Step away from your electronic facial cleansing brush. There’s a new kid on the block. Allow us to introduce you to konjac sponges. If they sound familiar, that’s because they’re not technically a new innovation. They are, however, picking up major traction in the beauty world — and for good reason. Unlike electronic facial cleansing brushes or abrasive physical exfoliating particles in face washes, scrubs and masks, konjac sponges are known for being gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Intrigued? Keep reading.
Konjac is a type of Asian root that’s been used for thousands of years and, more recently, in the creation of konjac sponges. These sponges are made of a heated combination of ground konjac powder mixed with calcium hydroxide that’s frozen and dried. The result? What feels like a super airy rock that transforms into the most dreamy skin care tool when mixed with water. And yes, since these sponges are made of natural ingredients, they’re 100 percent biodegradable so not only will they work wonders for your skin, but for the environment, too.
Konjac Sponge Benefits
Thinking you might be all about this green cleansing tool? When you use a konjac sponge, you can expect a gentle, effective cleanse that works to increase circulation and reduce the buildup of dead skin cells with each use. And since konjac is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and E as well as a whole slew of proteins, lipids, fatty acids and other complexion-perfecting nutrients, you won’t even need to add cleanser to your sponge. Although you can if you want to.
Now that we have your undivided attention, allow us to introduce you to a few of our favorite konjac sponges. Whichever one you choose, just remember to thoroughly rinse it after every use and allow it to hang dry in a dry, dark environment to avoid mold production. It’s also best to stock up on konjac sponges because you should replace them every four weeks.
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
7 Konjac Sponges
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7 Konjac Sponges #1
100% Pure Konjac Sponge: Charcoal, $15 at DermStore
Made from just two ingredients, this natural sponge relies on bamboo charcoal to detoxify pores. Meanwhile, konjac plant nourishes and balances skin. So all you’re left with is a smoother, clearer complexion.
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7 Konjac Sponges #2
Julep Charcoal Konjac Face Sponge Exfoliating Cleansing Tool, $8 at Julep
Create a smooth canvas while exfoliating with Julep’s sponge. The clarifying sponge is made from konjac root from Jeju Island in South Korea. Simply dampen the sponge and massage your face in a circular motion. Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly, squeeze out excess water and hang it to dry after.
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7 Konjac Sponges #3
Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge With Bamboo Charcoal, $8 at Forever21
Created with 100 percent organic konjac root and bamboo charcoal, an ingredient known to detox acne-prone skin, this black konjac skin will be a dream come true for anyone who's become all too familiar with regular breakouts and enlarged pores. Simply soak it under warm water and get to cleansing to see just how beneficial this sponge is.
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Earth Therapeutics
Facial Konjac Sponge Green Tea, $5 at Ulta
While all konjac sponges are gentle, if you have particularly sensitive skin, it never hurts to reach for one that's infused with green tea. Designed to calm stressed skin, this green tea and aloe vera-infused sponge is designed to cleanse, exfoliate and soothe any and all complexions.
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7 Konjac Sponges #5
One Love Organics The Cleansing Sponge Rose Clay Heart, $10 at One Love Organics
The same way mature skin requires specific skin care formulas, it needs a special konjac sponge too. That's where this 100 percent naturally alkaline konjac sponge comes into play. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, this pink sponge is made with red and white clay to gently exfoliate and cleanse skin, buffing away dullness while simultaneously working to balance any sebum imbalances in the skin. The result? A brighter, less-shiny visage no matter your age.
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EcoTools
French Red Clay Konjac, $5.99 at Target
If you have super oily skin, red clay can work magic for your complexion. Designed to absorb excess sebum while gently removing dirt, makeup and other impurities from the surface of the skin, adding this 100 percent vegan konjac sponge to your skin care routine can completely transform your complexion.
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7 Konjac Sponges #7
Honest Beauty Gentle Konjac Sponge With Kaolin Clay, $7.99 at Target
Created with konjac root, pink clay and added chamomile, this konjac sponge will not only remove makeup, dirt and impurities but replenish skin with essential minerals and calm redness and irritation, too.
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7 Konjac Sponges #8
The Konjac Sponge Company Facial Puff Sponge With Green Tea, $12.50 at Lookfantastic
Known for a rainbow of different konjac sponges, The Konjac Sponge Company presents skin care lovers with the green tea konjac sponge that simultaneously cleanses, exfoliates, tones, revitalizes, and tightens skin. Simply get it wet, massage it in small circular motions across your skin, and watch as you begin to put your best face forward with continued use.
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7 Konjac Sponges #9
Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge, $15 at Boscia
Last but not least, if you want to keep it super simple, you can never go wrong with Boscia's classic konjac sponge. Free of any additional clays or additives, this naturally alkaline sponge is rich in nutrients all on its own, making for an effective cleanse each and every time.
