Aretha/ Reetha/ Soapnut Powder

Reetha (Soapnut) Powder is 100% pure Sapindus mukorossi fruit — the original shampoo, used in India long before bottled detergent existed. Reetha contains natural saponins, which foam and lift dirt without any petroleum-derived surfactant. Also spelled aritha or aretha.

Key Benefits

• Cleans without sulphates — the saponins do the work, so the scalp's natural oil balance is not stripped.
• Safe for henna and herbal colour — will not fade natural colour the way detergent shampoo does.
• Supports a healthy scalp — traditionally used for flaking and itchiness.
• Adds natural shine and bounce.
• Gentle enough for children and sensitive scalps.
• Doubles as an eco laundry wash — excellent for woollens and delicates.

How to Use for Hair

Quick method: mix 2–3 tablespoons with warm water into a thin paste, rest 10 minutes, apply to wet hair, massage the scalp, leave 5 minutes, rinse well.

Traditional method (better results): soak 2 tablespoons in a cup of water overnight. In the morning, boil briefly, cool, strain, and use the liquid as a hair rinse.

As a full herbal wash: combine with shikakai and amla — reetha cleans, shikakai conditions, amla nourishes. Or use the ready-blended Natural Hair Shampoo Powder.

As a Natural Laundry Wash

Tie 2 tablespoons in a muslin cloth and add to the machine, or soak and use the liquid. It is particularly good for wool, silk and baby clothes, and the wash water is safe for plants.

Ingredients

100% organic reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) fruit powder. Single ingredient. No fillers, no fragrance, no additives.

Available Sizes

100 g, 200 g, 500 g and 1 kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does reetha foam like shampoo?

It gives a soft, low lather — real cleaning, just without the big foam that sulphates produce.

Will it sting my eyes?

Reetha is naturally bitter and does sting if it gets in the eyes. Keep it away from the face and rinse carefully. This is the one real drawback.

Reetha or shikakai — what is the difference?

Reetha cleans; shikakai conditions and detangles. They are traditionally used together because neither does both jobs alone.

Can I use it every day?

Two to three times a week is plenty. It is gentle, but daily washing is unnecessary for most hair.

Is it safe for coloured hair?

Yes, and it is notably kinder to henna and herbal colour than commercial shampoo.

Do you ship to the USA and UK?

Yes — worldwide from India including USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Australia and Singapore.

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Patch test before first use.