ABSTRACT

The final goal of this research is to develop and evaluate herbal soap taking various
bioactive herbal plants extract with different ethnic and dermatological importance in
Ayurveda. The plants were namely Turmeric, Tulsi, Orange. These plants have shown
tremendous activity as antibacterial, anti-microbial and fighting against acne prone skin. Not
only that these ingredients are widely used in our day to day life for other skin diseases like
dry skin, itching, acne and irritation. There is very large market of herbal soap now.
Personal hygiene, getting clean is treated as a big business. So therefore my aim is to
formulate a soap that can help people with skin tanning and other skin related infections.

Keywords:

Herbal Soap, Cold Process Method, Turmeric, Gram flour, Orange, Antibacterial, Anti-
microbial, Skin Care, Natural Ingredients.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE NO.

1. Introduction 6 - 10

2. Scope and objective 11 - 12

3. Review of Literature 13 - 18

4. Rationale and Application 19 - 21

5. Material and Method 22-30

6. Plan of work 31 - 32

7. Conclusion 33

8. References 34 - 36

9. List of Tables 37

10. List of Figures 38

5
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................5

Table 2: Formulation Composition of Herbal Ubtan Soap ................................................23
Table 3: Equipment and Instruments Required .................................................................25
Table 4: Evaluation Results of Herbal Ubtan Soap ............................................................29
Table 5: Project Timeline ......................................................................................................32

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Herbal Cosmetic Products Overview ....................................................................6

Figure 2: Overview of Material and Method Section .........................................................22
Figure 3: Aloe Vera – Moisturizing and Healing Properties .............................................22
Figure 4: Turmeric – Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Agent ................................23
Figure 5: Neem – Antimicrobial and Skin Brightening Agent ..........................................23
Figure 6: Sandalwood – Cooling and Complexion Improving Agent ...............................24
Figure 7: Orange Peel – Skin Brightening and Antioxidant Properties ...........................24
Figure 8: Besan (Gram Flour) – Moisturizing and Cleansing Agent................................25
Figure 9: Vitamin E Oil – Antioxidant and Skin Protective Agent ...................................25
Figure 10: Evaluation Test Setup – Physical Appearance .................................................26
Figure 11: pH Determination Test .......................................................................................26
Figure 12: Foam Height Test ................................................................................................27
Figure 13: Foam Retention Test ...........................................................................................27
Figure 14: Hardness Test ......................................................................................................28
Figure 15: Skin Irritation Test..............................................................................................28
Figure 16: Cleansing Ability Test .........................................................................................29
Figure 17: Plan of Work Flow Diagram ..............................................................................31

6
 INTRODUCTION

Cosmetics are substances or preparations used for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness,
or altering the appearance of the body without affecting its structure or functions. They play a vital
role in daily personal care and hygiene. Modern cosmetics include a wide range of products such as
creams, lotions, perfumes, shampoos, and soaps. In recent years, there has been a significant shift
toward the use of herbal and natural cosmetics due to their safety, effectiveness, and minimal side
effects.(Dureja et al., 2005)

The use of cosmetics dates back to ancient civilizations. Historical evidence suggests that people in
ancient Egypt, India, Greece, and China used natural substances like herbs, minerals, and plant
extracts for skincare, hair care, and beautification. In India, traditional systems like Ayurveda
extensively described the use of herbal formulations for maintaining healthy skin. Preparations such
as ubtan were commonly used for cleansing, improving complexion, and protecting the skin. These
traditional practices form the basis of many modern herbal cosmetic formulations. (Pandey et al.,
2021)

In the modern era, the concept of cosmeceuticals has emerged, bridging the gap between cosmetics
and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain biologically active
ingredients with therapeutic benefits. Unlike conventional cosmetics, which only enhance
appearance, cosmeceuticals provide additional functions such as anti-aging, skin protection, and
treatment of minor skin conditions. Ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and herbal extracts used in
these products help in improving skin health at a deeper level. (Dwivedi & Ahmad, 2023)

Soap is one of the most widely used cosmetic products for maintaining personal hygiene.
Chemically, soap is a salt of fatty acids produced by the process of saponification, where fats or oils
react with an alkali. (Bioactive-Based Cosmeceuticals: An Update on Emerging Trends, n.d.)
The primary function of soap is to cleanse the skin by removing dirt, excess oil, sweat, and
microorganisms. Depending on their composition, soaps may also provide moisturizing, exfoliating,
and antimicrobial properties. However, many conventional soaps contain synthetic additives that
may lead to dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions in some individuals. (Novel Approaches
in Herbal Cosmetics - Chanchal - 2008 - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology - Wiley Online
Library, n.d.)

