Find the Best Soap Making Supplies in Europe

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Ever since I decided to start making soap, I was looking for e-shops which sell good quality soap making supplies in Europe at a good price. Of course, I was a fan of Bramble Berry, but I definitely didn't want to pay the high postage costs and clear taxes if necessary.

If you’re also like me, a passionate soap maker based in Europe, you probably have struggled with the same questions. Whether you're making soaps as a creative hobby or looking to turn your passion into a small business, finding the best soap making kit for adults (yes, for adults, because there are many small-sized kits for kids to play around with) that balances quality and price can make all the difference. As someone who’s tried multiple suppliers across Europe, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. I’m here to share my experience, give you insights into the best shops for soap making supplies in Europe, and make your soaping journey easier.

Whether you're in the UK or residing in Europe, sourcing the right soap making supplies is essential, from molds to oils, butters, and NaOH for cold-process soap making. In this guide, I’ll go over some trustworthy suppliers that offer high-quality raw ingredients, packaging, and tools. I’ll also weigh the pros and cons of various shops, including pricing, shipping fees, customer service, environmental impact, and much more. Let me know in the comments if you have found any of these suggestions useful, or you are using a different shop for soap making supplies in Europe (I'd be happy to expand my network too).

Why Finding the Right Soap Making Supplies in Europe Matters

When I started making natural soap at home, I quickly realized that the quality of your soap is directly tied to the quality of the ingredients and tools you use. Your molds, soap cutters, and raw ingredients like oils and butters play a crucial role in how your soap turns out. Plus, if you’re looking to scale up and sell your soaps, the cost of supplies, along with shipping fees and sourcing, needs to be carefully managed to keep your profit margins intact.

It can be tricky, especially when you're starting out. But after testing and ordering from numerous websites across Europe, I’ve found some gems that offer fantastic options for soap making kits for beginners, as well as bulk supplies for more advanced soap makers.

Below are some of my favorite sellers of soap making supplies in Europe.

Behawe: European Soap Making Supplies that are Reliable and of High-Quality

Behawe is one of my go-to places when it comes to ordering raw ingredients, especially when I’m looking for premium quality butters and oils. Based in Germany, they offer a large selection of soap making supplies in Europe. What I love most is their attention to detail, with a wide range of high-quality oils like olive oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter - perfect for those making cold-process soaps.

Pros:

• Product Diversity: They have a wide range of products, from natural soap making supplies to more specialized ingredients like clays, essential oils, and additives.
• Quality: Their oils and butters are always fresh and of premium quality. I’ve never had an issue with rancid oils, which can sometimes be a problem with lower-quality suppliers.
• Price: The pricing is competitive, especially if you’re buying in bulk. For example, shea butter is around €8 per 100g, but you get discounts when purchasing larger quantities.
• Sustainability: They have a good focus on eco-friendly packaging and sourcing ingredients sustainably.

Cons:

• Shipping Costs: Shipping can be pricey if you’re not in Germany or nearby. I usually spend around €10-15 on shipping to the Netherlands, which is not ideal if you’re placing small orders.
• Site Navigation: The website is a bit outdated and slow, which can make browsing frustrating at times.

Dragonspice: Affordable Prices and Great Customer Service

Dragonspice is another German supplier I have considered, especially when I need more affordable options. They’re well known for their reasonable prices, which makes them an excellent choice for beginners looking for a soap making kit for adults that doesn’t break the bank.

Pros:

• Price: You really can’t beat their pricing. For example, their coconut oil is only €4 per 100g, and lye (NaOH) costs about €3 for 500g. These prices are some of the best I’ve found in Europe.
• Customer Service: They are very responsive, and their customer service team always addresses concerns quickly.
• Shipping Speed: Orders are processed fast, and even though they are based in Germany, my orders to the Netherlands usually arrive within a week.

Cons:

• Limited Product Range: While they offer the essentials, Dragonspice doesn’t have as much variety as some other suppliers when it comes to additives and specialty ingredients.
• Shipping Costs: Again, if you’re outside of Germany, shipping can add up. I’ve spent €12 on shipping for smaller orders before, which can make it less cost-effective unless you’re buying in bulk.

YouWish: Fantastic Variety and User-Friendly Interface

YouWish is a Netherlands-based supplier that I have ordered few times from. They offer everything you could need when looking for soap making supplies in Europe - from molds to raw ingredients, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned soap makers. They are also the official Bramble Berry reseller in Europe, so that's also good if you want to make some of the recipes from the renown website with their original ingredients.

Pros:

• Variety: They offer everything from basic homemade soap making kits to high-end butters, oils, colorants, and fragrances. Whether you’re just starting or making a custom batch for your soap business, YouWish has you covered.
• Price: Slightly more expensive than Dragonspice, but the quality is consistently high. For example, their cocoa butter is €12 per 100g, but the freshness and purity are worth the price.
• User-Friendly Website: Their website is modern and easy to navigate, with fast loading times and clear product categories.
• Shipping Costs: Since they are based in the Netherlands, shipping costs are low if you’re in the country or neighboring areas. I usually spend around €5-7 on shipping, and orders arrive within days.

