Whats Up with Konjac Root?
Move over, sonic cleansing brushes, there's a new tool in town, and it doesn't rotate, oscillate, or vibrate AND it ORGANIC!!! . But it does promise more radiant skin — just from washing your face. Meet the Konjac sponge, a gentle cleansing exfoliator made from the konjac root, a porous root vegetable that grows in Asia, Specifically Thailand. Here, everything you need to know about the new facial cleansing tool, plus tips on how to use them.
1. They're Extremely Gentle on the Skin
Konjac sponges are really, really gentle. "They're more gentle than scrubs, so they're ideal for daily exfoliating," says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City. "You can use them on sensitive skin, rosacea, and dry flakes that are difficult to buff away without irritating skin."
2. They're Great Makeup Removers
They'll take off all makeup. Used with soap and water, konjac sponges will remove more makeup than washing with your hands alone. You can even run one around your eyes to swipe away mascara.
3. They Give You a Radiant Glow
The konjac sponge works to gently exfoliate your skin, sloughing away dead skin cells, giving skin a smooth, glowy complexion. And the more you use the sponge, the more pronounced the effects will be. Just don't expect the crazy-glowing skin you'd get from a peel or a really good facial.
4. They Deep Clean in Just a Few Steps
To use, simply soak the sponge for about 10 to 20 minutes in warm water (if it's your first time using it), allowing it to expand and soften. Give the sponge a squeeze to release excess water and then add your go-to cleanser. From there, use the sponge to gently scrub your face in circular motions. Once cleansed and satisfied, rinse out the sponge and hang it to air-dry over night.
5. They Don't Improve Acne
While some companies claim their konjac sponges draw impurities out of the skin with ingredients like charcoal, don't expect it to happen. "They don't contain the active charcoal that would make a difference," says Frusco.
6. They've Got a Shelf Life
Even though some sponges claim to be antibacterial, they're not self-cleaning. Rinse your konjac sponge after every use, and toss it after a month.
7. Different Colored Konjac Sponges Signify Different Active Ingredients
Konjac sponges come in a variety of colors. The colors are based on active ingredients. If they konjac sponge is dark gray, that means it contains charcoal. If it's green, it contains green tea or green clay. If it's white, there can be Kaolin clay, and if it's red, it probably has French red clay. There's also a blue clay konjac sponge and a yellow clay konjac sponge. The options are endless!
8. They Can Be Used All Over the Body
Konjac sponges were invented by Japanese farmers and originally used to wash babies' skin because the sponge is so gentle and natural. Feel free to use the sponge all over your own body, especially on areas (like the chest or back) that may be acne-prone and need an extra deep clean.
9. They Can Be Composted
Because Konjac sponges are 100 percent biodegradable, they can be composted along with your veggie, fruit, and plant remains.
10. There 100% Vegan/Organic
These sponges are simply the powdered root mixed with Calcium and other natural ingredients such as bentonite clay, Charcoal or green Tea. It’s a true wonder veggie!