7
To overcome these limitations, herbal soaps have gained considerable importance. These soaps
incorporate natural ingredients such as plant extracts, essential oils, and herbal powders, which
enhance skin health while minimizing harmful effects. Among these, ubtan soap is a traditional herbal
formulation derived from ancient Indian practices. Ubtan has been used for centuries as a natural
cleanser and skin enhancer, especia ly during cultural and medicinal applications.(Biswas et al.,
2016)

Ubtan soap typica ly contains ingredients such as gram flour (Cicer arietinum), turmeric
(Curcuma longa), and sandalwood (Santalum album), along with other herbal components like
neem, aloe vera, and orange peel. These ingredients provide multiple functional benefits. Gram flour
acts as a gentle exfoliating agent that removes dead skin ce ls and excess oil. Turmeric exhibits
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce acne and improve skin
complexion. Sandalwood provides a cooling and soothing effect, while neem contributes
antibacterial activity. Aloe vera acts as a natural moisturizer and skin healer, and orange peel
enhances skin brightness due to its vitamin C content .

IDEAL PROPERTIES OF A SOAP–

1. Good Cleansing Ability

● Should effectively remove dirt, oil, sweat, and microorganisms fromthe skin.
● Must have proper detergent action without leaving residue.(The Surface Properties of
Soap Solutions | The Journal of Physical Chemistry, n.d.)

2. Suitable pH

● Should have a pH close to neutral (around 7–9).

● Extremely alkaline soaps can cause dryness and irritation.

3. Good Foaming Capacity

8
● Should produce sufficient and stable lather.
● Foam helps in spreading soap easily over the skin.

4. Adequate Hardness

● Soap should be firm and not too soft.

● Should not break or dissolve quickly in water.

5. Mildness to Skin

● Should be non-irritating and safe for a l skin types.

● Must not cause redness, itching, or a lergies.

6. Moisturizing Property

● Should prevent excessive dryness after use.

● Presence of glycerin or oils helps retain skin moisture.

7. Pleasant Odor

● Should have a mild and acceptable fragrance.

● Fragrance should not be too strong or irritating.

8. Stability

● Should remain stable during storage.

● No change in color, odor, or texture over time.

9. Low Free Alkali Content

● Free alkali should be minimal to avoid skin irritation.

● Indicates proper saponification.

10. Non-Toxic and Safe

● Should be free fromharmful chemicals.

● Safe for regular and prolonged use.

9
11. Easy Rinsability

● Should wash off easily without leaving a sticky film on skin.

12. Aesthetic Appeal

● Should have good color, shape, and texture.

● Visua ly appealing for consumer acceptance.

FUNCTIONS OF SOAP-

1. Cleansing Action

● The primary function of soap is to remove dirt, oil, sweat, and impurities fromthe skin.
● Soap molecules reduce surface tension and help wash away contaminants with water.

2. Emulsification of Oils

● Soap converts oils and grease into an emulsion (oil + water mixture).
● This a lows oily substances to be easily rinsed off.

3. Removal of Microorganisms

● Helps remove bacteria, fungi, and other microbes from the skin surface.
● Reduces risk of infections and maintains hygiene.

4. Foaming/Lathering

● Produces foam which helps in spreading the soap evenly over the skin.
● Enhances the cleaning process and user experience.

5. Exfoliation (in Herbal Soaps)

● Removes dead skin ce ls when mild abrasives (like ubtan ingredients or scrub particles) are
present.
● Improves skin texture and smoothness.

6. Skin Conditioning

10
● Soaps containing oils, glycerin, or herbal ingredients help in moisturizing and softening the
skin.

7. Fragrance Delivery

● Provides a pleasant odor and freshness after use.

● Enhances overa l bathing experience.

8. pH Maintenance (Mild Protection)

● Maintains a suitable environment on the skin surface.

● Prevents excessive dryness when properly formulated.

