It is known as handmade soap to that hygiene and beauty product made in a non-industrialized process, obtaining a low production and often using natural ingredients, avoiding the use of complex chemical substances. Here we will show you how to make them.
If you are interested in starting a business from home with a low investment, selling handmade soaps is an excellent alternative. Through this guide you will find not only how to make handmade soaps to sell online, but recipes, types of soaps and how to start selling handmade soaps or homemade soaps through your online store.
We hope that this content resolves your doubts about one of the noblest products and helps you create your own brand of handmade soaps, from the .
What is a handmade soap? 🛀
An artisanal soap is a hygiene and beauty product manufactured through a non-industrialized process, usually with low production numbers and made up of natural ingredients.avoiding the use of complex chemical substances.
Artisan soaps are usually produced as homemade soaps, made by hand, with ingredients that are easy to get at any pharmacy, supermarket or herbal store.
What benefits do handmade soaps have?
In addition to being a great business opportunity with a minimal investment, handmade soaps have multiple benefits. We share some of the most relevant:
- They contain fewer chemicals and synthetic ingredients than industrialized soaps.
- Its ingredients can be customized according to the tastes and preferences of the buyer.
- No specialized or industrialized tools are needed for its elaboration.
- They may contain natural essences and ingredients that care for and protect the skin.
- The crafting process can be easily learned and replicated.
However, among the disadvantages to consider, the higher cost than that of an industrialized soap and its short expiration date are some of the arguments against this product.
How long does handmade soap last?
A handmade soap can last from 3 to 6 months depending on the composition, the climate and the ingredients with which it has been made. If it is kept in a cold place and away from direct sunlight, it is possible to extend its useful life up to 9 months.
What is the difference between industrial and handmade soap? 🧼
most of the differences between industrialized soaps and artisanal soaps come from their elaboration. Here I list some of the most important:
Artisanal soaps Industrial soaps They contain natural and ecological ingredients in almost all their composition. They use industrialized ingredients, essences, colorants and complex chemicals. They are produced on a small scale, giving unique characteristics to each piece. They are made by thousands, giving a homogeneous product, equal to any other. They are not tested on animals. They can go through a process of testing on animals. They may command a higher price because of the cost of ingredients and labor. They have a lower cost, a result of mass production. They usually have no negative effects on the environment. They can have negative effects on the environment due to the industrialization process.
What are the types of handmade soaps? 🌺
These are some of the best-known types of handmade soaps that you can easily make at home:
- Glicerine soap.
- Caustic soda soap.
- Liquid soap.
- Dermatological soap.
- Neutral soap.
- Exfoliating soap.
- astringent soap
- scented soap
Let me explain each of these types of handmade soaps in a few words.
Glicerine soap
Glycerin soap is one of the most common and easiest to make at home. It is ideal for removing impurities, caring for oily skin and treating dermatitis without being aggressive or irritating the skin.
caustic soda soap
This element extends the life of the soap, giving stability to the mixture when used in its preparation, however it is highly corrosive and irritating and requires a special treatment.
Liquid soap
Useful and highly demanded in post-pandemic times, its preparation requires liquid glycerin and other ingredients to give it special properties. It is one of the easiest to make.
dermatological soap
Handmade dermatological soaps require synthetic cleaning ingredients that help improve the condition of the skin or topical medications in the mix. They are useful to combat seborrhea, acne, dandruff or eczema.
Neutral soap
This type of soap has a pH similar to human skin, making it tolerable by most people, aiming to be hypoallergenic. It is good at taking care of skin hydration.
exfoliating soap
Exfoliating soaps usually remove impurities and dead cells thanks to the inclusion of natural ingredients such as oatmeal, coconut, coffee, rice and activated charcoal.
astringent soap
This type of soap manages to reduce excess oil and shine on the skin since elements such as lemon, mint, clay and sulfur are included in its composition.
scented soap
Scented soaps are used as aromatherapy elements, influencing the mood of those who use them. To make them, essential oils or aromatic essences are required.
Is the handmade soap business profitable? 💰
Yes, it is a very profitable business since with a small investment it is possible to have a very good return on profits. Just as a result of the pandemic, the spending of Mexicans on hygiene products increased 20%, however that of bar soaps was even higher, with a 60% increase, according to data from .
What people buy handmade soaps?
