A  Herbal Soap Incorporating Orange Peel Powder: Formulation and Therapeutic Evaluation

Vasave Mansi Amarsing, Jain Samiksha Kirtikumar, Shaikh Samrin Mohammad Tufail*, A.M Danish

JIIU’s Ali- Allana College Pharmacy, Akkalkuwa, District Nandurbar, MS, India.

*Correspondence: samrinshaikh51221@gmail.com;  

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.41011

INTRODUCTION

Soaps are essential cleansing agents composed primarily of fatty acid salts, functioning as surfactants to remove dirt, oils, bacteria, and unpleasant odors from the skin and surfaces. Traditionally used for bathing, washing, and a wide array of household cleaning purposes, soap plays a crucial role in daily hygiene. Herbal soaps, in particular, are formulated using natural ingredients that exhibit antioxidant, anti-aging, and antiseptic properties. Unlike conventional commercial soaps, herbal variants avoid the use of synthetic fragrances, artificial coloring agents, and chemical additives such as fluoride [1–5].

The widespread demand for soap across various sectors has led to innovations in form and function, catering to diverse personal care needs. Modern soap products now include a range of forms—such as opaque, transparent, and liquid soaps. Liquid soaps offer ease of use and hygiene, while transparent soaps are preferred for facial use due to their gentle foaming and aesthetically pleasing, glossy appearance [6–9, 10–14].

Natural and herbal soaps are further classified based on their manufacturing techniques, including the hot process, cold process, and melt-and-pour method. Due to their affordability, accessibility, and therapeutic benefits, herbal ingredients are increasingly incorporated into soap formulations for managing skin conditions and enhancing skincare. In contrast, chemically-based soaps may cause skin dryness or irritation, prompting a shift toward more skin-friendly herbal alternatives [15–19].

Soaps are generally made from a blend of naturally derived fatty acids and sodium salts. In recent years, botanical extracts have become prominent in cosmetic science for their ability to influence skin health and appearance. These plant-based components support skin nourishment, promote radiance, and aid in the management of dermatological issues. The foundational concept of personal hygiene and skincare through soap dates back to early medical figures like Galen, who was among the first to emphasize its significance.

Orange

Synonyms:- Citrus sinesis
• Biological source:- The orange peel is the fresh or dried outer part of the pericarp of Citrus
Aurantium Linn.
• Family:-Rutaceae
• Part use:- Orange peel
• Chemical constituent- Rich in pectin, cellulose,  hemicellulose,Limanene 90%,Vit. C and citral
• Application:- Vitamin C in the peels helps cleanse your skin deeply and unclogs poresby
Removing excess oil and grime.
Herbal soap uses
Herbal soap preparation is a medicine or drugs it contain Antibacterial & antifungal agents
Which e mainly uses of part of plants such as like leaves, stem, roots & fruits to treatment for a Injury or disease or to achieve good health.
This preparation possess antimicrobial property are administered topically and available to
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents in treatment of skin disease

Uses :-

Stomachic and aromatic herbs are widely used to improve digestion and enhance appetite by stimulating gastric secretions and soothing the gastrointestinal tract. Carminatives, often aromatic as well, help in relieving flatulence and abdominal discomfort by reducing gas formation. Bitter tonics play a vital role in stimulating digestion and liver function through their bitter compounds, which activate digestive juices. Beyond internal health, many herbal remedies also offer external benefits—certain plant extracts possess antiacne properties that help reduce inflammation, control sebum, and prevent breakouts. Additionally, some natural ingredients are known for their brightening effects on the skin, promoting an even complexion and a healthy glow through gentle exfoliation and nourishment.

Morphology

Orange, characterized by its dark orange-reddish color, has an aromatic odor and a slightly bitter yet pleasant taste. Known for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, orange offers a wide range of potential health benefits. It may exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Its effects may also extend to anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, anti-typhoid, and anti-cancer activities, contributing to overall disease prevention. Additionally, orange is believed to support mental health with potential anti-anxiety and sedative effects, promoting relaxation and calmness. It may also offer cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Furthermore, its larvicidal activity can aid in pest control. Orange is also thought to play a role in weight management, bone strengthening, and the prevention of osteoporosis. These wide-ranging benefits make orange not only a nutritious fruit but also a potential natural aid in maintaining holistic health

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Collection of plant material:Orange peel powder (Citrus sinensis Linn.), turmeric powder (Curcuma longa Linn.), vitmin E containing  Natural plant source, and rose water (Rosa gallica or Rosa damascene).

