The Zambian market has witnessed an impressive upsurge in the production and consumption of a variety of soaps in recent years. However, there is scant, if any, knowledge of the quality and safety of these soaps. In this undertaking, the quality of some selected soaps was evaluated. The soap samples were randomly obtained from various supermarkets. The qualities of soaps were assessed based on the following physicochemical parameters: free caustic alkali (FCA), moisture content (MC), total fatty matter (TFM), pH and total alkali content (TAC). Upon analysis, a variation in these physicochemical properties was observed. Percent MC ranged between 6.70% ± 0.06% and 18.13% ± 0.13%. Solo and Yebo recorded the highest MC. The pH values ranged from 10.70 ± 0.02 to 12.23% ± 0.01%. Yet again, Yebo had the highest pH followed by Solo and then Romeo. The TAC was between 2.00% ± 0.06% to 2.40% ± 0.01% and FCA values were from 0.00 to 0.021% ± 0.00%. Romeo had the highest TAC value (2.40% ± 0.01%) followed by Dettol (2.31% ± 0.05%). Only Solo and Yebo showed some traces of FCA. On the other hand, TFM values ranged from 51.60% ± 0.60% to 78.15% ± 1.66%. Romeo recorded the highest TFM value (78.15% ± 1.66%) and Yebo recorded the lowest (51.60% ± 0.60%). On average, most soaps analysed herein were of fairly acceptable quality and are fit for use.
Cite this paper
Mwanza, C. and Zombe, K. (2020). Comparative Evaluation of Some Physicochemical Properties on Selected Commercially Available Soaps on the Zambian Market. Open Access Library Journal, 7, e6147. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106147.
Specifications: Cleaning Material and Toiletries.
https://etenders.treasury.gov.za/sites/default/files/tenders/Specifications%20for%20toiletries%20and%20cleaning%20material.pdf
American Cleaning Institute (2019) The Science of Soap: An Introduction to the Science of How Things Get Clean.
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/sites/default/files/assets/1/AssetManager/ScienceofSoap.pdf
Warra, A., Hassan, L., Gunu, S. and Jega, S. (2011) Cold-Process Synthesis and Properties of Soaps Prepared from Different Triacylglycerol Sources. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 18, 315-321.
https://doi.org/10.4314/njbas.v18i2.64350
Idoko, O., Emmanuel, S.A., Salau, A.A. and Obigwa, P.A. (2018) Quality Assessment on Some Soaps Sold in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 37, 1137.
https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v37i4.37
Warra, A.A. (2013) A Report on Soap in Nigeria Using Indigenous Technology and Raw Materials. African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 7, 139-145.
https://doi.org/10.5897/AJPAC11.016
Osagie, O.F. (2015) Utilization of Agricultural Waste (Rubber Seed Oil, Kolanut Pods and Almond Leaves) for Soap Production. International Journal of Geography and Environmental Management, 1, 121-135.
Zauro, S.A., Abdullahi, M.T., Aliyu, A., Muhammad, A., Abubakar, I. and Sani, Y.M. (2016) Production and Analysis of Soap Using Locally Available Raw-Materials. Applied Chemistry, 96, 41479-41483.
Betsy, K.J., Jilu, M., Fathima, R. and Varkey, J.T. (2013) Determination of Alkali Content & Total Fatty Matter in Cleansing Agents. Asian Journal of Science and Applied Technology, 2, 8-12.
Mohammed, U.F. and Usman, A. (2018) Physico-Chemical Analysis of Some Soaps Produced from Five Locally Processed Nigerian Oils. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 9, 531-539.
Mishra, D. (2002) Preparation of Soap Using Different Types of Oils and Exploring Its Properties Submitted by Debesh Mishra Department of Chemical Engineering National Institute of Technology Under the guidance of Dr. Susmita Mishra. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 6, 185-192.
Arasaretnam, S. and Venujah, K. (2019) Natural Products Chemistry & Preparation of Soaps by U Sing Different Oil and Analyze Their Properties. Natural Products Chemistry and Research, 7, 1-4.
Sharma, H., Giriprasad, R. and Goswami M. (2013) Animal Fat-Processing and Its Quality Control. Journal of Food Processing & Technology, 4, 252.
https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7110.1000252
Popescu, V., Soceanu, A., Dobrinas, S., Stanciu, G. and Epure, D.T. (2011) Quality Control and Evaluation of Certain Properties for Soaps Made in Romania. Scientific Study & Research: Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Industry, 12, 257-261.
Vivian, O.P., Nathan, O., Osano, A., Mesopirr, L. and Omwoyo, W.N. (2014) Assessment of the Physicochemical Properties of Selected Commercial Soaps Manufactured and Sold in Kenya. Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 4, 433-440.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ojapps.2014.48040
Abulude, F., Fagbayide, S.D., Olubayode, S.A. and Adeoya, E.A. (2017) Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Soaps, Detergents and Water Samples Originated from Nigeria. Continental Journal of Sustainable Development, 8, 55-67.
Amponsah, D., Sebiawu, G.E. and Nagai, H. (2014) Quality Analysis of Selected Liquid Soaps in Ghana. International Journal of Advanced Research and Technology, 3, 124-128.
Habib, A., Kumar, S., Sorowar, S., Karmoker, J., Khatun, M.K. and Al-Reza, S.M. (2016) Study on the Physicochemical Properties of Some Commercial Soaps Available in Bangladeshi Market. International Journal of Advanced Research in Chemical Science, 3, 9-12. https://doi.org/10.20431/2349-0403.0306002
Hare, L.B. (2002) Chapter One. Quality Progress-Though the Scientific Method Is Fundamental to Science and Business It Is Often Misused, Overlooked or Abandoned. Quality Progress, 35, 77-79.
Bosiu, T., Chinanga, F., Das Nair, R., Mondliwa, P., Phiri, M. and Ziba, F. (2018) Growth and Development in the Cosmetics, Soaps and Detergents Regional Value Chains: South Africa and Zambia. SSRN Electronic Journal.
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3020542
Nangbes, J.G., Zukdimma, N.A., Wufem, B.M., Lawam, T.D. and Dawam, N.N. (2014) Quality Survey and Safety of Some Toilet Soaps in the Nigerian Market: A Case Study of B/Ladi, Bokkos and Pankshin, Plateau State. IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry, 7, 29-35. https://doi.org/10.9790/5736-07732935
Caetano, J.A., Lima, M.A., Miranda, M.D.C., Serufo, J.C. and Ponte, P.R.L. (2011) Identification of Bacterial Contamination in Liquid Soap for Hospital Use. Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P, 45, 148-155.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-62342011000100021
Firempong, E. and Mak-Mensah, C.K. (2011) Chemical Characteristics of Toilet Soap Prepared from Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Seed Oil. Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 1, 1-7.
Yarovoy, Y. and Post, A.J. (2016) Soap Bar Performance Evaluation Methods. 2nd Edition, Volume 1941, Elsevier Ltd., New York.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-63067-065-8.50011-6