from activated palm shell charcoal in powder and
roll-on forms have also been reported and evaluated through tests: Organoleptic
test, homogeneity, pH measurement, viscosity, flow properties, drying time, mois-
ture content, flow time, density, cycle test, hedonic. Test, irritation test, and sweat
adsorption effectiveness test. The results show that deodorant powder absorbs sweat
more effectively than roll-on deodorant, has no clear supernatant, is comfortable to
use (does not leave marks or stains), and does not show allergic reactions (Ulman
et al. 2014).

10.3.5 Anti-Pollution

In modern and metropolitan life, air pollution is a problem that is increasing every
year. Most of the air pollution comes from anthropogenic activities, the burning of
fossil fuels, industrial processes, and exhaust gases from transportation vehicles and
agricultural sources. Air pollution consists of various kinds of gases, which are
divided into two types, primary pollutants, namely CO2, CO, SO2, NO, NO2, organic
pollutants, particulate matter, and heavy metals, while secondary pollutants are pol-
lutants originating from chemical reactions and photochemical reactions such as
ozone (O3), NO2, peroxyacetyl nitrate, hydrogen peroxide, and aldehydes (Krutmann
et al. 2014). Exposure to air pollution can penetrate the human body through inhala-
tion and ingestion, through skin contact, and cause accumulation of acute and long-­
term cumulative effects on human health.
The impact of air pollution also has a considerable effect on human skin and has
different toxicology. Particulates, which are combustion particles formed by ele-
mental carbon coated with various metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
nitrates, and sulfates, can cause oxidative stress on the skin (Kim et al. 2016). It
generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causes the secretion of pro-­
inflammatory cytokines, resulting in the degradation of mature skin collagen, which
contributes to skin aging (Pan et al. 2015). Besides that, Air pollution, such as UV
radiation and smoking, are clearly recognized as important extrinsic skin aging fac-
tors that can trigger further cellular responses (Pan et al. 2015).
Several evaluation results from customers confirm that adverse environmental
conditions affect the skin, and the reaction depends on the type of skin, such as dry
and dull skin, dark spots and uneven skin tone, wrinkles and fine lines, oily skin and
acne, sensitive skin, and imperfection (Milani et al. 2019). Beauty experts also
agree that pollution can damage the skin barrier, resulting in decreased collagen
and elasticity, which can lead to dehydration, hyperpigmentation, photoaging,
excessive sebum secretion, inflammation and sensitive skin, eczema, and atopic
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 229

dermatitis. A common strategy for formulating anti-pollution products involves

using a variety of products that exfoliate, repair, and protect the skin. In previous
research, they formulated some materials to counteract the effects of pollution,
such as cleansing or exfoliation, repulsing dust, repairing the skin barrier, boosting
hydration, antioxidant, reducing inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, con-
trolling pigmentation or melanogenesis, and sun protection or anti-UV (Milani
et al. 2019):
Anti-pollution can be offered in various products such as make-up powder, facial
tissue, masks, mists, and exfoliating products. Here, activated charcoal is part of an
anti-pollutant formula where activated carbon plays a role in absorbing toxins and
exfoliating the skin. This is due to the highly porous nature of activated carbon,
which can draw toxins from pollution up and out of the skin (Khmaladze et al.
2020). On the other hand, the use of activated carbon as an anti-pollutant is as a skin
detox through mask products and exfoliators. Some examples of products that come
close to providing anti-pollution benefits are Pond’s Men Pollution Out Face Wash
with a combination of Charcoal and Coffee Bean Scrub and advanced Vita Mineral
Deep Detox Mask with Activated Charcoal (Mistry 2017).

