Another Newbie ?? about soap labeling

[Sunkawakan]

I live in the US. If I read http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm115449.htm correctly, handmade soaps DO NOT have to be labeled anything other than soap if they do not purport to do anything (i.e. soften, cure anything, help with skin problems, etc). Correct??? So, again, if I read this correctly correctly, I do not have to list the ingredients on my soap if I choose not to, correct??

I've poured over the FDA website and the Consumer Protection Agency website until my eyes googled and this was the only thing close to definitive that I could locate.

A simple answer would be very very much appreciated.

 

[SilverMaple]

Technically yes. You could label your items as "Jen's Soap" or whatever.

However:

1.) I find most customers want to know what is in their products. At a recent show, I sold a lot more soap than another soaper with a lovely product, just because I labeled my soaps. With allergies as common as they are, many don't want to take chances.

2.) If you label one ingredient ( i.e. "Goat's Milk Soap" or "Coffee Soap") you then have to list them all.

 

[awi]

I found a book called "Soap and Cosmetic Labeling" by Marie Gale. It is a great book that describes the rules in terms easy to understand.

 

[dopersoaper]

Hi Sunkawakan!

My two cents: From what I've read, you DONT have to include an ingredients list if you selling it as just "soap" especially if your not making any claims by it. But as a courtesty to the consumers, and like Silver Maple said, i think it's a good thing to do considering the many allergies many people have.

 

[dagmar88]

Depends on where you're living! You might get away with labeling your soap just as 'soap' in the USA; but over here it's a no no :wink: