Startup cost: $200 - $2.5k

Low-end estimate includes basic ingredients (oils, lye, fragrances, colorants) and minimal equipment (molds, thermometer, scale, mixing tools). Essential platforms might be a simple website or Etsy store, with DIY branding and packaging. High-end estimate covers premium ingredients, professional molds, and equipment like a soap cutter and curing racks. It also includes professional branding, packaging, a custom website, and initial advertising on social media. Hidden costs can include shipping supplies, transaction fees, and ongoing marketing expenses. Online communities often note that costs can increase as the business scales or as quality improves.