Extracts of Sapindus mukorossi tree contain natural surfactant molecules, these are called saponins which are being studied for various applications such as detergents and enviromental remediation. In the present work, an economical method of extraction of saponin from soapnut is developed. Further, its characterization by FTIR and mass spectrometer was done and then compared with the saponin extracted from other sources such as Quillaja saponaria. It shows, sapindus saponin has the same characteristic feature as other saponin.