9. Therapeutic Action (in Herbal/Cosmeceutical Soaps)

● Provides additional benefits like:

○ Anti-acne (neem, tea tree)
○ Anti-inflammatory (turmeric)
○ Skin brightening (orange peel, sandalwood) (Patel et al., 2024)

11
 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

Scope -The scope of the project, “Formulation and Evaluation of herbal Ubtan Soap” encompasses
a comprehensive process that involves

To formulate a herbal ubtan soap using natural ingredients such as gram flour, turmeric, and
sandalwood.

To incorporate additional herbal agents like neem, aloe vera, and orange peel to enhance
antimicrobial, moisturizing, and skin-brightening properties.

To prepare the soap using a suitable method (melt-and-pour technique) ensuring uniformity and
stability.

To evaluate the physicochemical properties of the prepared soap, such as:

● pH
● Foam stability
● Hardness
● Appearance and odor

To assess the skin compatibility of the formulation by checking for irritation or adverse effects.

To develop a safe and effective herbal alternative to synthetic soaps.

Minimizing side effects and catering to demand for natural cosmetic products.

Objective –

The objectives describe what the formulation aims to achieve.

1. Development of Herbal Cosmetics

a. Promotes the use of natural and plant-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
2. Safer Skincare Alternatives
a. Reduces dependence on synthetic chemicals that may cause skin irritation or
a lergies.
3. Application in Daily Personal Care

12
 a. Ubtan soap can be used as a regular cleansing and skincare product for various skin
types.
4. Commercial Potential
a. Scope for sma l-scale or large-scale production of herbal soaps in the cosmetic
industry.
5. Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science
a. Combines ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern formulation techniques.
6. Further Research Opportunities
a. Can be extended to study:
i. Stability over time
ii. Antimicrobial activity
iii. Comparative studies with commercialsoaps

13
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1. Evaluation of Ubtan – A Traditional Skincare Formulation

Title: “Evaluation of Ubtan – A traditional Indian skin care formulation.”

Authors: Biswas et al.
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Highlights: Demonstrates that ubtan ingredients like turmeric, gram flour, and sandalwood possess
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-brightening properties; supports traditional use in skincare.

2. Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Soap

Title: “Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal soap.”

Authors: Mahesh et al.
Journal: Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research
Highlights: Shows herbal soaps containing neem, aloe vera, and turmeric exhibit good foaming
ability, acceptable pH, stability, and no skin irritation.

3. Herbal Soap Formulation Using Natural Ingredients

Title: “Formulation and evaluation of herbal soap.”

Authors: Verma et al.
Journal: International Journal of Progressive Research in Science and Engineering
Highlights: Demonstrates that herbal ingredients provide antimicrobial, moisturizing, and
skin-protective effects, making soaps safe for daily use.

4. Antimicrobial Activity of Neem in Cosmetics

Title: “Antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica in cosmetic preparations.”

Authors: Sharma et al.
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research
Highlights: Confirms that neem exhibits strong antibacterial and antifungal activity, making it useful
in acne prevention and skin protection.

5. Anti-inflammatory and Skin Benefits of Turmeric

14
Title: “Curcuma longa and its therapeutic applications in dermatology.”
Authors: Gupta et al.
Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Highlights: Shows turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties,
supporting its use in ubtan formulations.

6. Cosmetic Benefits of Aloe Vera

Title: “Aloe vera: a short review.”

Authors: Surjushe et al.
Journal: Indian Journal of Dermatology
Highlights: Demonstrates aloe vera provides moisturizing, wound healing, and soothing effects,
improving skin hydration and repair.

7. Role of Citrus Extracts in Skin Care

Title: “Citrus peel extracts in cosmetic applications.”

Authors: Kaur et al.
Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Science
Highlights: Shows orange peel contains vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to skin brightening
and anti-aging effects.

8. Herbal Cosmetics and Their Advantages

Title: “Herbal cosmetics: advantages and applications.”

Authors: Pandey et al.
Journal: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Highlights: Highlights that herbal cosmetics are safer, eco-friendly, and have fewer side effects
compared to synthetic products.

9. Antioxidant Activity of Turmeric

Title: “Antioxidant activity of Curcuma longa.”

Authors: Ak & Gülçin
Journal: Food Chemistry
Highlights: Demonstrates strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of turmeric;
supports its role in skin protection and anti-aging.

15
10. Antibacterial Activity of Gram Flour (Cicer arietinum)

Title: “Nutritional and medicinal properties of chickpea.”

