Activated charcoal is a fine-grained black powder made from a variety of natural substances, such as coconut shells, olive pits, slowly burned wood, and peat.

The powder becomes activated when oxidized under extreme heat. Activated charcoal is very porous and highly adsorbent. It also has a wide surface area.

Unlike absorbent substances, activated charcoal's adsorbent nature allows it to bind to toxins and odors, rather than soaking (absorbing) them up.

Although similar, barbecue charcoal is manufactured to be a fuel and emits carbon dioxide when heated. It may have a carcinogenic effect on health. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, doesn't contain these types of toxins.

Activated charcoal's adsorbent nature has been referenced in medical literature for centuries. In the early 1800s, activated charcoal started to gain prominence as a treatment for accidental ingestion of poison.