If you’re passionate about soap making and wondering if it can be a profitable business, you’re in the right place. Soap making has transformed from a household chore to a popular artisanal endeavor, with handmade soap gaining significant popularity.

In fact, there are over 300,000 soap-making businesses in the United States alone, and the number continues to grow. The barriers to entry are low, making it an accessible business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. In this article, we’ll explore the potential profitability of selling soap supplies and how you can turn your soap-making hobby into a successful business.

Soap making can be a profitable business, and selling supplies can be an excellent way to increase your revenue.

Here are 30 ways you can make money selling soap supplies:

1. Sell soap bases, such as glycerin, shea butter, and goat’s milk.
2. Offer essential oils and fragrance oils for scenting soap.
3. Sell natural colorants, such as clays, herbs, and spices.
4. Offer molds for soap making, such as silicone, plastic, or wood.
5. Sell soap cutters and slicers.
6. Offer soap stamps and embossing tools.
7. Sell soap packaging materials, such as boxes, bags, and labels.
8. Offer soap dishes and trays.
9. Sell soap making kits for beginners.
10. Offer soap making classes and workshops.
11. Sell soap making books and guides.
12. Offer soap making software and calculators.
13. Sell soap making equipment, such as scales, thermometers, and mixers.
14. Offer soap making safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.
15. Sell soap making ingredients in bulk for other soap makers.
16. Offer custom soap making services for individuals or businesses.
17. Sell soap making subscription boxes.
18. Offer soap making consulting services.
19. Sell soap making supplies on Etsy, Amazon, or other online marketplaces.
20. Offer soap making supplies on your own website.
21. Sell soap making supplies at local craft shows, flea markets, and farmers markets.
22. Offer soap making supplies at temporary retail spaces, such as pop-up shops or local boutiques.
23. Sell soap making supplies to beauty and cosmetics stores.
24. Offer soap making supplies to hotels, spas, and other hospitality businesses.
25. Sell soap making supplies to schools and educational institutions.
26. Offer soap making supplies to non-profit organizations for fundraising.
27. Sell soap making supplies to other soap making businesses for wholesale.
28. Offer private label soap making services for other businesses.
29. Sell soap making supplies internationally.
30. Offer soap making supplies for special occasions, such as weddings, baby showers, and birthdays.

By offering a variety of soap making supplies and services, you can tap into the growing demand for handmade soap and turn your soap making hobby into a profitable business.

Can I make soap and sell it online?

Yes, you can absolutely make soap and sell it online! Handmade soap is increasingly popular, and selling online gives you access to a broad customer base. With some soapmaking supplies, a recipe, packaging materials, and an ecommerce platform, you can start producing and marketing your own soap brand.

Ensure you follow regulations and best practices for producing skin products before selling to the public. Having an appealing brand, quality soap bars, and smart digital marketing tactics will be key to running a successful online soap business.

What supplies do I need to start a soap making business?

To start a soap making business, you will need:

• Soap making oils like coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, shea butter
• Lye (sodium hydroxide)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils for scent
• Soap molds or silicone loaf molds
• Mixing bowls, pots, utensils
• immersion blender
• Safety equipment like goggles, masks, gloves
• Packaging materials like wrappers, labels, boxes
• Digital scale for measuring ingredients
• Soap cutter for cutting bars

You may also want to invest in luxury ingredients like milk, honey, oats, flower petals etc to make specialty bars. Start with basic equipment and upgrade as your business grows.

How profitable is soap making business in Uganda?

The soap making business can be quite profitable in Uganda due to high demand and more localized production. Most soap in Uganda is imported and many consumers prefer buying local goods. High raw material availability also makes production costs lower. Uganda’s hot tropical climate means soap bars sell well all year round.

Sourcing quality local ingredients like shea butter, palm oil and essential oils can create a distinct brand. Effective digital marketing to middle and upper class demographics can position handmade soap as a premium product. With the right branding and competitive pricing, a dedicated soap making business in Uganda can generate good monthly profits.

Is there profit in soap making?