10.3.6 Derivative Carbon for Anti-UV

During outdoor activities, sunlight will direct contact with the skin, in which the
solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is divided into UVC (190–290 nm), UVA
(400–315 nm), and UVB (315–290 nm) bands. Sun exposure has a positive effect
on the synthesis of vitamin D, but excess of UVA and UVB can lead to hyperpig-
mentation, photoaging, elastin, sunburns, degradation of extracellular matrix com-
ponents viz., collagen type I, fibronectin, DNA strand breaks, proteoglycans
induced by mitogen-activated protein kinases and cancer (Yaghoubi et al. 2015;
Balkrishna et al. 2022). Sunscreens are products designed to protect the skin by
absorbing, blocking, or eliminating UV radiation. Sunscreen with a minimum sun
protection factor of 15 (SPF15) is required for maximum effect. There are two
types of sunscreens, viz. physical sunscreens contain minerals that reflect UV rays
and chemical sunscreens use ingredients that absorb and convert UV rays into
heat. Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, red veterinary petrolatum, kaolin,
and calamine are the ingredients of the physical sunscreen. Octocrylene, octyl
salicylate, and octyl methoxycinnamate are the active ingredients of chemical
sunscreen.
The chemical sunscreen is classified into three types (Yaghoubi et al. 2015),
1. Photostable filters: The molecules absorb the energy and dissipate it in the form
of heat.
2. Photounstable filters: the molecule absorbs the UV radian with degradation or
changes its chemical structure.
3. Photoreactive filters: The molecule will be excited on irradiation with UV.
230 I. Budiman et al.

The cosmetic industry has now turned to the production of eco-friendly nano-
materials, which can serve as broad-spectrum UV protectors and nano cosmeceu-
ticals. Carbon dots (CDs) are zero-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials with
a particle size of less than 10 nm (Cui et al. 2021; Chen and Hao 2023). CDs have
special characteristics, such as adjustable fluorescence emission, sensing ability,
low toxicity, photostability, hydrophilicity, functional tunability, and easy synthe-
sis (Supjaroenpisan et al. 2021). The CDs exhibited excellent anti-UV application
results with a wide range of UV irradiation, tuneable photoluminescence, and
good compatibility (Balkrishna et al. 2022). This makes CDs a promising alterna-
tive to UV absorbers. In previous studies, Modified CD has been reported to
exhibit broad-­spectrum UV absorption, high UV absorption efficiency, good sta-
bility, and low toxicity, so it has the potential to become a commercial UV
absorber with a sun protection factor of up to 22 (Hu et al. 2019). In 2021, other
researchers reported heteroatom doping of CDs and undoped CDs was success-
fully synthesized from sugars and showed the highest UV–vis absorption, pheno-
lic content, antioxidant activity, photostability, biocompatibility, and non-toxic
applications(Supjaroenpisan et al. 2021). Balkrishna et al. (2022) successfully
synthesized CDs from Withania somnifera root extract. The results showed excel-
lent sun protection in the UV region of 280–400 nm and photoluminescence
(Balkrishna et al. 2022). From these studies can be concluded that CDs have good
potential as nano cosmeceuticals for therapeutic applications and as a component
of nano sun protection.

10.4 Development of Activated Carbon for Future

Cosmetic Applications

With the growing environmental problems that are in line with skin health, the
development of skincare products needs to be continuously developed to address
the various problems that arise. In this case, activated carbon plays a role in every
product under development, but for further discoveries, nanoscale versions of the
material are a future demand in cosmetic and personal care products. The purpose
of this modification is to manipulate the material at the atomic or molecular level so
as to provide better protection and properties, such as for cleaning products, detoxi-
fication, oil absorbent, anti-odor, anti-UV, exfoliator, and anti-pollutant. In addition,
the effectiveness of its performance will increase because it can penetrate deeper
into the skin. On the other hand, with the continuous increase in creativity and mod-
ern lifestyle, cosmetic products are important to support appearance. The durability
and color density of the product, as well as minimal irritation, are the main targets.
From previous reviews, we know that carbon derivatives such as functionalized car-
bon dots have superior properties, especially for anti-UV products, non-toxic, and
have minimal irritation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and utilize it with a
broader purpose in the cosmetic field.
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 231

10.5 Conclusion

In conclusion, biomass-based activated carbon holds great potential for current

cosmetic applications due to its natural origin, renewable nature, and versatile
adsorption properties. It can effectively remove impurities, toxins, and excess oils
from the skin, making it an attractive ingredient for various skincare products.
However, several challenges need to be addressed for the widespread development
and adoption of biomass-based activated carbon cosmetics technology in the future.
Firstly, there is a need for standardized production methods and quality control
measures to ensure consistency and purity of the activated carbon derived from
biomass. This requires further research and development in refining the activation
process and optimizing the carbon’s properties. Additionally, the scalability of bio-
mass sourcing and its environmental impact must be carefully considered to ensure
sustainable production practices. Furthermore, thorough safety evaluations and
regulatory compliance need to be conducted to guarantee the long-term safety and
efficacy of biomass-­based activated carbon in cosmetic formulations. Overcoming
these challenges will pave the way for the integration of biomass-based activated
carbon into cosmetic products, offering consumers eco-friendly and effective skin-
care solutions that align with their growing demand for natural and sustainable
alternatives.

