8 DIY Ways To Use Reetha For Skin And Hair

Reetha, also known as soapnut or aritha, is a time-honored Ayurvedic ingredient valued for its natural cleansing and healing properties. Rich in saponins, it produces a mild foaming effect that gently removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities without stripping away natural moisture. For hair, reetha is widely used as a natural shampoo, promoting strong, shiny, and dandruff-free locks while reducing hair fall and scalp infections. For skin, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory nature makes it an excellent cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing.

Unlike chemical-based products, reetha is completely eco-friendly, safe, and gentle, making it a versatile beauty remedy for those seeking natural alternatives in their skincare and haircare routine.

For Hair

# Reetha Hair Cleanser (Shampoo Alternative)

Soak 6–7 reetha pods overnight in 2 cups of water.

In the morning, boil until soft, then mash and strain the liquid.

Use this liquid to wash your hair instead of shampoo.

Cleanses scalp, removes dirt and excess oil, and makes hair shiny.

# Reetha & Amla Hair Wash

Boil 5–6 reetha pods with 5–6 shikakai pods and 4–5 amla pieces.

Cool, mash, and strain the mixture.

Use as a natural shampoo.

Prevents dandruff, strengthens hair roots, and reduces hair fall.

# Reetha Hair Mask

Mix 2 tbsp reetha powder with water or yogurt to form a paste.

Apply to scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Acts as a deep cleanser and conditions hair naturally.

# Reetha Anti-Dandruff Rinse

Boil reetha powder in water, let it cool, and add a few drops of tea tree oil.

Rinse scalp after shampooing.

Reduces dandruff and itchiness.

For Skin

# Reetha Face Cleanser

Mix 1 tsp reetha powder with rose water.

Massage gently on face and rinse.

Removes dirt and oil, keeps skin fresh.

# Reetha Face Pack for Acne

Mix 1 tsp reetha powder + 1 tsp multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) + rose water.

Apply as a pack, leave for 10–15 minutes, rinse off.

Controls excess oil and helps reduce acne.

# Reetha Body Wash

Boil 8–10 reetha pods in 4 cups water.

Strain and store the liquid in a bottle.

Use as a natural body wash.

Gentle on skin, chemical-free, suitable for sensitive skin.

# Reetha & Turmeric Brightening Pack

Mix 1 tsp reetha powder + ½ tsp turmeric + honey.

Apply to face, leave for 10 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.

Brightens skin and gives a natural glow.