Activated charcoal is often used to help whiten teeth by binding to and removing tannins and chromogens. Internally, activated charcoal can be taken to detox the body, reduce gas and bloating, and to prevent and treat stomach flu. Charcoal is used as first aid for poison ingestion in both children and adults. Because of its detoxifying properties, it is also found in many soaps, face masks, scrubs and other skincare, DIY mascara and eyeliner recipes included charcoal for its natural dark pigment.