saponin
noun
sa·po·nin
ˈsa-pə-nən 
sə-ˈpō-
sə-ˈpō-
: any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (such as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather
especially
: a hygroscopic amorphous saponin mixture used especially as a foaming and emulsifying agent and detergent
Examples of saponin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This approach to the ingredient, notably the extraction of ginseng saponin in the 1970s, laid the foundation for what would become Sulwhasoo’s hallmark — combining natural, effective ingredients with modern science.
—
Claire Sullivan, WWD, 15 Mar. 2025
All parts of this plant contains saponins, which can cause salivation, vomiting and GI upset.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
This lightweight gel is infused with saponins derived from the eponymous red bean; these help absorb excess oil throughout the day for a long-lasting matte finish.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024
Agave: Agave plants contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in dogs.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024
Tribulus Terrestris Compounds found in Tribulus Terrestris, known as steroidal saponins, have been found to weakly mimic the effects of testosterone.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023
Unfortunately, this cute little plant contains saponins, which are toxic to pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023
The rich moisturizer is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides, which help boost the circulation of your skin's smallest blood vessels to promote collagen synthesis, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, which then improves overall elasticity.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 7 Aug. 2023
Another active ingredient in fenugreek is diosgenin, a type of steroid saponin that is converted into testosterone in the body.
—Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Claire Sullivan, WWD, 15 Mar. 2025
All parts of this plant contains saponins, which can cause salivation, vomiting and GI upset.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
This lightweight gel is infused with saponins derived from the eponymous red bean; these help absorb excess oil throughout the day for a long-lasting matte finish.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2024
Agave: Agave plants contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in dogs.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024
Tribulus Terrestris Compounds found in Tribulus Terrestris, known as steroidal saponins, have been found to weakly mimic the effects of testosterone.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023
Unfortunately, this cute little plant contains saponins, which are toxic to pets.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 Aug. 2023
The rich moisturizer is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides, which help boost the circulation of your skin's smallest blood vessels to promote collagen synthesis, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, which then improves overall elasticity.
—Devon Abelman, Allure, 7 Aug. 2023
Another active ingredient in fenugreek is diosgenin, a type of steroid saponin that is converted into testosterone in the body.
—Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Saponin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saponin. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
saponin
noun
sa·po·nin
ˈsap-ə-nən
sə-ˈpō-
sə-ˈpō-
: any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather
especially
: a hygroscopic amorphous saponin mixture used especially as a foaming and emulsifying agent and detergent
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share