Beauty roadtest: products for oily skin
Our All Ages model has used activated charcoal products on his face for years
Throughout my acne-riddled teenage years, my skincare routine was a cycle of bewilderment and exasperation. I conceded defeat to the constellations of spots across my face. But now in my 20s, in a job that relies on my face not looking its worst, the laissez-faire attitude I had has gone. Activated charcoal products have been a dependable oil-banishing addition to my washbag for years. Using carbon that has been treated to increase its absorbency, they claim to attract dirt and oil like a magnet – unclogging pores and dispelling acne. But do they work?
L’Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Charcoal Face Wash (£6.35) is effective at stripping away grease, although the wash can be rather harsh and leaves skin feeling dry, so it would be best coupled with a good moisturiser.