Selling homemade soap is one of the best small business ideas because it’s affordable to start, creative, and in high demand. Whether you’re making cold-process soaps, melt-and-pour bars, or specialty skincare bars, the steps to selling are the same.
Below is a full roadmap to help you get your products from your kitchen to your customers.
1. Perfect Your Product First
Before selling, you need soaps that look good, smell good, and are consistent.
A good homemade soap should:
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Have a clear purpose (moisturizing, exfoliating, acne-friendly, sensitive skin, luxury, etc.)
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Look professional (smooth cuts, consistent size, clean edges)
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Smell stable (scents that don’t fade immediately)
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Be safe (fully cured, pH tested)
Popular soap types you can sell:
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Lavender Relaxation
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Activated Charcoal Detox
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Shea Butter Moisturizing
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Coffee Scrub Exfoliating
Tip: Don’t try to make 20 varieties. Start with 3–5 best-sellers.
2. Know the Legal Requirements
Even for handmade soap, you must protect your business and follow simple rules.
Basics you must follow:
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Follow FDA guidelines for soap labeling (ingredients, weight, business name).
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Use skin-safe fragrances and colorants.
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Check that your insurance covers selling handmade products.
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Optional: Form an LLC for extra protection.
This sounds scary, but it’s simple — thousands of small soap sellers do this every day.
3. Price Your Soap Correctly
A big mistake beginners make is underpricing.
A simple formula:
For example:
If each bar costs $2.00 to make → sell it for $5–$7.
Handmade soap buyers EXPECT higher prices. Don’t be afraid to charge.
4. Choose Where to Sell
You can sell your soap in many places — choose 1–2 to start.
Online options
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Etsy
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Shopify or WooCommerce website
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Facebook Marketplace
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Instagram or TikTok shop
In-person options
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Farmers markets
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Craft fairs
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Church or school events
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Local boutiques
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Pop-up shops
Wholesale options
Sell in bulk to:
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Salons
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Spas
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Airbnb hosts
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Boutiques
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Gift stores
Soap has high profit margins, so wholesale can be very lucrative.
5. Branding & Packaging Matter
People don’t just buy soap — they buy a feeling. That’s why branding is everything.
Choose a style:
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Luxurious
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Rustic farmhouse
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Organic/natural
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Colorful & playful
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Minimal aesthetic
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Masculine
Packaging ideas:
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Kraft paper wraps
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Belly bands
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Custom labels
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Simple boxes
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Eco-friendly wraps
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Wax-sealed paper (premium look)
Make sure your label includes:
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Ingredients
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Weight (in oz/g)
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Your business name
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Contact info or website
6. Take Good Photos
Good photos = more sales.
Use:
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Natural lighting
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A clean background
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Close-up detail shots
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Lifestyle photos (soap next to towels, leaves, candles)
You don’t need a fancy camera — your phone is enough.
7. Market Your Soap
This is where most people fail. You must promote consistently.
Easy content ideas:
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Soap cutting videos
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Before & after photos
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Making-of timelapse
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Customer reviews
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Packaging ASMR
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Scent descriptions
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Skin-benefit posts
What to post about:
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“How I make oatmeal & honey soap”
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“Why handmade soap is better for your skin”
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“3 soaps for dry winter skin”
People LOVE watching soap content — it’s relaxing and satisfying.
8. Build Trust With Customers
People buy from sellers they trust.
Ways to build trust:
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Offer samples
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Show your process
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Post behind-the-scenes
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Share customer reviews
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Offer 100% satisfaction guarantee
Handmade soap is personal — show that you care about quality and your customers.
9. Expand Over Time
Once your soap bars sell well, expand your line.
Ideas to add:
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Sugar scrubs
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Body butter
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Bath bombs
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Lotion bars
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Beard oil
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Shampoo bars
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Candle line (pairs great with soap)
Bundle products for better profit:
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Spa sets
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Men’s grooming sets
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Holiday gift sets
Final Advice
Selling homemade soap can turn into a profitable side business or even a full-time income if you stay consistent. Start small, perfect your product, brand it beautifully, and promote it every day.