References

Ahanchi M, Jafary T, Yeneneh AM, Rupani PF, Shafizadeh A, Shahbeik H, Pan J, Tabatabaei M,
Aghbashlo M (2022) Review on waste biomass valorization and power management sys-
tems for microbial fuel cell application. J Clean Prod 380:134994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
jclepro.2022.134994
Ahmad N, Suryani Arsyad F, Royani I, Lesbani A (2023) Charcoal activated as template mg/Al
layered double hydroxide for selective adsorption of direct yellow on anionic dyes. Results
Chem 5:100766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2023.100766
Ahuja V, Kshirsagar S, Ghosh P, Sarkar B, Sutar A, More S, Dasgupta D (2022) Process develop-
ment for detoxification of corncob hydrolysate using activated charcoal for xylitol production.
J Environ Chem Eng 10:107097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.107097
Al-Ashban RM, Aslam M, Shah AH (2004) Kohl (surma): a toxic traditional eye cosmetic study in
Saudi Arabia. Public Health 118:292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2003.05.001
Anuwar NA, Khamaruddin PFM (2021) Optimization of chemical activation conditions for acti-
vated carbon from coconut shell using response surface methodology (RSM) and its ability to
adsorb CO2. In: Third International Conference on Separation Technology 2020 (ICoST 2020),
pp 234–248. https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.201229.032
Aramwit P, Bang N (2014) The characteristics of bacterial nanocellulose gel releasing silk sericin
for facial treatment. BMC Biotechnol 14:104. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12896-­014-­0104-­x
Asari Y (2007) Activated charcoal. Chudoku Kenkyu 20:364. https://doi.org/10.7748/
en.18.4.13.s19
Awasthi MK, Sar T, Gowd SC, Rajendran K, Kumar V, Sarsaiya S, Li Y, Sindhu R, Binod P,
Zhang Z, Pandey A, Taherzadeh MJ (2023) A comprehensive review on thermochemical, and
232 I. Budiman et al.

