Bamboo charcoal can be used for many things: purifying water, brushing your teeth, as well as cleansing your body, face and exfoliating. Bamboo charcoal has strong absorbing properties that draw toxins from your skin (hence the purifying water). It is said that cleansing with bamboo charcoal removes impurities from your skin, giving you a soft, improved appearance. I have been using the bamboo charcoal exfoliating body sponge by Sephora twice a week, for five weeks, and can't say I've seen any improvement. Yes, I feel like it's lightly exfoliating, but my body pouf provides the same sensation. Is it drawing toxins from my skin? I honestly don't know, but I can't see a difference in my skin. If you are a 'bamboo charcoal' believer, then maybe this product is for you, but I'm not jumping on the bamboo charcoal movement just yet.

I've read many reviews about the bamboo charcoal body sponge falling apart. It does say on the packaging that the sponge must be handled with care. This cleansing sponge is very delicate, so wrap your hand around one side while exfoliating your body in circular motions with the other side. Gently drain the sponge of access water by squeezing with both hands (do not twist). I have not experienced any breakage and my sponge is still completely intact.