Herbal Soap Preparation and Evaluation
Herbal Soap Preparation and Evaluation
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Cosmetology:
Cosmetology is Science and art of making women & men beautiful . Cosmetic is
derived from Greek word 'kosmeticos' which means to adorn (make more beautiful
or attractive)
According to D & C act 1940 and its rule 1945, "Cosmetic is defined as any article
intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, or introduced into or otherwise
applied to, the human body or any part therefore cleaning, beautifying, promoting
attractiveness or altering the appearance and includes any article intended for use as
a component of cosmetic".
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or
fragrance & texture of the body.
Structure Of Skin :
The skin is a large organ, weighing an average of 4kg and covering an area of 2m2 . Its
major function is to act as a barrier against an inhospitable environment – to protect the
body from the influences of the outside world. The importance of the skin is well
illustrated by the high mortality rate associated with extensive loss of skin from burns.
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1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
It is second deeper layer of skin. It contain blood vessels, glands, hairs follicles and
nerve endings. It consists of the dense network of structural protein fibers i.e. collagen,
reticulum and elastin, embedded in the semigel matrix of mucopolysaccaride.[25]. The
gel structure provides the elastic nature of the skin. The fibrous tissue opens up below
the dermis and merges with the fat containing subcutaneous tissue.
[Link]/Subcutis
The subcutaneous tissue (also hypodermis and subcutis) is not part of skin, lies below
the dermis of the cutis. Its purpose is the attach the skin to underlying bone and muscles
as well as supplying it with blood vessels and nerves. It helps in storage of fat.[24]
Functions of skin:
The skin of human body has various functions. Some of this are given below:-
[Link] :- One of the main function of the skin protection from invasion by
microbes, chemicals, physical agent.
2. Sensory function :- Free nerve ending on the skin are sensitive to pain, touch, heat
& cold, resulting either voluntary or reflex activities.
[Link] - Skin excretes sodium chloride in sweat, urea when kidney function is
impaired, and aromatic substances (like Garlic and other spices).
4. Regulation of body temperature - Regulation of body temperature at about 36.9 *c
with variation of 0.5*c and 0.75*c is one of the important function of skin.
5. Formation of vitamin D :- Fatty substance present in skin, 7-dehydrocholesterol is
converted to vitamin D in present of UV light from sun.
6. Absorption:- It absorbs some drug with low molecular weight as well as toxic
chemicals like mercury.
7. Water resistance :- The skin acts as a water-resistant barrier so essential nutrients
are not washed out of the body.
Dry Skin
Many persons have:
▪ Almost invisible pores
▪ Dull, rough complexion
▪ Red patches
▪ Skin is less elastic
▪ More visible lines
Ancient Egypt: The use of herbs for skincare dates back to ancient Egypt, where people
used a variety of plant-based ingredients to cleanse and moisturize their skin. They used
a mixture of animal fats and plant extracts, including olive oil, palm oil, and aromatic
herbs, to create soap-like substances for bathing.
Ancient India: Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, has a rich history
of using herbs for various health and wellness purposes, including skincare. Herbal
soaps made from plant-based ingredients such as neem, turmeric, and sandalwood were
used in India for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-nourishing properties.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages in Europe, soap-making became more
widespread, and herbal ingredients were often used in soap production. Herbs such as
lavender, rosemary, and chamomile were added to soap to impart fragrance and provide
skincare benefits.
Modern era: In the modern era, the popularity of herbal soaps has continued to grow,
with a renewed interest in natural and plant-based skincare products. Many people
today are seeking out herbal soaps made from organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients,
and formulated with various herbs and botanicals known for their skin-loving properties
such as aloe vera, calendula, and lavender.
Fats or Oils: Herbal soaps are typically made from fats or oils, such as coconut oil,
olive oil, palm oil, or shea butter. These fats or oils contain triglycerides, which are
composed of glycerol molecules and fatty acid chains.
