Soap Labels & Soap Packaging Ideas

how to make labels for soap

Soap labels you can custom order or print yourself

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You’ve crafted your soaps with care, from the perfect base to your signature fragrances and molds—now it’s time to give them the packaging they deserve. In this guide, we’ll walk you through soap label ideas, shape options, and design tips to make your soaps look as great as they smell, whether they’re for retail or gifting.

Using Avery labels makes designing your soap labels a breeze. With our free templates, you can create labels online, then print them at home or let Avery WePrint handle it for a professional finish. Already have your own design? No problem—just upload your artwork to our site and print or order your labels, all with ease.

One of the best parts? With Avery, you can order the exact label size you need at no extra cost, and there’s no minimum order. Whether you need a single sheet of blank labels or thousands of custom roll labels, we’ve got you covered.

get free soap label templates from Avery

What to include on your soap labels

When selling soap, it’s important to ensure your product complies with federal and state regulations. First, you’ll want to confirm that your product is classified as soap and not a cosmetic under FDA guidelines. Traditional soap is primarily made of alkalis and fats and is used solely for cleansing the body. If your product meets these criteria, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), not the FDA.

To help clarify the distinction, be sure to review the FDA’s guide Is it a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is it Soap?) and their Soap FAQs to determine how your product is regulated.

According to the CPSC, your soap must meet the following conditions:

  • It’s composed mostly of alkali salts of fatty acids.
  • It cleans through the soap’s ingredients alone (without additives like moisturizers or fragrances being marketed for other uses).
  • It’s marketed specifically as soap.

Once you’re certain your product is classified as soap, here’s what you need on your label:

  • Product Name
  • Net Weight
  • Business Name and Address

While listing ingredients isn’t mandatory, it’s a good practice. Today’s consumers are increasingly mindful of the ingredients in the products they use, especially when it comes to handcrafted or artisan items like soap.

Once you know what to include on your soap labels, then it’s time to decide what shape and size. Below we’ve included some of the most popular soap labeling ideas that are trending today. All of these soap label ideas can either be ordered professionally printed or you can print yourself using Avery Labels.

Rectangle Labels

Rectangle soap label examples

Rectangle labels are a versatile choice, especially for bottles, tubes, or boxed soap. Their clean lines and large surface area provide plenty of space for all the necessary details, such as your business name, product description, and ingredients.

For those selling in retail, the straight edges of rectangle labels make them easy to scan on shelves or in displays. Plus, with ample room for branding, they’re a great option to showcase your soap’s unique qualities and stand out from the competition.

Check out our free rectangle soap label templates.

Round Labels

Round soap label examples

Round labels are a perfect fit for circular or uniquely shaped soaps, as well as jars or tins used for solid soaps or balms. Their soft edges give a handcrafted, artisan feel, which can add a touch of charm to your soap packaging. Round labels also work well for smaller surfaces, offering a balanced, eye-catching look.

For soap sellers looking to emphasize a minimalist or eco-friendly vibe, round labels offer a sleek, modern appearance that pairs beautifully with handmade products. They’re ideal for showcasing your logo or highlighting key ingredients without overwhelming the design.

Check out our free soap label templates for round labels.

Oval Labels

Oval soap label examples

Oval labels offer a smooth, elegant look that complements a variety of soap shapes, whether you’re packaging bar soaps, tins, or boxes. Their curved design adds a refined touch, making your soap stand out on shelves while still providing ample space for essential information like your product name, scent, and ingredients.

For soap sellers looking to strike a balance between modern and classic, oval labels are a great choice. They can wrap neatly around irregularly shaped bars or give a stylish finish to rectangular and square packaging. Plus, they offer a distinctive look that sets your brand apart from the competition.

Check out our free soap label templates for oval labels.

Square Labels

Square soap label examples

Square labels offer a clean, structured look that works well for a variety of soap packaging, from boxes to flat bars. Their sharp lines and symmetrical shape create a modern, professional appearance, giving your soap packaging a polished finish. The uniformity of square labels also allows for easy stacking and alignment, making them a practical choice for retail displays.

For soap sellers, square labels are ideal when you need to feature a lot of information—like your soap’s ingredients, scent, and branding—without crowding the design. Their balanced shape works well for bold designs, helping your brand make a statement while staying organized and easy to read.

