Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick Review

Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick
Review

Does Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick Work?

 
Physicians Formula Charcoal Detox Cleansing Stick is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.
 
However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Charcoal Powder
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Sand
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Subtilisin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:

Ingredients explained

Glycerin
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateA coconut-derived surfactant that features gentle cleansing capabilities. This mild cleansing agent is commonly used in skin cleansing products and is especially useful in solid bar cleansers, like syndet bars.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Lauryl Laurate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Lauryl LaurateLauryl laurate is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid. It is used in skincare products as an emollient and also helps to stabilize the emulsions in creams and lotions (which makes them a bit more opaque).
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateA synthetic thickener often used in cleansing formulations. It can create very thick cleansing products while maintaining foaming ability.
Fragrance
Est. %1
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Disodium Cocoyl GlutamateA naturally-derived surfactant with gentle cleansing and some foaming ability.
Charcoal Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Charcoal PowderA naturally occurring ingredient that is used as a colorant due to its rich black color. It can also be used as an abrasive to exfoliate the top layer of dead cells off the surface of the skin, as well as as an absorbent.
Sodium Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium StearateA naturally derived thickener with emulsifying and cleansing properties.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Sand
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sand
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateA very effective yet mild cleansing ingredient derived from coconut oil.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseA natural viscosity controlling agent that is commonly used in skin cleansing products to thicken the consistency. It also functions as an emulsion stabilizing agent and binding agent.
Subtilisin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Subtilisin
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf ExtractDerived from globe artichokes, this ingredient contains plenty of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, organic acids, and other polyphenols.
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.