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Pai Skincare UK
Pai Skincare UK
Pai Skincare UK
Pai Skincare UK
Pai Skincare UK
Carbon Star Rebalancing Black Cumin and Charcoal overnight facial oil
Pai Skincare UK

Carbon Star™ Face Oil

Regular price £39.00

30ml / 1.0 fl.oz

A clarifying overnight oil that breaks the blemish cycle while you sleep, even on the most reactive skin.

Pai Skincare UK

Balancing

Pai Skincare UK

Clarifying

Pai Skincare UK

Mattifying

Free delivery when you spend £30* | 90-Day returns

Carbon Star™ Face Oil

£39.00

Vegan

Powered By Green Chemistry

Cruelty Free
Why You'll Love It

LET US TAKE THE NIGHT SHIFT

Managing blemish-prone skin is a round-the-clock job, and this overnight complexion clarifier brings a whole new meaning to beauty sleep. Formulated with organic Black Cumin Seed Oil and coconut shell-derived Vegetable Charcoal, this inky face oil works to fight acne-causing bacteria, clear imperfections and keep sebum production under control, so you can wake up to calmer, clearer skin.

Carbon Star takes a three-pronged approach to spot-prone, congested skin. Black Cumin Seed Oil is rich in thymoquinone, a potent antibacterial compound that keeps blemishes at bay. Vegetable Charcoal adsorbs excess oil and impurities while gently buffing away dead skin cells. And a trio of Amazonian botanical oils, Copaiba, Andiroba and Acai, work together to reduce inflammation and post-blemish marks, keeping sebum levels on an even keel.

The logic is counter-intuitive but it works: oily skin that's been stripped by harsh treatments overproduces sebum to compensate, which clogs pores and restarts the breakout cycle. Carbon Star breaks that cycle by giving skin the right oils instead of taking them all away. It's fragrance-free, 100% natural, and clinically tested non-comedogenic, so it won't block those precious pores.

Directions

Apply 1-2 drops to damp skin in the evening and massage gently. It goes on inky black (that's the charcoal getting to work), then turns clear as your skin drinks it in. Use nightly, or whenever your skin needs backup.

In the morning, cleanse thoroughly and follow your usual routine. For the best results, follow up with a pump of All Becomes Clear Re-Balance Serum to keep things on track throughout the day.

You can also dab it directly onto individual blemishes as a targeted spot treatment.

Carbon Star vs Rosehip BioRegenerate: Use Carbon Star to prevent and calm active breakouts. Once a breakout has passed its angry phase, switch to Rosehip BioRegenerate to speed up healing and fade marks. You can alternate between the two on different nights as your skin needs it.

Please note: Contains Nut Oil.

Full Ingredients

Nigella Sativa Seed Oil* (black cumin seed oil), Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Copaifera Officinalis Resin* (copaiba balsam), Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil* (açai Fruit Oil), Tocopherol* (vitamin e), Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil* (andiroba oil), Charcoal Powder.

52% Organic (of total, minus water and minerals) / 100% natural origin.

*Organic

Recycling

Say no to landfill! Let's recycle everything! - Sarah

Unscrew the dropper and remove it from the bottle. Gently pull the glass pipette out of the dropper. After rinsing, place the glass bottle and pipette into your household recycling. Place the dropper and rubber bulb into your Pai mailer for return delivery to us.

All Pai boxes, cartons, sleeves and inserts can be recycled with your household paper recycling.

The majority of your Pai packaging can be recycled at home, but some components need specialist recycling. We've partnered with a specialist programme to make this as easy as possible for our UK customers.

Keep your Pai mailer box (it can be flat packed for easy storage). Fill it with the packaging elements you can't recycle at home, and clearly label the box RECYCLING. Create your free returns label and drop it off at the post office.

Please note we are unable to accept glass or non-Pai packaging. Glass bottles can be separated and placed into your household recycling.

If you are in the UK and unsure what your local services accept, visit recyclenow.com.

Pai Skincare UK

Key Ingredients

  • Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil

    Known as ‘the oil of the pharaohs’, this oil has been used for thousands of years for its healing effects. Rich in vitamins, carotenes, antioxidants, enzymes, fatty acids, iron and carbohydrates, its antibacterial properties help to purify blemish-prone complexions while nourishing sensitive skin.

  • Vegetable Charcoal

    Charcoal absorbs and removes toxins and excess oil from the skin. By gently exfoliating dead skin cells, the detoxifying ingredient leaves your pores cleaner and your skin clearer and healthier.

  • Copaiba

    We use this active ingredient in its oil form, which comes from the resin of the wild harvested Brazilian Copaifera tree. Copaiba quickly gets to work to improve the condition and health of blemish or acne-prone skin.

Sarah Brown, Pai Founder

"As counterintuitive as it may seem, you needn’t be scared of oil if you’re prone to breakouts - in fact, it might be exactly what your complexion needs. This light, unscented and detoxifying wonder oil purifies congested skin, removes excess oil, and even helps to tackle blemish scars as well as prevent future breakouts."

