Handmade solid soaps and cosmetics with local ingredients
Starting costs about $3,910 in the United States and 678,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,120 net per month in the United States and 301,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 9 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 250 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,910 | $1,120 |
| Nigeria | 678,000 NGN | 301,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £2,670 | £792 |
| Kenya | 174,000 KES | 36,300 KES |
| India | 84,800 INR | 26,500 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Consumers want simpler, plastic-free cosmetics made from natural local ingredients, but options remain expensive or industrial.
The solution
Make small batches of cold-process soaps, solid shampoos and balms from local oils, clays and plants, compliant with cosmetics rules.
Your customers
Eco-minded consumers, gift and craft shops, hotels and guesthouses for their bathrooms, and tourist markets.
How you make money
Soaps retail at €5 to €10, €3 to €6 wholesale, gift boxes at €20 to €40.
Competition
A saturated market: many artisan soap makers, organic supermarket brands, home production and well-known brands online.
Who has an edge
A precise, creative person trained in cosmetic formulation who can tell a strong local story and cares about packaging.
The risks
Demanding cosmetics rules (safety assessment, labelling), heavy competition, seasonal gift sales and downward price pressure.
The first 3 steps
- Take a recognised cold-process soap making course
- Find out about the mandatory cosmetic safety assessment
- Test three recipes with twenty users for a month
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,900 − costs €2,100 = €800 net per month. Revenue: 300 soaps × €7 + 30 gift boxes × €27. Costs: oils and butters, packaging, markets and fairs, online shop, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Handmade soaps?
About $3,910 (United States), 678,000 NGN (Nigeria), £2,670 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 250 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,120 (United States), 301,000 NGN (Nigeria), £792 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 9 months, with 25 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Demanding cosmetics rules (safety assessment, labelling), heavy competition, seasonal gift sales and downward price pressure.
Where do I start?
1. Take a recognised cold-process soap making course 2. Find out about the mandatory cosmetic safety assessment 3. Test three recipes with twenty users for a month
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