Authors: Jukanti et al.
Journal: British Journal of Nutrition
Highlights: Shows gram flour has cleansing and mild antimicrobial properties, useful in traditional
skincare formulations.

11. Skin Benefits of Sandalwood

Title: “Santalum album in dermatology.”

Authors: Misra & Dey
Journal: Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
Highlights: Demonstrates sandalwood has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cooling properties
beneficial for skin care.

12. Multani Mitti in Cosmetic Applications

Title: “Use of Fu ler’s earth in dermatology.”

Authors: Khan et al.
Journal: International Journal of Cosmetic Science
Highlights: Shows Multani mitti has oil-absorbing and detoxifying properties, useful for oily and
acne-prone skin.

13. Role of Herbal Ingredients in Skin Care

Title: “Herbal extracts in cosmetic formulations.”

Authors: Dureja et al.
Journal: Indian Journal of Pharmacology
Highlights: Highlights that herbal ingredients provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing
effects in skincare.

14. Antimicrobial Activity of Herbal Soaps

Title: “Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of herbal soaps.”

Authors: Chandra et al.

16
Journal: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Highlights: Confirms herbalsoaps exhibit significant antibacterial activity against skin pathogens.

15. Skin Moisturizing Effects of Natural Oils

Title: “Moisturizing effects of plant oils on skin.”

Authors: Lin et al.
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Highlights: Shows natural oils improve skin hydration and barrier function.

16. Role of Vitamin E in Skin Protection

Title: “Vitamin E in dermatology.”

Authors: Thiele et al.
Journal: Journal of Molecular Medicine
Highlights: Demonstrates antioxidant and photoprotective effects of vitamin E on skin.

17. Cosmetic Applications of Neem

Title: “Therapeutic potential of Azadirachta indica.”

Authors: Subapriya & Nagini
Journal: Current Medicinal Chemistry
Highlights: Shows neemhas antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

18. Anti-aging Effects of Herbal Cosmetics

Title: “Anti-aging potential of herbalcosmetics.”

Authors: Mukherjee et al.
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Highlights: Herbal ingredients help in reducing oxidative stress and delaying aging.

19. Natural Exfoliants in Skin Care

Title: “Role of natural exfoliants in cosmetics.”

Authors: Barel et al.
Journal: Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology
Highlights: Natural exfoliants like grains and herbs improve skin renewal and smoothness.

17
20. Stability of Herbal Formulations

Title: “Stability studies of herbal cosmetic formulations.”

Authors: Singh et al.
Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Science
Highlights: Demonstrates herbal formulations show good stability when properly formulated.

21. Role of Essential Oils in Cosmetics

Title: “Biologicalactivities of essential oils.”

Authors: Burt
Journal: International Journal of Food Microbiology
Highlights: Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial and fragrance-enhancing properties.

22. Herbal Soaps vs Synthetic Soaps

Title: “Comparative study of herbal and synthetic soaps.”

Authors: Karthikeyan et al.
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Highlights: Herbalsoaps are milder, safer, and less irritating than synthetic soaps.

23. Skin Brightening Effects of Natural Ingredients

Title: “Naturalskin lightening agents.”

Authors: Briganti et al.
Journal: Pigment Ce l Research
Highlights: Natural agents help in reducing pigmentation and improving complexion.

24. Cosmeceutical Potential of Herbal Products

Title: “Cosmeceuticals: current trends and future prospects.”

Authors: Kaul et al.
Journal: International Journal of Cosmetic Science
Highlights: Herbal products act as cosmeceuticals with therapeutic benefits.

25. Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Cosmetics

18
Title: “Safety assessment of herbal cosmetic products.”
Authors: Basketter et al.
Journal: Contact Dermatitis
Highlights: Herbal cosmetics show lower risk of irritation and better skin compatibility.

19
 RATIONALE

The present formulation of ubtan soap is based on the integration of traditional herbal knowledge
with modern cosmetic science to develop a safe, effective, and skin-friendly cleansing product.
Conventional soaps often contain synthetic chemicals that may lead to dryness, irritation, and
long-term skin damage. Therefore, there is an increasing need for natural and herbal alternatives that
provide both cleansing and therapeutic benefits.

Ubtan, a traditional Indian skincare preparation, has been used for centuries for improving skin
texture, complexion, and overa l skin health. The selection of ingredients in this formulation is
scientifica ly justified based on their individual and synergistic effects on the skin.

