Saponin (quillaja and yucca) and terpenoid (mono- and di-) botanicals are used for emulsion-based lipids to produce stable nanoparticles of the active nutrients or pharmaceuticals by reducing surfactant usage (less than 5%) and by reducing particle size (less than 600 nm). Non-synthetic emulsion-based formulations enhance bioavailability and mitigate safety concerns. This nanoemulsion technology is suitable for oil-in-water ingredients including vitamin E tocotrienols, CoQ10s, curcuma terpenoids, symmetrical carotenoids, phenolics, lipid-soluble vitamins, and lipid-soluble pharmaceuticals.