biochemical conversion methods of lignocellulosic biomass into valuable end product. Fuel
342:127790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.127790
Backlund I, Karlsson L, Mattsson L, Bergsten U (2014) Biorefinery product potentials using tree
biomass as feedstock—a survey on opportunities and threats to the new wood products indus-
try. Biomass Bioenergy 70:207–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2014.08.017
Balkrishna A, Tomar M, Bhattacharya K, Varshney A (2022) Withania somnifera-derived carbon
dots protect human epidermal cells against UVB-induced cell death and support growth factor-­
mediated wound healing. Nanoscale Adv 5:1331. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2na00545j
Basu P (2018) Biomass characteristics, 3rd edn. Academic Press, Cambridge, MA
Brandon B (n.d.) DIY Eye make-up with activated charcoal—mother earth living. https://www.
motherearthliving.com/health-­and-­wellness/natural-­beauty/beauty-­recipes/charcoal-­eye-­
makeup-­ze0z1712zcoy/. Accessed 29 Jun 2023
Brito CHV, Gloria DCS, Santos EB, Domingues RA, Valente GT, Vieira NCS, Gonçalves M
(2023) Porous activated carbon/graphene oxide composite for efficient adsorption of phar-
maceutical contaminants. Chem Eng Res Des 191:387–400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
cherd.2023.01.044
Budiman I, Hermawan D, Febrianto F, Pari G, Subyakto (2019) Char properties and pollut-
ant adsorption capability of oil palm shell using hydrothermal process. Biomass Convers
Biorefinery doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-­019-­00394-­5, 9, 681
Chang M (2015) Reducing microplastics from facial exfoliating cleansers in wastewater
through treatment versus consumer product decisions. Mar Pollut Bull 101:330. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.074
Chaturvedi K, Singhwane A, Dhangar M, Mili M, Gorhae N, Naik A, Prashant N, Srivastava
AK, Verma S (2023) Bamboo for producing charcoal and biochar for versatile applications.
Biomass Convers Biorefinery:1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-­022-­03715-­3
Chen W, Hao J (2023) Editorial for the special issue on quantum dots frontiers. Micromachines
14:14–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14051026
Chen Y, Yu Y, Zhang X, Guo C, Chen C, Wang S, Min D (2022) High performance superca-
pacitors assembled with hierarchical porous carbonized wood electrode prepared through
self-­activation. Ind Crop Prod 181:114802. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114802
Couteau C, Girard E, Coiffard L (2022) Analysis of 275 DIY recipes for eye cosmetics and their
possible safety issues. Int J Cosmet Sci 44:403. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12776
Crespi M, Mattix C (2000) The practice and politics of archaeology in Egypt. Ann N Y Acad Sci
925:146–169. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1749-­6632.2000.TB05588.X
Cui L, Ren X, Sun M, Liu H, Xia L (2021) Carbon dots: synthesis, properties and applica-
tions. Nano 11
Dehmani Y, Lamhasni T, Mohsine A, Tahri Y, Lee HS, Lgaz H, Alrashdi AA, Abouarnadasse S
(2022) Adsorption removal of phenol by oak wood charcoal activated carbon. Biomass Convers
Biorefinery 14:8015. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-­022-­03036-­5
Demirbas A (2005) Potential applications of renewable energy sources, biomass combustion
problems in boiler power systems and combustion related environmental issues. Prog Energy
Combust Sci 31:171–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2005.02.002
Deshmukh SM, Shekh MI, Samal K, Geed SR, Ganguly A (2023) Utilization of biomass for
energy conservation in agricultural usage. Bioresour Technol Rep 22:101480. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.biteb.2023.101480
Draelos ZD (2001) Special considerations in eye cosmetics. Clin Dermatol 19:424. https://doi.
org/10.1016/S0738-­081X(01)00204-­8
Draelos ZD (2018) The science behind skin care: cleansers. J Cosmet Dermatol 17:8
Dubey SK, Dey A, Singhvi G, Pandey MM, Singh V, Kesharwani P (2022) Emerging trends of
nanotechnology in advanced cosmetics. Colloids Surfaces B Biointerfaces 214:112440. https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112440
ECHA European Chemicals Agency (n.d.) Internet Database https://echa.europa.eu/home.
Accessed 29 Jun 2023
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 233

