FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF GLUTATHIONE SOAP FROM FOMITOPSIS PINICOLA FOR SKIN WHITENING, MOISTURIZING, AND ANTI-WRINKLE EFFECTS

Many commercial soaps contain chemicals that can be harmful to the skin. Therefore, soaps made from fungal extracts offer an alternative choice for achieving healthy, radiant, wrinkle-free skin. In this study, glutathione was extracted from a local fungal isolate Fomitopsis pinicola, obtained from Al-Nimrud region. The extracted glutathione was purified using DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration using Sephadex G-150. The soap base, consisted of glycerin, coconut oil, and palm oil, was prepared, and the active ingredient, the purified glutathione extract, was added to the base. The formulated soap exhibited a purple appearance, solid texture, distinctive aromatic scent, pH of 6.4, stable dense foam, ability to disperse dirt, moisturizing duration of 92 seconds, moisture content of 11.2%, cleaning ability of 88%, and stability at 45°C. Additionally, it showed no skin irritation and exhibited antibacterial activity. So, this soap can be used for skin whitening and moisturizing, combating signs of aging, and treating skin diseases, as it has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi as a promising natural medical soap that can be alternative to the commercial soap that contains harmful chemicals.