Are Konjac Sponges good for your skin?

What are konjac sponges?

As their name suggests, Konjac sponges are made from konjac (Chinese finger root).

Glucomannan, another name for konjac, is derived from roots of the konjac plant that are available in most health stores.

Konjac root was originally known as devil’s tongue, and the roots are still occasionally referred to in old English cookery books as “konja.” 

The properties of konjac are similar to gelatin, but it offers a lot more benefits. 

Konjac sponges are used as a natural skin care and cleaning product.

A gel-like solution made from konjac is used to coat the scalp for scalp treatments.  Konjac sponges provide gentle cleansing and moisturising of the skin. 

Konjac sponges are readily available in most health and beauty stores.

Are konjac sponges good for your skin?

Konjac sponges have been used for centuries as bath sponges and for body cleansing, and they remain popular today with their soft shape, non-slip surface and absorbent properties. The benefits of a konjac sponge (more correctly, the konjac glucomannan) are its gentle, non-stimulative feel when applied to the skin, and the fact that it absorbs dirt and body oils.  The skin does feel slightly sticky after application, but it does not have a wet-skin feel as with conventional sponges. The sponge is also great for use in facial cleansing to create that glowing, healthy look.

The konjac sponge can also be used for hair care as it is also a very effective cleanser for removing all types of styling products, including aerosols, hairspray and other sticky residues often found on hair, beards and lips. These sponges are ideal for those who wish to restore their hair to a better condition. 

The natural properties of konjac sponges mean they are able to absorb oils and sebum, making them a perfect treatment for scalp and hair issues caused by shampooing and sensitivity. 

The konjac sponge is ideal for people with dry skin, as it is highly hydrating. 

What's great about the konjac sponge is that it is gentle and soft and unlike conventional sponges, it is a good skin scrub too. 

What other benefits do they have?

Konjac sponges tend to be more gentle than traditional sponges because they have a smoother texture.  They are widely used as bath, face and hair sponges. They do not lather or foam and are a good replacement for soap and bubble baths, as they do not irritate.

Because they are more gentle, they are suited to the entire hair care routine: scalp, eyebrows, eye lashes, hair, beard and lips. 

They are easy to use and safe for all hair treatments.  They are a good alternative to soap when travelling. They are not heavy on the skin and do not leave any greasy residue. They are gentle when used as a wash and as face cleansers. They exfoliate, so are excellent for sensitive facial skin types, eczema and blemishes.

Konjac sponges are ideal for cleaning oily residues, be that from hair or body (which can be difficult with soap). Their shape encourages them to cover the entire area with less effort.

Konjac sponges are a low-cost, safe alternative to soap and bubble baths. 

There have been many reports of konjac/agar sponges being used for eye injuries, including open injuries of the cornea. 

How long do konjac sponges last?

Konjac sponges usually last for years and can be used over and over again. As they are completely natural, they do not need to be replaced often, if ever. 

How do I use a konjac sponge?

When used on your hair it gives you a soft, clean smell free from that of most other hair cleansers. On top of that, it will not strip the hair shaft or cause damage. It really cleans thoroughly and leaves no oily residue.

The beauty of the konjac sponge is that they are so easy to use: simply scrub lightly, that's it! They can be used with a sponge handle or with your fingers.  You can use them with water or with your favourite moisturiser for even greater benefit.  They are safe for all hair treatment needs.  You can use them for hair, beards, hairline, or dry skin.

Are konjac sponges sustainable and environmentally friendly?

Konjac sponges are an environmentally friendly product. They do not require any harsh chemicals and are biodegradable. They are non-toxic and non-irritating too. 

When in storage, konjac sponges dry out very slowly and this makes them easy to store.

They do not involve the use of any harmful chemical substances, but all the natural benefits of the konjac sponge are available without harm to you or to the environment. 

Being made from konjac glucomannan they contain no animal products so are suitable for vegans.