Evaluation of Physico-chemical Properties in SelectedBranded Soaps

Quality of soaps is directly related with their physicochemical properties. Generally, ranking of thesoaps remains indistinct to consumers therefore there is strong need to assess the quality of soapsavailable in the market. In the present study, eighteen commercial soaps including fourteen toiletsoaps 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 between5.40-15.12%;pH 6.29-11.39; total fatty matter 59-91%; total alkali 0.98-1.60% and free alkali 0.01-0. 62%. Theemulsification was observed in all analyzed samples and the foam height was measured in therange between 2.3-8.5 cm.Most of analyzed samples fall within the standard values recommendedby International Standard Organization, but in few samples pH, total alkali and free alkali werefound to be higher than the recommended values.