I wash my face like I was my dishes.
No, not with dishwashing detergent. Eww! I don’t want to destroy my skin.
I use a konjac sponge.
It’s a bit ironic, when you think about it. The girl who couldn’t be bothered to use a washcloth now swears by a sponge.
But, hear me out. Konjac sponges are all the rage in Asia. Like double cleansing. And snail slime. Those have been game-changers for me.
So, of course, I had to try this latest trend, too. You should do the same. Here’s why:
What Is A Konjac Sponge?
A konjac sponge looks like a pumice stone, but it’s not made of stone at all. Who would use it if it were?!
Konjac sponges are made of a natural fiber that comes from devil’s tongue, a potato-like plant that grows in Korea, China, and Japan.
Add in some clays or charcoal, and you’ve got a cleansing device that’s 100% biodegradable. You don’t even have to feel guilty when it’s time to throw it away. Pretty cool, huh?
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What Does A Konjac Sponge Do?
A konjac sponge is basically a cleanser and exfoliant rolled into one. Softer than a loofah and finer than a washcloth, its unique texture gently removes dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and even stubborn makeup. Once all that crap is off your face, your skin is much softer to the touch and looks brighter. Makeup goes on better, too.
Best of all, konjac sponges are so gentle, even those with sensitive skin or rosacea can use them without fear of irritation (unless you overdo it, of course).
Related: How To Find The Best Exfoliator For Your Skin Type
What Doesn’t A Konjac Sponge Do?
Konjac sponges are awesome, but not as awesome as the folks who sell them say they are (what a surprise!).
Konjac sponges can’t:
- Heal acne: They don’t kill P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes it
- Draw impurities out of the skin: Charcoal, often praised for this feat, can’t really do it.
What konjac sponges can do is remove excess oil, and that helps prevent breakouts. That’s it.
Why Are Konjac Sponges Better Than A Washcloth?
Or, why can’t you be bothered to use a washcloth, but have no problems using a konjac sponge, you lazy girl?
Two reasons:
1. You Can Use Less Product
Konjac sponges have bouncy and rubbery textures that absorb a lot of water and make a thick lather even when you use only the tiniest drop of cleanser. So, you can use less product than you would with a washcloth.
2. Dries Quickly Between Uses
I hate using washcloths because they take ages to dry. And you can’t use a washcloth when it’s still a bit damp, because bacteria thrive in wet environments. Who wants nasty bacteria on their faces?! Not moi. Konjac sponges dry a lot faster, so are great for those of you who (like me) have no patience, or can’t be bothered to do their laundry too often.
Related: Should You Use A Washcloth To Wash Your Face?
How Do You Use A Konjac Sponge?
If you’ve never used a konjac sponge before, you’ll probably wonder how anyone could use something so bloody hard on their skin.
That’s because the sponge is still dry. Soak it in warm water for a few minutes, and it’ll become super soft. That’s when you can use it. So, how do you do it?
- Splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze a few drops of your favourite cleanser onto the sponge.
- Massage the sponge on your skin using circular motions.
- When you’re done, rinse the sponge with warm water and press it between your hands to remove excess water.
- Let it air dry.
Konjac sponges are so gentle, chances are you can use them every day. But, they do exfoliate skin, so if yours is particularly sensitive, you may want to try using it only two or three times a week. Just experiment to find out what the right frequency for you is.
How Long Does A Konjac Sponge Last?
Usually, a good quality konjac sponge should last you for a full 3 months. To make sure it doesn’t get ruined before that time, DON’T wring it out. I can’t stress this enough. Wringing it out makes the fibers deteriorates quickly.
Where Can You Get A Konjac Sponge?
Konjac sponges are starting to pop up everywhere. They now come in all kinds of shapes and are enriched with all kinds of things (charcoal, clays, green tea, lavender….).
I like mine cute and simple, as I don’t believe the extra “goodies” really do anything, especially if you use a cleanser (wouldn’t they just end up down the drain?).
The Bottom Line
I wouldn’t say konjac sponges are a must have, but you’ll miss out if you don’t ever give them a try. They cleanse and exfoliate skin at the same time, taking your skincare routine up a notch.
I have used one a couple of times and I loved it! However, since it’s a physical exfoliant, I wonder if it’s a good idea to avoid using it when also using a chemical exfoliant — to avoid over-exfoliation. I haven’t tried it but I’m curious.
Laurie, that’s a good point. I use glycolic acid more for its anti-aging properties than for its exfoliating properties, but on those days I skip the konjac sponge. I guess you could use them together if your skin can tolerate it, but I’d rather err on the side of caution.
Nice post, I am going to try this for sure.
Subha, great! I’m sure you’ll like it too.
Is there any risk of bacteria growing on these? Maybe I missed it in the post…. I never use a washcloth more than once without washing it, and would be hesitant to use something every day for three months without any laundering in between.
Thanks 🙂
Coco, there is but it is small if you gently squeeze all the water out of it and let it dry completely before every use.
I heard microwaving our sponges can help to avoid mold growth? I microwave my BeautyBlender makeup sponge all the time to avoid it.
Audrey, I had never heard that but bacteria need moist environments to thrive so it makes sense.
Nice post, you provided me with all the info I need to start using the Konrad sponge I bought at Sally’s Beauty Supply for only $4.99 CDN thanks so much!
That should of course read konjac not Konrad, lol
Amy, no worries, lol. And glad to hear that. How are finding it?
Great post. Never heard of these sponges. Now I’m going to have to buy one?
Susie, they’re a great way to exfoliate skin. 🙂
Mine just won’t dry out between uses! I just started using one every night and that is my only complaint. I seems to exfoliate ever so gently and is even more gentle than washcloth, but the drying issue gives me the heebie jeebies. Not entirely sure how to solve the problem. I’m thinking of trying compressed facial sponges, or a thinner konjac sponge.
Janel, yes switch to another sponge. Don’t use one that’s not dry between uses or you get bacteria on your face. Ewww!
What is the difference between konjac and egyptian loofah?
Maryam, the material. Egyptian loofah is made of fibrous dried luffa. If that works for you, no need to switch.
Does this work better than a Buf-Puf?
Stella, I haven’t tried a Buf-Puf. I guess it depends on how rough it is. The gentler option is always better.
I just purchased a Konjac charcoal sponge for the first time last nite. Unfamiliar with the product. I assumed it was in its correct state.
It came in a sealed plastic bag.
I was surprised to find it was already wet.
Kinda weird. I assumed this must be normal for this product ? Having never seen it before. But now after reading your posts I’m a little concerned.
Is that how it can be sold ?
It was in a sealed bag. All the others, also had water droplets in there bags.
I was pleasantly surprised to find it very soft and felt nice against my skin. And yes, little cleansing product was needed.
I checked the sponge next morning. Still feels like it did when I took it out of the bag. Fully wet.
It was $14. at Walgreens.
Salina
Salina, some Konjac sponges come already pre-wet in their packaging, so don’t worry about it.