The past couple of months I've been looking at the possibility of making my own soap for both personal use and also to generate a small bit of extra income. I've gotten recipes and understand the basics of the chemistry. I would most likely start out with a very basic soap (olive oil for the fat). I understand it's cheaper to stick with the store bought stuff...but lately I've been shunning processed foods and the like...and I figured why not branch out?
As I live in a fairly small apartment, available space is limited. I imagine that I would be able to do 5 pound batches and cut them into 4 oz bars (20 bars in total). Doing a bit of math, it looks like my material cost for a 5lb batch of a simple olive oil soap would be $12.52 ($0.31/bar). I already buy olive oil in 101oz containers or larger and that's how I'm basing my oil cost. Before I embark upon this little project, I was hoping those with some experience would provide guidance.
If it works out well the first time I would keep making batches and expand it out into more than just basic soap.
As I live in a fairly small apartment, available space is limited. I imagine that I would be able to do 5 pound batches and cut them into 4 oz bars (20 bars in total). Doing a bit of math, it looks like my material cost for a 5lb batch of a simple olive oil soap would be $12.52 ($0.31/bar). I already buy olive oil in 101oz containers or larger and that's how I'm basing my oil cost. Before I embark upon this little project, I was hoping those with some experience would provide guidance.
- Do you notice a difference between your soaps and store bought? "Work" better? Feel better? I.E. Will I notice a positive difference compared to store bought and, if possible, how much of one?
- The labor seems to be fairly easy. Any pitfalls/dumb things to avoid doing?
- Is selling it truly a viable option or is that a pipe dream?
- If sold, do you know how much I am opening myself up to stupid litigation?
- Any pointers/tips that you wish someone else gave to you before you learned them the hard way?
If it works out well the first time I would keep making batches and expand it out into more than just basic soap.