Everything You Need to Know About Konjac Sponges: Your New Squishy Skincare BFF

When you first see a konjac sponge you will probably say to yourself “what the heck is that?”

And rightly so because it looks a bit alien and you’re not sure if you want to touch it.

Curiosity wins and you will reach out with one finger, your head half turned in anticipation that once you touch this slimy wet thing it will turn into a frog and attack.

But when your finger touches it, you’re not only relieved but amazed at how springy and soft it actually feels and the best part is yet come. The first cleanse! 

Yup, get ready to say goodbye to your traditional face wash routine  

What Exactly Is a Konjac Sponge?

Imagine a soft, squishy sponge, not unlike your favourite comfy pillow. Except this one’s for your face. The Konjac sponge originates from Japan and is made from the natural fibres of the Konjac plant — think of it as the sweet potato’s cousin. This little treasure has been a staple in Japanese culture for its medicinal properties for over 1,500 years and has been perfecting complexions for over a century (yep, they knew what was up way before we did!).

How Does It Work?

When dry, this sponge is firm and a bit rough, but just add water and it transforms into a soft, gentle cleanser for your face. The magic happens when it glides over your skin, buffing away dirt, oil, and those pesky dead skin cells that just love to overstay their welcome.

Why It’s a Skincare Game-Changer

1. Natural and Gentle: Made entirely from natural vegetable fibres, Konjac sponges are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin. No harsh chemicals or irritants here — just pure, skin-loving goodness.
2. Deep Cleansing and Exfoliating: While being oh-so-gentle, these sponges do a fantastic job of deep cleansing. They reach into your pores to break down dirt and impurities, promoting a clearer, brighter complexion. Every use will feel like a luxury spa experience!
3. Stimulates Blood Flow: Using a Konjac sponge not only cleans your skin but the massaging action also stimulates blood flow, which can boost cell turnover and give you that coveted glow.
4. Eco-Friendly and Compostable: Beauty that’s kind to the planet? Yes, please! Once your sponge has reached the end of its life (usually around 2-3 months), you can compost it. How’s that for zero waste?
5. Brimming With Goodness: The humble Konjac plant is loaded with skin-loving vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

How to Use Your Konjac Sponge

While the sponge is best used with your cleanser (the Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm is our fave!!), you can just add water and use it on its own.

1. Soak It: Before first use or when dry, soak your sponge in warm water for a couple of minutes to allow it to fully expand and soften.
2. Squeeze It: Gently squeeze the sponge to expel excess water, being careful not to wring it out harshly.
3. Glide It: Use the sponge in circular motions on your face. It can be used alone, or with a small amount of your preferred cleanser.
4. Rinse It: After each use, rinse the sponge thoroughly, gently pressing between your palms to remove dirt or makeup residue. Do not leave the sponge soaking in water.
5. Dry It: Hang the sponge in a well-ventilated area to dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight and don’t leave it in the shower to prevent mould and extend its life.
6. Sterilise Weekly: For hygiene, sterilise the sponge weekly by submerging it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. You can do this in a saucepan or microwave. Allow the sponge to cool in cold water to a safe temperature before handling.
7. Replace When Worn: When the sponge starts to break down, compost it or bury it under a plant to help retain soil moisture. Expect to replace your sponge approximately every 2-3 months.

Caution: Remember to always use as directed and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Choosing the Right Konjac Sponge

Bamboo Charcoal (Black) – For Acne-Prone, Oily, Combination, and Problematic Skin

A true hero for those battling oily and problematic skin. It’s packed with activated carbon and various minerals known for their superpower to absorb excess oil and dirt like a magnet. Bamboo Charcoal is also a natural antioxidant, making it your best ally in fighting those hard-to-reach acne-causing bacteria.

French Red Clay (Red) – For Normal, Dry/Sensitive, Mature Skin, and Redness

If your skin cries out for something gentle yet effective, the French Red Clay Konjac Sponge is your go-to. Rich in Iron Oxide, it exfoliates away dead skin cells and speeding up the regeneration process to hydrate and illuminate your complexion. But it’s gentle too, making it a dream for sensitive skin, and there are whispers that it might just be a miracle worker for those dealing with redness. Ideal for normal to mature skin types, especially those needing a boost of rejuvenation.

Ready to toss your traditional face washer aside? Once you use a Konjac sponge, you’ll never look back!!!