Revision as of 10:29, 19 April 2023 by 192.210.167.230 (talk) (Created page with "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) w...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)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 simply put in a cotton bag and tossed in together with your laundry. Recently, soap nut powders and liquids are showing up a growing number of. Isn't the race for another "new thing" always amusing? The inherent problem with a "race" is that speed often results in errors and mistakes. You can find very significant issues for the consumer to be aware of with both these new forms of soap nuts.Right when we are stretching our dollars so far as possible, while also growing in our concerns about all possible side effects, both these forms of soap nuts have drawbacks.It's important to note that my roots are in natural skincare 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 when i do topical and beauty industry formulas. The two big issues here involve:1) The economics of using powder.2) & most importantly the potential side effects.Let's focus on the economics:I do not promote usage of soap nut powder - unless money is of no object. It's becoming increasing popular by many sellers, but is - by far - minimal economical solution to use soap nuts. (Guess some individuals are deciding not to mention that. Well, at the very least the math isn't tough.) The thing is that regardless of how finely one powders the shells, the saponin (the all important active component) isn't fully released before it ends up down the drain. Not good. Remember this is usually a fruit - not a synthetic chemical. Hence we should accept and use its inherent properties. Compare for yourself: A half-ounce of quality soap nuts found 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 be effective) does ONE load. Period. That's it. To worsen the problem, sellers are charging reduced for powder. Ouch! If soap nut powder is everything you really feel you'll want, NaturOli recommends utilizing a coffee grinder and grinding them yourself to the finest dust possible. Try reducing the suggested half-ounce to a third or quarter-ounce. Dependant on your water hardness and machine type, you might be able to use less. Save the pieces that don't grind to use 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 remember that presently the convenience comes at a steep price.Now - the a lot more serious warning regarding potential health hazards:Be extremely cautious of most soap nut liquids. That is scary. My recent review and analysis of the official MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) that has been reluctantly supplied by an India/Nepal exporter was absolutely frightening. Apparently, in the big rush to quickly get yourself a liquid to advertise, the exporter used less than eco-friendly extraction processes, plus loaded the answer with the cheapest chemical preservatives they could find. As with most botanical extractions and solutions, a pure soap nut liquid will go rancid within days unless preserved in a few fashion. (One seller who must have been in a very big hurry to acquire a liquid to advertise stopped selling it within weeks. I purchased some. Discuss gross!) Let's remember that most soap nut sellers are simply clueless with regards to chemistry. Plus, the India and Nepal exporters don't possess the mindset for creating a safe and healthy detergent. (Remember it's a detergent - not just a skincare product.) The precious saponin's inherent healthy, green characteristics were totally destroyed in the liquids I tested. Essentially everything good about the soap nut was undone. The MSDS from the exporter read like it was poison! Shocking! It should have a biohazard label on it.IMPORTANT NOTE: This does NOT ought to be disclosed to the consumer. A seller can merely label something with saponin extract and be on safe legal ground. One more time put simply: There are no laws requiring companies to tell you this. Remember that you can find no FDA requirements for complete disclosure for detergents & cleansers. To worsen the issue, you can bet that lots of soap nut liquids will be produced, bottled and labeled in India and Nepal. It really is - by far - the cheapest way to produce it. So PLEASE don't expect the label to tell you all of this. As usual it'll only tell you what you would like to hear. So, Caveat Emptor! (Buyer beware!)Although saponin is naturally anti-fungal and anti-microbial, once liquefied it'll very quickly become rancid and may then pose serious health risks. A common sense method of 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 will not do the job. If you need to be 100% natural - and stay safe from serious fungal along with other infectious diseases stick with the traditional ways of usage for moment. Avoid any liquid imported from beyond your US.(Although this is simply not the topic of this short article, on the note of shelf life: Never expect a GENUINE, "natural" skincare or cosmetic product to last years. Formulas designed for topical application that ultimately will enter your bloodstream, should be used within six months for obtain the most and effectiveness. Discard after twelve months.)High quality, safe soap nut liquids - and many other household cleaning solutions - will be available soon. As always, do your homework and study the labels. However, understand that labels are often very deceptive and misleading. They're made to sell us. That's all. Ask questions of owner and producer. Move along if your questions aren't answered thoroughly, or to your total satisfaction. You shouldn't be shy about requesting a MSDS. There is no rating system for detergents and cleansers as there is with cosmetics. Hopefully Skin Deep or a similar organization will develop one. Sooner or later you will have one. That's a guarantee. We will demand it.Soon we will all be able to stop investing in rubber gloves - IF we simply show patience and use good judgment. Once more, don't rush out for the first and newest. That's one of the primary mistakes consumers make, and a pocket liner for the sellers.Good luck, be wise, live safely and go green!http://www.NaturOli.com/soapnutshttp://www.NaturOli.com/Christopher Sicurella is the founder of NaturOli, a respected formulator of natural skin care products, soaps, detergents, and cleansers, plus distributor of soap nuts.The NaturOli corporate mission: Setting New and Higher Standards - Today.For more info on soap nuts, and tips for powder and liquids uses see the links above.