Scientific Name Sapindus mukorossi
Family Sapindaceae
Origin Tropical areas of India, China, and Nepal
Other Names Ritha/Reetha/Aritha (Hindi), Kunkudukai (Telugu), Boondi Kottai (Tamil), Pasakkottamaram (Malayalam), Amtalakaayi (Kannada), 'Ritha' (Bengali), 'Arithi' (Gujarati), and 'Rinthi' (Marathi).
Soapnuts are the purest form of soap. These nuts come straight from the Soapnut Tree (Sapindus Mukorossi).
Each seed is approximately 2 to 2.5cm with seeds removed and the shells dried.
These shells contain saponin, which works as a natural surfactant. This gentle surfactant provide lather and cleansing.
Soapnut Berry Benefits
- Chemical Free
- Biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic
- Odorless
- Sustainable
- All natural
- Eco Friendly
- Reusable
- Gentle on skin and fabrics
How to create liquid soapnut berry soaps
- Boil 4 berries for every one cup of water for 30 minutes. Boiling helps to release the saponin.
- Allow the solution to cool.
- Strain solution through a muslin cloth.
- Keep remainder soapnut berries aside to dry and reuse.
- Add essential oils if you'd like to the solution.
- Mix and keep in fridge for up to a week.
This liquid soap can be used as a shampoo or body wash, all-purpose home cleanser and more. In fact, it is a very popular solution for healthy and strong hair.
Loving body wash - Mix liquid soapnut berry with Lavender Essential Oil for a soothing, skin-loving bath wash
Nourishing shampoo - Add Rosemary Essential Oil to liquid soapnut berry for healthy hair shampoo
Natural home disinfectant - Mix liquid soapnut berry with Tea Tree Oil for an all-purpose cleaner
Household spray - Fill liquid soapnut berry in a spray bottle, add white vinegar and grapefruit essential oil
Laundry detergent - Place 6 soap nuts into a sock and throw it into your laundry. Once done, remove nuts from sock and dry for next wash. Add more soapnuts when needed.
Hypoallergenic cleanser - Because soapberries are the most natural soap form, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin. Just use the liquid soap berry as it is without adding anything else to it. Use it as a top to toe wash.
Natural pet shampoo - If you don't pile chemicals on your skin, why would you on your beloved pets? Use this liquid soapnut berry direct on pets. Do not add essential oils, especially for cats. Animals can have allergies to certain oils.
Once soapnut is mixed with water, the shelf-life becomes shorter. Add tea tree oil to prolong shelf life for a while or make small fresh batches each time and ALWAYS store in the fridge.
The moment the smell goes off or rancid, make a new batch and throw away the old.
For more soap making ingredients, tools, fragrance oils, essential oils, butters, carrier oils, craft kits and DIY workshops, please visit our Award Winning Experience outlet - Craftiviti.