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What is a Konjac Sponge?

1500 Year Old “Next Big Thing”

what is a konjac sponge

Have you heard of the Konjac sponge? I've been seeing them everywhere lately. Maybe you haven't and are wondering… what is a Konjac sponge?  If so, keep reading for more details on the proper use and benefits of the sponge.

A Konjac sponge is an ancient Asian beauty secret that promises to bring brighter, healthier skin without harsh chemicals… Some even come with various add-ins for even more radiant skin!

Incorporating a Konjac sponge into your skincare routine is an easy way to help make sure your skin stays as exfoliated and hydrated as possible as we head into cooler, drier weather.

What is a Konjac Sponge?

A Konjac sponge is a small, round, sponge made of the natural dried fibers of the Konjac. It's also known as the elephant yam – which is native to Asia.

Asian women have used Konjac sponges for over 1500 years for flawless skin. These days there's a surge in popularity due to its effectiveness to deliver envy-inducing skin.

To make the sponge from the Konjac root, it is first ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with calcium hydroxide then heated, frozen, and finally dried.

Other additives such as activated charcoal powder or green or red clay can be added during this process as well. These ingredients help if you suffer from acne or oily skin.

Why Should You Use a Konjac Sponge?

There are many skin benefits associated with using a Konjac sponge as part of your daily routine. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect:

Increases Circulation

Think of a Konjac sponge as body brushing for the face. Konjac sponge brushing increases circulation by stimulating blood flow toward the surface of the skin. This helps to flush out impurities from your pores and make your skin healthier and more radiant.

Regeneration of Mature or Damaged Skin Cells

The fibers of Konjac are enriched with vitamins A, B, C, D. – Plus they have beneficial proteins, lipids, fatty acids, and trace elements essential for healthy function and regeneration of mature or damaged skin cells.

Kill Harmful Bacteria

Konjac sponges naturally work on their own to kill harmful bacteria that can cause acne and other skin infections

Gentle Exfoliation

The gentle exfoliating action of the Konjac sponge can ease the symptoms of eczema, dry spots, and chronic blackheads. When your skin is smooth, it's more responsive to skin care products and even your make-up will last longer.

Natural Moisturizing Compounds

Konjac sponge fibers are very fine and do less damage to sensitive facial skin when compared to a washcloth or commercial facial loofah. They provide excellent exfoliating benefits without any need for harsh acids or other chemicals.

While many other anti-acne or exfoliating skincare products are harsh and drying, the Konjac sponge actually contains natural moisturizing compounds that help your skin to stay plump and hydrated. This, in turn, can help skin issues such as acne, oily skin, and excessive blackheads, which are paradoxically exacerbated by dry skin.

How To Use a Konjac Sponge

By following a few simple steps, it's easy to establish a routine that will keep your Konjac sponge usable for as long as possible.

Soak it in Water

When you first receive your Konjac sponge, it will appear small, round, and slightly hard. It will be necessary to soak it in water for around fifteen minutes to rehydrate. After this, it will only take a minute or so before each use to make sure that the sponge is properly hydrated and not rough on sensitive skin. Once hydrated, the sponge develops an almost slimy film that feels pleasant on the skin.

soak konjac sponge in water (image)

Squeeze Out Excess Water

As you begin your facial cleansing regime, press the sponge gently between your hands to squeeze out excess water. The sponge should still be damp. Apply a small amount of your favorite facial cleanser to the sponge. You can also use the sponge by itself. It has excellent cleansing and anti-acne properties without using a cleanser.

konjac sponge squeeze out water (image)

Circular Motion in an Upward Direction

Rub the sponge over your face in gentle circular motions, moving in an upward direction. Although you may feel the urge to scrub hard at problematic acne-prone or dry spots, this isn’t necessary. The gentle scrubbing action of the sponge will remove dry skin, contaminants, and even makeup.

using a konjac sponge (image)

Storage

Let the sponge dry in preparation for its next use. It is best to hang it from a hook or keep it in an open container with exposure to airflow to maximize hygienic drying. You can also keep it in a sealed container in the fridge if you would prefer that it remain hydrated for longer. Warm, humid climates such as right by your shower are the environments to avoid to prolong the life of your Konjac sponge.

Every two weeks or so, soak the konjac sponge in boiling water for about five minutes. This will properly disinfect it.

konjac sponge storage (image)

Replace

Replace the sponge every four to six weeks or when it starts to look tattered and doesn’t hold water properly.

konjac sponge (image)

Where to Buy a Konjac Sponge

 
While there are many places to buy authentic Konjac sponges my top picks come from Amazon due to ease, quality, and price. It's such a small investment for big results! 
 

5 Piece Sampler Pack Infused with Charcoal, Red Clay, Tumeric, Green Tea

  • Charcoal for acne-prone skin
  • Red Clay for dry, sensitive, or mature skin
  • Yellow or orange (Turmeric) adds potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ideal for damaged skin due to UV rays or sunburn
  • Green Tea for oil-absorbing, detoxifying benefits
  • Purple (Sweet potato) is an excellent source of health-promoting compounds beta-carotene and anthocyanin. Best for treating oily skin.

Konjac Sponge 3-PACK 

Facial cleansing sponges for deep cleaning. Includes Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Green Tea, and Natural White Konjac Sponges.

  • Activated Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge – Great for Oily Skin, Acne, and Blackheads
  • Green Tea Konjac Sponge – Perfect for Mature and Sunburned Skin
  • Natural White Konjac Sponge – Fantastic for Babies and Sensitive Skin

100% Natural Konjac Sponge: 2 pieces Pack with White and Charcoal

The Bamboo Charcoal contains activated carbon and various minerals that enhance absorption, perfect for removing excess oil. It also contains natural antioxidants that help fight acne-causing bacteria that are typically difficult to reach. Perfect for teen skin and those with oily skin prone to acne and outbreaks.

Written by Jackie Parker

8 Comments

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  1. Hi Jackie,
    I liked reading this article. I like using natural products. I was wondering if you might know if the small konjac sponge can be used on the whole body? And if you would know if the konjac body sponge would work on keratosis pilaris? This is great information. I can’t wait to have glowing skin.

    • Hi Monica! Yes, you can use the Konjac sponge on your entire body, it just won’t last quite as long. (I’ve been using mine on my arms and legs all summer!) Keratosis pilaris usually occurs when there’s too much protein build up around the hair follicles… And exfoliation with the Konjac sponge is a GREAT way to exfoliate! It’s very gentle which is important because harsh exfoliators can really aggravate your skin and worsen the appearance of KP. 

  2. Very interesting to see such a traditional, yet natural product available for skin use. I used to use a face brush for years, but I’m in the market for something different now (my skin is changing). I do have two questions:
    Which version is best for oily skin?
    Is it possible to use it on hairy areas for scalp outbreaks?

    • Hi Steve! I would use the gray or green Konjac sponge on oily skin. Yes, you can use it anywhere on your body, hair, or not. 

  3. Hi Jackie!

    Thank you so much for this article. I didn’t even know that this is what I needed until I started reading. Do you know if Konjac sponges in general are normally vegan?

    I also wouldn’t know which one to try since I have oily and dry skin. I also have quite the case of eczema as well. Do you have any suggestions on which mineral additives would be best for me?

    Thanks!
    Michelle

    • Hi Michelle,

      Use the orange Konjac sponge since it’s infused with Turmeric! It will be useful for oily and dry skin as well as eczema! Yes, they are completely vegan too! 

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