Soapwort is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in shady areas. It is common to most of Europe, Western Asia and North America. In traditional medicine, the roots are used to treat certain skin diseases. The leaves are rich in natural surfactants which form a natural lather, producing a soapy water that is ideal for cleansing the skin.In cosmetics, soapwort extracts are used in make-up removers, cleansers and shampoos.