Soap & Skincare Labelling, What you Actually Need to Know

Labelling can be a confusing minefield, this guide I have put together I hope helps to explain UK labelling requirements as I understand them. Including what you must include, what regulations apply, and common mistakes (I’ve made a few) to avoid with your labels. 

If you make or sell handmade soap and skincare, as I do, correct labelling is not optional. It is a legal requirement designed to protect both the customer and your business.

Why Product Labelling Matters

Labelling is required for three key reasons:

1. Customer Safety
2. Product traceability
3. Legal compliance. 

If a customer experiences a reaction or a safety issue, labels allow products to be traced back to a batch quickly.

In the UK, product safety guidance is overseen by organisations like UK Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards.

Soap Labelling Requirements (UK)

Soap intended for cleansing the skin is classed as a cosmetic product. This means it must follow the UK Cosmetics Regulation.

Required Soap Label Information

Your soap must include:

1. Product Name
2. Responsible person name (your business name)
3. Responsible person address (physical address required)
4. Net weight at time of packaging (e.g. 100g)
5. Batch number (for traceabilty)
6. Ingredient list using INCI names
7. Product function (if not obvious, e.g. "soap")

Ingredients Must Be

1. Listed in descending order of weight
2. Written using INCI names
3. Include allergens where required.

Skincare Labelling Requirements (UK)

Skincare products fall under the same regulations but often require additional information.

These include:

1. Balms
2. Creams
3. Lotions
4. Body Butters 
5. Oils

Additional Skincare Requirements

You may also need:

1. Best before date or PAO symobl
2. Storage Instructions (if required)
3. Warnings (if applicable)

Before selling any skincare, you must also have:

1. Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
2. Product Information File (PIF)

Without these, skincare should not be sold legally!

Wax Melts and Candles

I'm frequently asked if I make wax melts or candles, and for awhile I did but using fragrance oils, only stopping as I learnt more about some of the health concerns associated with fragrance oils and parabens. These products are also heavily regulated, and on top of my soap and skincare decided that this wasn't really compatible with where I wanted Wild by Nature to go.

Wax Melt Labelling Requirements (UK)

Wax melts are not cosmetics, but they do fall under chemical safety regulations, specifically the UK CLP Regulation.

Most fragrance and some essential oils contain allergens or hazardous ingredients, meaning most wax melts require CLP labels.

Wax Melt Label Requirment

If your wax melt is classified as hazardous, you must include:

1. Hazard pictograms
2. Signal word (warning or danger)
3. Hazard statements
4. Precautionary statements
5. Supplier details
6. Product identifier
7. Allergen information
8. UFI code (if applicable

You should also include general safety instructions:

1. Remove packaging before use
2. Use appropriate burner
3. Keep away from children and pets
4. Do not leave unattended.

These are important for customer safety.

Candle Labelling Requirements (UK)

Candles must follow safety guidance under European candle standards:

EN 15494 and EN 15493

Candle Safety Label Information

Most candles labels should include:

1. Burn within sight
2. Keep away from children
3. Keep away from flammable objects
4. Burn within sight
5. Trim wick
6. Do not burn for extended periods
7. Use on a heat resistant surface

If your candle is scented, it may will probably also require a CLP labelling like the wax melts.

Wholesale Labelling Responsibilities

If you sell wholesale:

1. You remain responsible for compliance
2. Stockists must not remove labels
3. If they repackage, responsibility may transfer

If you buy wholesale

1. You still share responsibility as the seller
2. You should check compliance
3. Keep supplier information

Common Labelling Mistakes

Most common issues include:

1. Missing business address
2. No batch number
3. Incorrect ingredient names
4. Missing allergens
5. No CLP label for wax melts or candles
6. Incomplete candle safety information

These are an easy six once you know what to look for.

The simple rule to remember is

soap and skincare = Cosmetic Regulations

Wax melts and candles = Safety and Chemical Regulations

Different rules, different requirements.

Clear labelling protects your customers and builds trust in your brand. It also helps you stay compliant and professional. If you sell handmade products, correct labelling is one of the most important steps in building a safe and responsible business.