Guide to Natural Konjac Sponges

Konjac Sponges might look like a bit of a cross between a loofah, coral and a sea sponge, but these little sponges are actually naturally powerful facial cleansers. Made from the root of the Konjac Plant, Konjac Sponges can be used to remove dirt, oil build-up and blackheads to deeply cleanse pores and refresh tired, dull or dry complexions.¹ When infused with beneficial ingredients such as pure Clays, Charcoal and Turmeric, they can also be tailored to suit different skin types and address specific concerns and issues. With so many different colours and kinds it can be tricky to figure out which is best for your skin type, so I put together this guide to the different types of Konjac Sponges and who they are for.

What is a Konjac Sponge?

Unlike loofahs, which are often made from plastic and end up in landfill, Konjac Sponges are made from the powdered root of the Konjac Plant, a fibrous vegetable which is native to East Asia and has a variety of other uses in cooking. Konjac Sponges gain their unique round shape from the moulding process, in which the mixture used to create the sponges is heated and then cooled to set the sponges. During this process, Konjac Sponges can also be infused with other ingredients to make them even more beneficial to specific skin types, such as Charcoal and different coloured Clays. Incredibly popular in Korea, Konjac Sponges are actually ideal for sensitive skin because of their soft, bouncy texture.

Benefits of Konjac Sponges

Konjac Sponges offer a deeper cleanse than your usual facial cleanser alone, with a gentle exfoliating action which helps to remove makeup and dead skin cells, absorb grime, and extract impurities. These soft, light sponges are used in the way you would use a face washer, but are able to do a lot more than a normal sponge or cloth. Abundant in nourishing minerals, Konjacs are pH neutral, which means they alkalise your skin by helping to balance the acidity of your complexion. Lightly abrasive, Konjac Sponges massage the skin while they cleanse, promoting blood flow and stimulating skin cell regeneration for a healthy, fresh complexion. They can even remove heavier skin care products like waterproof sunscreen. They're also completely biodegradable, so they can be disposed of in the compost or even in your garden bed.

How to use a Konjac Sponge

A Konjac Sponge can be used with or without your favourite cleanser and is gentle enough for daily use. To use, soak the sponge thoroughly in warm water to expand the fibres, squeezing gently until it has softened and absorbed water. They should only be used when wet, as dry Konjacs are too harsh and will damage the skin. Use the sponge to cleanse skin, working in circular motions all over the complexion. Rinse after use, then gently squeeze out any excess water and leave to dry. Your sponge will last between 4 and 6 weeks before beginning to naturally disintegrate. Dispose of your Konjac in the compost and replace with a fresh new one.

Which Konjac Sponges do I recommend?

Life Basics Konjac Sponge Bamboo Charcoal
For acne prone and problematic skin, I recommend the Life Basics Konjac Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal. Highly porous, Bamboo Charcoal not only absorbs excess oil and build-up from the skin, it also works to remove acne-causing bacteria. Activated Charcoal is known for its deeply absorbent and detoxifying properties, and has been used in health and medicine for hundreds of years. Read more about the benefits of Activated Charcoal here!



Life Basics Konjac Sponge Pink Clay
Ideal for dehydrated and dull skin, the Pink Clay sponge is infused rejuvenating Pink Clay, known for its mineral rich properties and ability to assist skin cell renewal. Soothing and healing, Pink Clay delivers minerals such as Iron Oxide and Silica to the skin and helps to improve elasticity, making it ideal for sensitive, mature or damaged skin. This calming infusion also targets puffiness and dark circles to revive tired complexions.



Life Basics Konjac Sponge Pure
Suitable for all skin types, the Pure Konjac Sponge is particularly good for incredibly sensitive skin, with no extra ingredients added. This pure white Konjac works to thoroughly cleanse the face with minimal chance of irritation, offering refreshing exfoliating action which can be used with or without your preferred facial cleanser.



Life Basics Konjac Sponge Green Clay
Perfect for balancing oily and combination skin types, the Green Clay Konjac Sponge works to draw out excess oil, sebum and build-up to purify the complexion and unclog pores. Green Clay is known for its highly absorbent and detoxifying properties, helping to remove oils and leave skin properly balanced. Combined with the alkalising properties of Konjac, pH levels are re-adjusted to promote healthy oil levels and a fresh appearance.



Life Basics Konjac Sponge Red Clay
If you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, try the Life Basics Konjac Sponge with Red Clay. Red Clay is rich in Iron Oxide and has a really soothing effect on irritated, sensitive and sunburnt skin. Ideal for treating Rosacea, it can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and broken capillaries by rehydrating the complexion. The healing and soothing properties of Red Clay provide support for the skin's natural cell regeneration process without disruption or irritation.



Life Basics Konjac Sponge Turmeric
The Life Basics Konjac Sponge with Turmeric is packed with incredible anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory qualities to support mature skin with a boost of antioxidants. Renowned for its healing and antiseptic properties, Turmeric helps to fight free radical damage, can improve elasticity and promote a glowing, supple complexion for a more youthful appearance. The healing properties of Turmeric also encourage better circulation to fight the signs of ageing, such as fine lines.



Find out more about the anti-inflammatory and healing benefits of Turmeric when consumed internally in my guide to organic herbal teas.

Source: ¹Refinery29.