I’ve watched the QVC beauty channel on tv for years, and that's how I came to know about Julep. There's a great story behind the two founders that came together to create Julep, and they're very passionate about their brand. The Konjac root is a plant and they grind it up to make the konjac sponge. As the konjac sponge is used it disintegrates and since it's a natural plant, it's good for the earth. I didn't take a picture before used, the picture I took is as seen falling apart and time to buy a new one. I can't exactly remember how many months this lasted, about 6 months or less. My nine-year daughter uses it as well, this is very gentle and great for kids too. This is my second purchase of Julep’s charcoal konjac sponge. I haven't tried another brand of charcoal konjac sponge but did purchase a larger pink clay konjac sponge from some off-brand online and it started falling apart right away and also started to discolor and I believe get mold or mildew in a small area. So using this on your face has the cleansing ability of a sponge and also has this bouncy moist feeling about it. It can clean your skin with or without face cleanser, I read that somewhere and it's true. There are a lot of other organic companies out there that offer konjac sponges so try this one or get a few to compare. I noticed that Target stores have a konjac sponge made by The Honest Company, I may purchase one and see if it's as good. I have a Foreo Luna 3 face cleansing tool that's great…