Oil palm leaves (OPAL) extract is gaining considerable interest as it is derived from a natural source and provides many functions such as anti-microbial effect towards bacteria, good ultraviolet (UV) protection and possesses the ability to combat several skin diseases due to its antioxidant properties. In this study, the phenolic compounds from OPAL extracted via four different extraction procedures i.e. extraction with ethanol (OPAL M1), extraction with hexane and followed by ethanol (OPAL M2), extraction with hexane and with ethanolic hydrochloric acid (OPAL M3) and aqueous extraction (OPAL M4) were studied. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the OPAL extracts were determined and their antioxidant activity compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The results indicated that OPAL M1 and OPAL M2 had higher TPC and TFC than OPAL M3 and OPAL M4. All OPAL extracts showed antioxidant activities similar to BHT but required a higher concentration. The transparency and brightness of the transparent soaps formulated with OPAL extract were not affected at 0.1% concentration. Thus, OPAL extracts have the potential to be used as natural antioxidant and colourant in transparent soaps.