Herbal Ingredients: Herbal soaps also contain herbal ingredients, such as dried herbs,
botanicals, or essential oils, which are added to provide fragrance, color, and potential
therapeutic properties.
Curing: Once the saponification process is complete, the soap is left to cure for several
weeks to allow excess water to evaporate and for the soap to harden. This process helps
to improve the lather, texture, and longevity of the soap.
pH: The pH of herbal soap is important for its effectiveness and mildness. Soap is
typically alkaline with a pH range of 8-10, which helps to emulsify oils and remove dirt
and impurities from the skin.
• Natural Ingredients: Herbal soaps are typically made from natural ingredients
such as plant extracts, essential oils, and herbs. These natural ingredients are
often chosen for their skin-loving properties and are believed to provide various
benefits for the skin.
• Mild and Gentle: Herbal soaps are usually formulated to be mild and gentle on
the skin. They are typically free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and synthetic
fragrances, which can be irritating to the skin. This makes herbal soaps suitable
for people with sensitive skin
• Moisturizing: Many herbal soaps contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea
butter, cocoa butter, and natural oils, which can help to hydrate the skin and
prevent dryness.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Herbal soaps often contain plant extracts that are rich in
antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful
molecules that can damage the skin cells and cause premature aging.
• Nourishing: Herbal soaps are often formulated with nourishing ingredients
such as vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that can provide nutrition
to the skin. These nutrients can help to support the skin's health and vitality,
promoting a radiant and healthy complexion.
• Aromatherapeutic: Herbal soaps often contain essential oils, which can
provide aromatherapeutic benefits. The natural scents of essential oils can help
relax the mind, uplift the mood, and provide a sensory experience during your
skincare routine.
• Eco-Friendly: Many herbal soaps are formulated with biodegradable
ingredients and are packaged in environmentally friendly materials, making
them a more sustainable choice for personal care products.
• Customizable: Herbal soaps can be made at home or purchased from artisans,
allowing for customization based on personal preferences or specific skin
needs..
• Natural Ingredients: Herbal soaps are typically made from natural plant-based
ingredients such as herbs, essential oils, and botanical extracts. These natural
ingredients are often gentle on the skin and may help to soothe and nourish the skin
without causing irritation or dryness.
• Hypoallergenic: Herbal soaps are often hypoallergenic, meaning they are less
likely to cause allergic reactions compared to synthetic soaps that may contain harsh
chemicals and artificial fragrances.
• Environmentally Friendly: Herbal soaps are generally considered to be more
environmental friendly compared to synthetic soaps, as they are often
biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals that may harm aquatic life or
pollute the environment.
• Aromatherapy Benefits: Many herbal soaps contain essential oils, which can
provide aromatherapy benefits. These essential oils may help to relax the mind,
uplift the mood, and provide a sense of well-being during the bathing process.
• Limited Lather: Herbal soaps may not lather as much as synthetic soaps due to
their natural ingredients. While lather is not necessarily an indicator of cleaning
efficacy, some people may prefer a rich lather during their bathing routine.
• Shorter Shelf Life: Herbal soaps may have a shorter shelf life compared to
synthetic soaps, as they do not typically contain preservatives. This means that they
may spoil or become less effective over time, especially if not used within a certain
period.
• Higher Cost: Herbal soaps may be more expensive compared to synthetic soaps,
as they often contain higher-quality natural ingredients. This can make them less
affordable for some consumers, especially those on a tight budget.
▪ Contact Dermatitis
Soap bars containing a potent antiseptic, tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA), can leave
with some fairly serious side effects. The parts of body exposed to an irritant, like TCSA
or even strong fragrances in harsh soap and cosmetics, can break out into a red, often
itchy rash accompanied by dry, cracking skin, oozing blisters, swelling and burning.
▪ pH Damage
Our skin needs to maintain a specific, fairly acidic pH to function properly. The acid
mantle, a thin, protective layer, is primarily composed of sebum; the skin‘s naturally
produced oil. Its integrity is susceptible to irregularities caused by internal and external
factors, like diet, pollutants and harsh soaps.
