A soap maker is a person or company that manufactures and sells soap. The kinds of soaps that are manufactured depend on the purpose, focus, and scope of the company. Some companies have a very limited product line, selling as few as one kind of soap. Other soap manufacturers have numerous product lines that each include a number of different kinds of soaps. In addition to selling bar soap, the most common kind of soap, some manufacturers also sell liquid soap and other bath products such as shampoo and condition.
It is common for a soap maker to make hand soap. Each company has its own formula and packaging for this kind of soap. For example, one company might make soap using vegetable glycerin while another company might manufacture its products using Shea butter. There are even soap recipes that use goat's milk as a main ingredient.
The two main differences in soaps are the main ingredients that are used to formulate the soap and any fragrance that is used to scent the soap. It is common for a soap maker to use an essential oil to scent the soap. Some of the most common essential oils used in soap making are lavender and lemongrass.
There are a number of soap makers that work out of their own homes. This is because most of the processes that go into making soap can be done right in the kitchen. The difficulty of the process and the amount and kind of equipment needed to make soap all depend on the kind of product that is being manufactured. The many different kinds of soaps that can be made at home include vegan soap, herbal soap, shaving soap, shampoo bars, and exfoliating soaps. It is even possible to make liquid soap using the blender.
There are a number of great resources online with instructions on how to become a soap maker. There are even some newsletters and professional organizations that can assist those who are just starting out in the business. By watching videos on soap making available online and following recipes, one can easily become a soap maker by starting a home-based business. Alternatively, the soap produced at home can be used as gifts for holidays, birthdays, and other special events. Before choosing to become a soap maker, it is important to understand that there are some risks involved with using some of the materials, especially lye.