• Lifestyle
    • Faith
    • Minimalism
    • Zero Waste
    • Home
    • Motherhood & Family
    • Health & Wellness
    • Travel
  • Food
    • Raw Food
    • Vegetarian
    • Smoothies
    • Desserts
    • Clean Eating
    • What I Eat In A Day
  • DIY
    • Facial Cleanser
    • Facial Moisturizer
    • Facial Mask
    • Eye Cream/Serum
    • Lip Balm
    • Hair Cleanser
    • Hair Rinse
    • Hair Leave-In/Styler
    • Beauty Oil/Butter
    • Beauty Mist/Toner
    • Natural Fragrance
    • Deodorant
    • Nail Care
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Curly Hair Regimen
    • Healthy Hair Tips
    • Chemical-Free Series/Hair
    • Skin
    • Acne
    • Principles
    • Chemical-Free Series/Skin
  • Style
    • Modesty
    • Wardrobe Simplified
    • My Capsule Wardrobe
  • SHOP
  • About
    • Beauty Regimen
    • My Personal Testimony
    • My Minimalist Home
    • Testimonials

Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Soapwort Root–A Natural Cleanser

December 5, 2011 by Dawn Michelle

This article contains sponsored links from my favorite brand Mountain Rose Herbs. I love their high quality organic/fair trade products, and am blown away by their commitment to zero waste.

My most recent Mountain Rose Herbs purchase included a bunch of herbs that I wanted to get acquainted with for medicinal and beauty purposes.  One of those herbs was soapwort root.  I was very interested in this herb because of its gentle cleansing abilities.  Soapwort root has a very high concentration of saponins which gives a slightly sudsy gentle cleanse that can be used as an all purpose beauty wash.   Soapwort is also called Bouncing Bet, Latherswort, Fuller’s Herb, Crow Soap, and Sweet Betty.

There are many different ways to create a soapwort root cleanser and various recipes online.  I believe that the best way to get as much saponins from the soapwort root is to soak it overnight.  This simple recipe is one to love.

What you will need:

Soapwort root

Distilled water

Essential oils (optional)

Simply steep 4-6 tablespoons of dried soapwort root in 2 cups of distilled boiling water overnight.  Let it cool completely and strain the liquid in a clean container preferably with a pump.  Finally add a few drops of your favorite essential oils.  Lavender essential oil is perfect to compliment all skin and hair types.  This natural cleanser will last about one week especially if you refrigerate it.  I suggest adding a natural preservative such as rosemary extract or grapefruit seed extract.

Soapwort root cleanser is good for all skin and hair types and will leave both feeling very soft and refreshed.  Although this gentle cleanser does not provide abundant suds like soap, you will see small suds.  What is so great about this cleanser is that it is pH balanced for both skin and hair.

I was surprised that soapwort root cleanser will remove light makeup very well.  I only use natural chemical free makeup unless I have to wear other makeup for a job.  I still remove my eye makeup with a light oil, and this cleanser will remove the rest.  I also really like mixing it with rhassoul clay for an exfoliating face wash.

When I tried soapwort root as a shampoo, I found that it was most effective if I had been light on applying leave-in products to my hair.  Otherwise rhassoul clay was better if I was heavy handed with products.  For those who are light on the leave-in hair products this may be the perfect natural shampoo for you.

I’ve enjoyed having another DIY cleanser option that is easy to make and reformulate with different herbs and essential oils.  There are endless options for this one cleansing herb and very easy to personalize for your own specific needs.  This cleanser is gentle enough for daily use and has been known to treat acne, eczema, and other skin and scalp ailments. 

Soapwort root cleanser is another great option for simple green beauty from head to toe.  Learn more about my current beauty regimen here.

(General Note:  Please research new herbs to ensure there is no conflict with pregnancy or medical conditions before using.)

(Image by Mountain Rose Herbs)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

Share

Facebook Google+ Twitter Pinterest Email

You might also like...

Leave a Reply to Maryjo Maffessoli Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Trish says

    December 9, 2011 at 6:51 am

    Thanks for this info will add it to my list as I make a few products for myself as well, including deodorant, tooth oil, hair butter, hair gel, body oil and the list goes on and on.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 9, 2011 at 11:33 am

      Hi Trish, I love making my own products and I see you have a list of your own too! That’s awesome! Let me know if you try this one and how it works out for you. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Reply
  2. Matrix Biolage says

    December 25, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    Always be careful when purchasing organic care products, though. Unless the product has a government seal for being certified organic, or has a stamp that says it’s 100 percent organic, it probably contains chemicals.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      December 30, 2011 at 6:18 pm

      Certified Organic does not always mean chemical free. I can think of one certified organic skin care line that I used to use that contains Phenoxyethanol. It is important to read labels!

