Ideas for Labeling and Packaging Handmade Soap

Cigar Band Soap Labels

This​ cigar band label is a simple piece of cardstock with the name of the soap and ingredient information on it, wrapped around the bar either horizontally or vertically.

One advantage of cigar band labels is that they are easy to make, and can be printed simply at home. However, a drawback of cigar bands is shrinkage: Even after you label it, the soap will continue to cure, and when water evaporates out, the soap shrinks a bit. 

Shrink Wrapped Soap Labels

On the other hand, if you want your soap to be completely protected from dirt, fingers, and scratches, shrink wrapping may be the best way to go.

The advantage of shrink wrap is that it's a nice, clean, well-protected covering for your soap. The disadvantage is that unless you leave a part of the label open, you can't smell it.

Soap Boxes and Other Complete Covers

One easy way to package your soap is to drop it in an appropriately sized box. Many companies sell soapboxes, and you can just add your own label and/or graphics to it.

You can also use a custom box with a die-cut cutout in it. It looks professional and gives a little window onto the soap so that you can see its color. But even without a window, a soapbox looks clean and finished, and you can use all the sides for text and information.

Another option in the "box" category is the soap on the bottom. While not in a box, it's completely wrapped in paper, like a Christmas present, with a label added.

Wrapping Round Soaps

If you make round soaps in PVC pipe molds, you have a different challenge: the shape of the soap. You can shrink wrap them, or use a coffee filter or a round piece of paper and wrap that around the soap. Then, place a label firmly over the edges of the paper. It's a simple, clean, attractive way to wrap round soaps.

Half Box Soap Wrapping

The "half box" is a combination of the cigar band and the full box that covers the soap on five sides with a box, but leaves the top of the soap exposed. The advantage is that the soap is well covered and stable (especially on its base) but still gives you a clear view of the soap and allows you to smell it.

Specialty Soap Wrappings: Boxes and Bags

Sometimes a plain old soap wrapper just isn't enough and you need specialty bags and boxes for soap.

A mesh "scrubbie" bag in the shower will have the same effect as a scrubbie embedded in the soap. Like felted soap, you never actually see the bar of soap inside.

A leaf-shaped molded soap in an attractive see-through fabric organza bag.

More Specialty Soap Wrappings

Alternatively, you can see the flip side of the soap in the fabric organza bag with the label tucked in lets you see the flip side of the soap. and the tucked the label in.

The soap on the left is a felted soap, also in an organza bag. The soap on the right is a regular-sized bar of soap in a special plastic box with a special custom medallion and label.