Soap question

[Former_Member]

I know this probably has more to do with the FDA than the CPSIA, but I figured this would be a good place to ask!

I'm considering adding handmade soaps to my shop, and I read something on the forums not too long ago about FDA regulations on bath products & cosmetics.
Does anyone have advice on this, or any helpful links so I can read up on it?

And, if I do make some sort of "kids" soap (for instance, maybe soap shaped like cartoon animals) are there CPSIA rules regarding that?

Thanks so much!!

[Former_Member]

Almost 100% sure that soap is FDA, and not CPSIA. Don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Former_Member]

here is a link to start you off with http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productandingredientsafety/ProductInformation/ucm115449.htm

[Former_Member]

Actually, you have a lot to worry about...
See here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6585670

[Former_Member]

Pretty much soaps & body washes are governed & regulated by the FDA. Where the CPSIA would come in is concerning the packaging around the soap (if there is any chance it could impart lead or phthalates into the soap) or a non-soap product embedded in the soap as a "treasure" if you decide to market the soap as primarily for children.

Here's some pages from the FDA about what needs to be done before selling soap. There may be others pages worth checking out as well so just goto the main FDA page and search for "soap regulations".
http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/VoluntaryCosmeticsRegistrationP...

http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/Inspections/InspectionGuides/ucm074952.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm115449.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/CosmeticLabelingLabelClaims/CosmeticLabelingManual/ucm126444.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/ucm074201.htm

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all the info!
I'll post again after I read all of it, if I think of any more questions!

[Former_Member]

Marking.

[Former_Member]

Soap and cosmetics are covered under the FDA regulations. I would strongly suggest that you start at the library and read everything you can about soap making before you even start.

Once you've purchased your supplies and have done some serious testing of your recipes then its time to consider whether or not you want to make it a business.

Soapmaking is one of those arts that takes ages to master.

[Former_Member]

There may also be licenses,fees,etc that you must have depending on where you live..

[Former_Member]

And it's vitally important that you TEST all soap and bath products for allergy-causing ingredients and LIST all ingredients. I know this is covered by FDA and CPSIA but buyers need to know what they should be looking for if there is any kind of reaction. PLUS there is specific language you need to use about them.

But there are some really great soap/bath sellers on Etsy, and the market is good for those products, so learn all you can. Like Crochet says, it can take a long time to master the art of it all -- it might be good to just start with a "signature" type until you get really good at it.