# Study Notes: Developing a Hydrating Soap with Watermelon Extract and Olive Oil ## Key Concepts and Background ### The Problem: Dry Skin (Xerosis) - **Definition**: Xerosis refers to abnormally dry skin, a common condition influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. - **Relevance**: Many Filipinos experience xerosis due to tropical climates and other factors, making hydration-focused skincare essential. ### Why Watermelon and Olive Oil? - **Watermelon**: - Native to tropical climates. - Rich in **vitamins A, B6, C, and E**, and **antioxidants** that promote skin health. - Contains **high water content**, making it a natural hydrator. - **Byproduct potential**: Agricultural waste from watermelon (e.g., seeds, skins) can be repurposed for skincare, reducing waste. - **Olive Oil**: - Known for **anti-aging properties**. - Contains **essential fatty acids** and **antioxidants** that nourish and soften the skin. - Helps **lock in moisture**, preventing dehydration. Combining watermelon and olive oil leverages their complementary properties to create a natural, effective hydrating soap. --- ## Statement of the Problem (SOP) and Objectives ### Research Questions 1. **Does watermelon extract and olive oil provide hydration to the skin?** - Many products claim hydration but lack natural, gentle ingredients. This study investigates the effectiveness of these natural components in a soap formulation. 2. **How effective is watermelon extract compared to commercial hydrating soaps?** - Commercial soaps often use synthetic moisturizers. This study compares their performance with a natural watermelon-based soap. ### Objectives - **Evaluate the hydrating effects** of watermelon extract-based soap on dry skin. - Measure changes in skin moisture levels to assess effectiveness. - **Analyze moisture retention** and reduction in dryness. - Study how well the soap retains moisture over time. - **Promote natural skincare alternatives**. - Highlight the potential of homemade, plant-based soap as an affordable and sustainable option. For instance, a user with dry skin might experience improved hydration and reduced flakiness after using the watermelon soap for two weeks. --- ## Theoretical Framework ### Skin Hydration and Moisture Retention Theory - **Key Idea**: The outermost skin layer plays a critical role in maintaining hydration and preventing water loss. - **Supporting Research**: - **Ousey et al. (2016)**: Environmental factors and skin conditions can weaken the skin's lipid barrier, leading to dryness. - **Lei et al. (2021)**: Lipid-based moisturizers enhance moisture retention. - **Athar et al. (2020)**: Watermelon seed oil acts as a humectant, helping the skin retain water. This framework supports the study's focus on using watermelon extract and olive oil to enhance hydration and moisture retention. --- ## Literature Review ### Local Literature - **Organics.ph and Garec Garcia (2015, 2023)**: - Watermelon offers skin nourishment and hydration, promoting elasticity and a healthy complexion. - **Abdalla et al. (2024)**: - Plant-based oils like olive oil contribute to maintaining healthy skin. ### Local Studies - **Zarsuelo, Zordilla, and Anacio (2018)**: - Highlighted the potential of herbal medicine in the Philippines. - **Moldez, Sanoza, Sanchez, et al.**: - Watermelon juice acts as a natural toner and hydrator for oily and dry skin. - **Rebecca Ruiz-Apoy**: - Developed "Blue-Mansi" soap, showcasing the potential of plant-based ingredients for hydration. ### Foreign Literature and Studies - Research emphasizes the hydrating and nourishing properties of watermelon and olive oil, supporting their use in skincare formulations. Local and foreign studies collectively validate the potential of watermelon and olive oil as effective skincare ingredients. --- ## Research Paradigm ### Graphical Representation - **Ingredients**: Watermelon and olive oil. - **Properties and Benefits**: Hydration, moisture retention, and nourishment. - **Final Product**: A hydrating soap designed for dry skin. ### Hypotheses - Watermelon extract and olive oil will be effective in developing a hydrating soap. ### Ingredient Rationale - **Watermelon**: High water content, antioxidants, and vitamins for hydration and elasticity. - **Olive Oil**: Fatty acids and antioxidants for deep nourishment and moisture retention. Imagine a soap that not only cleanses but also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, thanks to the combined power of watermelon and olive oil. --- ## Research Design and Methodology ### Research Design - **Approach**: Quantitative research to measure hydration effects. - **Type**: Experimental design to test the cause-and-effect relationship between the soap and skin hydration. ### Research Locale - Conducted in **Antipolo, Rizal** during the second semester of the 2024–2025 school year. - Data collection via **online surveys** (Google Forms). ### Ethics - **Consent**: Participants will provide informed consent. - **Confidentiality**: All respondent information will remain confidential. - **Validation**: Findings will be reviewed by professionals. - **Plagiarism**: Strictly prohibited. Ethical considerations ensure the study is conducted responsibly and transparently. ### Population and Sampling - **Method**: Purposive sampling to select respondents likely to provide valuable insights. - **Rationale**: Focuses on depth of understanding rather than broad generalization. Do not confuse purposive sampling with random sampling. The former is selective, while the latter is random. --- ## Key Takeaways 1. **Watermelon and olive oil** are promising natural ingredients for hydrating skincare products. 2. The study aims to develop a **sustainable, affordable, and effective alternative** to commercial soaps. 3. **Quantitative and experimental methods** will provide measurable insights into the soap's effectiveness. 4. Ethical practices and purposive sampling ensure the study's reliability and validity. Remember, the goal is not just to create a soap but to contribute to sustainable and natural skincare solutions. --- ## Practice Questions 1. **Why are watermelon and olive oil suitable for hydrating soap formulations?** 2. **What is the significance of the Skin Hydration and Moisture Retention Theory in this study?** 3. **How does purposive sampling enhance the depth of understanding in this research?** 4. **What are the ethical considerations in conducting this study?** Try answering: "How does the high water content in watermelon contribute to skin hydration?"