Desert Sol Soapery

Do free samples of handmade soap legally need labels?

I researched the federal labeling requirements for legally defined true soap, along with Arizona’s regulations. The important distinction is between what the law actually requires and what we personally think soapmakers should do.

The published regulations don’t clearly resolve every situation involving free promotional samples. I also couldn’t verify a general federal exemption for samples under one ounce.

If you’re a soapmaker, check your state’s weights and measures requirements. When in doubt, labeling samples the same way you label your retail soap is a practical option.

Federal contacts for questions:

Federal Trade Commission
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act questions
202-326-2222
https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/contact

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Small Business Ombudsman
888-531-9070
[email protected]

For state-specific questions, contact your state’s weights and measures office.

Handmade Soap keeping me company at home for sure!

Soapmaking involves a surprising amount of math and science.

I would like the record to show that I’m much better at some of it than others. 😂

Today’s lesson: volume displacement is real, and the mold does not care that you forgot to account for it.

Nothing wasted. Nothing ruined. Just me scooping handmade soap batter off the top of a very full mold with my hands and reconsidering my qualifications.