How to use a Japanese Konjac Sponge as a facial cleanser and exfoliator

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I’m always up for something new to try in the bathroom and Konjac sponges are certainly new to me. They are made from the root of a crazy looking flower that grows in Japan, China and Korea.

Konjac is supposed to be full of vitamins and minerals which benefit the skin, including: Iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamins A, E and D, “B” vitamins 1, 2, 6 and 12, vitamin C and folic acid. It’s dehydrated and used as a sponge for cleansing and exfoliating. If Japanese people use it,  it must be good. And they have been using them for a long time.

I bought mine in Tiger. (I love Tiger, it sells cool random things) It was only £2. It looks like it’s made of plastic foam. The sponge I bought is a little dome of about 3 inches in diameter, it’s grey in colour. Apparently you can get them imbued with clay and green tea.

 To clean your face, thoroughly moisten the sponge and rub it over your face in circular motions. You can use it with or without face wash. Afterwards leave the Konjac sponge somewhere to dry out completely, that’ll help the sponge last longer. One sponge should keep you going for a couple of months with daily use.

It’s an unusual sensation, it feels soapy even without putting any detergent on the sponge. It’s a pleasant  feeling. After use my face feels lovely, clean, soft and gently exfoliated.  My skin seems happy about this turn of events, no redness or blemishes.

I really like the idea of using a Japanese sponge to clean my face. So far I can see no downsides to Konjac, it gives a gentle exfoliation and a thorough clean. Konjac is natural and good for the planet as well as your face.

It doesn’t remove eye makeup like the Microfibre Cloth does. Apart from that the Konjac Sponge is a perfect cleansing tool- inexpensive, environmentally friendly, gentle and also slightly exotic and novel.

If you fancy trying it and can’t find it in shops it’s available from Amazon