Soapbark (Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract)
Bark extract from the Chilean soapbark tree, rich in saponins — natural compounds that foam and emulsify. Used in shampoos and topical care as a plant-derived cleansing and foaming agent, and occasionally in food as a foaming agent in beverages. Saponins are mild surface irritants and are toxic to fish, which is why the raw extract is a known aquatic hazard; in leave-on skin contact the concern is mild irritation rather than systemic toxicity.
What it's doing there
Surfactant / foaming agent.
The concern
Saponins can irritate skin and mucous membranes, and are poorly tolerated if ingested in quantity. FDA GRAS clearance for Quillaja extract is limited to use as a foaming agent in specified food categories at defined levels, not a blanket safety clearance.
How sure are we
Moderate. There is reasonable information available, but less of it, or less agreement than we would like.
Note: GRAS only as a foaming agent within defined limits; saponins are mild irritants and aquatic toxins.
How this affects a score
In any product containing it, this ingredient lowers Ingredient Quality, costs points under Potential Irritants. See the full formula →
Products containing Soapbark (Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract)
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