Artisanal soaps have a large audience, since the profile of the potential consumer is usually:
- Women from 18 to 60 years old, with an interest in health, beauty and well-being.
- Men from 18 to 60 years old, interested in skin care.
- Users of both sexes with some skin condition, interested in improving the condition of their skin.
How is the market for handmade soaps?
Although price and distribution are two of the elements that can play against in the artisanal soap market, it is a decentralized industry that offers great profitabilitybeing a viable business depending on the unique characteristics of the brand.
To make a profitable business of handmade soaps, it is necessary to consider:
- Tools for the elaboration of the pieces.
- Cost of consumables and perishable ingredients.
- Labor cost, wages and salaries.
- Packaging and tools for the conservation and care of soaps.
- Costs associated with renting a physical location or an ecommerce platform.
Depending on these factors, it is possible to provide an artisanal soap business with economic feasibility. Making a business plan is a great way to land a business and know which direction to go. This and you can download it by clicking on the link. I recommend you download it. 😉
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What is the best-selling soap in Mexico?
According to data from , the best-selling soap or soaps in Mexico belong to the Colgate-Palmolive line. Unilever is the second largest brand in the personal beauty segment and Procter & Gamble is third.
How much are the soaps?
The cost of a soap in Mexico ranges from $13 MXN to approximately $31 MXN. I share the price of some of the best-selling soaps in Mexico:
- Palmolive Neutral Balance $13.45 MXN
- Dove Original $31 MXN
- Palmolive Naturals $16 MXN
- Zest Moisturizing Sensation $15.90 MXN
- Camay Classic $14 MXN
- White Antibacterial Shield $14.90 MXN
All these prices are for bar soaps, from 135 to 150 grams approximately. There may be variations depending on the store or the place where they are purchased.
How much does handmade soap cost?
A handmade soap can cost from $70 MXN to $200 MXN approximately.depending on its ingredients, the formula and the functions it has, since the composition of a scented soap is different from that of an astringent soap or one for dermatological use.
What is needed to make handmade soaps? 📝
These are the most common elements to make handmade soaps at home. Take note!
- Glycerin base.
- Wooden sticks.
- Essential oils.
- Isopropyl alcohol.
- Microwave-safe containers.
- molds.
💡 Tip: Acquiring several of these items in bulk is a very good practice to reduce the cost of supplies and raw materials.
How much soap can I make with 1 kilo of glycerin?
With a kilo of glycerin it is possible to make 20 soaps of 50 grams or 40 of 25 grams each. It all depends on the weight and size of the molds you have. In Mexico it is possible to buy a kilo of glycerin for $100 MXN.
💣 Fact: If you sell each handmade soap at $70 MXN, it is possible to cover the cost of a kilo of glycerin with less than two soaps sold. Good return on investment, don’t you think?
How to make handmade soaps? ✨
Now that we’ve explored quite a bit about handmade soaps, let’s get down to glycerin. Below I explain the Steps needed to make handmade soaps at home:
- Heat the soap base and prepare the mixture.
- Add the soap ingredients.
- Add the essence and color.
- Mix all ingredients.
- Pour the contents into soap molds.
- Let stand until solidified well.
The process is simple, but it has variants depending on the material you use. Let’s take a closer look at each procedure according to the base.
How to make handmade glycerin soaps?
There are different kinds of glycerin, from those transparent, white, coconut, vegetables, gelatin texture, to those that contain shea butter, argan oil or olive oil in the mixture and for all of them the process is almost the same. Here I show it to you:
- Cut the soap into small pieces, small cubes or scratches.
- Melt it in the microwave or in a water bath.
- Add the essence, the coloring and the flowers, grains and other ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into the soap molds.
- Spray alcohol to break the surface tension and give them a smooth finish.
- Let it sit for 3 to 4 hours. You can leave it longer to make sure it solidified well.
💡 Tip: heating the glycerin prevents it from boiling, since it can turn yellowish, give off a bad smell and cause the soap to “sweat”, since its formulation is destabilized.
How to make handmade soaps with caustic soda?
Making soaps with caustic soda can be considered as an advanced level in the manufacturing processes of handmade soaps. It is necessary to take precautions, making them in a ventilated place and avoiding direct contact with the skin, hands and eyes. Follow these steps:
- Dissolve the caustic soda in the water of…
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