Yes, there is definitely profit potential in soap making. Handmade soap can be sold at a premium price compared to commercial soap, with good profit margins. On average, a pound of handmade soap can be created for around $3-$5 and sold for $10-$15 per bar, depending on quality.

Selling on ecommerce instead of wholesale also improves profitability. Luxury ingredients, complex designs, and smart branding further increase profit margins. As long as you can market your soap effectively to customers and keep production costs relatively low, soap making can be a quite profitable small business or side hustle.

How much do I need to start a soap making business?

You can start a soap making business for an initial investment of around $300 to $1000. Basic costs are soap making supplies like oils and lye ($100), molds and utensils ($50), packaging materials ($100), and ingredients for test batches ($50).

Extra startup costs may include establishing an ecommerce site, branding, purchasing fragrance oils, and buying safety equipment. Starting small by making soap at home and selling locally will require less startup capital. The investment can grow as you expand production. Consider starting with enough capital to make 50-100 bars, assess product viability, then scale up.

Is there a demand for soap?

Yes, there is consistently strong consumer demand for soap as it is an essential hygiene product. The global soap market was valued at $44.89 billion in 2021 and is forecast to grow. Bar soap, liquid soap, medicated soap, luxury soap and more all have stable demand.

Natural handmade soap has seen particular interest as consumers look for healthier alternatives to commercial soap. There are opportunities to cater to specific preferences like vegan, organic, or artisanal soap. Effective marketing to position your soap as meeting current skin care and sustainability trends can tap into this steady market demand.

Which country buys the most soap?

China, India, and the United States are the top three soap buying countries globally. China spends over $15 billion on soap each year across bar, liquid and industrial soap. India buys $4.5 billion in soap annually, mostly as affordable bar soap.

The USA purchases $2.4 billion in premium and specialty soap, including major brands like Dove, Ivory and Olay. Other major soap markets are Indonesia, Brazil, Japan, Russia and Germany. Developing countries tend to buy more bar and laundry soap, while developed nations purchase premium bath and beauty soap.

What soap sells the most?

Basic bar soap is by far the best selling type of soap globally. Economical and multipurpose, bar soap accounts for 70-80% of soap sales worldwide. Dove is the #1 bar soap brand worldwide based on retail sales. Other top selling bar soap brands are Lux, Lifebuoy, Ivory and Safeguard.

Liquid hand soap has seen strong growth recently due to increased hand washing during COVID-19. Antibacterial soap and liquid body wash are also gaining market share in developed regions. But traditional laundering and bathing bar soap still dominates overall soap sales.

How do I market my soap business?

Some effective ways to market your soap business include:

• Create engaging social media accounts showcasing your brand story and high-quality product photos. Run targeted Facebook and Instagram ads.
• Build an appealing, user-friendly website to sell your soaps online. Optimize for organic search traffic.
• Offer free samples and discounts to get early adopters and honest product feedback.
• Partner with local businesses like hotels, spas, boutiques to retail your soap bars.
• Participate in craft fairs and markets to directly interact with customers.
• Offer soap making classes or tutorials to connect with the DIY community.
• Get press coverage in lifestyle magazines, blogs, and newspaper stories.
• Use SEO best practices on your website and optimize Google My Business listing.

Focus on your brand story, product quality and customer experience to boost sales.

What are people looking for in soap?

Today’s consumers look for the following characteristics in soap:

• Natural ingredients like plant oils, butters and essential oils
• Gentle and non-irritating for sensitive skin
• Appealing scents like citrus, lavender, vanilla, spice
• Special skin benefits like moisturizing, exfoliating or anti-acne
• Free of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic fragrances
• Environmentally friendly and cruelty free/vegan
• Visually pleasing design, shape and color
• Premium positioning at mid to high price point
• Connection to values like sustainability, ethical sourcing
• Effective cleansing without dryness or residue
• Lather and creaminess for a luxurious sensory experience

Making soap that aligns with these preferences can help attract modern soap buyers.

How successful is soap making business?

