Formulation and Antioxidant Activity of Paper Soap Containing Arabian Bidara Leaf (Ziziphus spina-christi (L.)) Extract

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, public awareness regarding hygiene and the use of natural ingredients in personal care products has increased substantially. One innovation arising from this trend is paper soap, a practical antiseptic soap that can be enriched with natural materials such as Arabian bidara leaf extract (Ziziphus spina-christi (L.)). These leaves contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins, which possess potential benefits for skin care applications. This study aimed to determine the formulation, physical and chemical quality, and antioxidant activity of paper soap containing Arabian bidara leaf extract. The research procedures included plant determination, preparation of simplicia powder, extraction of the leaves, phytochemical screening, and formulation of paper soap with the addition of extract at concentrations of F1 (5%), F2 (7.5%), and F3 (10%). Physical and chemical quality evaluations were conducted, followed by antioxidant activity testing using the DPPH method via spectrophotometry. The results showed that all three formulations were homogeneous, with F3 exhibiting a darker color due to its higher extract concentration. The weight uniformity values of F1, F2, and F3 were 0.40 g, 0.42 g, and 0.40 g, respectively. The pH values of the formulations were 9.40, 9.52, and 9.79. Foam height tests indicated high foaming ability, and the moisture content of F1 was below 15%. The antioxidant activity values obtained were 27.18 ppm, 29.01 ppm, and 34.26 ppm for F1, F2, and F3, respectively. In conclusion, all three formulations met the physical quality requirements based on SNI 06-3532-1994, and their antioxidant activity fell within the strong category.