Soap-making can be a great way to start a business, make some extra money, or just a great hobby to save a little money by doing it yourself. So, how much does it cost to make your own soap? Let’s take a look.
It costs approximately $.75 to $1.25 per bar to make your own homemade soap. Startup costs can be as low as $50 depending on what equipment you need to buy and the quality of materials you choose to use.
However, if you’re thinking of starting a soap-making business, the costs can be substantially more. There are numerous things to consider when determining how much it will cost you to make your own soap.
Costs Related To Making Your Own Soap
Soap Making Equipment
Various equipment is required to make soap and the more of that equipment that you need to buy, the more it will cost you to make soap.
Molds
You need molds to pour your soap into and to allow the soap to harden into the shape you want. Molds can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be. The cost of molds will depend on the type and size that you need.
Some people choose to use decorative molds, such as those made from silicone or flexible plastic. These molds cost around $10 – $15. If you want to make more intricate designs or use multiple colors in your soap, then you’ll need to invest in a higher-priced mold.
However, some people make a simple “loaf” that can be cut into bars to make the traditional rectangle shape of soap that many of us are familiar with.
If you already have something to use as a mold then you will save money starting out.
Stirring Utensils
You’ll need some kind of stirring utensil to mix the soap ingredients. A spoon or spatula will work just fine. You also have to consider the stirring required to blend in the colors that you are using in the soap.
If you already have utensils then you will save money starting out. However, you may want to get an immersion blender just for soap making and reserve it for that if you are going to get serious about this hobby.
Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is required to measure the various soap-making ingredients. You do not have to purchase an expensive scale, but a digital scale accurate to at least 0.1 ounces is ideal.
If you already have a kitchen scale then you will save money starting out.
Cutting Surface
You will need a cutting surface to cut the bars of soap or a soap cutter to make the bars.
Many of us should be able to find something to serve this purpose without purchasing something new.
Sharp Knife
A soap cutter or a sharp knife is necessary if you want to cut your “loaf” of soap into more even and manageable bars.
If you already have a nice sharp knife then you should save money starting out.
Soap Making Supplies
Soap-making supplies will make up the bulk if your investment, these are the materials you will actually be using to make soap.
The cost of supplies can vary greatly, but you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 for a good batch of supplies. It also depends on the oil you use to make your soap.
Some people choose to go the more natural route with their soap supplies and use ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. These oils will cost more than the processed oils that are used in most8
Soap Making Packaging and Shipping Costs
Shipping costs vary significantly. They will vary depending on the place where you get your supplies from. The total cost for shipping will be approximately $125. A valuable tip here is to try and order your ingredients in a single shipment.
This goes a long way to reduce the total costs. The cost of packaging is also something you have to put in mind. Just like the other items, these costs will vary too.
The design you’ll want to package your soap and the decoration you use will definitely affect the costs. For each bar of soap, you’ll have to use at least $0.25
Depending on how far you plan on shipping soap you have a lot of things to consider when it comes to running your business.
Soap Making Time Costs
The soap making process goes through different steps. The first step takes a few hours, which entails mixing the ingredients. Afterwards, you’ll need to wait from 12 hours to 1 day for the mixture to be ready to unmold.
After the unmolding step, you have to wait for a couple of weeks for your soap to ready for use. This depends on the soap you’re producing. For example, if you’re making cold process soap, it will take between 4-6 weeks to cure.
Castile soap may take up to 6 months for it to be ready for use. The type of soap that takes the least amount of time to cure is the hot process soap. It will take about a week for the soap to be ready for usage since the curing process is faster.
The bottom-line is that soap making can be a time consuming process that requires patience. After the soap production process, the total cost per bar can range from $1.84 -$3.74.
Licensure
If you’re set to have a soap making business, one of the things you’ll need to have is licensure for operation. This is a standard requirement for everyone who wishes to start a business.
Fundamentally, you’ll highly likely operate as a sole proprietorship or as a limited liability company. The advantage with a sole proprietorship is that your assets will have protection. This makes it a more preferable option to sole proprietorship.
For more details, you can talk to a tax professional to understand the difference between the two and which one is the best option for you. The cost of operating as a sole proprietorship is lower compared to that of a limited liability company.
It will cost you around $15 for license as a sole proprietor. As a limited liability company, it will cost you around $300 for a license. Make sure you get all the information you need and the costs involved to be on the safe side.
Insurance Expenses
Insurance is an important aspect of your business. In case of anything happening to your customers, you’ll need insurance to take care of the liabilities incurred.
This will keep your assets protected from the proceedings that ensue. Insurance will also protect your assets from damage or theft. There are varying costs of insurance depending on the package you choose for your business.
You’ll may end up spending from $200 to $300 a year on insurance expenses.
Running an Online Platform
One of the online platforms you’ll need as a serious soap maker is a website. A website will help you to make your brand visible to your prospective customers. For you to run a successful website, you’ll need around $20 per month in order to connect with your customers.
Additionally, you can open a store on Shopify where you can sell your soap online. For you to set up quality online platforms, you’ll need to possess setup and operational knowledge.
If you don’t have the knowledge required, you can consult experts to direct you accordingly. It will cost you some amount depending on the agreement you have with the experts.
