Production of Transparent Soap from Virgin Coconut Oil: Evaluation of Water and Free Alkali Contents

The production of transparent soap involves a precise formulation and process to ensure clarity, skin-friendliness, and adherence to quality standards. This study focuses on the formulation, production, and quality analysis of transparent soap using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as the primary fat source due to its high lauric acid content, which provides moisturizing and skin-smoothing benefits. The production process included the use of methanol, glycerin, ethanol, stearic acid, and a sucrose solution to enhance transparency. Two practical experiments were conducted. In the first, the soap partially solidified during the addition of dyes and fragrance due to delayed molding. In the second, premature hardening occurred due to the simultaneous addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ethanol, which led to unsuccessful soap formation. Despite these setbacks, a quality analysis of the resulting transparent soap was conducted to evaluate water content and free alkali levels, comparing them to the standards established by the National Standardization Council (SNI 06-3532-1994). The results showed that the soap had a water content of 0.33%, well below the maximum limit of 15%, indicating good solubility and firmness. The free alkali content in both trials was within acceptable limits, ensuring the soap is safe for skin use. These findings suggest that while process optimization is essential to prevent premature solidification, the formulation has the potential to produce high-quality transparent soap that meets national standards. Further refinement of the production technique is recommended to ensure consistent results in future applications. Keywords: transparent soap, virgin coconut oil, lauric acid, water content, free alkali content