Liquid Soap Formulation from Cocoa Pod Husk Extract (Theobroma Cacao L.) and Antioxidant Activity

Liquid soap is a cleaning agent made from synthetic surfactants, including anionic surfactants combined with amphoteric and nonionic surfactants; it can be supplemented with other additives that do not cause skin irritation. The active ingredient or substance, which can function as an antiseptic, antioxidant, or other significant roles, is an equally important component in soap making. Cocoa pod husk waste is one natural ingredient that can serve as an active substance in soap making. Cocoa husks contain flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids. The cocoa pod husk extract has very strong antioxidant activity and also possesses antibacterial activity. This research aims to determine the formulation and physical stability of liquid soap made from cocoa pod husk extract, as well as its antioxidant activity. The study commenced by extracting cocoa pod husk using the maceration method, which yielded a concentrated extract, and then proceeded with phytochemical analysis. Subsequently, we carried out the formulation of liquid soap, evaluated its homogeneity, organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, specific gravity, foam height, and stability testing, and assessed its antioxidant activity. The evaluation results indicated that the liquid soap with cocoa pod husk extract had good physical properties in terms of homogeneity, organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and foam height. The results of the antioxidant activity test showed that the higher the concentration of cacao pod extract in the liquid soap, the lower the IC50 value. In formula V, the liquid soap with a 4% concentration of cacao pod extract obtained an IC50 value of 44.5.