Formulation table of soap

Processing for soap

Melt and Pour Method:

 The melt and pour method offers several key advantages, especially for beginners and small-scale formulators. One of its primary benefits is the elimination of the need to handle lye (sodium hydroxide), a caustic chemical already incorporated and neutralized within the pre-made soap base. Unlike cold process soap, melt and pour soaps do not require a curing period, allowing the finished product to be used immediately after it cools and solidifies. As the soap rests, it may become firmer in texture. Due to its simplicity, safety, and time efficiency, the melt and pour method has gained popularity in recent years.

To prepare polyherbal soap using this technique, 90 grams of soap base is measured into a 500 ml beaker and gently heated in a water bath without stirring, until fully melted. Once liquified, 5 grams of orange peel powder, 0.5 grams of turmeric, 3 ml of rose water, 4–5 drops of vitamin E oil, and 2 ml of orange essential oil are added. The mixture is then gently heated further in the water bath to ensure uniform blending without agitation. After achieving a homogenous mixture, the solution is poured into soap molds and allowed to set in a freezer for to 3 hours. After freezing, the molds are removed and left at room temperature for five minutes to allow the soap to solidify fully and ready.

Parameter of prepared soap: Evaluations

The herbal soap formulated was evaluated for the following:

Determining a sample’s pH The pH of the various formulations was determined using a digital pH meter. To measure the pH, the Formulations were diluted in 100 mL of distilled water and stored in the refrigerator for a period of two Weeks. The pH meter used for measurement had been calibrated beforehand.

Irritation of the skin test: The skin irritancy test was conducted on the composition of the herbal soap. No signs of irritancy or redness Were observed in the preparation. The condition was monitored for duration of 24 hours.

Washing Capability:The herbal soap underwent a formulation test to assess its performance and evaluate its ease of washing With water.

Foam height: 0.5 grams of soap was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water, and the remaining 50 ml of water was added To bring the total volume to 50 ml. The height of the foam was measured after 25 strokes

Foam ability:To assess the foaming ability of the herbal soap, approximately 1 g of the soap was dissolved in Approximately 50 ml of distilled water. This mixture was placed in a 100 ml graduated measuring cylinder. The measuring cylinder was then shaken for approximately 10min. After 10 min, the height of the foam Produced was measured. This process was repeated for five consecutive experiments

Foam Retention Time:Foam retention time refers to the duration for which the foam produced by the soap remains stable. To Determine the foam retention time, the height of the foam was measured for approximately 5-10 minutes After repeating the previously mentioned process.

Table no 2 Evaluation Parameter

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Organoleptic properties:

The organoleptic quality of a natural product refers to its sensory features, such as appearance, fragrance, color, and taste. At the beginning of an evaluation, these aspects are examined to support the preliminary identification of the substance and to assess how acceptable its aroma, flavor, and color might be to users. This assessment also helps decide whether the raw ingredients are suitable for incorporation into the intended dosage form. Any changes in color or smell of the raw materials during storage may signal a loss of stability in the formulation under similar conditions. For this reason, a soap formulation containing a blend of surfactants is recommended

Determining of pH 

The pH was found to be 7

Irritation of the skin:

During a 24-hour observation period, no adverse reactions were noted on the skin.

Washing capability:

The herbal soap was tested to assess its cleaning ability and how easily it is waah the dirt and clean sebum.

Foam forming ability:

the foam height was 5.2 cm. The results are summarized in Table 2.

Foam retention time:

 the foam retention time was found to be 6 minutes.

CONCONCLUSION

The orange peel powder-based polyherbal soap was successfully prepared using the melt-and-pour technique. The formulation included a soap base, orange peel powder, rose water, orange essential oil, and vitamin E, resulting in a natural product with cleansing, antioxidant, antiseptic, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties. The soap was user-friendly in size and shape, produced good foam, and showed excellent skin compatibility without irritation. Physicochemical evaluation (color, odor, pH, foam quality, stability, etc.) confirmed favorable results. Overall, the study highlights the therapeutic and cosmetic potential of this chemical-free herbal soap, with further clinical studies recommended.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to express my special gratitude to Dr. G. J. Khan, Principal, JIIU’S Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa for their continuous motivation and providing all necessary facilities during completion of this work.

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