About the HSCG
Originally created as The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, the association was formed in 1998 when a small group
of enterprising soapmakers who were looking for a way to connect, network and jointly promote the handcrafted soap industry met at the
Woodspirits Farm in Ohio. The first annual conference was held in Brainerd, Minnesota the following year.
Since its formation, the association has steadily grown in terms of both numbers of members and outreach into the
community and now has over 3,600 members located in nearly every US state and territory, and many other countries.
While many handcrafted soapmakers make, in addition to soap, handcrafted cosmetics including lotions, creams, salt or sugar
scrubs, bath fizzies, perfumes and other similar products, membership in the association was initially restricted to those who made
handcrafted soap or provided products or services for soapmakers. In February, 2013, the membership voted to expand the scope
of the association to include those who make only handcrafted cosmetics, but not handcrafted soap, and to change the name of
the association to The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.
The HSCG is registered as a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving the industry
of handcrafted soap and cosmetics which includes those individuals who make handcrafted soap and cosmetics, the vendors
and suppliers who serve them, the private label companies that sell handcrafted soap under their own label but do not manufacture it
and the general public as consumers of handcrafted soap and cosmetic products.
Membership
Membership is open to those who make any
type of handcrafted soap or cosmetics, the vendors who provide products
and/or services to them and businesses which private label handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics.
To serve these different participants in the industry, the HSCG offers several different types of membership:
- Handcrafter: for those who make handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics. There are 3 different types of Handcrafter memberships:
- Professional: For those who make and sell handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics. Insurance is included for members within
United States, and is and optional benefit for those in Canada (except Quebec).
- Novice: For those who make handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics, but do not yet sell to the public.
- Retired: For those who were members but no longer sell handcrafted soap or cosmetics, yet wish to maintiain a connection with the industry.
- Vendor: For those who sell products and/or services to those who make handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics.
- Private Label Distributor: For those who purchase handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics and market
those products under the private label distributor's own label(s)
Benefactor levels are also offered to members who wish to provide a higher level of support to the association.
Mission Statement
1. To promote and educate the public about the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry.
Away from marketing hype and advertising slogans, consumers can
discover factual information
about handcrafted soap and cosmetics. How is soap made?
What ingredients are used?
The Soap Gallery and the
Cosmetic Gallery show examples of
beautiful, artisanal products. Finally, the Store Locator
and Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Directory
provide ways to locate handcrafted soap or cosmetics available to purchase.
2. To act as a center of communication among, and to circulate information beneficial to,
members of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry.
The HSCG works to provide important information to everyone in the handcrafted soap and cosmetic
industry through the HSCG website, Local Chapters, and on social media, especially our
Facebook page.
In addition, any person may Register on the site
to receive any of our eNewsletters.
3. To foster the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry through education and training.
Education and training for all members of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry is of major
importance to the HSCG. Soap and cosmetic making classes are
listed on the HSCG website. The Annual Conference is open to both members and non-members
and provides 3 days of classes and sessions at all levels on many subjects of interest. The How-To Library
offers year-round access to articles and videos on a variety of topics and is adding new subject matter regularly.
For members, the HSCG offers a Certification Program with four levels (Basic, Advanced, Expert and Master)
along three tracks (Cold/Hot Process Soapmaking, Melt & Pour Soapmaking and Cosmetic Making).
4. To represent the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry in matters concerning legislation
and regulations affecting the industry.
New legislation at both the Federal and State levels is a major concern for the handcrafted soap and cosmetic
industry. The HSCG has been involved with Legislative Advocacy
for over 10 years, representing the industry in many meetings each year with Members of Congress and others in Washington DC.
