What is a Cellulose Face Sponge and Why Are They So Popular?

Oval Pink Cellulose Sponge

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I keep seeing these little flat sponges in the makeup tools section. They reminded me of something I would have used to do dishes in the 80s. You know, the ones that you add water, and they puff up? I’ve come across their tiny little cousins in many colors and multiple shapes. I didn’t pay them attention until a friend brought up her newest skincare routine. She’s one of my friends who always tries the newest beauty tools and gadgets and lets me know her opinion before I jump in. I thought about how great her skin looked, and before I could even bring it up, she told me about her new favorite finds—beauty sponges and disposable face towels. (I promise I’ll get into the towels in a future post.)

I almost immediately placed an order for 100 heart-shaped pink cellulose sponges because I am a sucker for cutesy in my beauty routine. If I can make something more enjoyable, I will. I did not regret my purchase.

Here are the reasons I instantly fell in love with these little darlings:

Soft texture

When I first looked into these sponges, all I could imagine was dish sponge texture. When they came out of the package, they were flattened and firm. That was not helping my idea of what they were going to be. Then I got one wet and was pleasantly surprised. They’re soft, flexible, and feel great on the skin.

More gentle on the skin than a washcloth

Have you ever over-scrubbed on accident? Gosh, I have. It feels like a sunburn. I’ve started scrubbing, getting carried away, and ended up making my face raw. These are much softer and easier on my face than a washcloth. I feel like they do a better job, too. As long as I rinse as I go, I get an even better clean than a washcloth.

Very Light exfoliation

While I’m not looking to over-scrub, I still need to gently coax away dead skin cells. Cellulose sponges have just the slightest exfoliating capability, especially when combined with a mask. I soften my skin cells with a clay mask, then wipe both the mask and the softened skin cells away with the sponge, rinsing the sponge often as I go. Then I dry my face with a Clean Skin Club Towel instead of my bacteria-kissed bathroom towel. There we go, the perfect level of exfoliation.

Sensitive-skin friendly

Instead of using a makeup wipe, which can be drying and leave product residue behind, I wash my face with a high-quality face wash and a sponge. This, in my experience, removes more makeup than face wash alone or a makeup wipe alone and is much easier on my skin than makeup wipes tend to be.

100% Cellulose made from wood pulp

These are not, I repeat, are not made of plastic. Thank goodness.

Makeup removal aid

If I’m doing a full face of makeup removal, I’m going to reach for a Makeup Eraser. But if I’m just removing tinted moisturizer and light eye makeup, I’ve been reaching for one of these instead.

your Skin cleansing routine’s little buddy

From makeup removal to cleansing to mask removal, this little guy does it all. Want a bonus refresher? Dampen two and throw them in the freezer for five minutes before putting them on your eyes. Thank me later.

So Inexpensive

These little sweeties can be found for less than 50 cents apiece.

Available in round or fun shapes such as hearts

Available in pastel colors, natural, and white. Be playful or keep it classy. I am a toddler, so I went for pink hearts.

No laundry detergent residue on the face

This is great because detergent residue can be rough on the face. Laundry detergent irritates my face on a good day and gives me a good ol break out on the worst days. I have to be careful what detergent I use.(Rockin Green if you need to know, but I’ll make a different post about that.) Between these and my Clean Skin Club face towels, I’m making a big effort to keep laundry detergent residue off my face.

Check out these cool little sponges when you get a chance. I really haven’t found much of a difference between brands so far, so do a little research but don’t stress out about it. They all seem to be pretty great as far as I can tell.

Got any other awesome beauty finds? DM me on IG! @meganlacore I love to give new products a try.