      Reply
  3. chara says

    September 29, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Does soapwort clean hair well? Does it remove oils and butters?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 29, 2012 at 9:00 am

      Hi Chara, Soapwort root acts as a gentle cleanser which will remove light oils and butters but I feel is too gentle for thick heavy oils like castor oil. I prefer cleansing with clays for heavy products. I’m currently cowashing and mainly using conditioners and shea butter or flaxseed gel as stylers which I enjoy the most. Best wishes!

      Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    March 15, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    Have you tried adding/steeping this herb in acv? I would like to REALLY simplify my hair cleansing regimen with a 2-n-1 herbal cleansing/conditioning rinse.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 15, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      Hi Anonymous,
      I haven’t steeped soapwort root in apple cider vinegar specifically, but have infused many other herbs in apple cider vinegar. I usually change the herbs each time I’ve done this. You can see more about that here.
      Best wishes!

      Reply
  5. Anna says

    March 24, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I highly doubt seeping soapwort root in acv would work since vinegars break down soaps and removes soap residue which is why it is used as a rinse.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 24, 2014 at 8:35 pm

      Hi Anna,
      You may be right about soapwort root and ACV. I like to infuse apple cider vinegar with rosemary and other herbs. Hope you are having a great day!

      Reply
  6. Anna says

    March 24, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    Great post by the way! I’ve been using a similar recipe to make soapwort root shampoo and have been using it daily for months! ACV is a decent rinse but makes my scalp flaky.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      March 24, 2014 at 8:36 pm

      Thanks Anna! We are all so different so it’s good to know what works for you and what doesn’t.

      Reply
  7. Chris says

    December 31, 2014 at 5:48 pm

    Will this work on a very oily scalp? Is the water boiling the whole time the soapwort is in it overnight or is the water brought to a boil and the soapwort seeps in it overnight? Does the water have to be strained to get larger particles out?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 2, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      Hi Chris,
      When the scalp overproduces oil it is usually from having been stripped heavily of its natural oils from harsh shampoos and also possibly from diet. Your scalp can normalize with less washing and also gentle cleansers. Depending upon how long you’ve been using no ‘poo hair care methods will also determine how effective soapwort root will work for you.

      To make soapwort root shampoo boil then steep overnight. In the morning strain well. You can also find other natural cleansing options for hair here, I hope that this is helpful and best wishes!

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth says

    January 9, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Do you discard the steeped soapwort or can it be resused?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      January 9, 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Elizabeth,
      Yes I would discard steeped soapwort root. If you immediately reuse it the second batch may not be as concentrated. Hope thus helps!

      Reply
  9. Maryjo Maffessoli says

    February 9, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Hello Dawn, my name is Maryjo. I am looking for commercially produced soapwort shampoos and skin cleansers but all I can find is recipes. Do you know of any I could purchase? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      February 9, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      Hi Maryjo,
      I honestly don’t know of any brands off hand that use soapwort root in their shampoo. You can find a list of natural brands of hair care here though. On that page I share chemicals in which I avoid in cosmetics as well as beauty brands with good ingredients. Best wishes!

      Reply
    • Linda says

      August 20, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Check out Justnaturalskincare.com. I know the hair loss shampoo is made from soapwort and likely all the shampoos.

      When I first bought it a couple of years ago the ingedient list included soapwort extract. Now it is more general, I suppose to protect their recipe.

      I love this shampoo! All natural, nourishing and plenty of lather. 20% off using the code summer20 until Sept. 6th.

      Reply
  10. Isabel says

    May 8, 2016 at 12:53 am

    Thank you for sharing my grandmother show me how to b more Mother Nature and I sm passing it on to my grandchildren

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      May 8, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Isabel,
      Working with nature is the best way! Thanks so much for your comment, and I know your grandchildren will benefit greatly from what you teach them.

      Reply
  11. SUBASH CHOPRA says

    August 29, 2017 at 4:30 am

    Is SOPWORT the same as ” RAYTHEY “/ ” RATHEY ” , used in Northern India as a hair – care product? From the picture, the shape is like split acorns. As in the various references above, using the word SOAPWORT and it’s usage in the manufacture of some soaps, my curiosity has risen.

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 2, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      Hi Subash,
      I am not familiar with raythey, but I have used aritha and shikakai and they are both different than soapwort root. I wish I could give you more info.

      Reply
Previous
Next
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

I met a woman the other day who openly shared some I met a woman the other day who openly shared some of her challenges with motherhood.  Motherhood is intensely challenging, beyond humbling, and at times you just want the day to be over then realizing that you’ll be back at it the next day.  It never ends and there isn’t much reprive.  It’s been on my heart to share some encouragement to any mother who will read this.  I pray this will bless you in some way.  The link is in my profile!
🌻 #motherhood #encouragement #humility #minimalistbeauty
Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a m Fenugreek seeds, also called methi seeds, have a multitude of medicinal properties along with being a prominent spice in many cultural dishes.  For starters, fenugreek seeds are packed with protein for strengthening strands, mucilage for moisturizing and soothing the scalp while detangling the hair, and most importantly nicotinic acid which may minimize hair shedding while soothing scalp issues.  Fenugreek seeds are also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal which is beneficial for soothing a dry irritated scalp as well as high in iron. 🍂

