Last reviewed November 3, 2026 · By the Native-Smokes.com team
A charcoal filter is a regular cigarette filter with a section of activated charcoal built in, usually small granules held between two parts of the filter fibre. Smoke passes through the charcoal on its way to you.
What It Changes
Taste. Activated charcoal holds on to some of the gases in smoke, and most smokers describe charcoal filter cigarettes as cleaner, with less bite. The blend still sets the strength: a charcoal filter on a full blend still tastes full.
What It Doesn't Do
It doesn't make smoking safer. Research reviews have found no evidence that charcoal filter cigarettes protect smokers from disease. No filter does.
| Standard filter | Charcoal filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Made of | Cellulose acetate fibre | Fibre plus a section of activated charcoal |
| Taste | The blend as it is | Cleaner, less bite |
| Strength | Set by the blend and ventilation | Set by the blend and ventilation |
Charcoal Filter Cigarettes We Carry
Want to know more about filters and the draw? See filters and the draw.
Source on health effects: Tobacco in Australia, Cancer Council Victoria, section 12.8 (construction of cigarettes and filters). Checked November 2026.
Questions
What is a charcoal filter?
A cigarette filter with a section of activated charcoal built into it, usually granules between two parts of the filter fibre.
Do charcoal filter cigarettes taste different?
Yes. Most smokers find them cleaner, with less bite.
Are charcoal filter cigarettes safer?
No. There's no evidence they protect smokers from disease.
Which brands have charcoal filters?
Elite Charcoal, Rolled Gold Charcoal.
From this guide: Filters and the draw: how a filter changes every puff · The strength scale: from ultra light to full flavour · Tobacco glossary: 35 terms every smoker should know · All cigarettes
WARNING Cigarettes are highly addictive and cause cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Quit help: 1-866-366-3667 · gosmokefree.gc.ca/quit