The glycerin soap base is used as it provides effective cleansing while maintaining skin hydration.
Besan (Cicer arietinum) acts as a natural exfoliating agent, helping in the removal of dead skin ce ls
and excess oil. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is included for its we l-known anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which help in improving skin tone and reducing skin
infections. Sandalwood (Santalum album) provides a soothing and cooling effect and enhances
skin complexion.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is incorporated as a natural moisturizer and skin healer, helping to
maintain hydration and repair damaged skin. Orange peel powder (Citrus sinensis) contributes to
skin brightening due to its vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Coconut oil and castor oil are
included to enhance moisturizing properties and improve lather formation, ensuring a pleasant user
experience. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage and
improves product stability.

The exclusion of neem and essential oils in this formulation is intentional to make the soap milder and
more suitable for sensitive skin types, reducing the chances of irritation or a lergic reactions.

Thus, the formulation is designed to provide multiple benefits such as cleansing, exfoliation,
moisturization, and skin brightening, while ensuring safety, stability, and consumer acceptability. This
rational approach supports the development of an effective herbal cosmeceutical product.

20
 APPLICATION -

Ubtan soap is a polyherbal cosmetic formulation with multiple applications in skin care and personal
hygiene due to the presence of natural ingredients.

1. Skin Cleansing

● Effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin.

● Maintains cleanliness without damaging the natural skin barrier.(A Review on Herbal Soap -
ProQuest, n.d.)

2. Exfoliation

● Naturalingredients like besan and orange peel help remove dead skin ce ls.
● Promotes skin renewal and improves texture.

3. Skin Brightening

● Turmeric and orange peel enhance skin tone and provide a natural glow.
● Helps in reducing du lness and uneven complexion.

4. Tan Removal

● Regular use helps in reducing tanning caused by sun exposure.

● Restores natural skin color.(Adigun et al., 2019)

5. Moisturizing Effect

● Aloe vera, glycerin, and oils provide hydration and prevent dryness.
● Keeps skin soft and smooth.

6. Anti-inflammatory Action

● Turmeric and sandalwood reduce redness and irritation.

● Suitable for sensitive skin conditions.

7. Antimicrobial Protection

21
● Herbal ingredients help prevent microbial growth.
● Reduces risk of acne and minor skin infections.

8. Anti-aging Benefits

● Antioxidants like turmeric and vitamin E protect against free radicals.

● Helps delay signs of aging such as fine lines.

9. Daily Personal Care Use

● Mild and natural formulation makes it suitable for daily bathing.

● Compatible with most skin types.

10. Cosmeceutical Application

● Acts as a herbalcosmeceutical product by combining cosmetic and therapeutic benefits.

● Can be developed for commercial herbal skincare products.

22
 MATERIAL AND METHOD

Materials -

1. Glycerin soap base

● Origin: Vegetable oils (plant origin)

● Chemical Constituents:Glycerol, fatty acid salts(Kishore, 2017; K. Sharma
et al., n.d.)
● Usage: Acts as base; provides cleansing and moisturizing effect

2. Besan (Cicer arietinum)

● Origin: Seeds of chickpea plant.

● Chemical Constituents: Protein, starch, saponins(Nutritional Quality and
Health Benefits of Chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.): A Review | British
Journal of Nutrition | Cambridge Core, n.d.)
● Usage: Natural exfoliant; removes dead ce ls and excess oil

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

● Origin: Rhizome
● Chemical Constituents: Curcumin, volatile oils(Ak & Gülçin, 2008)
● Usage: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin brightening

4. Sandalwood (Santalum album)

● Origin: Heartwood of tree(Pullaiah et al., 2021)

● Chemical Constituents: Santalol, sesquiterpenes
● Usage: Soothing, cooling, improves complexion

5. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

● Origin: Leaves (gel)(Surjushe et al., 2008)

● Chemical Constituents: Aloin, vitamins, enzymes
● Usage: Moisturizing, healing, soothing.

6. Orange peel (Citrus sinensis)

23
 ● Origin: Fruit peel
● Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, flavonoids, limonene
● Usage: Skin brightening, antioxidant

7. Coconut Oil:

● Origin: Coconut kernel.

● Chemical Constituents: Lauric acid, myristic acid
● Usage: Moisturizing, cleansing agent

8. Castor oil

● Origin: Seeds of Ricinus communis

● Chemical Constituents: Ricinoleic acid(Anti-Inflammatory and Skin
Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils, n.d.)

