How do I get a license to sell soap?

Author: Roma Hermiston  |  Last update: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Do you need a license to sell soap? No, you do not need a license to sell soap in the US. You might need to get a business license to operate legally, though this is on a state-by-state or even more local basis.

Do I need a license to sell homemade soap?

Federally, there are no permits required because soap is specifically not a drug or a cosmetic, so the requirements for drugs or cosmetics do not apply at the federal level. You only have to label the ingredients.

Do I need FDA approval to sell soap?

Neither the product nor its ingredients need approval by FDA before they go on the market, except for any color additives it contains. It is your responsibility to make sure your product is safe for consumers when it is used as intended, and to make sure it is properly labeled.

Can I sell soap that I make at home?

Yes! Selling homemade soaps can be a profitable business, especially if you focus on quality ingredients, unique formulations, and effective marketing. Since you are interested in VedaOils, you can leverage their soap bases, essential oils, and natural additives to create high-quality products that appeal to consumers.

How to start a soap selling business?

Here's your step-by-step guide:
  1. Create a business plan. Your soap business starts with a solid business plan. ...
  2. Choose your business structure. ...
  3. Make your product unique. ...
  4. Build your brand. ...
  5. Find your suppliers. ...
  6. Perfect your products. ...
  7. Set your prices. ...
  8. Research permits and licensing.

Ask-Anne Marie: Starting a Soap Business - Trademarks, Markets & More | Bramble Berry

What is a soap maker called?

A soaper is a person who practices soap making. It is the origin of the surnames "Soper", "Soaper", and "Saboni" (Arabic for soap maker).

How much does it cost to start a soap business?

It's important to have a good idea of how much money you need to get your business started. Luckily, soap businesses do not have the same overhead costs as many other businesses — they can often be started for under $1,000.

Do you need an LLC to sell soap?

A limited liability company, or an LLC, is one of the most efficient and easiest ways to start a business. This is especially true if you're the sole owner and operator of your soap shop. You'll need to select a name for your business, which will be the title of your new LLC.

Do I need insurance to sell homemade soap?

If you plan to manufacture and sell handcrafted soap & cosmetics to the public, you need to have both general & product liability policy in place to protect you, your business and your personal assets.

Can I sell soap on Etsy without a license?

Etsy doesn't require sellers to have a business license.

How do you legally label soap?

According to both CPSC and FDA guidelines, labels for soap packaging should include four main elements:
  1. Business name and address. Place your brand's or your distributor's name and address on the soap label. ...
  2. Identity statement. ...
  3. Ingredients list. ...
  4. Net weight.

What can you sell without FDA approval?

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval.

What category does soap fall under?

Lotions, soaps, and other cleansers may be regulated as cosmetics or as other product categories, depending on how they are intended to be used.

What are the laws for soap making?

There are no specific regulations regarding soap; however, any household product that meets the definition of a hazardous substance under the FHSA must bear cautionary labeling warning of the principal hazard(s) associated with the product and enabling the consumer to use and store the product safely about the ...

Where can I sell my homemade soap?

Craft shows and farmers' markets are both popular venues for handcrafted soaps, or you may even decide to open your own brick-and-mortar store one day. Of course, you'll need a POS (point of sale) system, and preferably the right software to keep your inventory consistent between your online and offline sales.

Is it worth selling soap on Etsy?

Handmade soap and bath products are a great example of an easy-to-make product that can be sold on Etsy. These items are also something that people will buy as gifts for others, so it's good to have options in this category when you're browsing through the site.

What permits do you need to sell soap?

To that end, CPSC does not have specific requirements for soaps. In general, soaps would be subject to the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) and the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). If the product meets the definition of a hazardous substance under the FHSA, then it must bear precautionary labeling.

How much is soap insurance?

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild

You can get up to $2,000,000 in general and product liability coverage. They offer a minimal coverage option for $285 a year and a standard coverage option for $390 a year.

How much can I use to start soap business?

Starting a soap-making business in Nigeria comes with several advantages: Low Startup Cost: You don't need a huge capital to start. With as little as ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, you can set up a small soap production business. High Demand: Soap is an essential product in every home, making it a recession-proof business.

Do you need approval to sell soap?

The law does not require cosmetic products and ingredients, except for color additives, to be approved by FDA before they go on the market. However, cosmetics must not be adulterated or misbranded.

Can you sell without LLC?

No, you don't necessarily need an LLC to start selling online.

What business category is handmade soap?

NAICS codes for soap making / handmade soap

The most relevant code for soap manufacturing is 325611, which covers soap and cleaning compound manufacturing.

How long does homemade soap last?

How Long Does Handmade Soap Last? You'll be amazed at just how much longer natural soap lasts than its commercially manufactured counterparts. You can expect 1-2 years in optimal conditions! The truth is, though, quality natural soap bars should be used much faster than that.

How to start a soap business from home?

Start a soap business in 5 basic steps
  1. Step 1: Familiarize yourself with soap making. Take the time to really learn the melt and pour soap making process. ...
  2. Step 2: Develop a product line. ...
  3. Step 3: Design your packaging. ...
  4. Step 4: Decide how and where to sell. ...
  5. Step 5: Start selling your soap!

Is soap making hard?

For safety reasons, our Institute experts recommend following “melt and pour” soap-making recipes from reputable retailers. These recipes are easy and fun to make at home — even with kids — and you won't have to deal with the potential dangers of working with lye or learn the chemistry of the saponification process.

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