Things You Should Know Before Starting a Soap and Skincare Business in 2025

Starting a Soap and Skincare Business in 2025? What You Need to Know First.

Today I am talking about what you need to consider if you’re planning to start a soap and skincare business in 2025. This guide is tailored for those in the UK, though many tips will be valuable no matter where you’re based. Drawing from nearly nine years in the soap business and my experience as a certified business strategist working with hundreds of small business owners, I’ve identified one common mistake and ten things that I think are really important to set you up for success. This blog post is an overview of my YouTube video which you can watch here if you prefer a video format.

The Biggest Mistake

A common misconception among new soap makers is thinking that getting assessments (chemist certifications) is the most critical step to launching their business. Yes, assessments are mandatory, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle and not the most challenging or impactful part of starting a business. Many people spend hundreds of pounds on assessments, only to realise later down the line that they have not considered the basics such as who they are going to sell to and how.

1. Define Your Niche

I can’t emphasise this enough and I know I talk about it a lot but having a niche is everything. If you’re thinking, “I make natural skincare with plastic-free packaging,” that’s not specific enough. Many of us are doing that. A strong niche makes your brand memorable and recommendable.

Here are some examples

• Dog-specific products (like my own dog soap range)

• Honey and beeswax-based skincare

• Teen-focused skincare for acne-prone skin

• Regionally themed products (e.g., Jurassic-themed soaps in Dorset)

Your niche impacts upon everything, your products, packaging, marketing, and even where you find your customers. The clearer your niche, the easier it will be to connect with your ideal audience.

2. Create a Five-Year Plan

Where do you want your business to be in five years? Whether it’s selling at craft fairs or stocking products in high-end boutiques, knowing your long-term goals will help you make the right decisions in the early days.

For example

• If you’re aiming for online sales or stockists, invest in a professional website and branding from the start.

• If you plan to scale up, consider how your packaging and production processes will evolve to meet demand.

A clear plan will save you from duplicating efforts and ensure all your business decisions align with your future goals.

3. Understand Legal Requirements

Assessments are just the beginning. In the UK, compliance involves

• Insurance

• Weights and measures regulations

• Proper labelling (including CLP regulations for candles or dog products)

Make sure you understand all the legalities for your specific products. This foundational knowledge is crucial for avoiding costly mistakes later. You can find out more about that in this blog.

4. Embrace Technology and AI

Technology might seem daunting, but it’s your best friend for scaling a modern business. Here are a few examples.

• Website management Platforms like Shopify can streamline e-commerce.

• Email marketing Build and maintain an email list to connect with customers.

• AI tools  Leverage AI (e.g., ChatGPT) for tasks like brainstorming niches, creating branding color palettes, or drafting product descriptions.

• Automation Use tools for stock management, customer follow-ups, and social media scheduling.

These tools save time and make running your business far more efficient.

5. Be Visible

Visibility is a numbers game. Not everyone who sees your product will buy it and that’s normal. The key is to get in front of as many potential customers as possible through.

• Personal branding Show your face on social media and videos.

• Events Attend fairs and visit potential stockists.

• Consistent marketing Post regularly and engage with your audience.

The more visible you are, the more chances you have to connect with your ideal customers.

6. Have a Business Mindset

As a creative, shifting to a business mindset can be tough, but it’s essential. Consider things like

• Pricing and profit margins Ensure your products are profitable.

• Scalability Can you produce enough to meet demand if you land a big stockist?

• Efficiency Avoid time-consuming processes that don’t add value.

Everything from your designs to your marketing strategy should be approached with profitability and long-term sustainability in mind.

7. Invest in Support and Learning

Continuous learning is so important and something I have embraced from day 1 and still do. While there are many free resources (like the Dorset Growth Hub), investing in specialised training can fast-track your success. For instance, my Soap Business Bootcamp is designed for UK soap and skincare business owners and covers industry specific legislation. 

Education and mentorship help you stay ahead of trends and avoid common pitfalls.

8. Selling Products Isn’t Automatic

Building a website or setting up a stall doesn’t guarantee sales unfortunately. You need so much more along side including

• Storytelling Share your journey and what makes your products unique.

• Engagement Build relationships with your customers through genuine interactions.

• Consistency Regularly market your products to stay top of mind.

Customers are drawn to brands they resonate with and you and your story will be important.

9. Prepare for Admin Overload

Expect to spend 80% of your time on non-creative tasks like

• Sourcing materials

• Labelling and packaging

• Marketing (emails, social media, blogs, etc.)

• Managing stock and orders

Use tools and networks to streamline these processes and reduce the overwhelm.

10. Reinvest for Growth

In the beginning, most of your profits will need to be reinvested. Scaling up requires:

• Buying in bulk Larger quantities of raw materials are more cost-effective.

• Upgrading equipment Invest in tools that improve efficiency.

• Marketing Allocate funds (or time) to reach a wider audience.

Growth takes time, but with patience and a plan you will build a sustainable business.

Final Thoughts

Starting a soap and skincare business is exciting but challenging. To recap

1. Define your niche.

2. Plan for five years ahead.

3. Understand legal requirements.

4. Embrace technology and AI.

5. Be visible.

6. Adopt a business mindset.

7. Invest in learning and support.

8. Actively market your products.

9. Prepare for admin work.

10. Reinvest your profits for growth.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and good luck with your soap and skincare business adventure!