8 DIY Ways To Use Reetha For Skin And Hair

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 Dandruff

Ingredients:

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 Conditioner

Ingredients:

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 Pack

Ingredients:

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 Skin

Ingredients:

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 Pack

Ingredients:

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 Scrub

Ingredients:

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