Small-batch skincare and body products

Online shoppers, visitors to craft fairs and markets, and local gift shops, boutiques and salons.

Selling direct at retail prices through your own website, marketplaces and markets. Wholesale to shops at a lower price brings in larger orders.

• Careful, consistent working and record keeping
• Basic product formulation and hygiene
• Branding and selling online

• UK cosmetics rules: check you need a safety report for each product, a named Responsible Person and notification on the government portal before selling
• Labelling requirements, including ingredients list and any warnings, and rules on what claims you can make
• Product liability insurance, and check whether your home insurance, landlord or mortgage lender allows production at home
• Good manufacturing practice, batch records and keeping a separate clean workspace
• Check with your council whether any rules apply to your home workspace or premises

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on your range, ingredients, equipment, packaging and safety paperwork. Product liability insurance is also worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on your range, pricing and where you sell, such as online, markets or local shops. Estimates start from around 8 hours a week, and this is revenue before costs.

Check whether you need a safety report for each product, a named Responsible Person and notification on the government portal before selling. Also check labelling and claims rules, and whether your insurer, landlord or mortgage lender allows production at home.