● Usage: Enhances lather and conditioning

9. Vitamin E

● Origin: Plant Oils

● Chemical Constituents: Tocopherols(Thiele &
Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, 2007)
● Usage: Antioxidant, protects skin

24
FORMULATION TABLE –

Sr. No. Ingredient Quantity (g)

For 100g

1 Glycerin soap base 78 g

2 Besan (Cicer arietinum) 6g

3 Turmeric (Curcuma longa) 1g

4 Sandalwood powder (Santalum album) 3g

5 Aloe vera gel (Aloe barbadensis) 4g

6 Orange peel powder (Citrus sinensis) 3g

7 Coconut oil 3g

8 Castor oil 1.5 g

9 Vitamin E oil 0.5 g

25
REQUIREMENTS -

Sr. No. Equipment Function/Use

1 Beakers Used for melting soap base and mixing

ingredients

2 Measuring Cylinder Measures liquids like oils and aloe vera

accurately

3 Electronic Weighing Balance Ensures accurate weighing of ingredients

4 Glass Rod Used for stirring and uniform mixing

5 Water Bath Provides controlled heating to melt soap base

safely

6 Thermometer Monitors temperature during melting (60–70°C)

7 Spatula Helps in transferring and mixing semi-solid

materials

8 Soap Molds Gives shape to the final soap bars

9 pH Meter / pH Paper Measures pH of prepared soap

10 Hot Plate / Heating Mantle Alternative heat source for melting

11 Petri Dish Used for small sample testing or observation

12 Droppers / Pipettes Adds small quantities like essential oils

13 Stopwatch Used in foam retention test

26
PROCEDURE –

Phase A: Preparation of Soap Base

● The glycerin soap base was accurately weighed and cut into sma l pieces.
● It was melted using a water bath at 60–70°C until a clear liquid was obtained.
● Care was taken to avoid overheating to prevent degradation.

Phase B: Oil Phase

● Coconut oil and castor oil were added to the melted soap base.
● The mixture was stirred thoroughly to ensure uniformdistribution.
● These oils improve moisturizing property and lather formation.

Phase C: Herbal (Ubtan) Phase

● Finely powdered ingredients such as besan, turmeric, sandalwood, neem, and orange peel
were weighed.
● These powders were gradua ly added to the base with continuous stirring.(S. Sharma et al.,
2022)
● Proper mixing was ensured to avoid lump formation and achieve uniform consistency.

Phase D: Additive Phase

27
● Aloe vera gel was added to the mixture and mixed we l.
● Vitamin E oilwas incorporated as an antioxidant.
● A few drops of essential oil were added for fragrance and additional therapeutic effect.

Phase E: Molding and Solidification

● The final mixture was poured into clean and dry soap molds.
● The molds were left undisturbed at room temperature for 2–4 hours to solidify.

Phase F: Drying and Finishing

● The solidified soap bars were removed from the molds.

● They were a lowed to dry/cure for 24–48 hours to improve hardness and stability.
● The final ubtan soap was then ready for use and evaluation. (G. Sai Manoj, D.
Varaprada, K. Abesana Chanu, M. Ritheesh, K. Blessi Priyanka*, 2023)

28
EVALUATION TEST -

1. Physical Appearance

Principle: Visual inspection determines acceptability.

Procedure: Observe color, odor, shape, and texture of soap.
Observation: Ye lowish-brown color, pleasant herbal odor, smooth
texture.
Result: Soap is aesthetica ly acceptable.

2. pH Determination

Principle: pH indicates skin compatibility.

Procedure:

● Dissolve 1 g soap in 10 mL disti led water

● Measure pH using pH meter or pH paper

Target: pH 7-9
Observation: pH ~ 8–9
Result: Suitable for skin application.

3. Foam Height Test

Principle: Determines foaming ability of soap.

Procedure:

● Dissolve 1 g soap in 50 mL water in a measuring cylinder

● Shake for 2 minutes
● Measure foam height
Observation: Foam height ~ 5–8 cm
Result: Good foaming property.

29
 4. Foam Retention Test

Principle: Measures stability of foam.

Procedure:

● Record foamheight immediately and after 5 minutes

Observation: Minimal decrease in foam height
Result: Stable foam.

5. Hardness Test

Principle: Determines mechanical strength of soap.

