--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc" developer_entity: "Brewer's Friend" bundle_id: "com.soapmakingfriend.soapmf" app_store_id: "1633932803" category: "Lifestyle" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Freemium" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-05-15" report_date: "2026-09-15" last_verified: "2026-09-15T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "1.7.12" total_reviews: 258 overall_rating: 4.5 sentiment: "Mixed" sentiment_score: 55 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.7 top_praise_theme: "The soap calculator provides essential formulation tools that simplify complex chemistry for hobbyist soap makers" top_complaint_theme: "Frequent application crashes and instability during recipe editing frustrate users who have paid for premium access" review_sample_size: 52 total_review_count: 52 analyzed_review_count: 52 data_age_days: 16 momentum_velocity: "maintenance" intelligence_version: 2 tags: ["lifestyle", "freemium", "mixed sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "hobbyist", "professional", "makers"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/soapmaking-friend-soap-calc" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Lifestyle · Freemium - **Signal**: Rating 4.47 · Sentiment Mixed - **Recent focus**: Frequent application crashes and instability during recipe editing frustrate users who have paid for premium access (top complaint) · The soap calculator provides essential formulation tools that simplify complex chemistry for hobbyist soap makers (top praise) > **TL;DR:** Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc is a lifestyle app by Brewer's Friend, rated 4.47/5 by 258 users, with Mixed user sentiment (55/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc shows Mixed sentiment (4.47/5 from 258 reviews) - users praise the soap calculator provides essential formulation tools that simplify complex chemistry for hobbyist soap makers but report issues with frequent application crashes and instability during recipe editing frustrate users who have paid for premium access. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.47/5 (258 reviews) | | **User Mood** | Mixed | | **Category** | Lifestyle | | **Developer** | Brewer's Friend | | **Pricing** | Freemium | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.7/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 16d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Brewer's Friend - **Category:** Lifestyle - **Target Audience:** Hobbyist and professional soap makers who require precise recipe formulation and business-grade inventory management. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Reviewed:** 1.7.12 - **Report Date:** 2026-09-15 - **Signal Count:** 52 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.7/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 1633932803 - **Bundle ID:** com.soapmakingfriend.soapmf - **Google Play ID:** com.soapmakingfriend.soapmf - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-09-15 ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Soapmaking Friend is a soap formulation and inventory management app for hobbyists and professionals on iOS and Android. **Why users hire it:** It replaces manual saponification spreadsheets with an integrated tool that tracks ingredient costs and curing batches, removing the cognitive load of complex chemistry calculations. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Standard] Soap and Lye Calculator:** Calculates saponification values for liquid or solid soap recipes with adjustable water, lye concentration, and superfat levels. - **[Differentiator] Inventory and Supplier Tracking:** Manages ingredient stock levels, supplier details, and purchase history to track production costs. * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Differentiator] Batch Management:** Tracks curing time, techniques, and temperatures for specific production batches with automated cost breakdowns. * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. ## Market Position {#market-position} Soapmaking Friend serves a specialized niche in the Lifestyle category, maintaining a 4.68 rating on iOS and 4.31 on Android. The lack of recent major feature updates suggests a maintenance-focused position that relies on core utility rather than rapid expansion. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Freemium - **Tiers:** Free tier with 2 recipe and 1 batch limit, Premium tier at $5.99/month for unlimited recipes, unlimited batches, and priority support - **Analysis:** The freemium model uses strict usage caps on recipes and batches to convert hobbyists into paying subscribers. ## 🟡 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 52 of 52 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.47/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.7/5 (110 ratings) | Android 4.3/5 (148 ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Mixed ### Top Praises - **The soap calculator provides essential formulation tools that simplify complex chemistry for hobbyist soap makers** - **Community recipe sharing features allow users to discover new inspiration and expand their soap making knowledge** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Frequent application crashes and instability during recipe editing frustrate users who have paid for premium access** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Integrated saponification calculator simplifies complex chemistry for hobbyist formulation. - Community recipe database increases session frequency via inspiration loops. **Growth Levers:** - Offline-first architecture would differentiate the platform from cloud-dependent rivals in workshop environments. - Improved mold volume scaling accuracy would reduce material waste complaints. ## What's New - **Latest (v1.7.12, 4 months ago):** Optimized recipe saving flow alongside general performance and stability patches. - **Last Major (v1.7.12, 