Development of Paper Soap Product for Hand Sanitizer Containing Hevea brasiliensis Leaves Extract

Abstract

Objectives: To 1) develop paper soap product for hand sanitizer containing Hevea brasiliensis leaves extract 2) investigate skin irritation in volunteers, and 3) study satisfaction with the paper soap product. Methods: H. brasiliensis leaf extract was mixed with chemicals to produce a hand-washing paper soap product. The physical, chemical and stability of the soap were tested. Skin irritation was assessed in 30 healthy volunteers, and satisfaction with the test product was evaluated in 129 volunteers. Results: The liquid soap contains the following ingredients: H. brasiliensis extract (4.0%), propylene glycol (3.0%), palm kernel oil (25.0%), potassium hydroxide (5.0%), salt (4.5%), essential oil (2.0%), and distilled water (56.5%). The liquid soap is dark brown, clear, with no sediment, having a viscosity of 3777.65±465.6 mPa S, bubble volume of 90.00±5.00 mL, pH of 8.89 ± 0.28, total fat content of 5.53 ± 0.74 %(w/w), and insoluble in ethanol 0.28 ± 0.11 %(w/w). No skin irritation was found in the subjects. Paper soap products were distributed in packaging boxes to 129 volunteers, 109 females and 20 males. The volunteers expressed satisfaction with the packaging design overall at a good level (average was 4.30 ± 0.62). Simultaneously, their satisfaction with paper soap products in terms of product characteristics was also at a good level, with an average value of 4.22 ± 0.58. Regarding product quality, the volunteers expressed satisfaction at a good level, with a mean of 3.93 ± 0.69. Suggestions included the desire for paper soap to produce more bubbles, add more scents, and adding more usable colors. Conclusion: Paper soap products for hand washing containing crude H. brasiliensis leaf extract were developed as an alternative for the general public. It also adds value to natural leftover rubber leaves and serves as a prototype for further industrial production.