Pros and Cons of Making Handmade Soap
Pros
- Many soap makers find the process to be therapeutic and relaxing.
- You have complete control over the ingredients that are used in your soap, so you can avoid synthetic fragrances, colors, and other potential irritants.
- Handmade soap tends to be less expensive than store-bought soap, especially if you purchase your soap-making supplies in bulk.
- Homemade soap makes a great gift for family and friends.
Cons
- The soap-making process can be time-consuming, and it requires patience to wait for the soap to cure.
- You’ll need to invest in some soap-making supplies, including a mold, soap base, fragrance, colorants, and other ingredients.
- If you plan to sell your soap, you’ll need to obtain a business license and purchase liability insurance.›
It’s important to educate yourself about soap making and the potential hazards involved before getting started.
Benefits of Making Your Own Soap
There are different benefits of making your own soap.
Customized Needs
One of the benefits of making your own soap is that you have the capacity to customize it to your own needs. Different people have different skin care needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, it will be a good idea to make your own soap because you’ll put the ingredients that meet your needs.
You can add the essential oils or fragrance oils that will help you meet your specific needs. If you make your own soap, you’ll benefit by having a healthy skin.
Cost Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is something you’ll benefit from by making your own soap. You have the ability to control the ingredients you use for making soap.
Since you’re in control, you can go for cheaper ingredients or buy them in bulk so as to save on costs. Of great importance still, you’ll be able to have healthier ingredients being part of your soap at cheaper prices.
If you opt to buy soap made from elsewhere, you’ll have to settle for the price of the manufacturer regardless of what they spent to make it. This can end up being too expensive for you.
Something else that makes it better to make your own soap is that you’ll be able to produce in bulk and use for an extended period of time.
This will save you a lot of money you would have spent buying from the store.
Protection from Unsafe Ingredients
Another major advantage of making your own soap is protection from harmful ingredients. Since soaps are products that come into contact with the skin, there is a potential for harm if the ingredients are not safe.
In-store soaps are more likely to have harmful ingredients because you’re not sure about the quality of ingredients used and the soap making process. It is for this reason that homemade soap comes in handy to protect your family and potential customers from harmful substances.
Some of the businesses out there don’t follow the required standards of safety of making soap. This jeopardizes the safety of those who use them. Most soap makers will emphasis of having a strong soap fragrance instead of ensuring that it’s safe for the skin.
The best solution to this problem is making your own soap. If you can make your own homemade soap, it can be a huge plus for you.
Making Your Own Soap Is Fulfilling
The ability to make your own soap is a satisfying experience. As you already know, soap is one of the essential domestic products at home. It is useful for staying clean and neat.
So, being able to make it means that you can produce something that’s needed and used on a daily basis. Apart from saving money, it allows you to enjoy making use of something you’ve made on your own.
As you begin to make it, it can be a little bit intimidating since you don’t have the experience to produce it. However, as you make it more and more, you’ll realize that it’s something you can do with ease.
Additionally, as you make it more and more, you’ll be increasing your skills set. It requires some considerable skills and knowledge to make your own soap.
This is a valuable asset that will bring more money on your side as you find customers for your soap.
Save Money By Giving Homemade Soap As Gifts
As you make your own soap, you’ll focus on making quality products. The more you make quality soaps, the more you’ll make your name and brand known out there.
An increasing number of people will know about your products and wish to buy from you. One of the ways you’ll make your name known by many people is creating gifts for them.
Gifting people with soap shows them that you care for them and, as a result, it will contribute in increasing your value as a soap maker.
Also, as you make soaps for different people in the form of gifts, you’ll be able to customize according to the needs of every person. For example, you’ll know the specific fragrance that every person will want and deliver accordingly.
Soap Making Safety Costs
You will have some costs associated with making your soap safely.
These costs might include gloves, goggles, respirators, masks, apron, soapmaking oils, soapmaking lye, essential oils, soap colorants, soap molds, etc.
The cost of each item will depend on the quality and quantity that you need.
You can find most of these items at your local hardware store or online.
If you already have some of these things in your home, then you will not need to purchase them.
The soapmaking lye is the most important ingredient in soapmaking.
Lye is a caustic substance and can be dangerous if not used properly.
You will need to be very careful when handling lye and make sure to follow all safety precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the ingredients you use and how you store it. If you use natural ingredients, your soap will have a longer shelf life.
You can use a variety of natural ingredients, including olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. You can also add herbs and essential oils for fragrance.
The cost will vary depending on the ingredients you use. It is generally cheaper to make your own soap than to buy it from the store.
Yes, you can sell your homemade soap at farmers markets, and online. You will need to follow the proper labeling and safety requirements.
Conclusion
Making your own soap is not only cost effective, but it also allows you to be in control of the ingredients used. When making your own soap, you can use a variety of safe and natural ingredients that are beneficial for the skin.
Additionally, by gifting people with your homemade soap, you can do something good for your friends and family while getting feedback on how to improve your soap.
As your skills increase, so will your ability to make high-quality soap that is perfect for everyone. Soap making is a fulfilling experience that brings satisfaction both in terms of knowing that you’re providing a necessary product as well.
