Building the Portfolio for a Soap Business

The key to success in launching a soap business is defining the right product portfolio for your brand. The options for soap products are vast, and choosing the right ones to include in your brand portfolio can make or break your business. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of five common soap products to help you make an informed decision.

Cold Process Bar Soap

Cold process bar soap is made by combining oils, lye, and water to create a chemical reaction known as saponification. This type of soap is known for its luxurious lather, high moisturizing properties, and long shelf life. Cold process soap takes longer to make and cure, but the result is a high-quality soap that can be customized with various fragrances and colors. Cold process soap is often made using natural ingredients, like olive oil, coconut oil, and essential oils, making it a popular choice for those looking for an all-natural soap option. The production process is rather complex—you will be better off finding a reliable and established production factory offering white-label services rather than making this type of soap yourself at home.

Pros: High-quality, long-lasting, customizable

Cons: Longer production time, requires more supplies and equipment, potentially dangerous to work with (lye)

Melt-and-Pour Bar Soap

Melt-and-pour bar soap is a pre-made soap base that is melted, colored, and scented to create a finished product. This soap is much easier and quicker to produce than cold process soap and is a great option for beginners or those with limited time and resources. Technically you can claim this product as homemade, and at the same time, it requires the least experience and equipment.

Pros: Quick and easy to make, low investment, customizable

Cons: Limited options for ingredients and design, may contain preservatives and other synthetic ingredients

Liquid Castile Soap

Liquid castile soap is a vegetable-oil-based soap that is gentle on the skin and eco-friendly. This type of soap is versatile and can be used as a body wash, hand soap, or even as a household cleaner. Castile soap is made using a base of olive oil, making it a great option for those looking for a gentle, all-natural soap option. The best option is to buy liquid castile soap in bulk from a reputable supplier and repackage it into small bottles yourself.

Pros: Versatile, eco-friendly, gentle on skin

Cons: Can be more expensive than other soap options

Shampoo Bars

Shampoo bars are a solid alternative to liquid shampoo that is gentle on hair and eco-friendly. Shampoo bars are made using natural ingredients, like coconut oil and essential oils, making them a great option for those looking for a natural hair care solution. Shampoo bars are easy to travel with and don’t spill, making them a convenient option for those who are always on the go. It’s the fastest-growing and hyped category in the soap business now. It would be a mistake not to include it in your portfolio.

Pros: Eco-friendly, gentle on hair, convenient for travel

Cons: May take time to adjust to, may not lather as much as liquid shampoo, may not be suitable for all hair types

Foaming Soap

Foaming soap is a soap dispensed as foam, making it a convenient and eco-friendly option. Foaming soap is made using a foaming dispenser and a soap concentrate, making it a low-waste option. Foaming soap is gentle on the skin and can be made using natural ingredients, making it a great option for those looking for a gentle, all-natural soap option. This product will be on the lower end if you want to cover all pricing segments with your portfolio.