TFM

TFM....
The most important factor to be considered in soap quality is its total fatty matter (TFM). Higher the TFM quantity in the soap, better is its quality. As per BIS, Grade 1 soaps should have 76 per cent minimum TFM, while Grade 2 and Grade 3 must have 70 per cent and 60 per cent minimum TFM, respectively
Let us see about toilet soaps....

TOILET SOAP:-
Toilet Soaps Most make the grade (but leave the skin high and dry) This boiled version of sodium salts of fatty acids is certainly one of the most essential toiletries that ensure healthy hygiene. Not only does it remove dirt from the grimy body, and claims to keep bacteria at bay, its fragrant properties helps one feel fresher, cleaner and better as well. (Any Jack-of-a-few-trades person, or a jugari as we would say in Hindi slang, would also know about its ability to fix and fasten loose zippers, tighten screws, kill pests or slip in tight bangles…) Come, let’s read more on what lies inside your soap. A Consumer Voice Report A lthough the first recorded evidence of the manufacturing of soap-like materials dates back to around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon, commercial soap production began in England around the end of the 12th century. There, because of the heavy taxes, soap remained an expensive item until 1853, when the tax was repealed. In the 19th century, soap gained popularity throughout Europe and across British-occupied regions. Today, in India, more than 700 registered companies manufacture bar/cake and liquid soaps of various kinds with combined annual revenue of over Rs 1,700 crore. Various researches online indicate that the soap market in India increased at a compound annual growth rate of 9 per cent to 12 per cent between 2004 and 2009. The bar soap segment led the soap market in India in 2009, with a share of nearly 99 per cent. Against this background, we decided to test popular brands of ‘toilet soap’ (not bathing bar, see box to know the difference)

 and see if they all comply with the set standard, what all they are made of, and if they really have what they claim to be their unique selling propositions. CV Recommendations (top performers on the basis of overall performance) Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Mysore Sandal Vivel Hamam mushiness and synthetic surface-active agent). We also conducted sensory tests at a reputed clinical research organization. While parameters for sensory tests are not defined under Indian Standards, these are relevant for this study since most of the purchase decisions are made based on these parameters. The CV research team bought 12 bar soaps of different grades (see ‘grades’ in the box) from various organized retail stores across the country and tested them at an NABL-accredited laboratory. The test programme was based on national standard IS: 2888-2004 (with amendments) as well as IS: 286 and IS: 13498 (to test WHAT IS SOAP? It is a product formed by the process of ‘saponification’, which includes a reaction between alkali and oil (fatty substance). When this reaction takes place, glycerine is formed as a by-product and is present in the soap itself and gives the soap its moisturizing property. So, the ultimate product called ‘soap’ is actually a salt. TOILET SOAP AND BATHING BAR According to the BIS, there are two types of soaps in the market: toilet soaps and bathing bars. Primary quality of soap depends on total fatty matter (TFM), which lends soaps their soapy feel. It is the TFM and insoluble matter in the soap that largely distinguishes toilet soaps from bathing bars. Toilet soap often contains a higher quantity of fatty material, varying from 60 per cent to 80 per cent (depending upon the grade of toilet soap, being highest in Grade 1), whereas bathing bars have lesser fatty substance (generally around 40 per cent). The bathing bar contains acceptable surfaceactive agents that can be used for bathing purposes. In addition to surfactants and perfume, the bathing bar may also contain other ingredients such as processing aids, colouring matter, permitted antioxidants, preservatives, permissible germicides, super fatting agents, humectants and such additional substances that are declared on the label.




To be continued..........
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