Elanthamilan E, Jennifer SJ, Wang SF, Merlin JP (2022) Effective conversion of Cassia fistula dry
fruits biomass into porous activated carbon for supercapacitors. Mater Chem Phys 286:126188.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.126188
Expert TOB Homemade Natural Mascara Recipe | The Organic Beauty Expert (n.d.). https://theo-
rganicbeautyexpert.com/homemade-­mascara/. Accessed 29 Jun 2023
Fatih Dilekoglu M, Yapici M (2023) Adsorption of naproxen pharmaceutical micropollutant
from aqueous solutions on superior activated carbon synthesized from sheep manure: kinet-
ics, thermodynamics, and mechanism. J Mol Liq 381:121839. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
molliq.2023.121839
Freitas JV, Nogueira FGE, Farinas CS (2019) Coconut shell activated carbon as an alternative
adsorbent of inhibitors from lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. Ind Crop Prod 137:16–23.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.05.018
Funke A, Ziegler F (2010) Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass: a summary and discussion of
chemical mechanisms for process engineering. Biofuels Bioprod Biorefin 4:160–177. https://
doi.org/10.1002/bbb.198
Gabisa EW, Gheewala SH (2018) Potential of bio-energy production in Ethiopia based on
available biomass residues. Biomass Bioenergy 111:77–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
biombioe.2018.02.009
Glushkov DO, Matiushenko AI, Nurpeiis AE, Zhuikov AV (2021) An experimental investigation
into the fuel oil-free start-up of a coal-fired boiler by the main solid fossil fuel with addi-
tives of brown coal, biomass and charcoal for ignition enhancement. Fuel Process Technol
223:106986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2021.106986
Golia EE, Aslanidis PSC, Papadimou SG, Kantzou OD, Chartodiplomenou MA, Lakiotis K,
Androudi M, Tsiropoulos NG (2022) Assessment of remediation of soils, moderately contami-
nated by potentially toxic metals, using different forms of carbon (charcoal, biochar, activated
carbon). Impacts on contamination, metals availability and soil indices. Sustain Chem Pharm
28:100724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2022.100724
Hammani H, Laghrib F, Farahi A, Lahrich S, El Ouafy T, Aboulkas A, El Harfi K, El Mhammedi
MA (2019) Preparation of activated carbon from date stones as a catalyst to the reactivity
of hydroquinone: application in skin whitening cosmetics samples. J Sci Adv Mater Dev
4:451–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsamd.2019.07.003
Hara T, Matsui H, Shimizu H (2014) Suppression of microbial metabolic pathways inhibits the
generation of the human body odor component diacetyl by staphylococcus spp. PLoS One
9:e111833. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0111833
Hara T, Kyuka A, Shimizu H (2015) Butane-2,3-dione: the key contributor to axillary and
foot odor associated with an acidic note. Chem Biodivers 12:248. https://doi.org/10.1002/
cbdv.201400272
Hara T, Nabei H, Kyuka A (2020) Activated carbon/titanium dioxide composite to adsorb vola-
tile organic compounds associated with human body odor. Heliyon 6:e05455. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05455
Heberlein S, Chan WP, Veksha A, Giannis A, Hupa L, Lisak G (2022) High temperature slagging
gasification of municipal solid waste with biomass charcoal as a greener auxiliary fuel. J
Hazard Mater 423:127057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127057
Hermawan D, Budiman I, Febrianto F, Subyakto S, Pari G, Ghozali M, Bahtiar ET, Sutiawan J, de
Azevedo ARG (2022) Enhancement of the mechanical, self-healing and pollutant adsorption
properties of mortar reinforced with empty fruit bunches and shell chars of oil palm. Polymers
(Basel) 14:1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030410
Hu G, Lei B, Jiao X, Wu S, Zhang X, Zhuang J, Liu X, Hu C, Liu Y (2019) Synthesis of modi-
fied carbon dots with performance of ultraviolet absorption used in sunscreen. Opt Express
27:7629. https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.27.007629
Huang L, Luo Z, Huang X, Wang Y, Yan J, Liu W, Guo Y, Babu Arulmani SR, Shao M, Zhang H
(2022) Applications of biomass-based materials to remove fluoride from wastewater: a review.
Chemosphere 301:134679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134679
234 I. Budiman et al.

Ishibashi N, Yamamoto K, Wakisaka H, Kawahara Y (2014) Influence of the hydrothermal pre-­

