Sasawashi Open Weave Exfoliating Shower Towel – Deep Body Scrub

• Deeper exfoliation thanks to the open-weave thick natural yarn
• Effectively removes dead skin and buildup for smoother skin
• Naturally antibacterial and deodorising plant fibres
• Quick-drying to reduce bacteria, mould and odour
• Works effectively with very little soap (note that lather is not always the sign of a good towel ~ more on that below)
• Durable and long-lasting
• Plastic free, home compostable in Australia, and zero-waste friendly
• Made in Japan

Best for:
✔ Normal to rough skin
✔ Those who love a stronger scrub
✔ Regular exfoliation or energising showers

Swap harsh, plasticky feeling nylon exfoliating towels for this beautiful-feeling towel created by blending Washi paper with kumazasa fibres. 

The best Japanese-style exfoliating cloth is gentle enough to use regularly, without a harsh scrub that leaves you feeling raw.  That’s where plastic-free, natural fibre towels stand apart from nylon and polyester towels. Natural towels deliver texture, soap distribution, reach, that clean-skin feeling — without needing plastic microfibres.  Learn more here about the best Japanese exfoliating towels in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the open weave exfoliating towel and the mesh towel?
The open weave towel has a firmer texture that provides deeper exfoliation, while the Sasawashi mesh body scrub towel offers a softer, gentler scrub. Many customers prefer the open weave for a more invigorating clean and smoother-feeling skin.

Is the open weave exfoliating towel too rough for skin?
It delivers a stronger exfoliation but is still comfortable for most skin types. If you enjoy a deeper scrub or have normal to rough skin, this cloth is an excellent choice. Those with very sensitive skin may prefer the gentler mesh version.

Is an exfoliating towel meant to lather?
Lather is not a measure of a good exfoliating towel.  Lather is mostly bubbles — most commonly these days it is synthetic detergent that is designed to create bubbles for visual appeal only!  Plus, many commerical soaps and liquid body washes are drying and irritating for your skin. In Japanese bathing, soap is only used in small amounts. A well-made towel distributes soap evenly, lifts away dirt and dead skin, and leaves the skin feeling clean, without needing much soap at all.

How often should I use a deeper exfoliating towel?
Most people use the open weave towel 2–4 times per week for deep exfoliation. Daily use is possible for some skin types, but gentler exfoliation is generally recommended between deeper scrubs.

Are exfoliating towels more hygienic than loofahs?
Yes. Sasawashi towels dry quickly and use naturally antibacterial plant fibres, which helps prevent the damp environment where bacteria and mould commonly grow in synthetic loofahs and sponges.

Can I machine wash the Sasawashi Japanese exfoliating towel?
Machine wash inside a net bag, or hand wash regularly to keep it fresh and hygienic. Always allow it to fully dry between uses.

70% Washi paper/Kumazasa fibres, 30% Cotton

SASAWASHI fabric is made by blending Kumazasa fibres; grown in the cool highlands of Japan, with Washi paper. Washi is strong, durable and water-resistant used in traditional Shoji sliding doors keeping homes cool in summer and warm in winter. A sheet of these blended fibres is then slit into long strings of yarn, twisted together to machine weave or knit SASAWASHI yarn and fabric.

27cm x 93cm

Rinse clean after use under the shower or tap. Can be washed in a washing machine inside a net bag.
Wash separately from other coloured items
Do not use bleach.

Japan

Sasawashi brings things back to a simpler way of caring for the body that existed long before synthetic nylon cloths became the norm.

Made in Japan from a blend of kumazasa plant fibres and washi paper, it creates a fabric that’s naturally textured, breathable, and quietly effective — without ever feeling harsh on the skin.

These Japanese exfoliating and cleanses cloths lift away dead skin without that over-scrubbed feeling. People find they need less soap, as the fibres work efficiently rather than relying on heavy lather. 

Kumazasa has long been valued in Japan for its antibacterial properties, helping to keep the fabric clean and comfortable over time. 

Importantly, Sasawashi is made from plant-based fibres rather than petroleum-based ones — no plastic, no shedding microfibres, and a much lighter impact over its lifetime.

Less about harsh exfoliation, more about consistency. Less about adding more products, more about working with materials that are healthier close to your skin.