Charcoal has been on our radar as something of a natural purifier for a while now. Made from steamed wood, it has a proven ability to absorb between one and two hundred times its own weight in impurities, and has been used for many centuries to rid the body of unwanted toxins. Charcoal has classically been especially effective at combatting stomach ailments and dental problems, whilst more recently charcoal masks and cleansing products have become something of a hot topic in skincare.

Never ones to shy away from innovation, we’re very excited to be partnering with Morihata, a brand which uses charcoal in a number of its products, and which seeks to bring the best of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship to the rest of the world. Morihata uses Binchotan charcoal, a traditional Japanese charcoal which takes Japanese Holm Oak as its raw material. The charcoal is activated through a process called nerashi which involves burning the original wood at very high temperatures and then quickly cooling it afterwards, in order to produce numerous tiny pores in which water-borne impurities can be trapped (one gram of Binchotan charcoal has the surface area as a tennis court). Binchotan, therefore, lends itself to a number of different wellbeing purposes and Morihata takes full advantage of this, putting the Binchotan to lots of ingenious uses in products as diverse as toothbrushes and water purifiers.

Binchotan Facial Puff The range carries a number of highly effective skincare tools, including the Binchotan Facial Puff. The Puff is composed of the roots of Konjac, a vegetable fibre, which is blended with micro-fine Binchotan powder. It gently exfoliates and brightens, and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin due to the sponge’s in-built purifying properties it is not necessary to use any other cleansing products alongside it.

Binchotan Body Scrub Towel
Like the Facial Puff, the Binchotan Body Scrub Towel contains finely ground Binchotan charcoal. The towel is made from a polyester fibre which has been combined with Binchotan powder, and woven together with a soft cotton material. The towel’s active charcoal ingredient has the simultaneous effects of absorbing odours and removing toxins and excess oils, making it an excellent addition to any everyday shower routine.

Binchotan Toothbrush
Perhaps the most interesting item in Morihata’s range of personal grooming products is the Binchotan Toothbrush. The toothbrush features a sleek, understated design and bristles blended with charcoal, which serves to neutralise bad breath and remove plaque.

Finally, there’s the Kishu Binchotan Charcoal (pictured above), which, when placed in a jug of tap water, works as a purifier, removing chemicals like chlorine and overall softening water’s taste. Morihata products are available to buy both in the salon and online, and we think the results are amazing. With its extreme purifying properties and its natural origins, who knew charcoal could make you feel so good?

Words by Lauren O’Neill