SARAH BROWN
FOUNDER, PAI SKINCARE

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Carbon Star turn black and then go clear when applied?

The inky colour comes from the Vegetable Charcoal (activated carbon derived from coconut shell). As you massage the oil in, the charcoal particles distribute across the skin surface where they get to work adsorbing excess sebum and impurities overnight. The oil turning clear is simply a sign that the charcoal has been evenly distributed.

Won't putting oil on oily, blemish-prone skin make breakouts worse?

It's a common worry, but Carbon Star was clinically tested non-comedogenic in a 28-day study with 20 subjects using HD imaging. The result was less than 5% change in blocked pore ratio, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.0947). Stripping oily skin of its natural oils actually triggers sebaceous glands to overcompensate and produce even more sebum. Carbon Star gives skin the right kind of oil to rebalance production rather than fuel a cycle of over-stripping and overproduction.

How often should I use Carbon Star?

You can use it every night as part of your routine, not just during active breakouts. Apply 1-2 drops to damp skin in the evening and massage in. It also works well as a targeted spot treatment on individual blemishes if you'd prefer not to apply it all over.

Can Carbon Star be used in the morning?

It's designed as an overnight treatment because your skin's cell turnover, repair, and ingredient absorption all peak while you sleep. You can use it in the morning, but the charcoal may leave a greyish tint if not thoroughly rinsed off. For daytime blemish care, pair it with All Becomes Clear Re-Balance Serum the following morning instead.

I have dry skin. Will Carbon Star be suitable?

Carbon Star is specifically formulated for combination, oily, and blemish-prone skin. The Vegetable Charcoal actively adsorbs excess sebum, which isn't ideal if your skin is already dry. If you're after a nourishing overnight oil without the sebum-absorbing action, Rosehip BioRegenerate would be a better fit.

What is the difference between All Becomes Clear and Carbon Star?

All Becomes Clear is a lightweight daytime serum (Step 2: Clarify), while Carbon Star is a nourishing overnight face oil (Step 3: Rebalance). They work best together: Carbon Star rebalances and clarifies while you sleep, then All Becomes Clear maintains that rebalancing throughout the day.

Can I use Carbon Star alongside Rosehip BioRegenerate?

Yes, they complement each other well on alternate evenings. Carbon Star is the better choice during active breakouts, while Rosehip BioRegenerate is ideal once a breakout has passed its active phase, to support healing and reduce the appearance of scarring.

Can I use Carbon Star alongside a retinol at night?

Yes. Apply Carbon Star after your retinol. The botanical oils and Vitamin E in the formula can actually help buffer some of the dryness and irritation that retinol sometimes causes, while the blemish-fighting ingredients continue to work alongside it.

Is Carbon Star safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes, Carbon Star is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. The formula is 100% natural, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free, so there are none of the ingredients (like retinoids or high-concentration essential oils) that are typically flagged during pregnancy.

Does Carbon Star contain any nut-derived ingredients or common allergens?

Yes, Carbon Star contains nut oil. The full INCI list includes Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, and Charcoal Powder. If you have specific nut allergies, please review the full ingredient list or contact our team before use.

Does Carbon Star help with blackheads?

It can help prevent new blackheads forming. The Black Cumin Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid (45-65%), which helps normalise the fatty acid composition of sebum. Acne-prone skin tends to produce sebum that's deficient in linoleic acid, making it thicker and more likely to block pores. For existing blackheads, regular exfoliation alongside Carbon Star will give the best results.

What are the key active ingredients in Carbon Star and how do they work?

Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil contains thymoquinone, which has antibacterial activity against acne-related bacteria. A 60-patient randomised controlled trial found a 78% mean reduction in acne severity scores over 60 days. Copaiba Balsam's beta-caryophyllene works via CB2 receptors to calm inflammation, while Andiroba Oil's limonoids suppress inflammatory cytokines and promote skin repair. Acai Fruit Oil provides antioxidant protection to help reduce post-blemish dark marks.

What makes Carbon Star a good choice for blemish-prone skin compared to conventional acne treatments?

Most conventional acne treatments rely on harsh actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid that can dry out and sensitise skin, especially if it's also reactive. Carbon Star takes the opposite approach: it rebalances sebum and fights blemish-causing bacteria with botanical oils, while being 100% natural, fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and certified COSMOS Organic. In an independent consumer trial of 51 women over 4 weeks, 76% said their skin looked clearer and 80% said it felt smoother.

Overall rating: 4.5764704 / 5 from 340 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Customers have mixed experiences with Carbon Star™ Face Oil, with some noticing clearer, healthier, and more balanced skin, while others see little to no difference. The oil is praised for its ability to hydrate and smooth skin, reduce breakouts, and heal acne. However, opinions on its effectiveness vary, and some users report mixed results regarding spots.

