Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis L.) is a plant that has been known for centuries and is used for medicinal, cosmetic and ornamental purposes, as well as a detergent. S. officinalis is applied externally in the treatment of various skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne, owing to its cleansing and anti-inflammatory effects. In traditional medicine, soapwort roots have also been used to stimulate urination and alleviate rheumatic pain. The main group of active compounds in soapwort consists of glycosides characterised by a structure comprising a triterpenoid aglycone and a sugar chain. The S. officinalis saponins demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects against a range of pathogens, along with cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines, indicating their potential as anticancer compounds. Other secondary metabolites found in soapwort, such as polyphenolic compounds, are recognized for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities. Recent scientific research confirms some of the biological activities of soapwort, creating the possibility of using the raw material and its extracts in the production of modern medicines and cosmetics.