Abstract:
The growth of herbal-based cosmetics, especially soaps that contain plant-derived
ingredients, has been aided by the rising desire for natural and environmentally friendly
personal care products. This study aims to develop herbal soap formulation that aligns with
consumer preferences and evaluating its physiochemical properties and assessing its
acceptability among undergraduates in -Eastern University, Sri Lanka. This study was
conducted among 100 unciergraduate students from EUSL. Using non-probability sampling
method, the students were represented all faculties. A standardized questionnaire was given
and got results from undergraduates to gauge consumer preferences for natural ingredients,
essential oil, and color. The collected data for this study were analyzed using Excel and
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The descriptive analysis
shows out of 100 respondents, 81o% of undergraduates are female category and 19o/o of
undergraduates are male category. Ninety-two percentage of respondents known about
herbal soap and 55oh of respondents are applying on both face and body. Majorifi (52%)
of respondents are preferred Aloe vera, 29o/o of respondents prefer rosemary oil, and32o/o
of respondents prefer green color for the herbal soap formulation. Forty-seven percentage
of respondents' problem is high price when purchasing herbal soap. The Aloe vera soap
was formulated based on the study that more ulrdergraduates prefer Aloe vera soap. This
soap was achieved to its favorable physicochemical properties and high consumer
acceptability. Standard quality parameters like pH (9), foaming ability (l7cm), foam
stability (12cm), and moisture content (4.5%) were met by the prepared aloe vera soaps,
indicating their suitability for usage in personal care products. This study suggested that
producer, the purity, safety, and demonstrated skin benefits should be given top priority
when choosing herbal extracts, essential oils, and natural additions to improve the soap's
effectiveness and appeal to consumers and consider consumer preferences when
formulating herbal soaps. Aligning product attributes with consumer expectations might
be facilitated by conducting frequent surveys or sensory evaluations.
