| There are some critical aspects about using soap | | | | and solutions, a pure soap nut liquid will go rancid |
| nuts in non-traditional forms. By "traditional" I refer to | | | | within days unless preserved in some fashion. (One |
| the very safe method of using dried soapberries (aka | | | | seller who must have been in a very big hurry to get |
| soap nuts) that are simply put in a cotton bag and | | | | a liquid to market stopped selling it within weeks. I |
| tossed in with your laundry. Recently, soap nut | | | | bought some. Talk about gross!) Let's note that most |
| powders and liquids are showing up more and more. | | | | soap nut sellers are simply clueless when it comes to |
| Isn't the race for the next "new thing" always | | | | chemistry. Plus, the India and Nepal exporters don't |
| amusing? The inherent problem with a "race" is that | | | | have the mindset for developing a safe and healthy |
| speed often leads to errors and mistakes. There are | | | | detergent. (Remember it's a detergent - not a skin |
| very significant issues for the consumer to be aware | | | | care product.) The precious saponin's inherent |
| of with both these new forms of soap nuts. | | | | healthy, green characteristics were totally destroyed |
| Right when we are all stretching our dollars as far as | | | | in the liquids I tested. Essentially everything good |
| possible, while also growing in our concerns about all | | | | about the soap nut was undone. The MSDS from the |
| possible health hazards, both these forms of soap | | | | exporter read like it was poison! Shocking! It should |
| nuts have drawbacks. | | | | have a biohazard label on it. |
| It's important to note that my roots are in natural | | | | IMPORTANT NOTE: This does NOT need to be |
| skin care product formulations; hence my perspective | | | | disclosed to the consumer. A seller can simply label a |
| in the detergent and cleanser industry is quite unique. | | | | product with saponin extract and be on safe legal |
| As a product formulator and a signer of the Safety | | | | ground. One more time in other words: There are no |
| in Cosmetics Compact, I adhere to strict policies. I | | | | laws requiring companies to tell you this. Be aware |
| view detergents and cleansers with the same care | | | | that there are no FDA requirements for complete |
| and concern as I do topical and beauty industry | | | | disclosure for detergents & cleansers. To |
| formulas. The two big issues here involve: | | | | worsen the problem, you can bet that many soap |
| 1) The economics of using powder. | | | | nut liquids will be produced, bottled and labeled in India |
| 2) And most importantly the potential health hazards. | | | | and Nepal. It is - by far - the cheapest way to |
| Let's start with the economics: | | | | produce it. So PLEASE don't expect the label to tell |
| I do not promote use of soap nut powder - unless | | | | you all this. As usual it will only tell you what you |
| money is of no object. It's becoming increasing | | | | want to hear. So, Caveat Emptor! (Buyer beware!) |
| popular by many sellers, but is - by far - the least | | | | Although saponin is naturally anti-fungal and |
| economical way to use soap nuts. (Guess some | | | | anti-microbial, once liquefied it will very quickly |
| people are deciding not to mention that. Well, at least | | | | become rancid and can then pose serious health risks. |
| the math isn't tough.) The problem is that regardless | | | | A common sense approach to use of well tested, |
| of how finely one powders the shells, the saponin | | | | high quality semi-natural and safe chemical |
| (the all important active ingredient) is not fully | | | | preservatives will be required to extend the shelf life |
| released before it ends up down the drain. Not good. | | | | properly and safely. Citric acid simply does not do the |
| Remember this is a fruit - not a synthetic chemical. | | | | job. If you want to be 100% natural - and remain |
| Hence we must accept and work with its inherent | | | | safe from serious fungal and other infectious |
| properties. Compare for yourself: A half-ounce of | | | | diseases stay with the traditional methods of usage |
| quality soap nuts used in the traditional method | | | | for time being. Avoid any liquid imported from outside |
| (that's the average weight of five soap nuts) can do | | | | the US. |
| three, four, five or even more loads. A half-ounce of | | | | (Although this is not the topic of this article, on the |
| powder (the recommended amount to be effective) | | | | note of shelf life: Never expect a GENUINE, "natural" |
| does ONE load. Period. That's it. To worsen the | | | | skin care or cosmetic product to last years. Formulas |
| problem, sellers are charging a premium for powder. | | | | designed for topical application that ultimately will |
| Ouch! If soap nut powder is what you really feel you | | | | enter your bloodstream, should be used within six |
| must have, NaturOli recommends using a coffee | | | | months for maximum benefit and effectiveness. |
| grinder and grinding them yourself to the finest dust | | | | Discard after one year.) |
| possible. Try reducing the suggested half-ounce to a | | | | High quality, safe soap nut liquids - and many other |
| third or quarter-ounce. Depending upon your water | | | | household cleaning solutions - will be available very |
| hardness and machine type, you may be able to use | | | | soon. As always, do your homework and study the |
| less. Save the pieces that don't grind to use | | | | labels. However, remember that labels are often very |
| traditionally. Soap nuts used traditionally and wisely | | | | deceptive and misleading. They are designed to sell |
| can be as affordable as any effective chemical | | | | us. That is all. Ask questions of the seller and |
| detergent. If you desire the convenience of powder, | | | | producer. Move along if your questions are not |
| simply be aware that presently the convenience | | | | answered thoroughly, or to your total satisfaction. |
| comes at a steep price. | | | | Don't be shy about requesting a MSDS. There is no |
| Now - the far more serious warning regarding | | | | rating system for detergents and cleansers as there |
| potential health hazards: | | | | is with cosmetics. Hopefully Skin Deep or a similar |
| Be extremely cautious of ALL soap nut liquids. This is | | | | organization will develop one. Sooner or later there |
| scary. My recent review and analysis of an official | | | | will be one. That's a guarantee. We will demand it. |
| MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) that was | | | | Soon we will all be able to stop spending money on |
| reluctantly provided by an India/Nepal exporter was | | | | rubber gloves - IF we simply be patient and use good |
| absolutely frightening. Apparently, in the big rush to | | | | judgment. Once again, don't rush out for the first and |
| quickly get a liquid to market, the exporter used less | | | | newest. That is one of the biggest mistakes |
| than eco-friendly extraction processes, plus loaded | | | | consumers make, and a pocket liner for the sellers. |
| the solution with the cheapest chemical preservatives | | | | Good luck, be wise, live safely and go green! |
| they could find. As with most botanical extractions | | | | |