Review (5/5): Can be used without any cleaner...a great all-natural exfoliation with minimal irritation
The pureGLO Konjac Facial Sponge
The pureGLO Konjac Facial Sponge is made entirely from all-natural konjac root fiber. The sponge is I received was approximately 2.75 inches in diameter. I've read reviews where the size is listed as large as 3.5 inches, so I don't know if these sponges vary in size, but the size I receive fits comfortably in the hand and is a suitable size for washing the face. The sponge comes packaged in sealed plastic but in it's original condition you might wonder how on earth you will be using this product on your face ... because it literally is rock hard. Running some warm water over the sponge for a few minutes allows it to absorb water and become soft and squeezable. It's at this point that the sponge can be used on the face. The sponge does not have any particularly strong discernable odor and I would categorize the light scent as natural / pleasant / neutral. It's a naturally alkaline product, and presumably helps to balance out the pH levels of those who may have excess acidity of the skin.
Packaging
The packaging is very tastefully done and is also biodegradable, keeping to the "all natural" theme of this product. The sponge itself is sealed in an inner plastic package. Two suction-cup hooks are included for hanging your sponge in the bathroom to dry.
Using the Sponge
Upon opening, and any time after the sponge has dried out, it must be soaked under water again until completely soft. When soft, the sponge has a firm and springy feel to it. I found the most effective use is to gently massage the sponge into the skin with a circular motion. The endless pores of this product help to scrub the face in a very gentle manner and provide some moderate exfoliation without harshness to the skin. I personally prefer to use the sponge without any cleaners or soap whatsoever, but the instruction do note that a facial cleaner may be used. My skin is somewhat oily, so this may be easier for me (e.g. just using the sponge and water), but I like the idea of using nothing artificial / chemical / plastic on my face, and the combination of the Pure One Konjac Facial Sponge and water precisely fits the bill.
Safety
What makes the sponge so wonderful (the many tiny pores that comprise the sponge and help with the gentle scrubbing) are also potentially a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria and mold that you could literally be rubbing into your face if the product is not carefully maintained. The sponge should be stored in a place where it can dry thoroughly. When the sponge becomes rock hard again it's far less likely little things are going to be breeding within. It seems many people chose to hang their sponges in the shower...unless you're the only person who uses that shower at the time of day you usually use the sponge, you might consider another location that will not continually become wet / moist again and prevent the sponge from properly and fully drying out. The instructions also mention that "for better cleaning result, sterilize your konjac sponge by boiling it or microwaving it in a bowl of water for 1 minute every week." This is probably very good advice to follow. The instructions also recommend discarding and replacing with a new sponge every 2 - 3 months.
Photos
The attached photos show:
(1) the konjac sponge as it comes packaged
(2) the konjac sponge once removed from the package
(3) the konjac sponge once soaked in water and softened
Disclaimer
This product was supplied at a discount to use for the purpose of writing a comprehensive and unbiased review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I am not affiliated with the seller or company and make no promises of a good rating while reviewing the product. I endeavor to test products thoroughly to provide a comprehensive review to help other Amazon customers to make informed decisions. If this review has been helping to you, kindly click the "Yes" button below, and feel free to leave any questions about my experience with the product, which I would be more than happy to answer.