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 to wash my face. 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). Another perk? They can help your skincare absorb better. By sloughing off dead skin cells, they prevent that annoying buildup that makes serums and moisturizers just sit on top of your face instead of sinking in. It’s not magic – it’s just basic skincare science: remove the barrier, and the good stuff actually gets through.
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.
- Can’t replace your cleanser entirely if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen: think of them as the supporting actor, not the star. They help your cleanser work better, but they’re not going to take the place of a full double cleanse after a long day in makeup.
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. Over time, that actually saves you money – especially if you’re using pricey cleansers. A pea-sized amount suddenly feels like enough, and your cleanser bottles last way longer.
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. Plus, because they’re small and lightweight, they’re perfect for travel. You can throw one in your bag without worrying about it taking up space or stinking up your suitcase.
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.
Pro tip: If you skip cleanser and just use the sponge with water in the morning, it’s still effective enough to refresh your skin without stripping it – perfect for people whose skin freaks out when they over-cleanse.
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.
Also, if you notice any smell, mold spots, or the texture getting slimy, it’s time to bin it – even if it hasn’t been three months yet. Bacteria love damp environments, and you don’t want to undo all your skincare efforts by rubbing that on your face.
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?). Here’s what I recommend:
- Purito SEOUL Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge (£5.42): Available at Stylevana and Yes Style
- Donggubat Konjac Sponge For Body (£6.32): Available at Yes Style
FAQs About Konjac Sponges
Do they work for body skin too?
Yes. You can get larger versions meant for the body, which are great for gently exfoliating areas like your chest, back, or even legs – especially if you deal with keratosis pilaris (those little bumps on your arms).
Can you use them with exfoliating acids?
Technically yes, but it might be overkill. If your cleanser already has AHAs or BHAs, using the sponge daily could be too much exfoliation and cause sensitivity.
Do they help with blackheads?
They can help prevent them by keeping pores clear, but they won’t pull out existing deep blackheads the way extractions do.
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 just enough to keep your skin smooth without making it angry, and they’re cheap, biodegradable, and travel-friendly. Think of them as a small upgrade that makes your whole cleansing routine feel a little fancier without costing you a fortune.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