Procedure:

● Press soap gently with thumb or use penetrometer

Observation: Soap remains firm, does not break easily
Result: Adequate hardness.

6. Skin Irritation Test

Principle: Checks safety on skin.

Procedure:

● Apply soap on sma l area of skin

● Observe for redness/irritation after 24 hrs
Observation: No irritation observed
Result: Safe for use.

7. Cleansing Ability Test

Principle: Measures dirt removal capacity.

Procedure:

● Apply soap on oily skin or stained surface

● Wash and observe cleaning effect
Observation: Effective removal of oil/dirt
Result: Good cleansing action.

30
 Test Observation Result

Appearance Yellowish, smooth Acceptable

pH 8–9 Skin-friendly

Foam Good Pass

Hardness Firm Pass

Irritation None Safe

Cleansing Ability Good Foam to Clear hands Pass

31
 PLAN OF WORK

The present study was carried out in a systematic manner to ensure proper formulation and
evaluation of ubtan soap. The work was divided into the following steps:

1. Literature Survey

● Collection of information from research articles, journals, and textbooks related to herbal
cosmetics and ubtan formulations.
● Study of properties and benefits of selected herbal ingredients.

2. Selection of Ingredients

● Selection of suitable natural ingredients such as besan, turmeric, sandalwood, aloe vera, and
orange peel based on their cosmetic and therapeutic properties.
● Exclusion of irritant components to ensure safety.

3. Formulation Design

● Preparation of a suitable formulation with optimized quantities of ingredients.

● Balancing of base, herbal components, and additives for stability and effectiveness.

4. Procurement of Materials

● Collection of a l required raw materials and laboratory equipment.

● Ensuring quality and purity of ingredients.

5. Preparation of Ubtan Soap

● Preparation of soap using melt-and-pour method under controlled conditions.

● Proper mixing and molding to obtain uniformsoap bars.

6. Evaluation of Formulation

● Testing of prepared soap for:

○ pH
○ Foam height and retention

32
 ○ Hardness
○ Appearance
○ Skin irritation

7. Data Recording and Analysis

● Recording observations obtained during evaluation.

● Analyzing results to determine effectiveness and quality of soap.

8. Result and Discussion

● Interpretation of results obtained from evaluation tests.

● Comparison with standard or ideal properties of soap.

PROJECT TIMELINE –

WORK SEPT-OCT NOV-DEC JAN FEB-MAR MAR-APR

Literature Review

Product
Development

Product Evaluation

Project Completion

33
 CONCLUSION

The present study was successfu ly carried out to formulate and evaluate a herbal ubtan soap using
natural ingredients such as besan (Cicer arietinum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), sandalwood
(Santalum album), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), and orange peel (Citrus sinensis). The
formulation was developed by combining traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern cosmetic
formulation techniques to obtain a safe, effective, and user-friendly product.

The prepared ubtan soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including pH, foam
height, foam retention, hardness, and appearance. The results indicated that the soap possessed an
acceptable pH range suitable for skin application, good foaming ability, adequate hardness, and
satisfactory stability. The formulation also showed no signs of skin irritation, indicating that it is safe
for regular use.

The incorporation of herbal ingredients provided multiple functional benefits. Besan and orange peel
contributed to gentle exfoliation and removal of dead skin ce ls. Turmeric exhibited
anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, helping in improving skin tone and
preventing infections. Sandalwood imparted a soothing and cooling effect, while aloe vera provided
hydration and promoted skin healing. The presence of natural oils and vitamin E further enhanced
the moisturizing and protective properties of the soap.

The study highlights the importance of herbal cosmetics as safer alternatives to synthetic products,
which may contain harsh chemicals and cause adverse effects on prolonged use. The ubtan soap
formulation not only fulfi ls the basic function of cleansing but also acts as a multifunctional
cosmeceutical product by offering additional benefits such as skin brightening, moisturization,
exfoliation, and protection against microbial and environmental damage.

Furthermore, the formulation demonstrates good potential for commercial application due to its
natural composition, cost-effectiveness, and consumer acceptability. Future studies can be carried
out to evaluate long-term stability, antimicrobial efficacy, and large-scale production feasibility.

In conclusion, the formulated ubtan soap was found to be stable, effective, safe, and suitable for skin
application, making it a promising herbal cosmetic product for daily use.

34
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