XBC Cleansing Charcoal Face Scrub Review

I’ve been using the XBC Cleansing Charcoal Face Scrub for a few weeks now, and I thought it was finally time to share my experience with it. As someone who wears makeup regularly, finding a product that deeply cleanses without being harsh on my skin is really important, and I was quite excited to give this one a try.

The main reason I picked this scrub was because I wanted to try something with charcoal, which is known for its ability to draw out impurities and detoxify the skin.

So, when I walked into my local cosmetics shop and spotted this one, I was thrilled. It ticked quite a few boxes for me right away – most notably, it’s paraben-free and sulphate-free, which is always a big plus when choosing skincare products.

At first glance, I expected the scrub to be jet black in colour, given that it contains charcoal. But to my surprise, it’s not black at all. Instead, it has a creamy white base with small black and brown granules – most likely from the charcoal powder and walnut shell extract listed in the ingredients.

It also has a really pleasant, sweet scent that isn’t too overpowering. Another bonus is that the product has a long shelf life – up to 24 months once opened – which is great if you’re not using it every single day.

What the Brand Says

According to the brand, the XBC Cleansing Charcoal Facial Scrub is formulated using activated charcoal and walnut kernels. It’s designed to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and stimulate the skin. It claims to remove excess oil and dead skin cells to reveal a fresher, healthier-looking complexion.

In terms of ingredients, it contains:

• Aqua
• Stearic Acid
• Kaolin
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Paraffinum Liquidum
• Propylene Glycol
• Ceteareth-20
• Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Extract
• Parfum
• Charcoal Powder
• DMDM Hydantoin
• Triethanolamine

I always try to be mindful of what goes on my skin, so it’s helpful that the ingredient list is clear and easy to find on the packaging.

My Experience

While the product wasn’t exactly what I expected, I’ve grown to really like it. I usually apply it on my face for about 10 minutes before my bath, and I love how soft and clean my skin feels after rinsing it off. It doesn’t feel harsh or drying, which is a concern I’ve had with some exfoliating scrubs in the past.

Because I wear makeup quite often, I tend to get the occasional breakout, especially if I skip cleansing thoroughly. But when I’ve used this scrub consistently around two to three times a week, I’ve noticed that my skin stays much clearer. It helps to unclog my pores and leaves my face looking brighter and smoother. It’s been a reliable addition to my skincare routine.

That said, even though it works well, I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing it. The main reason is that I still want to try a charcoal face mask, specifically, one that is really dark and gives that traditional ‘black mask’ effect. I’m curious to see how those compare to this scrub in terms of deep cleansing and pore detox.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think this is a great option for anyone looking to try a gentle exfoliating scrub with charcoal. It’s affordable, smells nice, and does what it claims, leaving your skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed. If you’re not too fussed about the colour or texture and you’re looking for a charcoal-based product that isn’t too harsh, this could be worth a try.

Have you used anything from the XBC charcoal range? I’d love to hear what you think!