Evaluation of Physico-chemical Properties in Selected Branded Soaps

Abstract

Quality of soaps is directly related with their physicochemical properties. Generally, ranking of the soaps remains indistinct to consumers therefore there is strong need to assess the quality of soaps available in the market. In the present study, eighteen commercial soaps including fourteen toilet soaps and four baby soaps were evaluated for moisture content, pH, total fatty matter, total alkali, free alkali, foam test and emulsification. Values of moisture content ranged between 5.40-15.12%; pH 6.29-11.39; total fatty matter 59-91%; total alkali 0.98-1.60% and free alkali 0.01-0. 62%. The emulsification was observed in all analyzed samples and the foam height was measured in the range between 2.3-8.5 cm. Most of analyzed samples fall within the standard values recommended by International Standard Organization, but in few samples pH, total alkali and free alkali were found to be higher than the recommended values.

Keywords

• toilet soaps
• baby soaps
• physicochemical parameters