▪ Dryness
Dry skin looks about as good as it feels: tight, uncomfortable and, in some instances,
even painful. Surfactants in cleansers can damage proteins and lipids in skin, leading to
tightness, itching, dryness and barrier damage after washing, according to a study
published in Dermatologic Therapy.
• Inflammatory Acne
It seems counterintuitive, but the cleanser you‘re using to rid your skin of dirt
and oils that clog pores could be contributing to the very acne you‘re trying to prevent
or clear up. Cleansing agents such as harsh soap with a higher pH may damage the acid
mantle‘s natural antimicrobial defences and lead to acne vulgaris, among other
conditions, according to a study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. The
study postulates that using a moisturising cleanser with a pH of about 5.5, the same
natural pH as your skin, could prevent and treat acne.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
• Nourishing and Moisturizing: Herbal soap may aim to nourish and moisturize the
skin, providing essential nutrients and hydration to promote healthy skin. The
objective is to create a soap that helps to maintain the skin's natural moisture
balance, leaving it soft, smooth, and supple.
• Mild and Gentle Cleansing: Herbal soap may aim to cleanse the skin without
stripping away its natural oils or disrupting the skin's pH balance. The objective is
to create a soap that effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin while
maintaining its natural protective barrier, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.
• Support for Local Communities: Some herbal soap brands may aim to support
local communities by sourcing herbs and botanicals from local farmers or
indigenous communities, promoting fair trade practices, and giving back to the
community. The objective is to create a soap that has a positive social impact and
contributes to the well-being of local communities.[26]
[Link] OF WORK:
1. Collection
Collection of Materials/Ingredients: -
Neem oil, Coconut oil, olive oil was purchased from the local market. Sodium
hydroxide and Distilled water was obtained from our college. Following table
represent the list of ingredients used for the formulation of herbal soap.
7 Neem leaf 1
The reaction between an alkali (like Sodium Hydroxide) and any neutral fatty
acid is the basic saponification reaction. In this reaction neutral fatty acid used
was coconut oil, olive oil and alkali used sodium hydroxide (lye).[30]
a) Weighed amount of coconut oil, olive oil, neem oil was poured in a beaker.
e) The soap mixture was then allowed to solidify and kept at room temperature.
5.1EVALUATION PARAMETERS
DESCRIPTION OF SOAP:
NEEM SOAP:
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The herbal soap results of various evaluation parameters are shown in the table 2.
The tables depict that the pH of the herbal formation was between 6.5 to 7, which
was optimum for its utilization on the skin. Higher as well as lower pH refers to
the harmful effects on the skin.
The foaming index of the given herbal formulation as found to be 14.0ml while
the foam retention time was found to be 10-12 minutes for table 3. This means that
the lather producing ability of the soap was satisfactory and stable. The total fatty
matter determination was 72% for table 3. The quality of the soap is represented
by the total fatty matter. If the total fatty matter is lower, then it is not optimum for
the dry skin. Greater the fatty matter more it helps in moisturizing the skin. The
saponification value was found to be 163.2g/ml.
1 pH 7 6.7
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During this project work , we had finally achieved the desired results and
formulation to make the herbal soap which does not contain any harmful
chemicals. The pH is between 6.5 to 7. Herbal Soap was found to be skin friendly.
It was nice learning and a great achievement for us to prepare the herbal soap with
balanced pH. Further more, the prepared soap was evaluated by testing various
physicochemical properties such as pH appearance, colour, odour, antimicrobial,
TFM in which they exhibit satisfactory effect. It had excellent lathering as well as
cleansing power
All performed test are found to be satisfactory. The formulation has been
determined safe and can be used as promising alternative to commercial chemical
containing skin whitening soap.
Further research and awareness of herbal soaps can contribute to the growing interest
in using natural and eco-friendly skincare products.
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