Labeling Your Soaps for Resale

OK, you've made your soap, now what?

Both the US Food and Drug (FDA) Administration and US Consumer Product Safety Commission have specific regulations on labeling a bar of soap. In this post, I've given only the basics. I suggest you pay a visit to the FDA website for more in-depth resources.


Cosmetic vs/ non-cosmetic:

• A bar of soap is deemed non-cosmetic if no special claims are made beyond the fact that it cleanses the skin and is represented solely as soap.

• A bar of soap is deemed cosmetic if claims are made that is moistuizes, exfoliates, heals, beautifies, or makes any other claims beyond cleansing the skin.
  
  

Labeling a cosmetic soap bar:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the labeling requirements for cosmetic products. The label for a bar of soap must contain the following six components:

• Ingredients in descending order of predominance
  
  
• Net weight of soap
  
  
• The word "soap" displayed on the Principal Display Panel (PDP). This is usually on the front panel of label.
  
  
• Name and place of business. The street address may be omitted if your business is listed in a current city or telephone directory.
  
  
• A warning statement whenever necessary or appropriate to prevent a health hazard that may be associated with the product.
  
  
• Directions for safe use

Labeling a non-cosmetic soap bar:

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission administrates and regulates the safety of personal care products that are non-cosmetic. Three key elements must appear on the label.

• The word "soap". Examples include" "Cucumber Melon Soap", Fragrant Soap Slice, Maggie's Handmade Soap
  
  
• Net weight of soap
  
  
• Company name and place of business

These are only the basics. Comprehensive labeling information is available at the FDA web site listed above. Another highly recommended resource is a book by Marie Gale, Soap & Cosmetic Labeling, How to Follow the Rules and Regulations Explained in Plain English. If you order the book, let Marie know that Denise from GoPlanetEarth.com sent you her way!