FORMULATION COMPARISM OF INDUSTRIAL SOAP AND DETERGENT

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the formulation and comparative evaluation of industrial bar soap and powdered detergent, with emphasis on their physicochemical properties and cleansing performance. The parameters investigated included pH, foamability, cleansing ability, free alkali content, total fatty matter (TFM), and moisture content. Laboratory results showed that the soap sample had a pH of 13.3, while the detergent recorded a slightly lower pH of 12.8, indicating that both products are strongly alkaline. The free alkali content was 0.18% for soap and 0.25% for detergent, values within acceptable industrial limits, ensuring product safety for normal use. The TFM was found to be 65.4% in soap and 15.8% in detergent, confirming that soap is richer in fatty matter and offers better skin conditioning. The foamability test revealed foam heights of 7.5 cm for soap and 9.2 cm for detergent, indicating that both produced adequate lather, essential for user satisfaction. Similarly, the cleansing ability results showed that both samples effectively removed dirt and grease, with detergent exhibiting a slightly higher cleaning efficiency (92.4%) compared to soap (85.0%). Texture analysis confirmed that the soap exists in solid bar form, while detergent is produced in powdered form, influencing their packaging and handling properties. Overall, the findings highlight that although both soap and detergent are effective cleaning agents, they possess distinct advantages and limitations. Soap is natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly, but less effective in hard water due to scum formation. Detergent, on the other hand, is synthetic, highly versatile, and performs efficiently in both soft and hard water, though it may pose environmental concerns because of its chemical surfactants. The study therefore recommends moderation of product alkalinity, improvement in eco-friendly detergent formulation, and public education on proper application to maximize performance while minimizing ecological impact. In conclusion, the comparative analysis underscores the importance of continuous innovation in cleansing product formulation to achieve a balance between efficacy, safety, and sustainability.