Skin Cleansing with The Konjac Sponge

Several people have asked me for my take on these 'new' sponges for face care.

New?

All right, you can stop giggling now. I know it's been a while since the konjac sponge hit the market. In my defense, there are quite a few questions that make their way to my to-do list. It's unfortunately pretty rare that a question can be answered by merely dashing off a few lines of text.

So basically, this is all your fault. If you didn't ask me so many interesting, intelligent and inspiring questions, I could have answered this ages ago.

Now let's have a look at this rather unusual little beauty product and see what it has to offer.

A Konjac Sponge isn't 'Born' that Way 

Konjac sponges are manufactured. The process includes mixing konjac glucomannan fibers with calcium hydroxide and water, pouring the mixture into molds and letting the 'sponges' harden.

The sponges are stiff and hard when dry. Manufacturers recommend wetting the product throughly before use, rinsing it thoroughly after use, storing it dry, and replacing every 2-3 months.

Science Says

There are a lot of studies on konjac glucomannan, but that's because it has some pretty useful gelling properties as well as a history of internal use.

The 'sponges' have been on the market for about 25 years, but there hasn't been a lot of scientific study on them. I did manage to find a single study indicating that konjac glucomannan – used topically – could possibly be beneficial for acne.

Maybe this little beauty care product does has something extra to offer in the way of skin care. We'll have to see if there are any additional studies published in the coming years.

LisaLise on the Konjac Sponge

Even though they all look pretty identical to me, these sponges are offered in a wide range of prices - seemingly depending on the shop. I chose one in the lower price range for this test. I've been diligent about using and storing the sponge as described and have happily not experienced any mouldiness or funky odors. The pic above is my sponge after 5 weeks of use.

The texture (when softened) is quite pleasant on the skin. I have tried the sponge solo (with only water), with cleansing gel, and with a combo of cleansing gel with my flowers-dirt-and-food powder face mixes. It seems to perform best with both gel and powder.

Could I feel any difference on my skin? I can only go so far as to say maybe.

Will I buy another one? Most probably - but mostly because I simply prefer the size and feel better than regular facial sponges.

Do Tell

Have you used the konjac sponge? What were your impressions?

More Konjac

Konjac used topically for acne
Konjac production process at Yamamoto Farm
Calcium Hydroxide (Wikipedia)