Certified Soap Makers?

I am starting to see a lot of people adding to their websites that they are "Certified Soapmakers"
It would seem that their are different levels of the certification process.
In searching the web I have only found one site that offers certification for soap making.
While their intentions are good I think that it is unfair to those that have been making handcrafted soaps for years now.
Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has developed the program, which is offered to their members.
The certification program seems very well covered.
I think even this soap maker of over 40 years, might learn a thing or two!
The only drawback would be that only people that make handcrafted soaps and follow the handcrafted soap industry would know what the certification process covers.
As it is stated on their website "to encourage and promote the highest professional standards among HSMG members."
Does that give HSMG members an unfair advanage ? Being able to add to their websites that they are certified soapmakers, without adding that it is for HSMG members only, it would make people assumed that there is a standard when it comes to making handcrafted soaps.
I agree that there should be a national standard for soap making, along with shampoo, sugar scrubs, body lotions, and all the other bath products.
I think the FDA covers most of it. I would much rather see a government certification program, if there are to be any.
I now have the choice of joining HSMG and pay to take their certification test, which if I passed would give me the right to say I am a "certified soapmaker" on my websites, blogs, facebook and twitter.
I did email the president of HSMG voicing my concern that "certified soapmaker" might give the general public a false impression that there is a set standard for soapmakers. She was kind enough to reply."As the only non-profit trade association for handcrafted soapmakers, we have developed the Certification Program to help the industry as a whole by creating a set of standards. Our logo as well as the HSMG Certification logos clearly have the HSMG symbol in them and are very similar to each other making it very clear where the program originated."
HSMG has even hired a DC Advocate to help be a voice for handcrafted soapmakers and setting standards for soapmakers.
Should there be a national standard for soapmakers?
From the handcrafted soapmakers that I know, we all take pride in creating our handcrafted soaps. We know that selling our soaps, we have to be consistent with all of our products. I am sure that there are some soapmakers that take shortcuts just like any other industry. They will be the ones that will not get repeat sales, or they will stop taking shorcuts.
Now I could join and become a " Certified Soapmaker", or I can choose not to and say "I am not a certified soapmaker", with over 40 years experience in making handcrafted soaps. Who knows one day I might, but until then I will still take pride in the way I make my soaps, knowing that only the best will be given to family and friends, because If my soaps are not good enough for my family to use then I know they are not good enough to be sold.
To all my fellow soapmakers that take pride in crafting the best handcrafted soaps I give you the title " Master Soapmaker!"

Why do so many soapers mislead with their ads? I know it really comes down to getting people to buy their products.
Over the last few months we have seen a lot of people and companies trying to regulate our industry. We are not helping ourselves by misleading the consumers.
Two or three times a week, I check out other handmade soap web sites. I would have to say well over 50% cross the line on making false claims.
We need to take responsibility and police our own industry. From reading some of these medical claiming ads "Scented with sweet orange, rosemary, and ylang-ylang essential oils, which work to refresh and soften the skin as well as generate new skin cells"
Generate new skin cells? Just wait a minute and skin cells will regenerate on their own. Dead skin cells are replaced every minute by new skin cells, which are again replaced by new cells when they die because each skin cells lifetime is not more than a minute. I guess the point I want to get across is that a natural handmade soap will not cure your skin problems, even if they have exotic ingredients. Handmade soaps don't have added chemicals such as petroleum products.
A few years ago there was a caffeine soap fad, where pure caffeine was used in handmade soaps.
The claim was that it would help in waking you up.
That was until a study was done. Caffeine Soap http://scienceforums.com/topic/1320-does-caffinated-soap-really-work

Now we are seeing handmade soaps that list the benefits of using tree tea oil, lavender, vitamins along with a ton of other exotic plants and oils.
The truth is, there are no studies indicating that using handmade soaps with exotic ingredients benefit the skin. (Think about it, soap is put on and rinsed off in a matter of minutes.)
So why buy handmade soaps?

A good handmade bar of soap can help moisturize your skin. It smell good!
A person makes the soaps, not a machine in some factory. Soap makers put their heart and soul into making a batch of soap. We get more satisfaction knowing that someone uses our soaps to feel good and refresh, than making a living from selling our soaps. Creating a soap that will help you to relax, and indulge for a few minute of luxury. Most handmade soaps are a cottage industry business, that help provides jobs, So next time you get ready for a bath, grab that handmade bar of soap, lather up, relax, and escape to your own little world!
Here at Eros Soaps we are not going to get rich, but we will get the satisfaction of knowing that our soaps are bought because you love them!