4 months ago):** Optimized the recipe saving workflow. ## App Momentum (Maintenance) {#momentum} - Ships bug fixes at ~17-week cadence. - Latest release optimized recipe saving flow. > **Cadence:** 1 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 123 days since last update ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc is a lifestyle app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.47/5 rating from 258 reviews, it shows mixed user reception. > **Bottom Line:** Addressing the stability issues and offline access limitations is essential to retaining the professional segment. If Soapmaking Friend fails to provide a reliable, workshop-ready tool, users will migrate to more stable, specialized calculators, eroding the current subscription base. **Best for:** Hobbyist and professional soap makers who require precise recipe formulation and business-grade inventory management. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [INVEST] Ship offline mode for saved recipes because it is the top-requested missing feature → reduce churn among workshop-based users. ### Outlook: Mixed The soap-making utility market is consolidating around tools that offer high-precision formulation and reliable offline access. Soapmaking Friend remains exposed due to its maintenance-mode cadence and stability issues, which will likely lead to churn if competitors prioritize offline-first workflows. - 🔴 Persistent application crashes during recipe editing erode user trust, which directly threatens the conversion rate of the premium subscription tier. - 🔴 Mandatory online connectivity requirements prevent access to recipes in workshop environments, driving negative sentiment and requests for an offline mode. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.47/5 | | Total Reviews | 258 | | Sentiment | Mixed (55/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Freemium | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Outlook | Mixed | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Soapmaking Friend – Soap Calc** (this app) | 4.47/5 | Mixed | Brewer's Friend | | [Alarmy - Loud alarm clock](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmy-loud-alarm-clock) | 4.8/5 | Excited | Delight Room Co., Ltd. | | [Journey - Diary, Journal](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-journey-ios-app) | 4.6/5 | Excited | Two App Studio Pte. Ltd. | | [Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat](https://marlvel.ai/apps/tinder-dating-app-date-chat) | 4.0/5 | n/a | Tinder LLC | | [Alarmie: Easy Rise Alarm Clock](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmie-easy-rise-alarm-clock) | 4.4/5 | Mixed | Jintian Wang | | [AlarmMon ( alarm clock )](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmmon-alarm-clock) | 4.3/5 | n/a | Malang Studio Co. Ltd, | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Brewer's Friend - **Website:** [https://www.soapmakingfriend.com](https://www.soapmakingfriend.com) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/soapmakingfriend) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/soapmaking.friend.support) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soapmaking-friend-soap-calc/id1633932803?uo=4) - **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.soapmakingfriend.soapmf&hl=en&gl=us) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.soapmakingfriend.com) - **Sources:** Developer website content, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Alarmy - Loud alarm clock*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmy-loud-alarm-clock) (Delight Room Co., Ltd.) · 4.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Journey - Diary, Journal*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-journey-ios-app) (Two App Studio Pte. Ltd.) · 4.6/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Tinder Dating App: Date & Chat*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/tinder-dating-app-date-chat) (Tinder LLC) · 4.0/5 Rating - [*Alarmie: Easy Rise Alarm Clock*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmie-easy-rise-alarm-clock) (Jintian Wang) · 4.4/5 Rating - [*AlarmMon ( alarm clock )*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/alarmmon-alarm-clock) (Malang Studio Co. Ltd,) · 4.3/5 Rating - [*Amora: A Hint of Your Soulmate*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/amora-a-hint-of-your-soulmate) (Lit Apps LLC (Mobile)) · 4.6/5 Rating - [*Swiftime*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/swiftime) (MEDIANO Co.,Ltd.) · 4.5/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*마주*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/an-offline-network-where-you-meet-through-qr-codes) (lvher) · N/A Rating - [*모앗*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/moat-moatapp) (JUNSEOK LEE) · N/A Rating - [*야기*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/tistory-88yhtserof-yagi) (Yunhwi Lim) · N/A Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Soapmaking Friend suitable for professional soap makers? Yes, the app includes inventory and supplier tracking, batch management, and cost analysis features designed for those managing production, though stability issues currently affect the experience. ### Does Soapmaking Friend work without an internet connection? No, the app currently requires an active internet connection to access saved recipes, which is a common point of frustration for users in workshop settings. ### What happens if I don't pay for the premium subscription? The free tier limits users to 2 recipes and 1 batch, which may be sufficient for hobbyists but restricts the inventory and cost analysis tools needed for business use. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.7/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 52 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 16 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/soapmaking-friend-soap-calc) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.