While the world is adjusting to sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products, Japan is at the forefront of this movement. While we have mentioned the many benefits of using bar soaps in a previous blog post, the konjac sponge deserves equal, if not, more attention.

Have you ever heard of konjac sponges? If you haven’t, well, you’re in for a surprise.

What is “konjac”?

Konjac sponges are made from konjac, a porous root vegetable native to Asia. Glucomannan is a dietary fiber contained in the bulb of the konjac plant. Konjac bulbs cultivated in Japan contain glucomannan that solidifies into jelly and made into the edible konjac, or konnyaku, that is popular in Japan.

Since konjac is made mostly of water, it is low in calories, containing only about 7kcal per 100g. Furthermore, since glucomannan expands when mixed with water, it promotes a feeling of fullness. Being high in dietary fiber and low in calories, it is a popular ingredient for people who wish to achieve weight loss or detoxify their body or want to achieve beautiful skin.

What are konjac sponges?

So, what is all the hype about these sponges made of konjac? First, let’s go over the history of these unique sponges. Konjac sponges were invented by Japanese farmers and were originally used to bathe infants. Since then, usage of konjac sponges continually increased due to how gentle, comfortable and effective they were.

What are the benefits of using konjac sponges for face wash?

1. Konjac sponges are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Konjac sponges are all-natural, 100% plant-based Japanese beauty products to help achieve beautiful skin through the power of plants. Apart from being 100% plant-based, they can be used multiple times for up to a month, which makes them sustainable products. Also, unlike other types of exfoliators or soaps that require jars, plastic bottles or tubes, konjac sponges require minimal packaging, meaning they are environmentally conscious as well.

2. Konjac sponges gently remove impurities from deep within your pores for smooth, soft and glowing skin.

Konjac sponges can be used for sensitive skin types, including babies and those with atopy. You can even remove fine hair without the use of brushes, scrubs or other harsh tools and products that may irritate your skin. Konjac sponges are especially recommended for those with oily and acne-prone skin types, as it helps to gently unclog pores.

3. Konjac sponges have high water retention ability.

On the surface of the sponge is a film of water that gently and comfortably removes dead skin cells and excess sebum, which causes clogged pores and oily skin. This “water film” is what prevents scratches and abrasions on your skin, acting as a barrier between the fibers of the sponge and your skin. This is due to the water retention ability of the konjac plant.

4. Konjac sponges can be used with or without soap.

The “water film” mentioned earlier is slightly alkaline, which means it neutralizes and decomposes slightly acidic dirt and pores while washing away fine hair. You can achieve a thoroughly refreshing wash without the use of soap.

5. Konjac sponges come in different varieties, each suited for a specific skin type.

For example, charcoal konjac sponges are great for oily and acne-prone skin types as charcoal is known to have antibacterial properties which help detoxify and control excess sebum production of the skin. Camellia konjac sponges, on the other hand, include camellia extract, which provides extra moisture for those with dry skin.

6. Konjac sponges can be used on both face and body

Because konjac sponges are entirely natural and provide light exfoliation, they are suitable for use all over body and face. In fact, since they were originally used by farmers to cleanse newborn baby skin, all skin types including sensitive skin get the greenlight on konjac sponges. But don’t underestimate their capacity. You can apply your konjac sponge to even your most breakout-prone areas and still expect to get a seriously good cleanse, thanks to their soft, porous texture. People with hypersensitive skin conditions like rosacea and eczema often find that konjac sponges leave their skin soft and smooth without aggravating their skin.

7. Konjac sponges can be used to remove makeup

Since konjac sponges help unclog pores, it goes without saying that this amazing beauty tool can also be used to remove water-based makeup. This is true with or without a cleanser. Thanks to the rich lather that they create, konjac sponges are said to be much more effective than rinsing off makeup with just your hands alone. You can even apply the konjac sponges on and around your eyelashes to gently sweep away mascara.

How to use a konjac sponge

You will not believe how easy it is to use a konjac sponge.

1. Soak the sponge in hot water and gently squeeze until the sponge becomes soft.
2. Lather your soap of choice, then gently wash the face with the sponge. As we mentioned earlier, the sponge can also be used without soap. 
3. Rinse your face thoroughly.

Care Instructions for your konjac sponge:

1. After use, thoroughly rinse the sponge to remove all dirt and soap. 
2. Press the sponge between the palms of your hands to remove excess water.
3. Place the sponge in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator until the next use.

The don’ts of konjac sponges:

1. Do not use a dry sponge on your skin. Please wet the sponge thoroughly before use.
2. Do not scrub vigorously with the sponge.
3. Do not wring out the sponge when squeezing out excess water.
4. Do not leave the sponge in the shower or bathroom. 
5. Do not use with bath salts or detergents containing enzymes.

Our konjac sponge recommendations

Check out these all-natural, high-quality konjac sponges from Japan!

Komachi Konjac Sponges

This facial cleansing sponge is made out of 100% organic konjac grown in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture. This plant, commonly eaten in the Japanese diet, has amazing water-retention properties that allow the sponge to gently remove impurities from your pores for a soft and glowy complexion. These all-natural sponges are great for people with sensitive skin, including babies and those with atopy. Comes in white, charcoal, green tea, and cherry blossom. 

JUICY Konjac Sponges

This sustainable facial cleansing sponge is made out of konjac powder, derived from a plant commonly eaten in the Japanese diet. These all-natural sponges gently remove impurities from your pores for a soft glowy complexion. Great for all skin types, particularly rough, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Comes in green tea, charcoal, camellia, cherry blossom, and yuzu.