treatments on the adsorption characteristics of activated carbons from woods. J Polym Environ
22:267–271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-­013-­0623-­x
Javed MU, Mukhtar H, Hayat MT, Rashid U, Mumtaz MW, Ngamcharussrivichai C (2022)
Sustainable processing of algal biomass for a comprehensive biorefinery. J Biotechnol
352:47–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.05.009
Jiang M, Ji J, Zhang Y, Sun S (2023) Removal of aflatoxins in peanut oils by activated carbon func-
tionalized with sodium dodecyl sulfonate. Food Control 153:109935. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
foodcont.2023.109935
Johnson W, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG,
Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Gill LJ, Heldreth B (2023) Safety assessment of
apple-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol 42:36S. https://doi.
org/10.1177/10915818231156873
Juliano C, Magrini GA (2018) Cosmetic functional ingredients from botanical sources for anti-­
pollution skincare products. Cosmetics 5
Kabra K, Khan I, Paul A, Malik M, Mehrotra S, Giri S (2018) Preparation of face wash using
activated charcoal and green tea extracts. World Sci News 113
Karthikraj R (2018) Human biomonitoring of select ingredients in cosmetics halogenated polycy-
clic aromatic hydrocarbons project view project risk assessment of human exposure to silox-
anes and phthalates in indoor air from several northern cities in Vietnam view project
Khandaker S, Chowdhury MF, Awual MR, Islam A, Kuba T (2021) Efficient cesium encapsulation
from contaminated water by cellulosic biomass based activated wood charcoal. Chemosphere
262:127801. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127801
Khmaladze I, Österlund C, Smiljanic S, Hrapovic N, Lafon-Kolb V, Amini N, Xi L, Fabre S (2020)
A novel multifunctional skin care formulation with a unique blend of antipollution, bright-
ening and anti aging active complexes. J Cosmet Dermatol 19:1415. https://doi.org/10.1111/
jocd.13176
Kim KE, Cho D, Park HJ (2016) Air pollution and skin diseases: adverse effects of airborne par-
ticulate matter on various skin diseases. Life Sci 152:126
Kitsongsermthon J, Duangweang K, Kreepoke J, Tansirikongkol A (2017) In vivo cleansing effi-
cacy of biodegradable exfoliating beads assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Res
Technol 23:525. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.12365
Krishnan RY, Manikandan S, Subbaiya R, Biruntha M, Govarthanan M, Karmegam N (2021)
Removal of emerging micropollutants originating from pharmaceuticals and personal care
products (PPCPs) in water and wastewater by advanced oxidation processes: a review. Environ
Technol Innov 23:101757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101757
Krutmann J, Liu W, Li L, Pan X, Crawford M, Sore G, Seite S (2014) Pollution and skin: from
epidemiological and mechanistic studies to clinical implications. J Dermatol Sci 76:76
Kulkarni SV, Gupta AK, Bhawsar S (2019) Formulation and evaluation of activated charcoal peel
off mask. Int J Pharm Res Technol 9:44–48. https://doi.org/10.31838/ijprt/09.02.06
Kumar S (2022) Porous activated carbon derived from natural waste honeycomb and paper wasp
hive and its application in quasi-solid-state supercapacitor. pp. 1–21
Ladakis D, Stylianou E, Ioannidou SM, Koutinas A, Pateraki C (2022) Biorefinery develop-
ment, techno-economic evaluation and environmental impact analysis for the conversion of
the organic fraction of municipal solid waste into succinic acid and value-added fractions.
Bioresour Technol 354:127172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127172
Libra JA, Ro KS, Kammann C, Funke A, Berge ND, Neubauer Y, Titirici MM, Fühner C, Bens O,
Kern J, Emmerich KH (2011) Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass residuals: a c­ omparative
review of the chemistry, processes and applications of wet and dry pyrolysis. Biofuels 2:71–106.
https://doi.org/10.4155/bfs.10.81
Malesic-Eleftheriadou N, Liakos EV, Evgenidou E, Kyzas GZ, Bikiaris DN, Lambropoulou DA
(2022) Low-cost agricultural wastes (orange peels) for the synthesis and characterization of
activated carbon biosorbents in the removal of pharmaceuticals in multi-component mixtures
from aqueous matrices. J Mol Liq 368:120795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2022.120795
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 235

