Notes

Soap Nuts Detergents - Must Knows!
There are some critical aspects about using soap nuts in non-traditional forms. By "traditional" I refer to the very safe approach to using dried soapberries (aka soap nuts) which are to put it simply in a cotton bag and tossed in with your laundry. Recently, soap nut powders and liquids are showing up a growing number of. Isn't the race for the next "new thing" always amusing? The inherent problem with a "race" is that speed often leads to errors and mistakes. There are very significant issues for the consumer to be aware of with both these new forms of soap nuts.

Right when we are all stretching our dollars so far as possible, while also growing inside our concerns about all possible health hazards, both these forms of soap nuts have drawbacks.

It's important to remember that my roots come in natural skin care product formulations; hence my perspective in the detergent and cleanser industry is fairly unique. As a product formulator and a signer of the Safety in Cosmetics Compact, I adhere to strict policies. I view detergents and cleansers with the same care and concern as I do topical and beauty industry formulas. The two big issues here involve:

1) The economics of using powder.
2) & most importantly the potential health hazards.

Let's start with the economics:

I really do not promote use of soap nut powder - unless money is of no object. It's becoming increasing popular by many sellers, but is - by far - the least economical way to use soap nuts. (Guess some individuals are deciding not to mention that. Well, at the very least the math isn't tough.) The problem is that regardless of how finely one powders the shells, the saponin (the all important active component) is not fully released before it eventually ends up down the drain. Bad. Remember it is a fruit - not just a synthetic chemical. Hence we should accept and use its inherent properties. Compare on your own: A half-ounce of quality soap nuts used in the traditional method (that's the average weight of five soap nuts) can do three, four, five or even more loads. A half-ounce of powder (the recommended amount to succeed) does ONE load. Period. That's it. To worsen the issue, sellers are charging reduced for powder. Ouch! If soap nut powder is everything you really feel you'll want, NaturOli recommends using a coffee grinder and grinding them yourself to the finest dust possible. Try reducing the suggested half-ounce to a third or quarter-ounce. Depending upon your water hardness and machine type, you might be able to use less. Save the pieces that don't grind to utilize traditionally. Soap nuts used traditionally and wisely can be as affordable as any effective chemical detergent. In the event that you desire the capability of powder, simply be aware that presently the convenience comes at a steep price.

Now - the a lot more serious warning regarding potential side effects:

Be extremely cautious of ALL soap nut liquids. This is scary. My recent review and analysis of the official MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) that was reluctantly provided by an India/Nepal exporter was absolutely frightening. Apparently, in the big rush to quickly get yourself a liquid to market, the exporter used significantly less than eco-friendly extraction processes, plus loaded the solution with the cheapest salt they could find. Much like most botanical extractions and solutions, a pure soap nut liquid will go rancid within days unless preserved in a few fashion. (One seller who will need to have been in a very big hurry to obtain a liquid to market stopped selling it within weeks. I bought some. Discuss gross!) Let's note that most soap nut sellers are simply just clueless when it comes to chemistry. Plus, the India and Nepal exporters don't have the mindset for creating a safe and healthy detergent. (Remember it's a detergent - not just a skin care product.) The precious saponin's inherent healthy, green characteristics were totally destroyed in the liquids I tested. Essentially everything good concerning the soap nut was undone. The MSDS from the exporter read like it was poison! Shocking! It should have a biohazard label onto it.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will not have to be disclosed to the consumer. A seller can merely label a product with saponin extract and become on safe legal ground. Once more in other words: You can find no laws requiring companies to tell you this. Be aware that you can find no FDA requirements for complete disclosure for detergents & cleansers. To worsen the problem, you can bet that many soap nut liquids will be produced, bottled and labeled in India and Nepal. It is - by far - the cheapest solution to produce it. So PLEASE don't expect the label to tell you all of this. As usual it will only tell you what you want to listen to. So, Caveat Emptor! (Buyer beware!)

Although saponin is naturally anti-fungal and anti-microbial, once liquefied it'll very quickly become rancid and will then pose serious health risks. A common sense approach to usage of well tested, high quality semi-natural and safe chemical preservatives will be necessary to extend the shelf life properly and safely. Citric acid simply does not do the job. If you want to be 100% natural - and stay safe from serious fungal and other infectious diseases stay with the traditional ways of usage for moment. Avoid any liquid imported from beyond your US.

(Although this is not the topic of this short article, on the note of shelf life: Never expect an authentic, "natural" skin care or cosmetic product to last years. Formulas designed for topical application that ultimately will enter your bloodstream, should be used within half a year for maximum benefit and effectiveness. Discard after twelve months.)

Top quality, safe soap nut liquids - and many other household cleaning solutions - will undoubtedly be available soon. As always, research your options and study the labels. However, understand that labels tend to be very deceptive and misleading. They're made to sell us. That's all. Ask questions of the seller and producer. Move along if your questions aren't answered thoroughly, or to your total satisfaction. Don't be shy about requesting a MSDS. T here is absolutely no rating system for detergents and cleansers as there's with cosmetics. Hopefully Skin Deep or a similar organization will develop one. Ultimately there will be one. That is clearly a guarantee. We shall demand it.

Soon we shall all have the ability to stop spending money on rubber gloves - IF we simply be patient and use good judgment. Once again, don't rush out for the initial and newest. That's one of the biggest mistakes consumers make, and a pocket liner for the sellers.

Good luck, be wise, live safely and go green!

http://www.NaturOli.com/soapnuts
http://www.NaturOli.com/

Christopher Sicurella may be the founder of NaturOli, a respected formulator of natural skincare products, soaps, detergents, and cleansers, plus distributor of soap nuts.

The NaturOli corporate mission: Setting New and Higher Standards - Today.

For more information on soap nuts, and tips for powder and liquids uses start to see the links above.
Here's my website: https://afaids.org/panic-attack-treatment/