Illustrations by Charlotte Shen
Konjac Sponges have been around and in use in Asia since the dark ages, but in the West it is only recently gaining in popularity, and it's properties and uses are still largely unknown. So we've prepared a little FAQ on this remarkable plant material that we hope you find of interest! This vegan powerhouse is so versatile, it's used in the body as food, and on the body as an exfoliating sponge gentle enough for babies! It's the latter appplication we'll be focused on here, as we just may happen to have one for you to try!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What material is it made from?
These facial sponges are made from Konjac, sometimes called glucomannan, which is the fleshy tuber (root-like part of the stem that grows underground) of the konjac, or konyakku plant, also known as elephant yam in the West. It is a kind of soluble fiber that has been used in Asia for centuries, particularly in Japan where it is used both as a gentle cleansing sponge for babies, and made into healthy food products like shirataki (a gelatinous, chewy noodle-like food) where the high fiber content acts as a “broom for the stomach”
- So, can I eat this sponge?
No, don’t do that. Just don’t. Although it likely wouldn’t harm you, it looks much better than it tastes, trust me!
- Can I use facial cleanser to use it?
Yes you can! While the sponge can be used with only water, you can also squeeze a little of your favorite cleanser onto it.
- What’s the best way to use this sponge?
It’s important to soak your konjac sponge in (preferable lukewarm) water for 3-5 minutes the first you use it, to soften it up and get it ready for use. For subsequent uses, just run it under warm water for a few seconds before use. If you are using cleanser, squeeze a little onto the sponge and apply gently to you skin in small circular motions. It’s the perfect texture to gently exfoliate without damaging your skin!
- Can I use it to wash other body parts?
Well, for babies this might be feasible, but the sponge is a bit small and delicate to use as a body washing sponge. For that purpose, why not try this?
- How do I clean and maintain it?
You should always rinse your konjac sponge in warm water after use, and gently squeeze out excess water before hanging in a dry place. Please don’t twist or squeeze this sponge too hard – being a natural plant product it is more delicate than a synthetic sponge and you could damage it.
- How long can I use it? How do I know when to replace this sponge?
If you are using your konjac sponge daily, you should replace it with a new one after about one month. As a natural plant-based product, it will deteriorate over time and use – in other words, it will tell you when it’s time to get out a fresh one!
- Is it Ecofriendly?
Yes it is! Konjac sponges are made entirely out of plant-based material, are biodegradable and even compostable! Ours features a simple cotton string for hanging which is also biodegradable. The packaging is partially recycled, fully recyclable and biodegradable kraft paper. There is a very small amount of plastic film wrapping each sponge in order to ensure it stays clean, fresh and dry before it reaches you. So we can confidently say or product is 99% ecofriendly!
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