McMichael JR, Stoff BK (2018) Surma eye cosmetic in Afghanistan: a potential source of lead
toxicity in children. Eur J Pediatr 177:265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-­017-­3056-­z
McMullen RL, Dell’Acqua G (2023) History of natural ingredients in cosmetics. Cosmet 10:71.
https://doi.org/10.3390/COSMETICS10030071
Md Zaini MS, Anuar NF, Al-Junid SAM, Syed-Hassan SSA (2023) Agricultural biomass-based
carbon cathode materials for lithium-sulfur batteries: a systematic review. Mater Sci Energy
Technol 6:205–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mset.2022.12.009
Menya E, Jjagwe J, Kalibbala HM, Storz H, Olupot PW (2023) Progress in deployment of biomass-­
based activated carbon in point-of-use filters for removal of emerging contaminants from
water: a review. Chem Eng Res Des 192:412–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.02.045
Milani M, Hashtroody B, Piacentini M, Celleno L (2019) Skin protective effects of an antipollu-
tion, antioxidant serum containing Deschampsia antartica extract, ferulic acid and vitamin C: a
controlled single-blind, prospective trial in women living in urbanized, high air pollution area.
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 12:393. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S204905
Mistry N (2017) Guidelines for formulating anti-pollution products. Cosmetics 4(4):57. https://
doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4040057
Mu M, Liu M, Ma W (2023) Evaluating Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for daily chemi-
cal products without plastic microbeads using an extended theory of planned behavior model.
Mar Policy 154:105671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105671
Murube J (2013) Ocular cosmetics in ancient times. Ocul Surf 11:11
Nahar K (2020) A review on anti odor finishing of textiles, its application and commercialization.
ACTA Tech Corviniensis Bull Eng
Napper IE, Bakir A, Rowland SJ, Thompson RC (2015) Characterisation, quantity and sorptive
properties of microplastics extracted from cosmetics. Mar Pollut Bull 99:178. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.07.029
Natsch A, Derrer S, Flachsmann F, Schmid J (2006) A broad diversity of volatile carboxylic
acids, released by a bacterial aminoacylase from axilla secretions, as candicate molecules for
the determination of human-body odor type. Chem Biodivers 3:1. https://doi.org/10.1002/
cbdv.200690015
Ni L, Feng Z, Zhang T, Gao Q, Hou Y, He Y, Su M, Ren H, Hu W, Liu Z (2022) Effect of pyroly-
sis heating rates on fuel properties of molded charcoal: imitating industrial pyrolysis process.
Renew Energy 197:257–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.07.132
Nicolae SA, Louis-Therese J, Gaspard S, Szilágyi PÁ, Titirici MM (2022) Biomass derived carbon
materials: synthesis and application towards CO2 and H2S adsorption. Nano Sel 3:165–177.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nano.202100099
Nilforoushzadeh MA, Amirkhani MA, Zarrintaj P, Salehi Moghaddam A, Mehrabi T, Alavi S,
Mollapour Sisakht M (2018) Skin care and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask. J
Cosmet Dermatol 17:693
Niu X, Liu X, Zhang B, Zhang Q, Xu H, Zhang H, Sun J, Ho KF, Chuang HC, Shen Z, Cao J (2023)
Health benefits from substituting raw biomass fuels for charcoal and briquette fuels: in vitro tox-
icity analysis. Sci Total Environ 866:161332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161332
Palsan SA, Lim JY, Nor Asfaliza A (2020) Synthesis and characterization of active biocarbon
material for use in cosmetics and personal care products. In: Key engineering materials
Pan TL, Wang PW, Aljuffali IA, Huang CT, Lee CW, Fang JY (2015) The impact of urban par-
ticulate pollution on skin barrier function and the subsequent drug absorption. J Dermatol Sci
78:51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2015.01.011
Panwar NL, Pawar A, Salvi BL (2019) Comprehensive review on production and utilization of
biochar. SN Appl Sci 1:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-­019-­0172-­6
Pattananandecha T, Ramangkoon S, Sirithunyalug B, Tinoi J, Saenjum C (2019) Preparation of
high performance activated charcoal from rice straw for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applica-
tions. Int J Appl Pharm 11:255–260. https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2019v11i1.30637
Prasetyo BE, Rafika D, Laila L, Aminah F (2019) Physical evaluation and anti-aging effect of red
bean ethanolic extract (Vigna angularis (wild.) ohwi & ohashi) peel-off gel mask. Open access
Maced. J Med Sci 7:3907. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.531
236 I. Budiman et al.

