Hawaiian Black Lava Body Caviar does two things well: sea salt and organic sugar buff away dull surface skin so it looks radiant, and a blend of plant oils, including Kalahari melon seed oil, leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. The charcoal powder in it gives the scrub its deep black color. It does not "detox" your skin, pull out toxins or shrink pores, and we would rather tell you that plainly than sell it on promises.
Charcoal scrubs attract a lot of big claims. Here is how we weigh the common ones.
What a body scrub actually does
A scrub is physical exfoliation. Small crystals, massaged over wet skin, loosen the dull, dry flakes on the surface so they rinse away. What is left looks brighter and feels smoother, and anything you put on afterward has a cleaner surface to sit on. That much is simple and well understood, and it is the main reason to use any scrub.
What makes one scrub nicer than another is everything around the crystals: how they are cushioned, how the scrub feels while you use it, how skin feels after rinsing and how it smells. That is where we put our effort.
The claim: charcoal detoxes the skin
Our view: overstated. "Detox" is one of the most common words on charcoal products, but skin is not something you empty of toxins with a scrub. A rinse-off product sits on your skin for a minute or two before the water carries it away. It washes away what is on the surface, as any good wash does, and that is all.
In Lava Body Caviar, the charcoal powder is there for its color. It turns the scrub black as lava, which gives it its look. We think that is a perfectly good reason to use it, and we do not dress it up as anything more.
The claim: a scrub closes or shrinks your pores
Our view: a myth. Pores do not open and close like doors, and neither a warm shower nor a cool final rinse changes their size. A cool rinse after scrubbing can feel refreshing, and that is a fine reason to do it. Smooth, freshly exfoliated skin can look more even, but that is the surface looking polished, not pores changing.
The claim: you will not need moisturizer afterward
Our view: partly true. Lava Body Caviar carries a lot of oil, including coconut, passion fruit and Kalahari melon seed oils, and after rinsing skin should feel cushioned and soft, never tight. For normal skin, on some days, that may be enough.
For dry skin, or in cold weather, a leave-on step helps the softness last. The product page suggests following with our New Imperial Jade Body Oil on damp skin, which helps seal in the water already there. For very dry skin, add our Rejuvenating Body Cream over the oil.
The claim: the more you scrub, the smoother you get
Our view: false. Exfoliation has a sweet spot. Two or three times a week leaves skin smooth; every day, or with heavy pressure, leaves it feeling raw and sensitive. Medium pressure is enough, because the crystals do the work. More is not better.
The claim: salt scrubs are harsher than sugar scrubs
Our view: it depends on the scrub. Salt crystals tend to be firmer, sugar crystals a little softer, and both dissolve as you work them with warm water. Lava Body Caviar uses both, cushioned in oil, so it is firm enough for heels and elbows and comfortable on larger areas. How a scrub feels has more to do with how much oil is in it and how hard you press than with salt or sugar alone.
The claim: a scrub is good for every part of the body
Our view: not the face. Body skin and facial skin are different. Lava Body Caviar is for the body only, from the neck down. Keep it away from freshly shaved skin, and from skin that is sunburned or feels irritated, until it has settled.
What we do stand behind
A scrub that polishes skin without leaving it tight. Oils chosen for how they feel, led by Kalahari melon seed oil, the light, golden oil our brand is built on. A scent, Hawaiian Black Lava, that is musky and woodsy rather than an afterthought. And a jar made by hand in our Williamsburg workshop, in small batches, so it reaches you recently made. Every ingredient we use is listed in our Ingredient Library.
Questions about charcoal scrub claims
Does the charcoal detox my skin?
No. In Lava Body Caviar, charcoal powder is there for its deep black color. The sea salt and sugar exfoliate; the oils soften.
Does a cool rinse after scrubbing close my pores?
No. Pores do not open and close. A cool rinse can feel refreshing, and that is reason enough if you enjoy it.
Will Lava Body Caviar replace my body lotion?
On some days, for normal skin, it may. For dry skin, follow with a body oil on damp skin, and a body cream over it if you need more.
Is a salt scrub harsher than a sugar scrub?
Not necessarily. Lava Body Caviar uses both, cushioned in oil, and medium pressure is all it needs.
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