Konjac Puff With Added Bamboo Charcoal

 RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Perfect for teen skin & those with oily skin prone to spots & outbreaks. The Bamboo Charcoal contains activated carbon & various minerals that enhance absorptive ability, perfect for removing excess oil. Bamboo Charcoal is also a natural anti- oxidant  so will help fight hard-to-reach, acne-causing bacteria."

--Packaging--
The sponge comes in a clear plastic pouch, which has a clean, blue and green minimalist and unisex design. Sadly it isn't resealable for travel, and it's worth getting it out of the packaging soon after purchase, as condensation had already begun to form inside the packet 1-2 days after receiving mine from Konjac's PR. It seems that Konjac has missed a trick in terms of also manufacturing travel holders for the sponge (only the sports sponge comes with its own holder, and they're not sold separately). While the sponge does dry out a little between uses, it wouldn't dry out fast enough between your final night away and your journey home the next day. 

--Usage--
The Konjac website recommends: "Before use, always wash the sponge thoroughly. We recommend plunging it in water and squeezing several times. If the sponge has dried out, always allow it to fully absorb water before putting against your skin.
Gently massage the face and body in circular motion all over, to exfoliate dead skin cells, and deeply cleanse. The massaging will stimulate tired skin and encourage skin renewal. Soap or cleansing solution can be added to the sponge if desired, but is not necessary." This is perfectly easy in all respects, regardless of whether or not you add cleanser to the sponge.

--Appearance--
The sponge itself is black and yet leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Despite the charcoal content, none.

--Texture and consistency--
Delightfully scrubby without being too rough. No different, really, from normal sponges.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't feel this did anything for me. I used the sponge initially with no cleanser added, and just felt like I was washing my face with water (the sponge doesn't "ooze" any of its beneficial ingredients when soaked). So I started adding cleanser, hoping that the sponge would maximise its effects. Sadly, beyond the normal exfoliation and slight radiance you would get from using any slightly textured flannel or sponge, I noticed no short- or long-term improvement in skin condition.

--Value for money--
At £6.99 this won't break the bank, and it's an original and eco-friendly way of exfoliating. However, beyond this, I sadly found that it didn't do anything that my normal cleanser didn't do. Back to the drawing board, Japan.

perfect partners
6-Wave Konjac Body Sponge, £9.99
Sports Sponge with Lilac Lady Pouch, £11.99

Spongeing your skin

How do you wash your face?

With a flannel, a cotton pad, a tissue, or just with your hands like on the TV?

The Konjac Sponge Company has a new idea: why not wash our faces with sponges? But not just any sponge, oh no. Their sponge (the clue's in the name) uses the konjac plant, and it's already taking off in Japan (all the best stuff seems to start there, doesn't it? First BB creams, and now this).

How it works is this: this relative of the potato is ground down into flour (which has previously been used to make noodles and thicken food) before being mixed with pure filtered volcanic water, put into moulds, fermented, steamed, and baked into shape. Different supplements are added to suit your skin type, whether it's bamboo charcoal to balance oily skin or red clay to hydrate dry skin.

The sponges hold ten times their weight in liquid, so you don't need much water. No cleanser is needed, but if you still want to use one anyway, use less than you normally would, as the sponge will make it go much further. The sponge then exfoliates gently to get rid of dead skin cells, increase radiance, and reduce puffiness.

When the sponges show signs of wear and tear (usually around the 3-month mark), their fully biodegradable qualities mean that they can be disposed of in a completely environmentally friendly way, whether you want to compost them or feed them to your house plant.

Not convinced? Try it yourself: from August 20th-24th, a pop-up shop will be running in the Marylebone district of London (specifically at 10a Blandford Street), where you can speak to experts about the best sponge for you. Pop in between 11.00 and 3.00 on any of the days above to test it out. With luck I'll be sent one to try soon, so will also be able to feed back on this spongy revolution. *tosses flannel into the wash*