Abra produces chemical-free soap and personal care products made of bamboo

Bangued, Abra - Chemical-free bamboo soap from locally sourced bamboo charcoal was made in Abra recently with the use of modern technology. 

Through a technology demonstration project by the Department of Science and Technology–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), participants in recent training learned how to transform bamboo into activated carbon and turn it into antimicrobial soap known as “bamboo active soap.” 

The training, held on June 24, 2025, at the Provincial Science and Technology Office in Bangued, also showcased bamboo-based personal care products like shampoo bars, lotions, deodorants, and serums. 

These were all developed using high-quality charcoal from local bamboo species, offering residents a new and natural option for hygiene and personal care. 

According to Doctor Jennifer Tamayo, the project leader, the bamboo charcoal undergoes a scientific process where it is modified with activating agents to become suitable for soap, hygiene products, and even water purification. 

“This project uses bamboo activated carbon from the high-quality charcoal of local bamboo species, modifying it with several activating agents through technology and using this for bamboo-based hygiene products, water purification, and others,” Tamayo explained, as quoted by the PIA-Abra. 

The bamboo soap is part of DOST’s efforts to use local resources for livelihood.