PetalMade Guides
Expert tutorials, tips, and resources for candle makers, soap makers, perfumers, and artisan creators. Learn formulation, compliance, and business strategies.
Batch Tracking for Candle Makers: Why It Matters and How to Do It
Batch tracking protects your business, satisfies wholesale buyers, and makes quality control possible. Learn what to record, how to set up a system, and avoid common mistakes.
Batch Tracking for Soap Makers: Why Lot Numbers Matter
Batch tracking transforms soap making from guesswork into a system you can troubleshoot and scale. Learn what to record, how to track cure times, and when batches are ready to sell.
Candle Inventory Tracking: Spreadsheet vs. Software
When spreadsheets break down and how to decide if inventory software is worth the investment. Compare tracking methods, costs, and features for candle makers.
Soap Curing Times Explained: The Science Behind the Wait
Why cold process soap needs 4-6 weeks to cure. Understand water evaporation, crystal formation, pH stabilization, and how to test if your soap is ready to sell.
Reed Diffuser IFRA Limits Explained: What Changed and Why It Matters
IFRA 49th Amendment moved reed diffusers from Category 11 to stricter Category 10A. Learn what changed, how to check your formulas, and fix non-compliant recipes.
How to Price Handmade Soap: The True Cost Formula
Stop underpricing your soap. Learn the true cost formula that accounts for materials, labor, overhead, cure time, and fees—plus realistic pricing for retail, wholesale, and markets.
How to Price Handmade Candles: The True Cost Formula
Stop underpricing your candles. Learn the complete cost formula that accounts for materials, labor, overhead, and fees—so you can actually make a profit.
How to Calculate Lye for Cold Process Soap: The Complete Guide
Master lye calculations for cold process soap. Learn SAP values, superfat percentages, water ratios, and the chemistry behind safe soap formulation.
How to Calculate Fragrance Load for Candles: The Complete Guide
Master fragrance load calculations for perfect candle scent throw. Learn the exact formulas, percentages by wax type, and avoid common mistakes that ruin scent performance.
IFRA Compliance for Skincare Products: Leave-On Limits That Actually Restrict You
Skincare has the strictest IFRA limits of any handmade product category. Learn which categories apply, how to check limits, and why your favorite fragrance might be prohibited in lotion.
IFRA Compliance for Candle Makers: Complete 2025 Guide (October Deadline)
Everything candle makers need to know about IFRA compliance, the October 2025 deadline, and how to protect your business with proper fragrance safety standards.
IFRA Category 9 Compliance for Soap Makers: Complete 2025 Guide
Soap makers face stricter IFRA limits than candle makers. Learn about Category 9, fragrance restrictions, essential oil limits, eugenol calculations, and how to keep your formulations compliant.
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