DETERMINATION OF THE CLEANSING ACTION OF SOME LOCALLY PRODUCED LAUNDRY SOAPS

ABSTRACT The determination of the cleansing action of locally produced laundry soaps was carried out to evaluate their performance and quality. Soap properties, including weight, foaming ability, cleansing action, pH, and FFA content, were analyzed using palm oil, palm kernel oil, tallow oil, and shea butter as the primary ingredients. This study aimed to assess how the oil type affects soap characteristics and cleansing efficiency. The methodology involved standard tests to measure the weight, foam production, cleansing action, pH, and FFA of the soaps. Palm kernel oil soap was the heaviest (85.79g), indicating greater durability, while tallow oil soap had the highest foaming ability, providing a rich lather. Cleansing tests showed palm kernel oil soap had the highest cleansing action (0.4), while shea butter and tallow oil soaps exhibited mild cleansing (0.3). Palm oil soap was gentler (0.2), retaining skin moisture. The pH values were alkaline (above 10), essential for effective cleansing, with palm oil soap exhibiting the highest FFA (11.5 ± 0.30), contributing to soap hardness. The results demonstrate that oil types significantly influence soap properties, making it possible to tailor soap formulations for specific consumer needs. Palm kernel oil and shea butter are suitable for mild cleansing, while palm oil is ideal for robust cleansing and durability. This study highlights the potential of locally sourced oils in producing effective, high-quality laundry soaps while emphasizing the need for further research into environmental impacts and consumer preferences.