Looking for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo bar that actually performs like liquid shampoo? This activated charcoal shampoo bar is creamy, conditioning, and perfectly balanced for healthy hair.
Table of Contents
Activated Charcoal Shampoo Bar Recipe (200 g Batch)
Ingredients & Percentages
| Ingredient | Percentage | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) | 45% | 90 g |
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine | 12% | 24 g |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 4% | 8 g |
| Cocoa Butter | 5% | 10 g |
| BTMS-50 | 5% | 10 g |
| Glycerin or Propanediol | 4% | 8 g |
| Sodium Lactate | 3% | 6 g |
| Hydrolyzed Keratin | 2% | 4 g |
| Liquid Germall Plus | 0.5% | 1 g |
| Fragrance Oil | 2% | 4 g |
| Distilled Water or Hydrosol | 4% | 8 g |
| Activated Charcoal | 1.5% | 3 g |
| Total | 100% | 200 g |
Why This Shampoo Bar Works
Unlike cold process soap, this is a surfactant-based shampoo bar, meaning it’s formulated for hair’s natural pH (4.5–5.5).
This formula gives you:
- Creamy, stable lather
- Gentle cleansing
- Light conditioning
- Scalp detox from charcoal
- A firm, long-lasting bar
Prefer to watch How to Make A Shampoo Bar
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What Each Ingredient Does (Plus Substitutions)
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
Primary cleanser. Creates dense, creamy foam without stripping.
Substitution: SLSa (more bubbles, slightly less creamy).
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Secondary surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation.
Substitution: Decyl Glucoside (milder, less foam).
Cetyl Alcohol
Adds structure and slip. Prevents brittle bars.
Substitution: Cetearyl Alcohol.
Cocoa Butter
Adds hardness and nourishment.
Substitution: Mango Butter (lighter) or Shea Butter (richer).
BTMS-50
Conditioning emulsifier. Reduces static and improves combability. Check out this Emulsified Sugar Scrub that uses BTMS 50.
Substitution: BTMS-25 for lighter conditioning.
Glycerin / Propanediol
Humectant that draws moisture to hair and helps bind the mixture.
Sodium Lactate
Hardens the bar and adds light hydration.
Hydrolyzed Keratin
Strengthens damaged strands and improves elasticity.
Substitution: Hydrolyzed Silk or Rice Protein.
Activated Charcoal
Absorbs excess oil and buildup. Ideal for oily scalp.
Substitution: French Green Clay or Rhassoul Clay.
Liquid Germall Plus
Broad-spectrum preservative required because the formula contains water.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Heat Phase
Combine:
Heat gently in a double boiler.
The mixture will form a thick paste — this is normal.
Step 2: Add Water + Charcoal
Stir in distilled water and activated charcoal. Mix until fully combined, while the mixture is in the crockpot.
Step 3: Cool Below 50°C (122°F)
Add:
Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Mold the Bars
Firmly press mixture into silicone molds. Tap to remove air pockets.
Step 5: Dry & Harden
- Let sit 24–48 hours
- Unmold
- Allow to dry another 24 hours
How to Test Shampoo Bar pH (Proper Method)
Hair’s ideal pH is 4.5 – 5.5.
Because this is solid, you must test a dilution with a pH meter.
How to Make a 10% pH Testing Solution
- Weigh 1 g shampoo bar
- Add 9 g distilled water
- Allow to dissolve fully (use warm water)
- Stir well
- Test with:
- Digital pH meter (most accurate)
- High-quality pH strips
Adjusting pH
If pH is too high:
- Add 1 g citric acid and 1 g distilled water (50% citric acid solution)
- Stir and retest
If pH is too low:
- Add a very small amount of baking soda solution
- Retest slowly
Always adjust gradually.
Best For These Hair Types
✔ Oily scalp
✔ Fine to normal hair
✔ Product buildup
✔ Transitioning from bottled shampoo
For dry or curly hair, reduce charcoal and increase conditioning agents slightly.
Storage Tips
- Store in draining soap dish
- Keep away from direct water stream
- Allow to dry fully between uses
Proper drying dramatically increases longevity.
FAQ
Is this soap?
No. It’s a surfactant-based shampoo bar formulated for hair’s pH.
Can I skip the preservative?
No. This formula contains water.
Can I make this without charcoal?
Yes. Replace charcoal weight with additional distilled water.
How long does it last?
3–6 months when stored properly.
Make Your Own Detox Charcoal Shampoo Bar (Easy Syndet Recipe)
Equipment
- Silicone mold
Ingredients
Heat Phase
- 90 g | 45% Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI)
- 24 g | 12% Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- 8 g | 4% Cetyl Alcohol
- 10 g | 5% Cocoa Butter
- 10 g | 5% BTMS-50
- 8 g | 4% Glycerin
- 6 g | 3% Sodium Lactate
Charcoal Slurry
- 8 g | 4% Distilled Water or Hydrosol
- 3 g | 1.5% Activated Charcoal
Cool Down
- 1 g | 0.5% Liquid Germall Plus
- 4 g | 2% Fragrance Oil
- 4 g | 2% Hydrolyzed Keratin
Instructions
- Melt the Heat Phase in a crock pot
- Add Water + Charcoal slurry
- Cool Below 50°C (122°F) and add cool down ingredients
- Mold the Bars