These little seeds are a win win for natural hair care and can be used in various ways.  I’ve used fenugreek seeds in my beauty regimen on and off for years.  Today I wanted to share four easy ways you can incorporate fenugreek in your hair regimen to promote healthy hair growth.  The link is in the profile. 🍂

#diyhaircare #naturalhair #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
God is so good! We move on FRIDAY. This picture God is so good!  We move on FRIDAY.  This picture was taken before they removed the bricking which was VERY NOISY to say the least.  We haven’t been completely able to avoid the beginning of the construction process, but I honestly think it’s a good thing.  This way we can remain GRATEFUL throughout the entire process.  GRATITUDE during LIFE’S IMPERFECTION develops CONTENTMENT.  That is one thing I work on daily.  If you missed our “We’re Moving Again” testimony it’s on the blog. 🌿🍁🍃

 #testimony #sharewhatisgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the wee Friday mornings are my busiest mornings of the week.  I make muffins for Saturday’s breakfast (either corn bread, pumpkin, or banana bread muffins) to have with fruit, a big crockpot dinner for the weekend (beans & rice bowls, lentils and sweet potato stews, or a big veggie and red potato stew) to serve with bread, tortillas, grains, and/or salad depending on the dish, and I’m usually putting orders together to go out for @iamazuha today too.  All the while I’m also making other food for the day. 🍂🥧🍁

Friday’s are crazy because of the usual responsibilities, but mainly because I really want to relax a bit over the weekend.  Over this past year I’ve worked really hard to create systems to make working from home and being a homemaker easier.  Homemaking really is like running a small boutique bed and breakfast hotel.  It takes planning ahead, having a solid system, financial planning, commitment, and a lot of love.  I’ve been learning to really enjoy this process.  Just like everybody else I’ve been baking more this year than ever.  Very rewarding. 🍂🥧🍁

Wishing all of you a beautiful and blessed weekend! 
💞Dawn Michelle
We’re MOVING again! With everything going on wi We’re MOVING again!  With everything going on with the world wide pandemic, I’m seeing the importance of sharing anything good that the Lord is doing in your life with others.  We need HOPE.  We need to share the JOY of walking with God.  The testimonies of glorifying God would just add encouragement that I know I need.  I LOVE hearing of God making ways out of no way, giving us more hope and FAITH. 🌿🍂🍃

I was initially praying to God for ways to endure what we were about to go through while somehow someway making it nice for my family during the process.  But God was already orchestrating a new way for us to not even have to endure it at all.  Read my testimony on Minimalist Beauty... (link in profile) 🌿🍂🍃

If God has done ANYTHING in your life no matter how small PLEASE share it in the comments below.  We all need to hear what’s good!  The news shares otherwise, but we can create a space here of good testimonies.  Please share below and I pray you are having a blessed day. 🌿🍂🍃

Much love!
#testimony #sharewhatsgood #godisgood #godisfaithful #godmakesaway #minimalistbeauty #simpleliving
We could all use an IMMUNE BOOST right now.  Here’s a simple juice recipe that I make for just that.  I call it SPICY APPLE JUICE and my three (almost four) year old drinks it up no problem! 🍎 

I simply juice 2 WHOLE medium/large APPLES (3 small apples pictured) + 3 CLOVES of GARLIC in a slow masticating juicer for one immune boosting serving.  Yes I do include the core as it has many health benefits. 🍎 

After having my 1st official winter back on the east coast last year, RAW GARLIC was how I made it through without getting sick at all while caring for sick family members. 🍎 

Since then I juice garlic in many of my juice recipes or mince up multiple cloves as dinner toppings for chickpea pasta, beans and rice bowls, and stews.  What I LOVE most of all is hearing my son say, “More Juice?” Proud Mama!!!! 🍎

#immuneboost #juicing #juicerecipe #simplenutrition #healthyliving #minimalistbeauty #minimalistbeautyeats
I started wearing linen clothing because it’s ex I started wearing linen clothing because it’s extremely practical.  Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.  Linen is also considered the world’s strongest natural fabric.  After tiring of purchasing new clothing every season for my heavily worn small capsule wardrobe, it just made sense to look for mid and heavy weight linen garments that could be worn year round and layered that actually lasted. 
🍃

Linen clothing can last up to 2-3 decades if properly cared for.  I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but have finally found a simple method for caring for my linen garments. (Link in profile.)
🍃
#linenlover #minimalistbeauty #sponsored @mountainroseherbs
I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I stopped using henna, I tossed my comb and brush, I wear hair buns 95% of the time, and my hair care routine only got simpler with only two “products”. All the details plus why I really cut my hair last spring on the blog.  Much love!  #minimalistbeauty #curlyhairroutine #naturalhaircare

Copyright 2021 Minimalist Beauty | Site design handcrafted by Station Seven