Good Manufacturing Practices

I get emails frequently asking how do they find out about GMP. Southern Soapers has a PDF compiled that has the FDA GMP Guidelines. (CLICK HERE FOR YOUR COPY) This is a great item to print off and keep as a manufacturing resource, whether you made just soap, or other cosmetics also.

The FDA GMP Guidelines may appear overwhelming, even if you are not new to the industry. In trying to implement them, use colored markers/highlighters. Highlight the ones that you know you can implement easily, or without undue stress. Next, using a different color highlighter select some more guidelines that you can adapt your manufacturing to with some minor changes. Perhaps you want to make another tier for a set of guidelines that is difficult, and last a highlighted set that seem to stretch your limits.

Ok, so now you have a rainbow colored set of guidelines. Concentrate on just ONE COLOR at a time. Set a short term goal to implement the easiest ones first, and work you way up the rainbow of difficulty. I recommend one color per quarter. This lets these manufacturing practices become the standard for you, something you do in your business on a routine, and without thinking about it. Move on to a new color of guidelines each quarter.

If you are a home based soap or cosmetics business there are going to be some on the guidelines that you simply can not do. That is ok because, remember… that FDA list is a list of “GUIDELINES“, not laws or regulations. The FDA GMP Guidelines are ‘best practices”. They are not mandatory for cosmetics (but they are for OTC Drugs and pharmaceuticals!). Your home based business is unique, and you have to use your best judgement as Chief Director in which guidelines you implement.

Any you incorporate into your business make it easier for you later when you take your business to the next level. Implementing GMP in your operations helps set the ground work for a strong business, superior products, and greater success as your business grows.