A soap making business can be quite successful both as a full-time small business or profitable side hustle. Key factors for success include:

• Establishing a quality product line with appealing designs.
• Pricing competitively based on positioning and costs.
• Developing an appealing brand story and professional image.
• Finding reliable suppliers for ingredients at wholesale prices.
• Building an online retail presence alongside other sales channels.
• Excellent photography and descriptions for ecommerce.
• Strategic marketing outreach and networking in your area.
• Providing great customer service and streamlined fulfillment.
• Optimizing packaging and shipping logistics.
• Leveraging word of mouth and customer reviews in marketing.

Many dedicated soapmakers earn over $50,000 per year after gaining traction. With hard work and smart strategies, soap making can become a fulfilling and profitable business.

What is the best way to sell soap?

The most effective ways to sell handmade soap include:

• Online via your own ecommerce website or platforms like Etsy and Shopify. This opens up your range globally.
• Farmers markets, craft fairs, and community bazaars to sell locally and personally interact with customers.
• Wholesale to brick and mortar retailers like spas, boutiques, and gift shops.
• Home parties modeled after companies like Tupperware for personable sales.
• Subscription boxes shipping soap monthly to loyal customers.
• Your own physical storefront if you want to invest at larger scale.
• Social media shops on Instagram and Facebook.

An omni-channel sales approach combining several strategies maximizes overall sales potential for handmade soap businesses.

How do you package homemade soap?

Great packaging is key for homemade soap. Most common professional options include:

• Shrink wrap each bar individually to prevent moisture loss.
• Simple folded kraft paper envelopes with brand stickers.
• Printed paperboard soap boxes with cutouts showing the soap.
• Rigid clear plastic clamshell packaging or trays to display bars.
• Recycled and reusable tins or tubes for bath soap.
• Natural burlap sacs or muslin bags with drawstring closure.
• Branded carrier bags for multi-bar soap sets.

Choose cost-effective options that suit your brand image. Avoid excessive packaging and ensure the soap itself takes center stage.

What can I sell with soap?

There are many complementary products you can pair with handmade soap to increase sales:

• Bath accessories like loofahs, bath sponges, and exfoliating tools.
• Beauty products like lotions, balms, scrubs that build on your brand.
• Candles that match your soap scents.
• Gift sets with multiple bar soaps.
• Natural skin care products like facial oils and masks.
• Branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, mugs.
• Diffusers and essential oils in coordinating aromas.
• Bath teas, bath bombs, and other tub accessories.
• Packaged bath salts that complement soap ingredients.

Curating a collection of bath-related merchandise can provide a one-stop shopping experience.

How do you name soap products?

Tips for naming handmade soap products:

• Evoke the scent, ingredients, skin benefits or experience of using the soap. For example Lavender Exfoliating Scrub, Organic Oatmeal Soap, Zen Detox Bar.
• Use creative and descriptive names related to color, shape, or design elements. Like Sunset Swirl Soap, Ocean Waves Glycerin Soap, Vanilla Flower Oval Soap.
• Reference the location of where you make it. Vermont Goat Milk Soap, Portland Rose Soap Bar.
• Use your brand name plus a descriptor. Mountain Fresh Goat’s Milk Soap by Linden Lane Soap Co.
• Keep names short, memorable and searchable online.
• Make sure naming aligns with your overall brand image and personality.

What is another name for soap?

Common synonyms and alternative names for soap include:

• Bar soap / bath soap
• Hand soap
• Body soap
• Liquid soap
• Facial soap
• Medicated soap
• Laundry soap / washing soap
• Antibacterial soap
• Castile soap
• Glycerin soap
• Transparent soap
• Organic soap
• Aleppo soap
• Marseille soap
• Melt and pour soap
• Cleanser
• Surfactant

Using descriptive alternate names can optimize online search and reach more customers.

How do you write a soap label?

Elements to include on a professional soap label:

• Business or brand logo and name
• Product name or fragrance
• Weight or volume
• Ingredients list
• Usage instructions or benefits
• Contact info like website or phone
• Production and expiration date
• Recycling symbol and instructions
• Care or warning labels as needed

Design with your brand image in mind. Maintain a consistent look across all products. Ensure text is clear, legible size and aligned well. Place legally required info prominently. Well-designed labels build brand image and trust.

