Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Soap

Attar Ayan Firoz 

J.I.I.U’S Ali-Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa, Dist- Nandurbar (425415) Maharashtra, India

*Correspondence: ayanattar1616@gmail.com;

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.41213   

INTRODUCTION

Skin appearance plays a significant role in personal confidence and social interactions. Skin brightening or lightening refers to the reduction of melanin concentration in the skin to achieve an even complexion and reduce hyperpigmentation. Historically, skin lightening practices date back to 200 BCE, and the demand for such products continues to rise globally. However, the widespread use of synthetic skin-bleaching agents has raised serious health concerns due to their adverse effects, prompting the World Health Organization to recognize unsafe skin bleaching as a public health issue.

Herbal cosmetics, often referred to as Ayurvedic cosmetics, offer a safer alternative due to their natural origin, biocompatibility, and reduced toxicity. Medicinal plants such as licorice, turmeric, and aloe vera possess well-documented pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tyrosinase-inhibitory effects, making them ideal candidates for skin-brightening formulations.

Licorice contains glabridin and liquiritin, which inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin synthesis. Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while aloe vera promotes wound healing, moisturization, and photoprotection. The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of polyherbal soap incorporating these botanicals to develop a safe and effective skin-brightening product.

 MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Multiple formulations were prepared using varying concentrations of herbal ingredients. The composition of the optimized formulation is shown below. [1,2,4,9-18]

Method of Preparation :

Ø  The soap base was cut into small pieces and melted using a double boiler to avoid direct heating.

Ø  Once completely melted, licorice extract, turmeric extract, honey, and aloe vera gel were added gradually with continuous gentle stirring.

Ø  Essential oils and natural colorants were added and mixed thoroughly.

Ø  The molten mixture was poured into clean molds and allowed to cool at room temperature for 4–6 hours.

Ø  The solidified soaps were removed from the molds and stored in moisture-resistant packaging

METHODS OF EVALUATION:

By assessing a number of physicochemical properties, the soap’s formulation quality was verified. Evaluation of color, smell, and clarity: Participants used only their eyes to assess color, smell, and clarity on a white background.

 1) pH: To make 10% of the soap solution, 10 grams of soap were dissolved in 100 milliliters of distilled water. The pH was measured with a pH meter. The pH of the mixture was measured after an electrode was added.

2) Foam-forming ability:

Ability to form foam: To test the soap’s ability to form foam, 1.0 grams of Polyherbal soap were put into a 100 milliliter graduated measuring cylinder and dissolved in 50 milliliters of distilled water. The measuring cylinder was shaken for two to three minutes and then allowed to stand for ten minutes. The foam’s height was measured five minutes later. For the next three experiments, record the observations and compute the mean.

3) Foam Retention:

A  100 ml graduated measuring cylinder was filled with 25 ml of the 1% soap solution. Ten times, the cylinder was shaken while being covered with hands.

For four minutes, the volume of foam was measured at one-minute intervals.

4) Saponification Value:

Unless otherwise specified in the individual monograph, introduce about 2 g of the substance under examination, accurately weighed, into a 200-ml flask of borosilicate glass fitted with a reflux condenser.

Pour in 25 milliliters of 0.5 M ethanol that has a reflux condenser attached. Put 250 cc of water in and let it boil for 30 minutes on a water bath with reflux. Titrate right away with 0.5 M hydrochloric acid (a milliliter) after adding 1 milliliter of phenol-phthalein solution. Perform a blank titration without the material being examined (6 ml). Using the expression, determine the saponification value: Value of saponification = 28.05 (b – a) / w where w is the compounds’ weight in g.

5) Total Fatty Matter (TFM): This was determined by measuring the fatty acids that were produced when soap and acid were reacted with hot water. Ten grams of the intended soap were dissolved in 150 milliliters of distilled water, and the resulting mixture was then boiled.

After a period of heating, 20 millilitres of 15% H₂SO₄ were introduced, resulting in a clear solution.

The surface of the resulting solution is composed of fatty acids, which solidify upon reheating the mixture and adding 7 g of beeswax.

Subsequently, it was allowed to form a cake. Once the cake was removed, it was dried and weighed using the formula to calculate the TFM.

TFM can be determined as:

% TFM = (cake weight – wax weight) in g / soap weight in g × 100

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The polyherbal soap formulations exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics. The organoleptic evaluation showed a light brown color with a pleasant aromatic odor and smooth appearance. The pH of the soap ranged between 7 and 8, which is suitable for topical application and minimizes the risk of skin irritation.

The foam-forming ability (5 cm foam height) and foam retention time (10 minutes) indicated good cleansing efficiency. The saponification value of 168.3 suggests effective conversion of fatty acids into soap, while a high TFM value of 70% reflects superior moisturizing properties and mildness.

The incorporation of licorice extract contributed to skin lightening through tyrosinase inhibition, while turmeric and aloe vera provided antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects. Honey enhanced hydration and antimicrobial activity. Overall, the synergistic action of these herbal ingredients improved the therapeutic and cosmetic value of the soap.

CONCLUSION :

The present study successfully formulated and evaluated a polyherbal skin-brightening soap using licorice, turmeric, aloe vera, and honey. The formulated soap demonstrated acceptable physicochemical properties, good foaming characteristics, high TFM, and skin-compatible pH. The presence of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and melanin-inhibiting compounds makes the soap effective for improving skin tone, reducing pigmentation, and enhancing overall skin health. The formulation offers a safe, economical, and herbal alternative to synthetic skin-lightening products and holds potential for commercial cosmetic applications.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We would like to express my special gratitude to Dr. G. J. Khan, Principal, JIIU'S Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa for their continuous motivation and providing all necessary facilities during completion of this work.

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