Information to Include on Labels

The Basics

This varies by product, but here are the basics most makers need to consider:

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Your brand: Logo, business name, and any tagline. 

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Product Name and Description:  Beyond naming the product, this is a great place to add a little story or what makes it unique.

Contact information:  A website or email address. It builds trust and gives customers a way to reach you.

Location: Your city, state or country.  It adds a personal touch and connects customers to the story behind your product. Handmade in Madison, WI. or Made in USA.

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Label Requirements for Specific Products

If you make candles, skincare, food, or children's products, there are additional labeling requirements worth knowing about. The information below is a helpful starting point, but regulations change and vary by state, so always verify current requirements with the FDA, FTC, or your state's relevant agency before selling.

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Candles

Under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act your candle label needs three things:

• What it is: Candle, Scented Candle, Wax Melt. Your product name probably covers this.

• Net weight: Wax and fragrance only, not the container. Listed in both ounces and grams.

• Your business name and location: City and state. A website or email counts as the additional contact information required.

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​A fire safety warning is not legally required but is strongly recommended, as it protects your customers and you.

Avoid any claims like "relieves stress" or "promotes calm". These can trigger FDA regulations.

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Skincare, Lotion, Lip Balm & Bath Products

These products are regulated as cosmetics by the FDA. Your label needs to include:

• What it is: Body Lotion, Lip Balm, Bath Bomb, etc.

• Net weight or volume: Both ounces and grams.

• Ingredients: Listed in descending order by weight. You don't need to share your recipe, but every ingredient must be listed.

• Your business name, city, and state plus a website or email.

• Directions for safe use: When relevant, especially for anything with potential sensitivities.

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A note on soap: How you market your soap determines how it's regulated. Soap marketed only as something that cleans falls under simpler regulations. Soap marketed with claims like "moisturizes" or "softens skin" is classified as a cosmetic by the FDA and requires cosmetic labeling.

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• If your product is intended to treat or prevent a condition:  "heals eczema," "clears acne" then  it's classified as a drug under FDA regulations, which carries a significantly more involved set of requirements than cosmetic labeling.

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Food Products

If you sell food like baked goods, jams, spice blends, confections, then you likely fall under your state's cottage food laws, which vary significantly from state to state.

 

Most states require:

• Product name: What it is.

• Ingredients: Listed in descending order by weight.

• Major allergens: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame must be clearly declared.

• Net weight

• Your name and address

• A cottage food disclaimer along the lines of: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state or local health department." The exact wording varies by state.

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Cottage food businesses are generally exempt from FDA nutrition labeling requirements, meaning no nutrition facts panel is required. However, if you make any health or nutrition claims on your label, that exemption disappears.

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Because cottage food laws differ by state and change frequently, always verify your state's specific requirements before selling. A good starting resource is Forrager.com which tracks cottage food laws across all 50 states.

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Children's Products

If any of your products are intended for children under 12, there are additional federal safety requirements to be aware of, including safety testing and product tracking labels. Requirements vary by product type - toys, clothing, bath products, food, etc, so it's worth researching before you start selling. CPSC.gov is the best place to start.