Activated carbon filters are small filter tubes filled with activated carbon, which are inserted between the paper and the mouthpiece when rolling. They absorb some of the condensate and cool the smoke, making the draw drier and cooler. The market leader in Switzerland is PURIZE, offering filters in two sizes and packs ranging from 14 to 500 pieces. First things first, for the sake of honesty: an activated carbon filter does not make smoking healthy. You can read about what it can actually do here.
How does an activated carbon filter work?
Inside the filter is activated carbon, a highly porous material with an enormous internal surface area. As the smoke passes through, some of the condensate is trapped by the carbon, whilst the ceramic or cardboard caps at either end swirl the smoke and provide additional cooling.
The result when smoking: cooler, drier, less harsh. No more and no less. The filter does nothing to alter the fundamental risks of smoking.
What types of PURIZE filters are available?
PURIZE covers two sizes, each available in several pack sizes:
- XTRA Slim: The standard size, with a diameter of around 6 mm, suitable for most hand-rolled cigarettes.
- Super Slim: The slim version, measuring around 5.4 mm, is available in 111- and 500-pack boxes for frequent users.
- Slim Size AIR: With a lighter draw for anyone who finds standard filters too tight.
- Mixed Bag: 14 pieces to try out.
In addition, there are the PURIZE and Papers, ranging from King Size Slim (also available in an organic version with the goodvibe Smoktopus design) to Long Size Wide. You can find the full range in the category Activated carbon filters and at Filters & Paper.
Activated carbon filter or paper tip: what’s the difference?
| Characteristic | Activated carbon filters | Cardboard Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Filters condensate, cools the smoke | Just shape the mouthpiece |
| Pulling sensation | Cooler and drier | Unchanged, direct |
| Reuse | One use | One use |
| Costs | Higher | Minimal |
What do you look out for when making a purchase?
Three things: The diameter must match your roll size (Slim for Slim, Super Slim for thin rolls). The caps should fit snugly so that no tobacco gets into the mouthpiece. And when it comes to quantity, it’s worth buying the large box, as the price per unit drops significantly.
Conclusion
Activated carbon filters are the best way to improve hand-rolled cigarettes: a cooler, drier draw for just a few rappen per filter. They are not a health product and do nothing to change the fact that smoking is harmful. However, if you roll your own, using them makes the experience noticeably more pleasant.
Frequently asked questions about activated carbon filters
What does an activated carbon filter do when you’re smoking?
The activated carbon in the filter absorbs some of the condensate and cools the smoke. This results in a drier, cooler draw. However, this does not make smoking any healthier.
What types of PURIZE filters are available?
The standard sizes are XTRA Slim and Super Slim, available in packs ranging from the Variety Bag to a box of 500. These are complemented by Papers in King Size and Long Size.
How often should you change an activated carbon filter?
A filter is designed for single use. If the filter becomes badly discoloured or the draught feels restricted, it has reached the end of its useful life.
Are activated carbon filters better than normal filters?
Unlike plain cardboard tips, they filter out some of the condensate and cool the smoke. Cardboard tips simply form the mouthpiece. Which is more important to you is a matter of personal taste.
Warning: Smoking kills – stop now. Only available to people aged 18 and over.
Author: Klaudi, goodvibe editorial team. Last updated: September 2026.
