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The One Cleansing Tool That's Gentle Enough For Every Skin Type

While there are an abundance of tools aimed at cleaning your face better, if you haven’t tried one of the best konjac sponges, you’re seriously missing out. Because of their soft porous texture, konjac sponges help you get an extremely gentle — but thorough — cleanse, and they even provide light exfoliation that's safe for daily use.

Although konjac sponges have only recently become popular in the U.S., people in Japan have been using them for over a century. Konjac actually comes from a potato-like plant that’s been a food source for over 1,500 years. The modern-day sponges are handmade from the fibers of the konjac plant and infused with various ingredients such as clays, charcoal, and bamboo to enhance the cleansing process and tailor it to specific skin types.

Although many konjac sponges come pre-wet in their package, some do need to by hydrated before use. If your sponge arrives dry and hard like a loofah, simply run it under warm water until it’s soaked through and soft — when it puffs up you’ll know it’s ready for use. Next, apply the usual amount of cleanser to your face or body and then gently massage the sponge into your skin in circular motions. For a lighter cleanse, konjac sponges can also be used without any cleanser. And they work great with oil cleansers, too.

You should only need to replace your sponge every two or three months, depending on how well you care for it. Be sure to rinse it well before and after use and hang it to dry (most come with a suction cup hook). To remove excess water, gently press the sponge between your hands instead of wringing it out — this helps it last longer.

While every konjac sponge provides a gentle cleanse, you'll get the most out of this amazing beauty tool if you choose the best one for your skin type. Consider this your beginner's guide to finding a konjac sponge that you'll love.

1

A Red Clay Konjac Sponges That Nourishes Dry & Sensitive Skin

MY Konjac Sponge All Natural French Red Clay Facial Sponge for Dry or Mature Skin, $10, Amazon

The French red clay in this konjac sponge helps to remove dead skin cells, encourage skin cell turnover, and increase blood flow to the skin, making your skin look radiant and hydrated. And because red clay contains naturally occurring minerals with powerful nourishing benefits, this sponge a perfect pick for dry and sensitive skin types.

2

A Black Charcoal Sponges That Absorbs Excess Oil & Helps Fight Breakouts

Julep Charcoal Konjac Sponge, $12, Amazon

This black konjac sponge is loaded with skin-clearing bamboo charcoal. It’s a great choice for anyone with oily skin that’s also prone to breakouts and blackheads. Charcoal contains activated carbon and various minerals that help it draw out excess oils from your skin. Bamboo Charcoal is also rich in antioxidants and even has naturally antibacterial properties.

3

A Green Tea-Infused Konjac Sponges That Helps Combat Inflammation From Acne & Irritation

My Konjac Sponge All Natural Korean Facial Konjac Sponge With Real Green Tea, $10, Amazon

This green tea-infused sponge helps reduce inflammation from acne and irritation while brightening and evening out the skin tone. Green tea is also known to heal blemishes — just make sure you’re not aggressively rubbing the sponge against your skin, since this can be very irritating.

4

A White Kaolin Clay Sponge That's Perfect For Sensitive Skin Types That Can't Tolerate Other Cleansing Tools

Julep Kaolin Clay Konjac Sponge, $12, Amazon

This white konjac sponge is enriched with detoxifying kaolin clay that draws impurities from deep within skin. Kaolin is among the gentlest of the facial clay family making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. It’s gentle absorptive properties don’t dry out the skin despite being extremely effective. It also stimulates circulation, leaving skin with a healthy glow after use.

5

A Turmeric Konjac Sponges That Gives Tired Complexions A Boost

pureSOL Konjac Sponge, $10, Amazon

This turmeric-infused konjac sponge is perfect for tired or dull skin. The yellow spice increases circulation, promoting a glowing complexion. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, so those with acne-prone skin will receive additional benefits to help heal and calm breakouts.

6

A Charcoal & Green Tea Cleansing Duo For Body

pureGLO Body Wash Facial Konjac Sponge, $10 (2 Sponges), Amazon

Each konjac sponge in this double pack serves a different purpose depending on the current needs of your skin. The black bamboo charcoal sponge removes excess oil and deep cleans pores to prevent breakouts while the green tea sponge decreases inflammation and soothes the skin. The elongated wave design makes it easier to hold when washing your body in the shower or tub.

7

A Pure Konjac Body Sponge For Sensitive Skin Types

MY Konjac Sponge All Natural Fiber Pure Body Sponge, $12, Amazon

Suitable for all skin types, but particularly those with sensitive skin, the original white konjac sponge is 100 percent pure konjac with no additional clays or ingredients. The pure konjac helps to balance the pH of your skin while still gently exfoliating and cleansing.

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