What is the disadvantage of soap business?

Potential disadvantages or challenges in the soap business include:

• High competition as there are many soapmakers.
• Formulating safe recipes that meet regulations.
• Achieving consistency in batch quality.
• Securing reliable suppliers for ingredients.
• Labor intensive soap production process.
• Managing inventory with long cure times.
• Preserving bar soap to prevent melting or spoiling.
• Building brand recognition as a new business.
• Labeling requirements and compliance obligations.
• Transportation costs if selling to retailers or online.
• Significant time investment needed to be successful.
• Online marketing skills required to stand out.
• Securing adequate startup capital.

With planning and perseverance, these obstacles can be overcome to create a thriving soap brand.

How do I start a small soap business?

Tips for starting a small handmade soap business:

• Perfect your soap recipes through extensive testing and feedback. Focus on 2-4 quality bar soaps to start.
• Research and comply with all legal and safety requirements for soapmaking.
• Source all ingredients and packaging needed for small scale production.
• Set up an efficient workspace with needed tools and equipment. Take safety precautions.
• Develop your brand identity and packaging design. Focus on visual appeal.
• Set competitive but profitable pricing based on production costs and positioning.
• Launch social media pages and a basic website to establish your brand online.
• Market through local events, craft fairs, and networks. Offer promos to get sales.
• Consider starting with Etsy or Shopify for easy online sales options.
• Provide excellent customer service by promptly answering all queries.
• Analyze initial sales and feedback to improve processes and products.
• Reinvest revenue into growing your inventory, supplies, and marketing reach.

How to make money soap?

To make money selling handmade soap:

• Price soaps at 2-3x your production costs for good profit margins. Factor in all material and labor costs.
• Focus on specialty formulations like goat milk, olive oil, activated charcoal soap that can command premium pricing.
• Create gift sets and bundles that provide more value. Market these at higher price points.
• Offer diverse products beyond just soap like lotions, lip balms, bath accessories to boost sales.
• Sell on your own ecommerce site instead of platforms like Etsy to keep more profit.
• Get repeat business through a subscription model that ships soaps monthly.
• Keep scaling production without sacrificing quality to drive revenue.
• Get free marketing exposure by connecting with influencers and the media.
• Run promotions and sales, especially for new product launches.
• Keep production costs low by making deals with suppliers.

Who is the largest producer of soap?

Unilever is the world’s largest soap manufacturer, generating over $16.5 billion in annual soap sales across brands like Dove, Lux, Lifebuoy, and Rexona. Other top global soap producers are Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Johnson & Johnson, and Kimberly Clark.

In the USA, Dove, Irish Spring, and Dial from Henkel are popular soap brands. In India, Godrej Consumer Products and Wipro Consumer Care dominate bathing soap sales. The largest handmade artisanal soapmaker is South Carolina-based Clarity Soapworks.

How big is the soap business?

The soap industry is massive and growing worldwide. Total global soap revenues were approximately $50 billion in 2022. Bar soap dominates with 75% market share while liquid soap is also gaining traction.

Market researchers forecast the soap sector will reach over $58 billion by 2025 as demand rises, especially in emerging markets. China, India, US, Brazil, and Indonesia are the largest soap markets currently. Major corporations control most soap brands but the handmade soap segment is expanding. Small-scale soapmaking can still be highly successful by focusing on quality over quantity.

Where can I sell soap online?

Great places to sell handmade soap online include:

• Your own ecommerce website for full control and profits. Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
• Marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Walmart Marketplace. These offer built-in customer traffic.
• Instagram and Facebook shops and targeted ads to soap buyers.
• Craft fair sites like ArtFire where you can set up a permanent shop.
• Handmade-focused stores like MadeIt, BigCartel, and IndieMade.
• Local online markets for your city or region.
• Online gift guide directories spotlighting small businesses.
• Fair trade ecommerce retailers like Ten Thousand Villages.
• Specialty sites for handmade and artisanal products.