Qian L, Guo F, Jia X, Zhan Y, Zhou H, Jiang X, Tao C (2020) Recent development in the synthesis
of agricultural and forestry biomass-derived porous carbons for supercapacitor applications: a
review. Ionics (Kiel) 26:3705–3723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-­020-­03626-­1
Ramya V, Murugan D, Lajapathirai C, Meenatchisundaram S, Arumugam S (2022) A compos-
ite adsorbent of superparamagnetic nanoparticles with sludge biomass derived activated car-
bon for the removal of chromium (VI). J Clean Prod 366:132853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
jclepro.2022.132853
Rashidi NA, Chai YH, Ismail IS, Othman MFH, Yusup S (2022) Biomass as activated carbon pre-
cursor and potential in supercapacitor applications. Biomass Convers Biorefinery. https://doi.
org/10.1007/s13399-­022-­02351-­1
Rehman A, Nazir G, Heo K, Hussain S, Ikram M, Mahmood Q, Alshahrani T, Abd-Rabboh HSM
(2023) Single step strategy to prepare highly microporous carbons derived from melamine and
terephthalaldehyde for high-performance material-based hydrogen storage. J Energy Storage
66:107468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.107468
Sadrul Islam AKM, Ahiduzzaman M (2012) Biomass energy: sustainable solution for greenhouse
gas emission. AIP Conf Proc 1440:23–32. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4704200
Saidur R, Abdelaziz EA, Demirbas A, Hossain MS, Mekhilef S (2011) A review on biomass
as a fuel for boilers. Renew Sust Energ Rev 15:2262–2289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
rser.2011.02.015
Sanchez N, Fayne R, Burroway B (2020) Charcoal: an ancient material with a new face. Clin
Dermatol 38:262–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.07.025
Selvaraj AR, Chinnadurai D, Cho I, Bak JS, Prabakar K (2022) Bio-waste wood-derived porous
activated carbon with tuned microporosity for high performance supercapacitors. J Energy
Storage 52:104928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.104928
Serafin J, Dziejarski B (2023) Activated carbons—preparation, characterization and their applica-
tion in CO2 capture: a review. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Sevilla M, Mokaya R (2014) Energy storage applications of activated carbons: supercapacitors
and hydrogen storage. Energy Environ Sci 7:1250–1280. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3ee43525c
Sullivan DA, da Costa AX, Del Duca E, Doll T, Grupcheva CN, Lazreg S, Liu S-H, McGee
SR, Murthy R, Narang P, Ng A, Nistico S, O’Dell L, Roos J, Shen J, Markoulli M (2023)
TFOS lifestyle: impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 29:77–130. https://doi.
org/10.1016/J.JTOS.2023.04.005
Supjaroenpisan M, Hanchaina R, Kangsamaksin T, Paoprasert P (2021) Effects of heteroatom
doping of carbon dots from sugar on optical properties, phenolic content, antioxidant activity,
photostability, and cytotoxicity. ChemSelect 6:3597. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202100495
Ulman CA, Trevino JJ, Miller M, Gandhi RK (2014) Fish odor syndrome: a case report of trimeth-
ylaminuria. Dermatol Online J 20
Velasco MVR, Vieira RP, Fernandes AR, Dario MF, Pinto CASO, Pedriali CA, Kaneko TM, Baby
AR (2014) Short-term clinical of peel-off facial mask moisturizers. Int J Cosmet Sci 36:355.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12133
Volpe MG, Nazzaro M, Coppola R, Rapuano F, Aquino RP (2012) Determination and assessments
of selected heavy metals in eye shadow cosmetics from China, Italy, and USA. Microchem J
101:65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2011.10.008
Weber K, Quicker P (2018) Properties of biochar. Fuel 217:240–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
fuel.2017.12.054
Worldexpogreece Beauty in Ancient Greece—Greece (n.d.). http://worldexpogreece.weebly.com/
beauty-­in-­ancient-­greece.html. Accessed 29 Jun 2023
Xiao F, Bedane AH, Mallula S, Sasi PC, Alinezhad A, Soli D, Hagen ZM, Mann MD (2020)
Production of granular activated carbon by thermal air oxidation of biomass charcoal/bio-
char for water treatment in rural communities: a mechanistic investigation. Chem Eng J Adv
4:100035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2020.100035
10 Activated Carbon for Cosmetics Applications 237

Yaghoubi A, Ghojazadeh M, Abolhasani S, Alikhah H, Khaki-Khatibi F (2015) Correlation of

serum levels of vitronectin, malondialdehyde and Hs-CRP with disease severity in coronary
artery disease. J Cardiovasc Thorac Res 7:113. https://doi.org/10.15171/jcvtr.2015.24
Yana S, Nizar M, Irhamni MD (2022) Biomass waste as a renewable energy in developing bio-­
based economies in Indonesia: a review. Renew Sust Energ Rev 160:112268. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.rser.2022.112268
Yang J, Meng J, Zhu Y, Liu Q, Zhang X, Zheng X (2022) Superior capacitive performance of
micropore-dominant porous carbon derived from biomass wastes. J Energy Storage 50:104668.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.104668
Zhang G, Lei B, Chen S, Xie H, Zhou G (2021) Activated carbon adsorbents with micro-­
mesoporous structure derived from waste biomass by stepwise activation for toluene removal
from air. J Environ Chem Eng 9:105387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105387
Zhou L, Chen J, Chen T, Chang H, Cui W, She Y, Li Z, Tang W, Yuan D, Chen Z, Su J (2022)
Investigation of actual exposure to facial sheet mask preceding its risk assessment. Sci Rep
12:1215. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-­022-­05351-­3