Physicochemical Quality of Transparent Solid Soap with The Addition of Forest Honey (Apis dorsata) as An Environmentally Friendly Sanitizer

Abstract

Soap is the result of a saponification reaction between fatty acids and bases, which produces soap and glycerol. Transparent solid soap has attracted public attention because it is more attractive and can be used as a body cleanser. Honey is known to contain secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which have antibacterial and anti-free radical activity. So, honey has been developed as a business innovation in product diversification. This research aims to determine the physicochemical quality and antioxidant activity of transparent solid soap with the addition of forest honey. The research method used was laboratory experiments with the addition of honey concentration to transparent soap formulations with concentration values of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The results of the research show that transparent soap with the addition of honey has an average value for colors L*, a*, and b*, respectively, of 27.48– 40.60, (-5.12)–(1.40), 3.06–10.93. The pH value and texture of soap have an average value of 9.48–10.17 and 8.47–13.27 N, respectively. The percentage of water content and foaming power has an average of 10.73–13.42% and 73.64–87.72%, respectively. The free fatty acid content and antioxidant activity of soap have average values of 0.24–0.64 and 1.48–1.86 μg/mL. These results indicate that transparent solid soap with the addition of forest honey produces a quality that conforms to SNI 06-3532-1994 and SNI 3532:2016 in terms of physicochemical properties and contains high antioxidant activity.

Toilet Soap Formulation and Additives for Its Enhanced Physicochemical and Medicinal Properties

“…Other materials used are displayed in Table 1, and were obtained in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Caustic soda or sodium hydroxide (NaOH) interacts with fats and oils to transform them into soap molecules and glycerin, also acting as soap hardener [31]. Water serves as a vital solvent in the soap-making process, facilitating the saponification reaction by providing a medium for mixing and chemical transformation to occur.…”

“…The pH was then measured using a pH meter on the subsequent day, in accordance with the procedure followed in Gautam & Acharya (2023), Asemave & Edoka (2021) and Uduma et al (2023). Soap formulations with pH levels outside the acceptable range may provoke skin irritation or dryness [31].…”

“…Generally, it is observed that higher concentrations of the natural additives (Table 3), amplified their effects, impacting the soap's pH, MC and FCA levels. Honey, known for its moisturizing properties, enhances the soap's hydration and it is also known to give the soap a sanitizing effect [31]. Clove, with its antimicrobial properties due to its eugenol constituent [46], imparted a pleasant sent to the soap and gives it a brown color.…”