So many of us have a creative flair, and love crafting, and if you love soap and are fascinated by the process of making it, perhaps you’re considering opening your own soap business.

Melted and poured soap products are an excellent option if you are interested in starting a soap business or adding soap products or perhaps bulk liquid soap to an existing business concept.

It is fairly easy for you to learn with a minimal investment. If you already have an idea, or maybe sell candles as a hobby, then there is a simple way for you to expand your business, reach more customers, and increase your sales by turning your ideas into business!

Step-By-Step For A Soap Business

Soap is pretty easy to make when you know how, and with this step-by-step process, we can help you learn how to go from making soap to turning it into a unique business venture!

#1. Get To Know Soap Making

Start by getting to know how to make soap. Learn how to melt and pour with soap making. Starting with melt-and-pour soap is easiest, and you should feel super comfortable with it from beginning to end, so it is the best place to start.

The more comfortable you are, the easier it gets to manage your workflow to be efficient, and you can learn how to troubleshoot in the process.

You do not need much for this, all you need to get familiar with soap making’s simplest processes are the following:

• Fragrance oil.
• Kitchen scales.
• Melt & pour soap base.
• Microwave safe pouring pitcher(s).
• Soap cutter/ sharp knife.
• Soap dyes.
• Soap molds.

If you’re struggling for inspiration for your first ideas, look on Pinterest or even Instagram!

#2. Start A Product Line

Now that you have a handle on the melt-and-pour soap-making process, you need to get a product line together. Get note and inspiration boards together and start creating. Have a target audience in mind so that you can create soaps that people will want to purchase!

Then test and craft your ideas into products, you can test out different soap bases, silicone molds, and fragrance oils, and become familiar with any potential issues that may surface and how you can tackle them.

Do not forget to consider sanitation as well, do not forget the actual practice of soap making and the sanitary procedures. Be aware of GMP standards laid out by the FDA.

#3. Design Your Packaging

Once you have got your production line set up and are familiar with all the safety and sanitary procedures you should work on packaging. This should be kept simple and a reflection of the phrase ‘less is more’. Melt-and-pour soap, the easiest kind, doesn’t need packaging to keep moisture out.

You can use plastic wrap, shrink wrap, or cellophane bags. However, packaging will protect your product, so consider how and where you will swell your soap. If you intend on shipping your soaps, your packaging may need to be more protective and hardy.

Do not forget to consider labeling in the process. Labeling requirements can be very strict for bath and body products, you need to include ingredients, the weight of the product, and the information for your business.

It is best to check out the section of Regulations Related to Cosmetics on the FDA page to ensure you are well acquainted with these regulations and requirements when you design your labels to ensure your products won’t face any issues later on.

#4.  Decide How & Where You Will Sell

If you are already in the market for bath and body products you only need to incorporate your soap products into your existing business, however, if not then you want to put some thought into where you will sell your products and how.

There are several routes you can go through, you could sell in person, via avenues such as craft shows, local shops, or craft fairs. However, you could diversify and consider online shopping, since it is one of the most active places for selling.

Open up an Etsy, or a Shopify account for your products and advertise through social media, word of mouth, or even adverts!

#5. Start Selling Soap

The final step is opening up your business, once everything is in place you are ready to go!

Overall

It is not too hard to start up a soap business, just ensure you understand the processes of making soap as well as the market, competition, and legal requirements in place!