Cons:

• Price: While their quality is exceptional, some of their products are on the pricier side compared to German suppliers. If you're buying in bulk, this can add up.

Online Zeepwinkel: Great for Bulk Purchases

Online Zeepwinkel is another Netherlands-based shop that I recommend for those looking to buy in bulk. They have a wide range of ingredients, and the more you buy, the better the prices. It was actually the first shop I bought from when I was starting making soap as a hobby. The thing that I didn't like at the time (and haven't repeated a purchase therefore) was that there were no expiration dates or origin mentioned on the products. However, if you are using the ingredients for yourself only (thus, not selling products made by these soap making supplies), it's probably fine.

Pros:

• Bulk Discounts: If you’re looking to scale up your soap business, this is a great option. Their prices drop significantly when you buy larger quantities. For example, lye (NaOH) costs €2 per 500g when you buy more than 1kg at a time.
• Product Variety: They offer everything from raw materials to soap-making molds and packaging, so you can get all your supplies in one place.

Cons:

• Shipping: Shipping costs are higher than I’d like for smaller orders. I usually end up paying around €10 for shipping to the Netherlands, which makes smaller purchases less appealing.
• User Interface: Their website can be difficult to navigate at times, but they have recently been improving it.

Manske-Shop: A German Supplier with Excellent Raw Materials

Manske-Shop is a hidden gem I recently stumbled upon. They specialize in high-quality oils, butters, and additives that are perfect for luxurious soap making. You can also find some exclusive soap making supplies that you often can't find in other webshops, such as coffee butter or neem oil.

Pros:

• High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of their oils and butters is top-notch. I’ve been really happy with the results, especially when making more luxurious soaps for my small business.
• Sustainable Sourcing: They focus on sustainably sourced ingredients, which is a big plus for me.

Cons:

• Price: Their prices are on the higher end. For example, almond oil costs €10 per 100g. While the quality is fantastic, you’ll want to consider whether the price is worth it for your specific needs.
• Shipping Costs: Similar to other German suppliers, shipping costs can add up if you’re outside Germany. Expect to pay around €10-15 for shipping.

Cosmeda: High-Quality Additives and Colorants

Cosmeda is another German-based supplier that’s fantastic for those looking for high-quality additives, essential oils, and colorants for their soap. Personally, I have not ordered from them yet, but it's on my list for some pigments I want to try out as an experiment in the future.

Pros:

• Wide Selection of Additives: If you’re experimenting with different textures and colors in your soaps, Cosmeda offers a great range of micas, pigments, and essential oils.
• Trusted by Professionals: Many small businesses swear by Cosmeda for its quality and professionalism.

Cons:

• Price: Cosmeda’s prices can be on the higher side. For instance, their essential oils range between €15-20 per 100g.
• Shipping Costs: If you’re outside Germany, shipping can add up, making it less cost-effective for smaller purchases.

Choosing the Right Soap Molds for Your Creations

One aspect of sourcing soap making supplies in Europe that often gets overlooked is the importance of choosing the right molds. The mold you use can greatly influence not only the shape and size of your soap but also its overall aesthetic and ease of removal.

There are several types of molds available, each with its own pros and cons. Silicone molds are the most popular among soap makers due to their flexibility, which makes it easier to remove the soap once it has hardened. They also come in various shapes and sizes, from simple rectangular bars to intricate floral designs. Wooden molds are great for those making larger batches, as they allow you to slice the soap into custom sizes.

Another factor to consider is whether you want individual cavity molds or loaf molds. While individual molds are great for making uniform soaps, loaf molds allow you to cut the soap into bars after it has set, giving you more control over the final shape. Investing in high-quality molds not only ensures that your soap looks professional but also makes the soap-making process smoother and more enjoyable, especially for beginners exploring homemade soap making kits.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Soap Making Supplies in Europe

Finding the right soap making kit for adults can take some trial and error, but once you find your go-to suppliers, your soap-making process becomes so much easier and more efficient. Whether you’re based in the UK or anywhere in Europe, there are plenty of options out there to suit your budget and needs.

If you’re a beginner, I’d recommend starting with YouWish or Dragonspice for their great customer service and affordable starter kits. For more experienced soap makers, suppliers like Behawe and Manske-Shop offer high-quality ingredients that will make your soaps stand out.

Wherever you are in your soap making journey, you now have a variety of shops that sell soap making supplies in Europe to choose from, helping you create the perfect handmade soaps from scratch! You just have to look out and calculate your profit margins when ordering, in order to stay on the plus side.

This article was all about where to find soap making supplies in Europe. If you consider the user experience with these shops for soap making supplies in Europe smooth and easy, let the other readers know by mentioning that in a comment below. If you thought the user experience was not great - please mention that as well and the reasons why you thought so - this can be helpful to people who have not purchased from these webshops yet. In case you buy your soap making supplies from a different European shop, also feel free to write it below, as it can be of great contribution to all of us soap makers! 🙂