Effectiveness of Citric Content-Based Pocket Soap from Lemon (Citrus Limon) Peels in Maintaining Cleanliness in Batangas State University

Abstract

Introduction

The study addresses the need for sustainable hygiene solutions in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Students often face challenges practicing regular hand hygiene due to inaccessible hygiene products, while commercial soaps contribute to environmental waste through synthetic chemicals and plastic packaging. To address this, the research introduces pocket soaps made from citrus peels (Citrus limon) as an eco-friendly, portable, and cost-effective alternative for Batangas State University students, promoting personal hygiene and environmental responsibility.

Background:
Pocket soaps are small, portable, and biodegradable, making them convenient for maintaining hand hygiene anywhere. Lemon peels contain bioactive compounds like citric acid, limonene, and flavonoids, which provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cleansing properties. Studies show that natural lemon-based soaps can effectively remove dirt, reduce bacteria, and support skin health while avoiding harsh synthetic chemicals. The study emphasizes waste valorization, using lemon peels as a sustainable raw material that aligns with environmental goals.

Objectives:

1. Evaluate the cleansing ability, scent, and size of citrus peel pocket soaps.

2. Compare the effectiveness of citrus peel soaps with commercial pocket soaps.

3. Assess the potential of citrus peels as an alternative ingredient for eco-friendly hygiene products.

Significance:

• Personal Care: Encourages natural, biodegradable soap alternatives.

• Environment & Waste Management: Reduces waste by repurposing citrus peels.

• Agriculture & Food Processing: Adds value to citrus by-products.

• Academic & Community Awareness: Promotes sustainability and hygiene practices.

• Soap Production Industry: Supports eco-friendly product innovation.

• Future Research: Provides a foundation for further studies in sustainable hygiene solutions.

Methodology:

• Research Design: Experimental, quantitative approach.

• Participants: 15 first-year students at Batangas State University.

• Data Collection: Survey questionnaires and face-to-face interviews.

• Analysis: Descriptive statistics and inferential tests (e.g., t-tests) to compare citrus peel soap with commercial soap.

• Ethics: Ensured voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, and safe natural ingredients.

Findings:

• Citrus peel pocket soaps demonstrated moderate cleansing ability, suitable for basic hygiene.

• Natural citrus oils and acids remove dirt gently without causing skin irritation.

• Soap is compact and portable, though smaller size limits longevity compared to commercial bars.

• Participants reported no adverse reactions, confirming safety for regular use.

Conclusion

The following were the conclusions of the researchers drawn from the findings of the study: 1) Citrus peel pocket soap provides gentle cleansing because of the natural oils and acids found in citrus peels. Studies show it’s safe for daily use and doesn’t usually cause skin irritation. However, it isn’t as strong as commercial soaps, which contain powerful surfactants for deep cleaning. The soap is small, portable, and has a refreshing natural citrus scent that many users prefer over synthetic fragrances. Its texture can feel slightly rough due to pieces of dried peel, but its biodegradable and eco-friendly ingredients make it appealing to environmentally conscious users. Compared to commercial soaps which can dry or irritate the skin,citrus peel soap is milder and helps maintain natural moisture. 2) The table compares Citrus Peel Soap and Commercial Soap using the mean average and standard deviation. Citrus Peel Soap has a higher mean (0.5333) than Commercial Soap (0.4667), meaning respondents rated it slightly better overall. Both soaps have the same standard deviation (0.4989), showing that the spread of responses or how much people agreed or disagreed was basically the same for both products. In short, Citrus Peel Soap was rated a bit more positively, but the level of consistency in opinions was identical for both soaps. 3) Table 3.2 shows that citrus peel is a highly effective ingredient for making pocket bar soap, with a strong overall rating of 3.38 (Agree). Respondents confirmed that the soap removes dirt well, cleans the skin thoroughly, and rinses off without residue—findings supported by studies showing that citrus peels contain antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Users also liked the soap’s smell and convenience, noting its refreshing natural citrus scent and travel-friendly size. The soap performed similarly to commercial pocket soaps, aligning with research showing that fruit peel formulations can match or even outperform commercial products. Respondents also appreciated its environmental benefits, agreeing that citrus peel makes the soap eco-friendly and sustainable. Overall, the results show that citrus peel pocket bar soap is effective, pleasant to use, environmentally friendly, and a strong alternative to commercial soaps.

