Saponins are natural detergents found in many plants, especially certain desert plants. The two major commercial sources of saponins are Yucca Schidigera, which grows in the Southwestern deserts of North America, and Quillaia Saponaria (soapbark tree), found in arid areas of Chile. They consist of a fat-soluble nucleus, having either a steroid (Yucca) or triterpenoid (Quillaia) structure, with one or more side chains of water-soluble carbohydrates (sugars). Saponins have detergent or surfactant properties because they contain both water-soluble and fat-soluble components. As a consequence of their surface-active properties, saponins are excellent foaming agents, forming very stable foams.

Yucca and Quillaia extracts are used in beverages, such as carbonated drinks, foamy cocktail mixes and low alcohol beers, to provide the foamy “head.” Because of their surfactant properties, they are used industrially in mining and ore separation, in preparation of emulsions for photographic films, and extensively in cosmetics, such as lipstick and shampoo.

Because Yucca and Quillaia Extracts are both natural foaming agents and mild non-ionic surfactants they are perfect for replacing synthetic harsh surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and others. They may be used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of shampoos and other foaming cosmetics without the use of artificially saponified fats or vegetable oils. In fact, Yucca and Quillaia Extract, which is also known as Soapbark Extract, are known for their mild cleansing properties. Quillaia bark has been used as a shampoo in Chile for hundreds of years, and Native Americans used yucca to make soap and anti dandruff shampoos.

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of saponins are important in cosmetic applications, in addition to their emollient effects. They are stable over a wide pH range and shows extremely strong foaming properties even at very low concentrations. These properties are unaffected by hard waters and still operate in saline conditions.