The Mission of the HSCG
The HSCG is a non-profit trade association serving the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry. The industry is diverse, encompassing up-and-coming artisan makers, established business making handcrafted soap and cosmetic products, vendors who provide products and services to the makers, and the general public as consumers of handcrafted soap and cosmetic products.
The mission of the organization is four-fold, addressing all the different parts that make up the industry as a whole. When combined, the individual aspects of our mission combine into a comprehensive plan to serve all the stakeholders of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry.
1. To promote and educate the public about the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry.
Away from marketing hype and advertising slogans, consumers can discover factual information about handcrafted soap and cosmetics. How is soap made? What ingredients are used? The Soap Gallery and the Cosmetic Gallery show examples of beautiful, artisnal products. Finally, the Store Locator and Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Directory provide ways to locate handcrafted soap or cosmetics available to purchase.
2. To act as a center of communication among, and to circulate information beneficial to, members of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry.
The HSCG works to provide important information to everyone in the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry through the HSCG website, Local Chapters, and on social media, especially our Facebook page. In addition, any person may Register on the site to receive any of our eNewsletters.
3. To foster the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry through education and training.
Education and training for all members of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry is of major importance to the HSCG. Soap and cosmetic making classes are listed on the HSCG website. The Annual Conference is open to both members and non-members and provides three days of classes and sessions at all levels on many subjects of interest. The How-To Library offers year-round access to articles and videos on a variety of topics and is adding new subject matter regularly.
For members, the HSCG offers a Certification Program with four levels (Basic, Advanced, Expert and Master) along three tracks (Cold/Hot Process Soapmaking, Melt & Pour Soapmaking and Cosmetic Making).
4. To represent the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry in matters concerning legislation and regulations affecting the industry.
New legislation at both the Federal and State levels is a major concern for the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry. The HSCG has been involved with Legislative Advocacy for over 10 years, representing the industry in many meetings each year with Members of Congress and others in Washington DC.