The Asian Beauty Secret: A Guide to Konjac Sponges

How do you clean your face? I’ve washed my face with a white washcloth for as long as I can remember. I buy them in bulk and use a fresh one each evening. They’re a gentle exfoliant and because they’re white I can see if I’ve removed all my makeup. When Clarisonic came out, I added one to my regime. I can only use it a few times a week because even with the sensitive brush, it’s pretty intense for my fragile, aging skin.

Lately, even my facecloths have felt too rough so I went hunting for an alternative and found these little sponges. They look like lava rocks hanging in my medicine cabinet but transform into something wonderful with warm water.conjac sponges for your face

They’re called Konjac sponges and are made from the root of the Konjac plant which is grown in the mountainous regions of Asia. These little sponges offer a deep clean with a gentle exfoliation and because they are alkaline, they help balance the acidity of your complexion.

My face has been breaking out a lot these last few weeks (hello stress) so when I read that the charcoal version was a natural treatment for acne I decided to try one.

It took a while to soften but once it did, it became very soft and pliable. These can also be boiled to sterilize and should be replaced after a month or so of regular use.

KONJAC SPONGES

Some sponges are infused with different ingredients that make them beneficial to certain skin issues.

This sponge is infused with pink clay which makes it ideal for aging and sensitive skin. It’s mineral rich and calms the skin while gently exfoliating.

This green Konjac sponge is infused with green tea and aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and draws toxins out of the skin.

This Konjac sponge is infused with charcoal which deeply cleans and absorbs impurities. It removes acne-causing bacteria and helps detoxify the skin.

This yellow Konjac sponge is infused with Tumeric which is very soothing. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps fight free radical damage.

The body sponges can also come infused for specific skin conditions.

My experience is that they are very pliable and gentle on my complexion. Because they are so soft they’re easy to get into small crevices without mangling my face. I like that they come with a string to hang dry which keeps them seeming cleaner to me. My cleanser seems to go further because it’s not soaking into a large facecloth.

Have you heard of Konjac sponges?

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

14 Comments

  1. I only use water on my face once or twice a week. Everyday cleansing is Micellar water ( Vichy)which I have used for years. I used cotton pads but lately have used gentle microfibre cloth meant for the face. I am constantly getting compliments on my skin, I’m very fair and nearing 63. I also have a Clairsconic and rarely use it my skin felt so dry and tight afterwards. I use a lactic based leave on exfoliation cream at night a few times a week to keep my skin free of bumps and clogged pores.

  2. I have the Clarisonic and they make a cashmere brush that is very soft for cleaning. Much less abrasive than the one for sensitive skin.

  3. My daughter (20) has been using the charcoal one for about 1 1/2 yrs after seeing it at a friends we were visiting. She really likes it.

    1. I haven’t been using it enough to determine the difference it’s made yet, but I really like its gentleness.

  4. I use the little round cosmetic sponges but I’d love to try these. Thanks!

  5. I’ve never heard of these. Very interesting! I use baby washcloths because they are softer and gentler to my skin. They’re also pretty inexpensive.

  6. I have never heard of these. Very interesting. I will check this out. I use a washcloth presently. Thank you for this! Enjoy your day!

    1. They’re everywhere I look these days and very inexpensive Lee.

  7. This is something I want to check out…thanks, Jennifer. I also use white washcloths, but I am open to a better alternative.

  8. maureen welch says:

    I’m sure that these are great products, I have been using washcloths from the newborn department and they are very soft, not abrasive and work well.

    1. That’s a great idea Maureen. They would be very gentle on the face.

    2. I can’t wait to try them.

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