I can’t remember initially what made me buy this stuff. One bag has lasted 5 years so far, and I’ve even given some of it away. When I purchased it, the bag stated that it was derived from coconut shells. The current product description states that it’s derived from hardwoods. I’m not sure if there’s a difference in terms of efficacy.I usually take it in capsules to alleviate stinky gas when it happens. Probiotics and enzymes are healthier prevention, but this stuff delivers effectively when it’s too late for that.The thing that makes me want to write a review finally, is the fact that recently I developed nasty stains on my teeth when I started drinking “English” tea. I had 2 distinct black spots on my upper incisors which doesn’t show up that well in photos for whatever reason.I’ve used whitening strips with LED lights, bought an ultrasonic stain remover, and other things which didn’t help. Finally I swished my mouth with coconut oil for 20-30 minutes, then loaded a wet toothbrush with charcoal and proceeded to polish my teeth for 45 minutes. I still have some work to do, but this “after” photo represents ONE session with this charcoal.Just as expected.So initially after the first time I used this powder for teeth whitening, I was ready to shout its praises from the rooftops. I felt there was a noticeable difference right away and was really excited to see how white my teeth would become with continued use. However after using it for 5 days, twice a day, and taking progress photos each day and seeing pretty much zero change in color, I’m pretty sure my teeth just seemed whiter at first because of the contrast after having just seen them covered in black.My teeth do feel much smoother and shinier as if I have just been to the dentist, and I have noticed that the stains/unreachable dark spots in the ridges of my molars are almost completely gone.By the second day, and increasingly so, sensitivity has gotten crazy as I’m brushing my teeth. I’ve had sensitive teeth in a couple of areas for awhile now and use Sensodyne as recommended by my dentist, but never felt sensitivity as bad as this. Makes me paranoid that some of my teeth would fall out if I keep this up, and also makes me want to know the scientific reason that charcoal would be good for teeth (if there is one).I added some powder to my face wash, which I was apprehensive about because I have sensitive skin and break out easily if I use the wrong products. Usually if I use something my skin doesn’t like, I have a major breakout within a few days. But it’s been 4 or 5 days and not a single new blemish has popped up yet, so I’m shocked. My face looks and feels smoother and more even in tone. Added it to my face wash for the second time tonight... fingers crossed it goes well. This is the reason this product has been redeemed to 3 stars, as well as the fact that I can’t imagine ever finishing this bag of charcoal powder so it seems like a great deal.The packaging is flawed. My bag came covered in powder even though it was still sealed and had to be torn open. Definitely order this separately or other things in your order could get ruined. The bag is (I think) meant to be resealable, but the zipper on it is an absolute joke. The tracks don’t even go all the way to the edges of the bag, and the tracks it does have are barely there and completely useless, especially when covered in powder.Messy to open up and pour into other containers. Do it over an uncluttered sink that you can easily wipe off. Also messy when brushing teeth so be prepared to wipe things down.Worth buying for the price, quantity and possible uses, but keep your expectations low when it comes to teeth whitening.Thank you!I use it for many home remedies from facial to whitening my teeth. Great product.Maybe I'm a lost cause on the "whiter teeth" thing, but my intial "yellow-tinged" teeth have become much brighter and definitely cleaner. I'm used this product for my teeth around 4 times in the past couple weeks and it's been doing its thing. I'm honestly too afraid to use this product every day because some folks have said they had teeth and gum sensitivity by day 4 or 5, in addition to dentists informing people to stop this trend as no research has been done for long-term use (such as abbrassiveness, etc). This product is definitely wayyy more than you need! But this is by far the best price for a "bulk" size. The packaging is as shown in the photo. However, the bag is a terrible container. When the bag was closed in factory, the ziplock zip was not closed before sealing, so when you first open the bag, a black cloud of fine charcoal dust erupts, as they escape they hiding place in the ziplock zip and the pocket between the zip and seal (if that makes sense). Additionally, the ziplock doesn't even work. Everyone says to transfer the product in glass jars, but for now, I just folded the top and paperclipped the container closed. The product is great with taking off buildup plaque collected throughout the day. When I do use this product, I use it before I use my regular toothpaste. That is when you can witness the most difference.