Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) Citrus Soap Sheets: Effects of Extract Concentration on pH, Foamability, Solubility, and Antibacterial Activity
Human Health and Behavior- Grade:
- 7
- Teacher:
- Shermaine Dela Rosa
This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) extract combined with a constant amount of citrus (Citrus sinensis) peel extract on the pH, foamability, solubility, and antibacterial activity of soap sheets. Soap sheets were prepared using five jicama extract concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) while keeping the orange peel extract constant at 0.5 mL. Each soap sheet was tested for pH, foam production and stability, time to dissolve, and antibacterial activity using the zone of inhibition method against Escherichia coli. Results showed that increasing jicama extract concentration improved antibacterial activity and increased solubility (faster dissolving). All soap sheet samples remained neutral to slightly basic, indicating safe pH levels for skin use. Foamability remained strong across all treatments, with only small differences between concentrations. The 5% jicama soap sheet produced the largest zone of inhibition and dissolved the fastest while maintaining a safe pH and good foamability. These findings suggest that plant-based soap sheets enriched with jicama and citrus extracts can be an effective, eco-friendly alternative for personal hygiene.