Soapberry benefits for skin can improve your skin’s appearance while also cleansing it. The soapberry is hypoallergenic, odorless, and doesn’t dry out skin. Some of the soapberry benefits for skin include treating a number of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, curing pimples, blackheads, brightening complexion, and reducing uneven skin tone.
The soapberry, also known as a soap nut is the fruit of several shrubs or small trees in the Sapindus genus. It contains saponins, or soap-like compounds, and are most commonly used for washing (1). It lathers and cleans just like “normal” soap but without all the toxic chemicals.
They have natural conditioning properties that help in moisturizing your skin. Soapberry benefits for skin have hydrating properties, but it’s an equally powerful cleanser that can tackle even the most stubborn grime.
Have you ever taken a look at the ingredient lists on your go-to skincare products? You may be appalled, or simply confused, by the complicated terms found on their labels. The products we use on our skin absorb into our bodies and bloodstreams, and artificial chemicals or other harsh additives could lead to lasting health repercussions.
Soapberry is a natural alternative that can improve your skin and health. People with sensitive skin can reap the benefits of soapberry since it is gentle on all types of skin.
For thousands of years, the soapberry has been used in Ayurveda as the healing soap for even the most delicate skin. Soapberry benefits for skin come from its anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties. Its lather protects and strengthens your damaged lipid layer to rebuild its ability to lock in moisture, preventing dryness (2). While being perfectly pH balanced (~5.5) for caring for your skin (3).
Soapberry Benefits for Skin
1. Moisturizes Skin
Many cleansers have ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils, sabotaging your skin’s health in the immediate and long term. Soapberries contain vitamins A, E, K and D (4). These vitamins help protect the skin from damage. Additionally, vitamin E has moisturizing and healing benefits, to strengthen skin barrier function. They help optimize the skin’s immune system and help destroy free radicals that can cause premature aging. Soapberry’s lather protects and strengthens your damaged lipid layer to rebuild its ability to lock in moisture, preventing dryness.
2. Improves Complexion and Evens Out Skin Tone
Overall skin dullness is often a result of a lack of proper exfoliation and skin maintenance. A regular skincare routine with soapberry can improve your complexion, fight acne, and control oiliness. The soapberry can brighten the skin and even out the skin tone due to the number of vitamins it contains. It supports natural glow, detox impurities, and helps unclog pores. If dullness if your main skin concern, consider using a rhassoul clay mask.
3. Softens Skin
Soapberry can make your skin soft and prevents it from drying. There are many things that can prevent your skin from feeling soft and smooth, including exposure to the elements, irritants, and pollutants, lack of moisture, and poor overall health. The vitamins in soapberry help treat the surface of your skin and improve its softness (5). If you have particularly dry skin, vitamin E can possibly help counteract a lack of sebum. Vitamin E also helps in the treatment of skin inflammation.
4. Cleanses Skin
Most people think the later from soap is the way to get clean skin. This later is actually misleading. To achieve it most soaps and body washes use artificial foaming agents to produce the visual appearance. These foaming agents don’t provide the real cleansing action, they just introduce more chemicals into our washing routine. Soapberries cleanse the skin without the use of harsh foaming agents. They are good for washing everything, but particularly body washing as they are so skin-compatible and totally chemical-free.
If you are looking for a way to naturally cleanse your face, reduce breakouts, and improve your glow check out these oil cleanser recipes!
5. Treats Psoriasis and Eczema
People with skin conditions have a less functional skin barrier than people without, and using natural cleansers may help maintain and improve this skin barrier and reduce symptoms. Those with psoriasis or eczema need a reliable, calming soap to use as part of their daily skincare routine. Soapberry has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the irritations of these skin conditions (6). Soapberry has antimicrobial properties and could potentially reduce symptoms of eczema. It provides moisture for parched, itchy skin, but it rinses clean for a refreshing shower or bath.
6. Reduces Breakouts
To help prevent breakouts, it’s important to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat daily. But it’s important not to wash your face with harsh cleansers that dry skin. The best skincare routine is the one that keeps oil down but also prevents dryness. Soapberry can be used as an oil-balancing acne cleanser that removes all makeup while leaving your skin clean and fresh without stimulating excess oil.
7. Relieves Redness & Irritation
Soapberry’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe skin irritation, preventing skin redness and itching while its antibacterial trait protects the skin from infections (7). Not only can it help to reduce inflammation, but it also helps to reduce oxidative stress, and aid in the natural repair of damaged skin. The anti-inflammatory properties combined with the rich moisturizing power make soapberry benefits for skin top-notch.
8. Gentle for All Skin Types
Everyone’s skin is different, but in general, natural products promote wholesome skincare because they don’t include harsh synthetic ingredients that can irritate or harm the skin. While many fragrances and perfumes contain allergenic chemicals that can invade the sinuses or irritate the skin, according to research from Safe Cosmetics. Without any harsh chemicals, irritants, or toxins, soapberry helps to calm the skin and leave it feeling soft and moisturized making it suitable for all skin types.
9. Reduces Toxins
Transitioning to non-toxic skincare products is the next step in reducing exposure to harmful toxins. The skin acts as a passageway from the outside world into the bloodstream, so what we put on our skin can be absorbed by the body and enter our blood. Using conventional beauty products with a ton of preservatives, fragrances, and stabilizers damage the skin’s microflora which will impair your skin function and have the worst impact on skin quality and appearance. Soapberry benefits for skin come all-natural and toxin-free, improving your skin and health.
How to Make Your Own Soapberry Cleanser
- Add a cup of water for every 2 soapberries in a pot over a stove
- Boil for 30 minutes on medium heat
- Strain the liquid into a container and let it cool
To extend the shelf life of your Soapberry cleanser, add some citric acid to the hot liquid after you have boiled and strained your Soapberries.
- Add 1 tsp of citric acid per 500ml of water.
- Stir until dissolved.
This is a natural way to ensure that your liquid will last up to 4 weeks. Keep in the fridge to increase the lifespan of your soapberry liquid.
The soapberry liquid can be used as a face wash and soap. As a face wash, it can be used twice a day.
Soapberries are a mild, affordable, and fully natural substitute to the soaps we commonly use. Because they are so mild and natural, soapberries are a healthier soap for everyone.