Until recently I didn't know about the existence of a konjac sponge. And now I don't want to be without it anymore. My face is soft and all imperfections disappeared like snow in the sun within two days.
I went to investigate. What is a konjac sponge, what does it do and why is one so much more expensive than the other.
What is a Konjac sponge
A konjac sponge is made from the powdered root of the konjac plant, which is mainly found in East Asia.
The sponge cleans deep into the pores and refreshes dull skin. This cleaning effect is naturally carried by this small sponge, provided the sponge has not undergone any chemical processing. More about that in a moment.
The root of the konjac plant is heated and then quickly cooled. Other ingredients can be added during cooling to give the sponge added value. Such as charcoal for troubled skin... or collagen for older skin. Konjac sponges are suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin.
Make sure you use the right quality, because as with so many other products, there are also 'konjac' sponges available that are not pure and therefore do not have the correct effect. I'll come back to that as well...
What does it do
A konjac sponge for the face is slightly exfoliating, which promotes blood circulation, removes dead skin cells, removes make-up residue and generates new skin cells. This piece is pretty much the same as an everyday scrub or the plastic loofah we're all familiar with. But now here are the extras:
A konjac sponge is Ph-neutral, so people with very sensitive skin can also use the sponge.
A konjac sponge is full of vitamins and minerals: A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D and E. Plus minerals such as copper, zinc, iron and magnesium. The natural sponge contains proteins, lipids and fatty acids. And it is precisely these natural additions that make the sponge special. It cleanses, exfoliates and adds all of the above so that your skin really glows.
How do I use it
Just out of the package, the sponge is hard and small. Just soak it in water for 30 seconds and it will be a bit bigger and wonderfully soft. In the shower or while washing... or in front of the TV... whatever you want. Small circular movements, preferably in the neck, starting through the jaw, cheeks upwards. You can scrub your lips, your nose... everything will thank you.
I use the sponge every day, because it is so mild, that is certainly possible. And because I'm a fan, I also use the large version, for the entire body.
Just wipe the sponge with soap and voilá, ready for the children to rub their entire body. Each sponge has a handy string, so that wiping is easy, and so that you can hang the sponge to dry after use. After each use, the sponge dries and becomes hard.
What replaces it
The konjac sponge replaces my facial scrub, my body scrub, my facial cleanser, all (plastic) packaging that contained the above products and this also makes a difference in terms of sustainability: it is better to have 1 product than 3 products. Oh yes, it is 100% biodegradable. When the sponge starts to fall apart after 2 to 3 months, it can go straight into your garden.
Good and bad sponges
Just like almost everything, there are good sponges and bad sponges. The good konjac sponges have not undergone any chemical processing, so that in addition to scrubbing they also have the added benefits and carry all the vitamins and minerals. In addition, good sponges are made from the best pieces of root of the konjac plant and not the waste pieces. The reviews of the cheaper sponges sometimes say that they fall apart or even start to smell after one use. A good sponge lasts for months.
A konjac sponge is always wrapped in plastic for protection. I will always opt for recycled plastic in an otherwise completely cardboard box. The cheaper sponges often come in a large plastic package. If it has also had a chemical treatment, it is no longer suitable for throwing on the compost heap. Not fun for the environment, not sustainable and not doing much for your skin.
Pure, Walnut and Charcoal
Where we used to sell a whole series of konjac sponges, we have now chosen to have the 3 best-selling konjac sponges in stock. There is still a sponge for every skin type for both the face and the body.
Which?
Konjac sponge Pure
The pure Konjac sponge is suitable for all skin types and is particularly good for very sensitive skin, without the addition of extra ingredients. This pure white konjac cleanses thoroughly with minimal risk of irritation and offers a refreshing exfoliating effect. So safe that it can even be used for baby skin.
We have this sponge for the face and in a lovely thick bath sponge.
Konjac sponge Walnut
This is a very special sponge and contains particles of walnut shell. These provide an extra pleasant peeling effect.
We have this sponge for the face and in a fine bath sponge with ribs.
Konjac sponge with Charcoal
For acne-prone and problematic skin, we recommend the Konjac sponge with bamboo charcoal. Bamboo charcoal is highly porous and not only absorbs excess oil from the skin, it also works to remove acne-causing bacteria. Activated charcoal is known for its deeply absorbent and detoxifying properties and has been used in health and medicine for hundreds of years.
Would you prefer lavender, green tea, peppermint, aloe vera, French clay, lycopene or collagen sponge? Then I can order it for you. Please allow 2 additional working days for delivery.
If you are new to the sponge, try it, you will love it!
The photo above is an old photo of a konjac factory in Japan, where konjac sponges were made.