Reetha, also known as soapnut or soapberry, is a traditional Ayurvedic ingredient that has been valued for centuries for its natural cleansing and healing properties. Rich in saponins—the natural compounds responsible for its foamy, soap-like texture—reetha serves as a gentle yet powerful cleanser for both the skin and hair. Unlike commercial products loaded with chemicals, reetha offers a pure, plant-based alternative that nourishes rather than strips the skin and scalp.
For hair care, reetha works as an excellent natural shampoo, helping remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup while promoting stronger, shinier, and healthier hair. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties also make it effective in soothing scalp issues like dandruff and itchiness. When used for skincare, reetha helps cleanse the pores, reduce acne, and maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types as well.
Gentle, versatile, and completely natural, reetha remains one of the most trusted beauty ingredients in Ayurveda—perfect for anyone looking to embrace chemical-free skincare and haircare routines.
DIY Ways to Use Reetha for Hair
# Reetha Shampoo (Traditional Herbal Cleanser)Ingredients:
6–7 reetha pods
4–5 shikakai pods (optional)
10–12 amla pieces (optional)
2 cups water
Method:
Boil everything for 10–15 minutes until the water reduces.
Cool it, mash the pods, and strain.
Use this liquid as a natural shampoo.
Benefits:
Cleanses scalp gently
Reduces dandruff
Makes hair soft, shiny, and bouncy
Promotes hair growth by improving scalp health
# Reetha Hair Mask for DandruffIngredients:
2 tbsp reetha powder
1 tbsp neem powder
2–3 tbsp curd or rose water
Method:
Mix to make a smooth paste.
Apply on scalp for 20–25 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Benefits:
Fights dandruff
Reduces itching and flakiness
Purifies scalp
# Reetha + Aloe Vera Hair ConditionerIngredients:
2 tbsp reetha powder
3 tbsp aloe vera gel
2 tbsp water
Method:
Mix well to form a gel-like paste.
Apply on hair length for 15 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Benefits:
Adds smoothness
Controls frizz
Hydrates dry hair ends
# Reetha + Fenugreek Hair Strengthening PackIngredients:
2 tbsp reetha powder
1 tbsp fenugreek seed powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
Water (as needed)
Method:
Mix and apply on scalp & hair. Keep for 30 minutes and wash off.
Benefits:
Strengthens hair roots
Reduces hair fall
Adds natural shine
DIY Ways to Use Reetha for Skin# Reetha Face Cleanser for Oily SkinIngredients:
1 tsp reetha powder
1 tsp gram flour
Rose water (as needed)
Method:
Make a smooth paste.
Massage on face for 1 minute.
Wash off with cool water.
Benefits:
Deep cleans pores
Removes excess oil
Prevents acne
# Reetha + Turmeric Anti-Acne PackIngredients:
1 tsp reetha powder
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp honey
Method:
Apply on acne-prone areas for 10 minutes.
Benefits:
Antibacterial
Reduces pimples and marks
Prevents future breakouts
# Reetha Brightening ScrubIngredients:
1 tsp reetha powder
1 tsp oats or rice flour
Milk or rose water
Method:
Scrub gently for 1–2 minutes.
Benefits:
Removes dead skin
Brightens complexion
Smoothens skin texture
# Reetha Body Wash (Natural Soap)Ingredients:
8–10 reetha pods
Water
Few drops essential oil (optional)
Method:
Boil reetha pods in water, strain, and store in a bottle.
Use as a liquid body cleanser.
Benefits:
Chemical-free natural cleanser
Suitable for sensitive skin
Removes dirt and sweat effectively