Lemon and charcoal: a combination with multiple benefits

If you follow beauty and wellness trends on social media, you've probably come across this trick: combining activated charcoal and lemon juice for spectacular results. With the promise of glowing teeth and purified skin, this black and yellow blend is intriguing.

Spoiler alert: the reality is more nuanced than it seems. Before you try it, here's what you need to know to avoid beauty blunders.

Zoom in on the two stars of the mix

Activated charcoal is often considered a master detoxifier. Derived from charred plant matter (wood, coconut shells, etc.), it has been used for centuries for its high absorption capacity. It traps impurities, toxins, and residues on the skin and in the body.

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