Check out our free soap label templates for square labels.

Wrap Labels

Soap wrap label examples

Wrap labels, or large rectangle labels are a fantastic choice for bar soaps, especially if you want a seamless design that covers most or all of your product. These long rectangle labels encircle your soap, offering plenty of space for branding, ingredients, and other details while keeping your packaging cohesive. Wrap labels are ideal for soap sellers who want to create a high-end, professional look that’s both practical and visually appealing.

For handmade or artisanal soaps, wrap labels provide a protective covering while showcasing the soap’s texture and design. They’re also great for retail environments, as they can fully display your brand’s message and make your product stand out on the shelf.

Check out our free rectangle soap label templates.

Arched Labels

arched soap label examples

Arched or dome-shaped labels bring a unique and stylish flair to your soap packaging. The curved top of these labels draws attention and adds a touch of elegance, making them perfect for soap bars, jars, or tins. Their distinctive shape helps your product stand out on shelves, giving it a more upscale, boutique feel.

For soap sellers looking to create a memorable brand identity, arched labels are ideal for showcasing your logo or highlighting a key ingredient. Their design works particularly well with vintage or artisanal branding, while still providing enough room for important details like your business name and product description.

Check out our free arched soap label templates.

Scalloped-Edge Labels

Scalloped soap labels

Scalloped edge labels offer a charming, handcrafted look that’s perfect for artisanal or handmade soaps. The soft, wavy edges create a playful yet elegant design, making your packaging feel unique and inviting. These labels are especially great for soap sellers looking to add a touch of personality to their products, giving them a more whimsical or vintage appearance.

The intricate edges of scalloped labels are perfect for highlighting special edition soaps, holiday collections, or gift sets. They work well on both flat and curved surfaces, allowing you to add a creative, boutique-style finish to jars, boxes, or bars.

Cigar Band Labels

Cigar band labels are a sophisticated choice for wrapping around bar soaps, providing a classic and stylish look. These labels typically feature a narrow band that encircles the soap, allowing for a clean presentation while highlighting your branding and product details. Cigar band labels are ideal for soap sellers who want to convey a sense of elegance and luxury.

This label style is particularly effective for showcasing special editions or premium products, making your soaps feel like a curated gift. Cigar band labels also allow for creative designs, whether you prefer bold graphics or delicate typography, ensuring your product stands out in any setting.

Custom Shapes

Custom-shaped labels allow you to break free from traditional designs and create packaging that truly reflects your brand’s identity. Whether you want a unique silhouette that mirrors your soap’s shape or a playful design that captures attention, custom shapes provide endless possibilities. For soap sellers, this means you can craft labels that enhance your product’s visual appeal and create a memorable experience for your customers.

They’re perfect for themed collections or seasonal offerings, allowing you to tailor your packaging to fit your brand’s aesthetic. Plus, with many Avery offering custom shapes at no extra cost, you can achieve a one-of-a-kind look without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Creating eye-catching labels for your soaps is essential for standing out in a competitive market and attracting customers. Whether you choose rectangle, round, oval, square, wrap, arched, scalloped, cigar band, or custom shape labels, each option offers unique benefits that can enhance your brand’s identity and appeal.

Remember to ensure your labels meet regulatory requirements while also reflecting the quality and craftsmanship of your handmade soaps. With the right label design, you can elevate your packaging, create a memorable impression, and ultimately drive sales. So, get started today and let your creativity shine!

No matter which method of designing and printing you decide to go with for your soap labels, Avery is here to help. Please reach out to us at (800) 462-8379 if you have any questions or need any help designing, printing, or ordering your soap labels.

Author: Melanie Neff

Melanie has an extensive writing background built on an impressive journalism foundation. As a reporter for USA Today and The Los Angeles Times for almost 20 years, she covered everything from the Los Angeles riots, fires, and floods to LA Lakers, Raiders and Clippers games and movie premieres. She followed her newspaper career with a long tenure covering commercial real estate financing and development. Melanie has been writing about small business marketing and labeling needs for the last 12 years. She thrives on reading, researching and expanding her knowledge of everything going on in today's business world and looks to provide the most valuable information she can to her readers.