Assessment of the Quality of Bar Soaps Produced from Blends of Palm-Oil and African Walnut Seed-Oil

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of soap produced from various fats and oils. Palm oil was purchased, and walnut oil was extracted from its seeds. Five blends of palm oil and African walnut oil were used, together with their individual oils. The cold method of soap-making was employed in this study. Five blends (PW0, PW1, PW2, PW3, and WP0) were prepared in a ratio, and each blend was used for soap production. Each oil blend was characterized for saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, and free fatty acid content, and their results were as follows: (182±0.20 – 234±0.30 mgKOH/g), (1.60±0.20 – 3.37±0.12 mgKOH/g), (5.0±0.25 –12.5±0.1 Meq KOH/g), (37.5±0.50 – 55.6±0.25 gI2100/g) and (0.80±0.20 – 1.68±0.12 mgKOH/g). The percentage of total fatty matter in the soap samples ranged from (52±0.1% to 77 ± 0.05%). WP0 (palm oil 0% – walnut oil 100%) had the lowest percentage value of total fatty matter (52±0.1%) among the soap samples produced, while PW0 (palm oil 100% – walnut oil 0%) had the highest percentage value of total fatty matter (77±0.05%). Judging by % total fatty matter, PW0 gave the best soaps because its total fatty matter value fell within the acceptable limits of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The pH values observed from the blended samples ranged from 10.28 ± 0.01 – 12.20 ± 0.03. PW3 (palm oil 25% – walnut 75%) had the highest values of 12.20 ± 0.03, which makes it harsh for the body. Thus, based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that soap samples PW0 (palm oil 100% – walnut 0%) and PW1 (palm oil 75% – walnut 25%) can be suggested for use in laundry due to their favorable physicochemical properties (high% Total Fatty Matter, normal pH values, high foam ability).