Summary topics

  • Effectiveness Variation (6%): Customers expressed differing viewpoints regarding the difference this product made on their skin, with some noticing a visible improvement while others did not.
  • Breakout Frequency (9%): Customers have mixed opinions about breakouts, with some experiencing fewer and less frequent breakouts after using this face oil.
  • Product Quality (19%): A significant number of customers brought up that they love this oil and consider it the best they have ever tried.
  • Brand Consistency (8%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the Carbon Star, stating that it is amazing, true to the brand.
  • Skin Clarity (4%): Customers raved about the product's ability to make their skin clear, balanced, and more impressive.

Review topics: ["irritation","smell","results","works","improvement","feels","ingredients","use","texture","skin","spots","difference","looks","oil","breakouts","star","acne","redness","pores","blemishes","complexion","consistency","pimples","serum","face","magic","reduction","cleanser","pai","morning"].

Review highlights

  • "Now my spots are almost all gone, my skin looks healthier and. . . I also love the packaging!"Eva
  • "I wake up and my skin looks so much better - it’s nourished with a lovely texture and brightness."Lucy A.
  • "My skin feels clearer and more balanced already - this product seems to have magical powers!"Bpie

Reviews

Bought this for my 14 year old son

"This oil works very well on my 14 year old's skin. It has helped clear up the pimples around his nose and lips. His only complaint is that it is messy putting it on a first and can leave a stain on his pillow. This is a much better treatment than what I used when I was 14 ( I'm 51 now)"

Kerry T. (5/5)

Nice! I am using it now

"I have been using it just for few days so I am not sure about the results yet but so far I like the texture and feeling in my skin I would like to see more about the effects on the oily skin, pores and so"

Andrea B. (4/5)

Amazing

"Truly noticed a difference in my skin."

Gianna C. (5/5)

Nice lightweight oil

"Use at night as needed. Lightweight enough to layer a cream on top but not necessary."

Rebecca Z. (4/5)

Effective

"I find it effective when I feel tingling sensations that precede pimples. The only drawback of this oil is the presence of palmitic derivative; I hope that one day it will be free of it."

sadia z. (5/5)

Good

"Haven't bene bene n the sun, tooo hot , this helpful with a Little color"

Cristina B. (4/5)

Skincare du soir

"Un produit que j’utilise depuis plusieurs mois. Je l’utilise avec ma guasha chaque soir. Ma peau est éclatante et sans imperfections au réveil."

Clemence B. (5/5)

This is the product line I've needed

"Amzaing! I've been battling acne over 20 years, and this is the line of products that has finally worked. My skin feels fantastic every time I use any of the products."

James R. (5/5)

Didn’t work for me

"After reading the reviews I was hoping for good things from this oil, but after 2 months using it every night it seems to have actually made my skin more congested than it was before, so sadly will be giving up on it."

Aphra S. (2/5)

Not sure - need more time to evaluate

"I have acne prone skin, and shortly after adding this product to my routine (and changing nothing else) I ended up with large cystic spots along my chin/jaw which I never get. Not sure if this was a bi-product of the carbon star oil and purging or something else. Been using it every two days for the last few weeks and need more time to evaluate."

Emily M. (2/5)

Q&A

I would like to ask if Carbon Star oil can be mixed with Rosehip Oil in equal proportion for every other day application?
Hi Jaroslaw, We would recommend using these separately on alternate nights as they have different properties and it works best individually. Pai Customer Experience Team
My carbon star packaging has a batch number and a date on it. Is the date the production date or expiry date?
Hi Kerry, Each Pai product is stamped with a batch code and expiry date. This information can be found on the base of all boxes and bottles, and across the top on the back of our tubes. Pai Customer Experience Team
Hi. I am currently using your products to reduce congestion - double cleanse, all becomes clear serum with salicylic acid booster and the pioneer moisturiser. Would this be a good addition to this routine? I have been using products for about a month now and still suffering with congestion on my nose and chin. Would this be used on its own after cleansing without the use of serum or moisturiser? And how many nights per week should you use this? Thank you.
Hi Chloe, The products you are using in your current routine are great for clearing congestion and reducing blemishes. We always recommend to be consistent with new skincare especially for at least 4-6 weeks so the skin has time to adjust and renew. The Carbon Star Oil is another great option for detoxifying. The vegetable charcoal helps to draw out impurities, fight acne-causing bacteria and keep sebum production under control. I would recommend using this a few times a week in the evening. Pai Customer Experience Team
Doit-on utilisé ce produit (huile carbon star) avant le serum all becomes clear ?
Bonjour, je recommanderais d'utiliser Carbon Star comme dernière étape. Les huiles sont toujours appliquées après les sérums et les crèmes hydratantes. Équipe Expérience Client Pai
Bonjour est ce que cette huile est adaptée au femme enceinte ? Ainsi que l’huile the light fantastic ? Merci par avance
Bonjour Sandra, Merci de rester en contact. Carbon Star Oil et la Lumière fantastique les huiles conviennent à la grossesse et à l’allaitement. Vous aimerez peut-être aussi notre système Gemini Vergetures