References

[1] Akpolome,D.,Raji,W.A., Akpobi, A.,Diamond,E.,&Ogbeide,S.E.(2025). Formulation and Evaluation of a Natural Cleaning Agent from Citrus Lemon Peel Extract, Eggshell and Coconut Shell: A Comparative Study with Commercial Cleaning Product. June 2025.Direct Research Journal of Engineering and Information Technology,13(2),12-36. doi.10.26765/DRJEIT91752622 [2] Al-Nima, A., Yahya, M. Q., &Alkotaji, M. (2025). Formulation and Antimicrobial Activity of Toothpastes from Four Citrus Peel Extracts Combined with Surfactant. Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.59049/2790-0231.11.3.2475 [3] Bongoni,R.J., Abhinaya,C., Sheel,K.K., Akshitha,R., Soujanya,J., Sree,M.K., Reecha,B.&Shruthi,P.(2025). Formulation and evaluation of herbal scrub soaps.YMER Digital ,24(7),175-199. DOI:10.37896/YMER24.07/14 [4] Cerna,L. D. (n.d.). The_Citric_Cleanse_Developing_Eco_Friendly_Soap_from_Lemon_Extracts. Scribd.https://www.scribd.com/document/769942290/The-Citric-Cleanse-Developing-Eco-Friendly-Soap-from-Lemon-Extracts [5] Chaudhar,V.M.(2016). Studies on antimicrobial activity of antiseptic soaps and herbal soaps against selected human pathogens. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research, 5(6), 201-204 https://www.jsirjournal.com/Vol5_Issue6_01.pdf [6] Check, J., & Schutt, R. K. (2011). Research methods in education. Sage publications.https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Research%20methods%20in%20education&author=J.%20Check&author=R.%20K.%20Schutt&publication_year=2012& [7] Comparative Analysis of Different Hotel Bar Soaps Against Staphylococcus aureus .(n.d.). https://sites.google.com/usls.edu.ph/selr/home?authuser=0 [8] Das,S., Agarwal,S., Samanta,S., Kumari,M.,&Das,R.(2024). Formulation and evaluation of herbal soap. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry,13(4),14-19. https://doi.org/10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i4a.14990 [9] De Garcia,C.R., De Garcia,D.W., Dela Cerna,G., Ramirez,A., Usman,F., &Usman,F.(2024). The Citric Cleanse: Developing Eco-Friendly Soap From Lemon Extracts .Grade IV SSES research project, Tomas Cabili Central School.Scribd. [10] Dhanavade,M.J,Jalkute,C.B.,Ghosh,J., &Sonawane,K.D.(2021). Study Antimicrobial Activity of Lemon (Citrus lemon L.) Peel Extract. British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicolog ,2(3),119-122.ttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/236217959_Study_Antimicrobial_Activity_of_Lemon_Citrus_lemon_L_Peel_Extract [11] Ibrahim, F. M., Shalaby, E. S., El-Liethy, M. A., Abd-Elmaksoud, S., Mohammed, R. S., Shalaby, S. I., Rodrigues, C. V., Pintado, M., &Habbasha, E. S. E. (2024). Formulation and Characterization of Non-Toxic, Antimicrobial, and Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Nanoemulgel Based on Lemon Peel Extract. Cosmetics, 11(2), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11020059 [12] Irawati,F., Nasution,N., Utami,S., &Pratiwi,N.(2023). Effectiveness of Pineapple and Lemon Peel Extracts as Antimicrobial Paper Soap. Jurnal Biosains,19(3),151-156. https://doi.org/10.24114/jbio.v9i3.45380 [13] Kharata,P.(2024).Homemade Lemon Soap Naturally Lightens Skin Tone.https://www.vedaoils.com/blogs/soapmaking/lemon-soap-recipe [14] Mwamba, B.W., Brobbey, M.S., Maritz, R.F., Bianke,L.(2025).Valorising Waste Cooking Oil and Citrus Peel Waste for Sustainable Soap Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Study. Waste Biomass Valor 16, 6205–6220 .https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-03048-y [15] Nadaroglu,H.&Baran,A.