Konjac Sponge: The Plastic Free, Zero Waste Bathroom Essential!

It goes without saying, plastic is a problem. It clogs our landfills and oceans. If you’re reading this, I imagine you’re aware of just how big an issue plastic is. At Kent of Inglewood we’ve been on a mission to incorporate as many zero-waste/ plastic-free products into our lineup as possible. The end goal is to outfit our bathrooms with 100% plastic-free products, so the zero-waste warriors out there can have an easier time winning the war on plastic.

The Kent of Inglewood Konjac Sponge, in all of its plastic-free glory.

One of the latest newcomers to the Kent of Inglewood brand is the Konjac Sponge! This ain’t your daddy’s sponge. This sponge is 100% natural, Vegan, Eco friendly, and does not contain toxic or harmful ingredients. We’re thrilled to finally be adding Konjac sponges to our skincare lineup. 

I can already hear the uninitiated asking “What in the heck is a Konjac sponge?”, and I get it. That was my first response when I heard we’d be carrying them. Allow me to show you the light...

Konjac, sometimes referred to as glucomannan, is a plant that grows naturally and wildly (just as Lordy’s beard) in Southeast Asia and is also cultivated throughout East Asia. The plant is very high in fiber, and is most often used for medicinal purposes.  It’s very popular in cooking for its thickening capabilities. But why make a sponge out of this stuff? We’re getting close, I promise. 

Konjac Sponges are made by mixing konjac and calcium hydroxide with water. There’s a more scientific process that goes on, but I won’t bore you with all of those details. The finished product is a sponge that, when dry, is rock hard and looks like a pumice stone, but once soak it in warm water it swells up (like the magically growing dinosaur toys you had as a kid) and becomes one of the softest sponges you’ll ever feel! Despite the softness, the pores gives the sponge a gentle exfoliating quality which is fantastic for your face and body. 

A fully hydrated Konjac sponge, ready to go!

Because Konjac is extremely gentle on skin, it is often recommended for unclogging pores on oily and acne-prone skin. Charcoal is infused to create the black colour, and help draw excess oil from your skin, reducing acne! In addition to its cleansing and exfoliating benefits, konjac sponges are also great for removing makeup! Even better, Konjac sponges work for all skin types.  Even if you have very sensitive skin, it will be gentle enough not to cause breakouts or irritation. 

The biodegradable nature of the sponge means it is normal for it to deteriorate over time, and eventually stop working properly. This is totally normal, don’t fret if your sponge is one day much smaller than it once was. For those of us looking to reduce our footprint, there are a few measures you can take  that will extend the life of your amazing new sponge. 

For maximum lifespan don’t squeeze these sponges too hard. Pretend like you’re testing an avocado for its ripeness, don’t treat it like a stress ball. The harder you squeeze the more of the fibers you’ll be breaking down. Instead of ringing the water out of it, simply press it gently between both of your hands. If you’ve used it with some soap, gently rinse it until it runs clear.

Furthermore, twisting the sponge to ring it out doesn’t help the lifespan of your new scrubby friend. Other than that, avoid drying it in direct sunlight or storing wet in a sealed container. When you’re done, simply press the water out and put it away! I find mine lasts at least 6 months in the shower.