QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF HANDMADE SOAPS, PLANT-BASED OILS, AND SKINCARE CREAMS: PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Ana BALEA Babeş-Bolyai University, “Raluca- Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, 30 Fântânele str., RO-400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2992-0938
  • Irina CIOTLĂUȘ Babeş-Bolyai University, “Raluca- Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, 30 Fântânele str., RO-400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, *irina.ciotlaus@ubbcluj.ro. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9012-7747
  • Rahela CARPA Babeş-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, 1 M. Kogalniceanu str., 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8974-1718
  • Mihaela-Cecilia VLASSA Babeş-Bolyai University, “Raluca- Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, 30 Fântânele str., RO-400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8141-2570
  • Sonia ANDRESI Babeş-Bolyai University, “Raluca- Ripan” Institute for Research in Chemistry, 30 Fântânele str., RO-400294, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24193/subbchem.2025.4.08

Keywords:

handmade cosmetic products, microbiological analysis, total alkali, peroxide index, acidity index

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and safety of handmade cosmetic and hygiene products through physicochemical and microbiological determinations, prior to their placement on the market. Three types of samples were analyzed, namely: solid soaps, creams, and cosmetic oils, using standardized methodologies compliant with current European and international regulations. The results demonstrated variations in pH, moisture levels, total alkali and Total Fatty Matter (TFM) content and viscosity, as well as quality indices in the case of oils, alongside the absence of pathogenic microorganisms, with detection occurring in only one sample. Additionally, Gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed on representative samples. These findings emphasize the necessity of continuous monitoring and quality assessment of cosmetic products to ensure consumer safety.

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Published

2025-12-16

How to Cite

BALEA, A., CIOTLĂUȘ, I., CARPA, R., VLASSA, M.-C., & ANDRESI, S. (2025). QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF HANDMADE SOAPS, PLANT-BASED OILS, AND SKINCARE CREAMS: PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS. Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Chemia, 70(4), 131–155. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbchem.2025.4.08

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