Aritha / Reetha — Sapindus mukorossi (Soapnut)

Aritha (reetha, soapnut) is a traditional, plant-derived low-lather cleanser valued for lifting oils and buildup with a simple, fragrance-free INCI. Finely milled from the dried pericarp of Sapindus mukorossi, it is naturally rich in saponins—mild surfactants that cleanse without conventional detergents—making it a favourite for wash days around herbal colouring routines.

Along the Himalayan foothills and across the Indian subcontinent, families kept dried Sapindus fruits as multi-purpose cleaners. Before commercial soaps, the shells were soaked or rubbed in water to release natural saponins—mild suds used for laundry, dishes, jewellery and hair. In many homes, soapnut water doubled as a pre-bath scalp cleanser during hot, humid seasons, prized for a fresh feel without strong fragrance.

Local markets sold whole pods through the year; on wash days, households cracked the fruits, removed the dark kernels, and simmered or pounded the shells to make low-foam “soap water.” Over time, the practice settled into kitchen beauty: aritha joined amla and shikakai in classic pre-wash pastes—cleanse (aritha), gloss/tonal balance (amla), and slip/easy detangling (shikakai).

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, printed household manuals and apothecary lists recorded soapnut alongside other common domestic materials, helping the ingredient travel beyond its native range. With modern milling, makers began deseeding, drying and grinding the pericarp into consistent, cosmetic-grade powder—easier to measure than whole pods and simpler to blend into DIY hair care.

Today’s cosmetic aritha powder continues that lineage with tighter quality control: pericarp-only material is cleaned, dried and finely milled for predictable saponin release and smooth mixing. The result preserves a long tradition of low-lather, detergent-free cleansing in modern minimal-ingredient routines.

Botanical name: Sapindus mukorossi (soapnut; also S. trifoliatus in some regions)
INCI (powder): Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Powder
Family: Sapindaceae
Part used: Dried, finely milled fruit pericarp (shell); kernels removed
Notable constituents: Saponins (natural surfactants), polyphenols; naturally low-foam, mildly acidic profile

Traditional: Hair-cleansing pastes; laundry/lather water; pre-bath scalp cleanses in hot, humid weather.

Modern: Colour-aware cleansing between henna/indigo sessions; pre-wash scalp resets for oily roots; blends with amla (gloss) and shikakai (slip) for a complete plant routine.

Choose aritha if you want:

• Stronger plant-based cleanse than shikakai while staying detergent-free
  
• A fresh, light feel at the roots without heavy fragrance
  
• A simple, single-ingredient option to rotate with gentle cleansers

Not ideal for very dry or sensitised scalps—use shorter contact times, add slip (e.g., aloe), and always patch test.

• Lifts oils & residue: Saponins emulsify sebum/product for an effective rinse-off.
• Low-lather cleanse: Cleans without the squeaky feel of harsh detergents.
• Pairs well: With amla for gloss/tonal balance and shikakai for slip/easier detangling.
• Colour-friendly: Does not oxidise hair pigment; used around plant colour overlays.

Saponins are amphiphilic—they bind oil on one side and water on the other—forming gentle micelle-like structures that carry impurities away. Aritha’s typically mildly acidic pH can help the cuticle lie flatter after rinse, supporting shine and smoother feel versus high-alkaline cleansers. It doesn’t lift melanin or deposit dye; its action is cleansing, not colouring.

Soapnut trees are hardy, long-lived producers. Cosmetic powder is made via a short, transparent chain—harvest → de-seed → dry → grind—with no synthetic colourants. We prefer pericarp-only material, low residual kernel, and a fine, even grind for smooth mixing and easy rinse. Packed in resealable, recyclable pouches; store cool, dry, sealed.