At CÎME, we believe true beauty starts at the source. That’s why we journey all the way to the foothills of the Himalayas to find superfoods that make your skin glow. One of our most special discoveries? The soapnut. Thanks to the ancient wisdom of local communities in Nepal, we created our ‘Nuts about you’ line based on this unique ingredient.

And we’re taking it further: by planting our own soapnut forest, we’re working hand in hand with Nepalese farmers to build a more sustainable future – for your skin and their environment.

Sustainable washing thanks to this natural alternative

Most shampoos and soaps contain sulfates – cleansing agents that remove oil and dirt but unfortunately strip away your skin and hair’s natural protective layer. This leads to dryness, irritation, and faster fading of hair color. On top of that, sulfates usually come from petroleum and can harm the environment.

That's why we looked for a natural alternative. In Nepal, soapnuts have been used for generations to gently cleanse skin, hair, and even clothing. The soapnut’s shell contains saponin, a natural cleansing agent that washes effectively without stinging or drying out your skin.

From soap nuts to natural foam

Our soapnuts are harvested through Community Forestry projects in the Himalayas – a system where nature reserves are managed by local communities. Between October and February, villagers collect ripe soapnuts. The shells are then separated, dried, and processed into a concentrated powder extract – a task mainly done by women. The people involved in these projects are guaranteed a fair wage. In this way, the soap nuts are not only a natural alternative to sulphates, but also an additional source of income.

Then the shells are processed into a powdered extract. This way, more jobs are created in Nepal and we also reduce our ecological footprint, because the extract is more compact to transport than the shells of the soap nuts. With one kilogram of soap nut extract, 250 bottles of liquid soap or shampoo can be filled! To reduce our ecological footprint, we think it’s important that the production process takes place in Nepal as much as possible and only extracts are imported. The soap nuts are also completely biodegradable.

Our own soap nut forest

Together with our local partner Satya International and the Dutch brand Seepje, we’ve planted thousands of young soapnut trees in the Nepalese hills. It takes about 9 years before a soapnut tree bears fruit, but once mature, it can be harvested for up to 90 years.

Today, there are already 5,450 saplings planted by 14 farmers across 11 villages.

Our very own forest not only ensures a sustainable and local supply of soapnuts but also helps offset CO₂ emissions by producing oxygen. Every bottle in our ‘Nuts about you’ line becomes part of a circular story – from tree to bathroom.

Have you already tried it?

Our ‘Nuts about you’ products – from shampoo to wash & scrub – contain the natural soapnut extract. Mild, nourishing, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Say goodbye to harsh cleansers, and welcome a routine that’s good for you and the planet.

Try it yourself. Your skin, hair, and the Himalayas will thank you.