Cast a wide net across multiple platforms to maximize exposure.

What is the best soap in the world?

There is no definitive “best” soap brand globally due to personal preferences, but Dove is consistently ranked the top bar soap worldwide in terms of quality, sales, and customer satisfaction. Manufactured by Unilever, Dove bars are known for their moisturizing creaminess, variety of formulations, and innovative marketing.

Other beloved soaps worldwide include classic brands like Ivory, Lever 2000, Yardley, Lux, and Safeguard. For luxury soaps, L’Occitane, Claus Porto, and Penhaligon’s rate very highly. Small-batch artisanal soaps with organic ingredients, unique scents, and handcrafted appeal are also gaining popularity worldwide.

What is the common name of soap?

The most common generic name for soap is simply “bar soap” or “bath soap.” This refers to the classic rectangular cleansing bars used for bathing and washing. “Hand soap” is also widely used to describe any soap meant for cleaning hands specifically. Other common soap names are:

• Body soap or body bar
• Antibacterial soap
• Liquid hand soap
• Liquid body wash
• Laundry soap or laundry bar
• Facial soap
• Medicated soap
• Castile soap

Soap can also be named by key ingredients like shea butter soap, goat’s milk soap, olive oil soap, or oatmeal soap. Using easily understood descriptive names helps identify soaps.

How do you write your name on bar soap?

To add your name/brand to homemade bar soap:

• Press or stamp soap tops with a custom logo or name soap

How do I put my logo on soap?

Some options to imprint your logo or brand name on homemade soap:

• Custom soap stamps – Press into cured bars for an indentation. Most affordable option.
• Soap molds – Create silicone molds with logo engraved inside to emboss into each bar.
• Soap stamps – Digitally designed stamps to stamp directly onto cured bars.
• Melt and pour soap – Add logo charm, embed logo on top, or use custom mold.
• Printed soap wraps – Print logo and designs right onto coordinating paper.
• Printed labels – Affix nicely designed labels showcasing your brand onto each bar or packaging.
• Stickers – Clear waterproof stickers can adhere your logo onto cured bars or packaging.
• Tools like cookie cutters, knives, peels can cut logo shape out of bar top.

Experiment to find which method suits your brand identity and budget best.

What is the professional name for a soap maker?

The formal professional title for someone who makes soap is a “soapmaker.” Alternate names are:

• Artisan soapmaker
• Handmade soapmaker
• Custom soapmaker
• Boutique soapmaker
• Soap crafter
• Soap artist
• Independent soapmaker
• Cottage soapmaker
• Small-batch soapmaker
• Master soapmaker
• Bespoke soapmaker

Choose a descriptor that fits your business model and branding, like “artisan soapmaker” or “custom soap designer.”

What do you put on a handmade soap label?

Typical information to include on a label for handmade soap:

• Soap name or fragrance
• Brand/business name
• Weight and dimensions
• Ingredients list
• Nutrition facts (if applicable)
• Directions for use
• Storage instructions
• Allergen or safety warnings
• Contact info like website, phone, email
• Cure date or production date
• Expiration or best-by date
• Recycling/disposal details
• Batch or lot code
• Claims like “organic” or “vegan” if certified
• Your logo, graphics, and branding

Ensure labels are clear, accurate, compliant, and reflect brand.

Conclusion:
Soap making can indeed be a profitable business, especially considering the growing demand for handmade soap. By focusing on production efficiency and spending more time on selling rather than making soap, you can increase your chances of success.

With low barriers to entry and the ability to start with a relatively small investment, soap making offers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their passion into a viable home business. So, if you’re ready to unleash your creativity and tap into the thriving market for handmade soap, consider starting a soap making business and selling supplies. Consider reading >>>>> Will Candle-Making Make Money By Hosting Parties? to learn more.

Sarah Shane

As an author writing and creating business courses and articles, I am responsible for developing and delivering high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the target audience.

I monitor and analyzes business trends and topics to create courses and articles that provide value to readers and students here. I am responsible for ensuring that all content is accurate, well-written, and met the needs of the target audience.