Black Ice is infused with activated charcoal, which is black. Black Ice works by combining the analgesic power of menthol with the power of activated charcoal to reduce inflammation--like ice! But you don't have to worry about the black staining. Black Ice is designed to leave no residue and just sticks and peels off. The activated charcoal in Black Ice is almost pure carbon and not like the briquettes you barbecue with or like the char on burnt toast.