A soap nut is not a nut. It is a fruit - a berry to be precise. Many - particularly those in Eastern countries, more appropriately call it a soap berry. While on the tree the soap nut is similar in physical characteristics and appearance to a cherry. So, if you have nut allergies, do not be concerned. A soap BERRY is a far more botanically accurate description of it.
Nobody really knows when or where soap nuts caught on as the most popular term for them. When they are de-seeded, dried and ready for use they have a crinkled nut-like appearance. This is how most consumers first see and experience them. VERY few people see the soap nuts while still on the tree. If more people did they would be more commonly referred to as soap berries.
Given that the possibility of an allergy is the gist of this article, remember that virtually everyone can be allergic to something. From experience and hard data, I'll have to put soap nuts close to olives as far as human sensitivity to them. Documentation from a major US distributor shows that out of thousands of known users (as of July, 2009) only two individuals that experienced an allergic reaction. In both cases they resulted in a mild, itchy rash that lasted a short period (less than 24 hours).
If you knowingly have high sensitivities and many allergies, it is always a good practice to do a small patch test. Take a patch of cloth, get it wet and soapy by rubbing the soap nuts, and then place it on your arm or leg. You don't need to leave it on for long, but let it dry on your skin. Don't rinse or wipe it off. Your skin will absorb the saponin. It is the saponin that would be the cause of an allergy. Saponin is the active ingredient in the soap nut.
Allow an hour or two to see if you experience any reaction. If you have an allergy to soap nuts, this test will show you, and do so with minimal discomfort. Most likely the treated area would become red and itchy. Possibly small bumps could emerge. Of course at this point you should wash the affected area. It is only prudent to state that if there is any reaction more serious than described, you should consult your physician.
Be aware that a soap nut is NOT just a soap nut. There are many varieties. There are other specific articles on this topic. Sapindus Mukorossi is most frequently sold (the highest quality and most highly valued of the many varieties). However, Sapindus Trifoliatus is also common. It has been often sold as Mukorossi to unknowing sellers and consumers because of it's significantly lower cost.
Given that there are numerous species and differing saponins, there is a possibility to be allergic to one particular species and not another. This is unlikely, but a possibility. Much more study, research and testing of all the varieties of soap nuts is required.
There is a recent 2009 toxicology test that compares ocular irritation from a saponin-based detergent relative to other popular commercial brands. It should be noted that in this independent laboratory test the saponin detergent was the LEAST irritating of all brands tested. Particularly given that this was an eye irritation test (eyes being very sensitive), It is a good indicator of the very benign nature of soap nuts and saponin.
The odds of having an allergy to saponin (soap nuts, soap berries, etc.) are very remote. You should be able to freely partake in ALL the incredible wonders and benefits that soap nuts offer us.
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