(2020). The Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Soaps Against Selected HumanPathogens.TensideSurfactantsDetergents,57(5), 354-360. https://doi.org/10.3139/113.110707 [16] Ochate, M. L. B. E., Castro, K. J. C., Arellano, J. M. M., Balagonsa, V. a. O., Saldo, I. J. P., & Dandoy, M. J. P. (2023). Evaluation of the Antibacterial Potential of the Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Peel Extract Liquid Hand Soap. American Journal of Microbiological Research, 11(2), 47–51. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajmr-11-2-3 [17] Saikia, T. (2017). Antimicrobial Activity of Lemon Peel (Citrus Limon) Extract. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research. https://doi.org/10.22159/IJCPR.2017V9I4.20962 [18] Sinaga, E. M., Ambarwati , N. F. ., Aritonang, B. ., & Ahmad Hafizullah Ritonga. (2022). PembuatanSabunPadatAntiseptikEkstrakEtanolKulitJeruk Lemon (Citrus Limon (L.) Burm. F.).JurnalMultididiplin Madani, 2(2), 877–888.https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/mudima/article/view/17 [19] Sungwornyothin,S.(2018). TheInfluencesofCountryof Origin, Product Quality, BrandImage,and Consumer Behavioron Customer PurchaseIntentionin Soap market in Vientiane,Lao PDR. The UniversityoftheThaiChamberof Commerce.https://searchlib.utcc.ac.th/library/onlinethesis/306648.pdf [20] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Learn about sustainability. https://www.epa.gov/sustainability [21] Mwamba, B.W., Brobbey, M.S., Maritz, R.F.,Bianke,L.,Peters,S.,Teke,G.M.,&Mapholi,Z. (2025).Valorising Waste Cooking Oil and Citrus Peel Waste for Sustainable Soap Production: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Study. Springer Nature Link,16, 6205–6220 .https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-025-03048-y Citrus waste bioactive compounds (supports cleansing + antimicrobial claims) [22] Maqbool, Z., Khalid, W., Atiq, H. T., Koraqi, H., Javaid, Z., Alhag, S. K., & Afifi, M. (2023). Citrus waste as source of bioactive compounds: Extraction and utilization in health and food industry. Molecules, 28(4), 1636. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041636Citrus by-products as natural functional ingredients (supports fragrance + skin benefits) [23] Andrade, M. A., Ribeiro-Santos, R., Bonito, M. C., Saraiva, M., & Ramos, F. (2022). Citrus by-products: Valuable sources of bioactive compounds for food applications. Foods, 11(3), 465. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030465 [24] Lemon by-product applications (supports sustainability + antioxidant properties) [25] Magalhães, D., Vilas-Boas, A. A., Teixeira, P., & Pintado, M. (2023). Functional ingredients and additives from lemon by-products and their applications in food preservation: A review. Foods, 12(5), 1095. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12051095 [26] Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of citrus peels (supports cleaning ability + skin safety) [27] Kanmani, P., & Rhim, J. W. (2014). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of bioactive compounds from citrus peels: A review. Food Chemistry, 158, 112–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.111Citrus peel use in skincare products (supports cosmetic application) [28] Kamil, M. M., Mohamed, G. F., & Hegazy, A. E. (2011). Utilization of citrus peel in natural skin-care products. International Journal of Biological Chemistry, 5(2), 73–85. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijbc.2011.73.85 [29] Environmental benefits of citrus by-product recycling (supports sustainability ratings) [30] Food and Agriculture Organization. (2019). Reducing waste by using citrus by-products. FAO Publications. https://www.fao.org/3/ca6340en/ca6340en.pdf

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Lawas, John Kim, Lirio, Prince Cyruz, Macasaet, Jude Martin, Magboo, Keizer Yael V., Magnaye, Ralph Christian, Mendoza, Jeremy, Mission, Roelyn, Sibulan, Ryan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.