PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL SOAP CONTAINING ALOE VERA AND TEA TREE EXTRACT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Govind Sharma*, Rita Yadav, Sujata Chahar, Dinesh Upadhyay, Subhranshu Panda

Herbal soaps have gained increasing attention as natural and safer alternatives to synthetic soaps due to their skin-friendly properties and minimal side effects. The present study was aimed at the formulation and evaluation of herbal soap using natural ingredients such as neem extract (Azadirachta indica), aloe vera (Aloe vera), and tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). The soap was prepared by the cold process method involving saponification of selected oils using sodium hydroxide, followed by incorporation of herbal ingredients, molding, and curing. The prepared herbal soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters including physical appearance, pH, foam height and retention, moisture content, total fatty matter (TFM), alcohol insoluble matter, hardness, skin irritation, and stability. The results indicated that the soap possessed desirable characteristics such as uniform appearance, acceptable pH, good foaming ability, adequate hardness, and stability. The formulation showed good cleansing properties, was easily washable, and did not produce any signs of irritation on the skin. The presence of herbal ingredients provided additional therapeutic benefits such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects, making the formulation suitable for daily skin care. Overall, the developed herbal soap can be considered a safe, effective, and eco-friendly alternative to conventional soaps. Further studies are recommended to evaluate its long-term efficacy and commercial potential.