What Equipment Do You Need to Start Making Your Own Soap & Skincare Products?

Making your own soap and skincare products is incredibly rewarding. Whether you want to create natural products for your family, start a small business, or simply take control of what goes on your skin, having the right equipment from the start makes the process safer, easier, and far more enjoyable.

The good news? You don’t need a fancy lab. You can begin with simple, affordable tools and upgrade as you grow.

Basic Safety Equipment (Non-Negotiable!)

Before we talk about mixing oils and butters, let’s talk safety — especially if you plan on making cold process soap.

Essential safety items:

Safety goggles
Nitrile or latex gloves
Face mask (especially when working with lye or powders)
Apron or old clothing
Vinegar (for neutralising lye spills on surfaces)

👉 If you’re working with lye, safety gear is not optional. Respect the chemistry.

Measuring & Weighing Equipment

Accurate measurements are the backbone of successful formulations.

You’ll need:

Digital scale (grams are essential — not cups!)
Heat-resistant measuring jugs
Measuring spoons for small quantities

Tip: Always measure by weight, not volume, for professional results.

Mixing & Heating Tools

These tools help you blend ingredients evenly and safely.

Recommended tools:

Stick (immersion) blender – a game changer for soap and emulsions
Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic bowls
Silicone spatulas
Whisks
Double boiler or heat-safe pot for melting oils and butters

🚫 Avoid aluminium — it reacts badly with lye.

Soap-Specific Equipment

If you’re making soap, these items will make your life much easier.

Must-haves:

Silicone soap moulds (individual or loaf moulds)
Soap cutter or sharp non-serrated knife
Thermometer (infrared or probe)

Silicone moulds are beginner-friendly and don’t need lining.

Skincare Formulation Tools

When making creams, lotions, serums, and balms, precision and cleanliness are key.

Helpful tools:

Small beakers or glass jars
Cosmetic spatulas
Mini mixer or milk frother (great for serums)
pH strips or a digital pH meter
Pipettes or droppers

Checking pH is especially important for products like cleansers, toners, and exfoliating formulas.

Sanitising & Storage Supplies

Clean equipment = safer, longer-lasting products.

You’ll need:

70% isopropyl alcohol (for sanitising)
Paper towels
Clean cloths
Airtight storage containers
Labels and markers

📝 Label everything with the product name and date — future you will thank you.

Packaging Equipment (Optional but Recommended)

If you plan to sell or gift your products, consider adding:

Jars, bottles, pumps, and droppers
Funnel
Heat gun or hair dryer (for removing bubbles in creams)
Label printer or waterproof labels

Start Small, Grow Smart

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with:

Safety gear
A digital scale
Basic mixing tools
A stick blender

As your confidence grows, you can invest in more specialised equipment.

Making your own soap and skincare products isn’t just a hobby — it’s a skill, a creative outlet, and for many, the beginning of a beautiful business journey 🌿