If you’re ready to sell your homemade soap at markets, boutiques, or online stores, sooner or later you’ll run into the question: Do I need barcodes? And if so, how do I get them?
This guide breaks it all down — what barcodes are, when you need them, how to buy them, and how to put them correctly on your soap labels.
What Is a Barcode and Why Do Soap Makers Use Them?
A barcode is a machine-readable graphic made up of black bars and numbers. Retailers use them to:
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Track inventory
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Ring products up at checkout
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Manage stock in back-end systems
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Reduce errors in pricing
For soap makers, barcodes are essential if you want to sell in:
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Grocery stores
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Gift shops
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Boutiques
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Major retail chains
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Online marketplaces that require product labeling
If you only sell at craft fairs or private sales, barcodes are optional — but many makers still use them to look more professional.
Do You Need Barcodes for Handmade Soap?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
You do need barcodes if:
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You want to sell wholesale
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You’re entering retail stores
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The shop uses a POS (point-of-sale) system
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Your soap line has multiple scents and variations
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You’re building a real brand and future-proofing it
You don’t need barcodes if:
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You’re selling casually to friends/family
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You’re selling at small craft fairs
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You’re not tracking inventory professionally
If you plan to grow your soap business, it’s smart to start using barcodes early.
The Different Types of Barcodes for Soap Products
There are two main options:
1. UPC Barcodes (Most Common in the U.S.)
UPC (Universal Product Code) is required by nearly all U.S. retailers.
A UPC contains:
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12 digits
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A unique manufacturer number
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A product number for each variation
This is what stores scan at checkout.
2. EAN Barcodes (Used Internationally)
EAN codes are similar but used mainly in Europe and other parts of the world.
If you’re only selling in the U.S., stick with UPC.
Where to Buy Barcodes for Homemade Soap
You have two safe choices:
Option 1: Buy Directly from GS1 (Most Official)
GS1 is the global authority for barcodes.
Pros:
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100% guaranteed unique
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Required by big retail chains
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Best for long-term business growth
Cons:
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More expensive
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Annual renewal fees
Option 2: Buy From GS1-Reseller Companies (Cheaper)
These companies legally resell GS1 codes without renewal fees.
Pros:
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Very affordable
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One-time purchase
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Perfect for small soap businesses
Cons:
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Not accepted by some major retailers
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You don’t get your own GS1 prefix
If your goal is boutiques, craft stores, or private markets, resold barcodes are fine.
How Many Barcodes Do You Need for Soap?
Every variation needs its own barcode.
For example:
Lavender Soap – 1 barcode
Lavender Soap (Goat Milk) – another barcode
Peppermint Soap – new barcode
Peppermint Soap (4 oz) – new barcode
Peppermint Soap (6 oz) – new barcode
Change the size, scent, recipe, or shape = new barcode.
Where to Place Barcodes on Your Soap Labels
Placement is important because scanners need clean space around the code.
Best placement areas:
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Back of the soap label
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Bottom of the soap box
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Side of cigar-band style labels
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Back flap of a paper sleeve
Barcodes must be:
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At least 1.5″ wide
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Printed on a flat surface
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In black on a white/light background
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Not wrapped around corners
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Clear with no smudges
Never place a barcode on a textured or uneven surface like an unwrapped soap bar — use packaging.
How to Print Barcodes for Homemade Soap
You can print them using:
1. Sticker labels
Print the barcode on a small sticker and apply it to every package.
2. Pre-printed rolls
Order barcodes printed directly onto rolls of labels — very professional.
3. Print directly on product packaging
Great for custom soap boxes.
4. Add to your digital label template
Many designers include barcode spaces in soap label templates.
Just make sure the barcode prints with high contrast and tests correctly with a scanner app.
How to Test Your Barcodes
Before selling, test your barcodes with:
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A retail barcode scanner
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A smartphone barcode app (like “Barcode Scanner” or “ScanLife”)
Your code should instantly bring up the correct 12-digit UPC number.
If it doesn’t scan cleanly:
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Increase contrast
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Increase barcode size
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Fix blurriness
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Avoid glossy paper that reflects light
Tips for Using Barcodes in Your Soap Business
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Always keep a spreadsheet of which barcode goes with which product.
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Never reuse a barcode for a new scent.
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Buy extra barcodes ahead of time as your line grows.
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Use the same barcode on every batch of the same product — you don’t change it per batch.
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If selling wholesale, include the barcode number in your line sheet.
This keeps everything organized and professional.
Conclusion
Putting barcodes on your homemade soap is a smart step if you’re planning to grow your business, sell wholesale, or work with retailers. It helps stores track your products, makes you look more professional, and ensures your inventory system stays organized as your soap line expands. Whether you choose GS1 or a reseller, adding barcodes is easy, affordable, and a powerful move toward turning your hobby into a real business.