取自與水混合時會起皂質泡沫之植物的醣苷類物質，可能來自幾種並無相關的物種，包括肥皂樹的樹皮、製皂植物的根、無患子科喬木的果實、肥皂草的葉子等。皂素自古代便被用來作為天然的清潔劑，用於加在水溶液中作為溫和清潔劑，以清除畫作上的汙漬與煙塵。對魚類有毒性，若注入血液中也有毒。Corteza en polvo del árbol de la corteza jabonosa que se comporta produciendo espuma semejante al jabón al mezclarlo con agua; utilizado como detergente suave en la limpieza de cuadros.Verpoederde schors van de zeepboom, die schuimig en zeepachtig wordt wanneer het met water wordt gemengd; wordt voornamelijk gebruikt als een mild wasmiddel bij het schoonmaken van schilderijen.Any of a group of glycosides obtained from plants that gives a soapy lather with water. Saponin is obtained from several unrelated species, including the bark of the soap bark tree, the roots of the soap plant, the fruit of the soapberry tree, and the leaves of the soapwort plant. Saponins have been used since ancient times as a natural cleaner. Uses include in solution as a mild detergent for cleaning dirt and smoke from paintings. It is poisonous to fish or if injected into the bloodstream.