VALUE-ADDED PRODUCT OF TEA FOR HOLISTIC HEALTH AND HYGIENE

There are numerous applications of soap and it is being used since time immemorial by almost everyone as a skin care product to maintain their personal hygiene and holistic experience. But these humble soaps have been receiving a lot of attention in the recent past due to corona virus outbreak and antiviral soaps are now being extensively used as a preventive measure by one and all against covid 19 virus. The objective of this study was to trace the history of soap making and to make handmade tea soaps as value added products of tea using various fresh tea leaf extracts, pastes of Cambod variety of tea and other organic ingredients. Extreme care was taken during the preparation of these handmade soaps to make them fall within the recommended range. Calculation of Lye and water for preparing these soaps were done by using Soapcalp.net calculator and the soaps were tried and tested on willing volunteers and their feedbacks and ratings were recorded for statistical analysis. The soaps made of tea extracts were found to be very efficient in cleaning, softening, smoothening the skin, functioning as an antioxidant. It was also found to protect the skin from sun and refrain from dark spots as well as wrinkles. Considering the feedback response received from the users, it can be concluded that these hand-made tea soaps can be a much safer and better alternative to the chemical soaps made using many harsh chemicals and may be explored further for research and effective commercialization.