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Soapberry

Unripe soapberry fruit on a branch.

Soapberry (scientific name Sapindus mukorossi) is also known as Indian soapberry, washnut, ritha or Chinese soapberry. It is a species of tree that grows in the lower foothills and midhills of the Himalayas at altitudes of up to 1,200 metres. It is also native to western coastal Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa in India, Indochina, southern China, Japan and Taiwan. The soapberry tree can tolerate reasonably poor soil. A single tree can produce approximately 30 to 35 kilograms of fruit per year.

The special thing about this plant is that the fruit is able to behave and lather like soap. It is very useful for cleaning purposes. The active ingredient in the soapnut is saponin which is a chemical compound that can form soapy foams when mixed with water because it is both water and fat soluble. Saponin is bitter-tasting and usually toxic. It is produced by many plant species and even some marine animals.

Indian soapberry tree.
Soapberry tree
Dried Soapberry Fruit
Dried soapberry fruit

The presence of saponins in soapnut give it the ability to act as a natural cleansing agent for cleaning your hair, skin and clothing. Saponin being naturally toxic is also useful as an insecticide to kill head lice when washing hair. Saponin also acts as an antimicrobial agent so it is helpful in the treatment of acne and infections.

Soapnuts are used in skincare for :

  • Gentle, non-drying, cleansing : Being a natural surfactant, the suds created are gentle on the skin. This makes soapnuts a very suitable cleansing option for people with sensitive skin.
  • Acne treatment : The saponins in soapnuts are able to kill bacteria and also lift off dirt and oil. It helps to prevent pores from clogging which is one of the main factors in the development of acne.
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