Synthesis and Physiochemical Properties of Herbal Soaps Prepared by Neem Leaves Extract

Abstract

Natural and sustainable alternatives are becoming more and more popular as people become more conscious of the negative impacts that synthetic chemicals have on their health and the environment. Soaps are prepared by the saponification process, which is, reacting the oil which contains triglycerides with Caustic soda (NaOH). In the present work we prepared total five herbal soaps by using Neem leaves extract with 5 different types of oils (Coconut, Olive, Castor, Mustard and Sunflower). In this process turmeric, orange peel powder and coffee powder used as a colouring agent and Lemon grass leaves extract as a flavouring agent. The current study aims to investigate the physio-chemical and antimicrobial properties of synthesized natural soaps. The properties such as pH, moisture content, total fatty matter, total alkali, free alkali, and chloride content are measured. The results of the selected physical and chemical properties of this study show that the moisture content of the neem coconut soap has 6.20% with 9.2 pH value, 74.20% total fatty matter, 1.45 %total alkali and 0.13% free caustic alkali. The results imply that herbal neem coconut and olive soap is suitable for human skin and can be a therapeutic alternative to skin problems and soap with neem mustard and neem Sunflower oil is of poor quality.

Introduction

Background

Conventional soaps often contain harmful chemicals that are detrimental to both human health and the environment. In contrast, natural and herbal soaps made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients are safer, eco-friendly, and sustainable. Neem leaf extract, known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, is a key ingredient in herbal soap due to its skin-healing and medicinal benefits.

Objective

This study aimed to formulate herbal soaps using neem leaf extract and five different natural oils (coconut, olive, castor, mustard, and sunflower) and to evaluate their physicochemical properties such as total fatty matter (TFM), alkali content, pH, moisture, and chloride content.

Methodology

• Soap Preparation: Neem leaves were boiled to extract the active compounds. This extract was mixed with different oils, caustic soda (NaOH), coloring (e.g., turmeric, orange peel), and lemongrass extract. The mixture was stirred, thickened, molded, and dried.

• Physicochemical Tests included:

  • Total Fatty Matter (TFM)

  • Total and Free Alkali

  • Moisture Content

  • pH

  • Chloride Content

Key Findings

• Coconut and Olive Oil Soaps:

  • Highest TFM values, indicating better cleansing, lathering, and skin-friendliness.

  • Ideal pH (~9.2–9.4) suitable for skin.

  • Higher moisture content, making them softer and more moisturizing.

• Mustard and Sunflower Oil Soaps:

  • Lower TFM and higher alkali and pH levels, making them harsher on skin.

  • Lower moisture content leads to harder, less creamy soap.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Pratibha Bidawat, Gifty Sharma. 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.