The present study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of a cold process anti-acne herbal soap matured within 24 hours using natural ingredients such as tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita). The soap was formulated using vegetable oils including coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil, along with additives such as sodium lactate, sugar, and salt to reduce curing time. The traditional cold process method usually requires 4–6 weeks of curing; however, this study successfully reduced the maturation time to 24 hours. The prepared soap was evaluated for physicochemical properties such as pH, hardness, foam stability, and antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results indicated good performance with effective antimicrobial activity, stable foam formation, and an acceptable pH for skin application. The study concludes that the developed herbal soap is a safe, efficient, and natural alternative to synthetic anti-acne soaps. Keywords: Herbal soap, anti-acne, Ocimum sanctum, peppermint essential oil, cold process, antimicrobial activity.
Manoharan et al. (2026) studied this question.