Teach Soap

I am thinking about taking the BB class on the topic. Because the cost is a little pricey, I am thinking through the process before buying. I am just starting to sell some soaps and lotions at a friend's store, so I am concerned about any potential issues. I have been researching FDA labeling and manufacturing processes. I am an engineer by training, so I am not certain that I am doing everything right.

I am wondering how everyone else learned good manufacturing processes? I would appreciate everyone's insight.

You can buy books on this subject.
Good manufacturing practices http://www.lotioncrafter.com/good-manuf ... tices.html
Soap and Cosmetic labeling http://www.lotioncrafter.com/soap-cosme ... eling.html

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I agree w Irena about reading on the topic, just keep n mind that some authors (I haven't read the books she suggested, so I am not saying anything one way or the other about those particular books, just making an "in general" comment) interpret things one way and another will interpret the exact same thing another way. ANd then of course the FDA always states things so clearly..... Lol In the end I learned that good manufacturing practices are a lot of common sense and labeling laws are a matter of learning what is expected and getting in the habit.

You asked what we did to learn, I read the FDA papers and my state's brochures, then the FDA web site once it came along, multiple times. I read all the books I could find and compared and contrasted all the info. I made and kept copious notes and always had a list of questions going. Since my advice is always to read everything you can and question everything you read, when I came to the end of my rope and still had some confusion, I called the FDA and spoke to them to clarify. And since learning never stops, I still read/review as I can, and I have even called the FDA a few more times in the past few years (to settle some opinion differences I saw on forums). They are usually very helpful and I was even told that if I wanted to send a label they would be happy to evaluate it for accuracy and tell me if I was doing anything incorrectly.

While labeling is important when you are selling, and good manufacturing practices are always important for health consideration, I feel the most important thing is preparing yourself. I don't believe in making something for a few days/weeks or even months and then selling it. I feel everyone should be responsible and set high standards for themselves and for their company's products. So product testing is a must. To me it makes sense to wear a hair net and gloves, it is good business standards. But many people think that once they have done that and made their lotion or soap or what have you, that is it, it is ready to sell. Well, how long does your lotion last? You can't see bacteria with the naked eye until it has grown for a very long time. Did you put a lot number and exp. date on it? How did you arrive at that date, a guess? Does your soap quit smelling after a month, lose its color after two? I feel we should all be able to answer these questions before we ever give away a product, much less sell one.

So I applaud your question and your wanting to learn about good manufacturing standards. Sounds like you are well on your way to setting high standards for yourself! Good luck and happy journey!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Thank you both for the tips. I bought the books, but they haven't arrived yet. For the labeling book, I had read her website many times, which is how I figured out how to label up to now.

It never occurred to me to look at the FDA website or call them up. I have been reading the FDA website all week. It is very informative.