1. business and industrial
2. energy
3. oil

Atomic Bath:
Making Bath Bombs
for Fun & Profit
Featuring:
Ingredients : Recipes
Supplies : Safety Notes
Marketing Tips & More!
MakeBathBombs.com
inside
What is a Bath Bomb, Anyway?
Getting Started: Ingredients
& Supplies
Keeping It Clean & Safety Notes
Developing Your Brand: Labels,
Packaging & Required Information
Creative Promotion on a Shoestring
The Recipes & Variation Ideas
Recommended Resources
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun or Profit! - ISBN 0-9770015-1-2
© 2007. Published by The Creative Concept. All Rights Reserved.
Purchase of any of our titles constitutes (1) user license. The contents MAY NOT be excerpted, distributed, repackaged, resold
or otherwise shared in ANY manner without prior written consent of copyright owner. Copyright violations will be pursued to the
fullest extent of the law.
Warranty Disclaimer:
The Make Bath Bombs website and its associated materials and products are provided "as is" and without warranties of any kind,
whether express or implied. The Creative Concept accepts no liability for any product created using materials included in this
publication. Readers are advised to carefully read all instructions before attempting to undertake any projects featured here.
The information in this e-booklet has not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. These materials are only intended to be general
summary information to the public. The materials included for products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.
What is a Bath
Bomb, Anyway?
B
ath bombs, bath fizzies, bath
tablets -- whatever you call them,
these fun and fizzy bath treats have
become one of the most popular bath
and body care products around. From
large retail giants to the corner drug
store, bath bombs are offered in a
wide variety of shapes, scents, and
sizes. With a few basic ingredients,
a perfected recipe, and the right tools
-- you could be well on your way to
creating bath bombs for fun, friends,
or for profit!
One little known fact about bath
bombs is that they are both simple,
and inexpensive to make. The
average cost per bath bomb is
between $.05-.30 each. But consider
this -- these little gems retail for
anywhere from $1.00 - $7.50 each,
depending upon the type, size and
ingredients included.
Wouldn't it be great to get a piece
of that market? If you enjoy making
your own toiletries or craft projects,
and have ever considered starting
a business that you can own and
operate from home, bath bombs
may be the perfect fit for you. The
ingredients are readily available, they
aren't complicated to make, and they
can generate large profits. All you
need to do is learn the technique,
practice, perfect a formula -- and
launch your business!
The Atomic Bath e-book will provide
you with several variations of bath
bomb recipes, incorporating typical
ingredients. The majority of these
ingredients will be accessible from
most grocery, discount, or bulk-retail
stores. If you are unable to source
a particular ingredient where you
live, or just wish to purchase in a
larger quantity, our Recommended
Resources section will provide you
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
with plenty of suppliers
for all of your bath bomb
needs.
So - What is a Bath
Bomb, Anyway?
Simply put, a bath bomb
is a fizzing tablet or
ball used in the bath.
The active ingredients,
citric acid and sodium
bicarbonate (also known
as baking soda), create
a chemical reaction
when dissolved in water.
The reaction causes
carbon dioxide to be
released into the water,
emitting bubbles.
Aside from the bubbling
visual appeal of bath
bombs, they offer a
practical use as well.
Many bath bombs are
formulated with skinsoftening oils such as
grapeseed, coconut, apricot kernel
and avocado oil; these oils, while
included in relatively small amounts,
result in big benefits in hydrating the
skin.
The size and shape that your bath
bombs can take is as limitless as your
imagination. Likewise, the additions
of ground herbs, flower petals, milk
powders, or sea salt can dramatically
change the look of your creations.
Once you've perfected your
technique, you can easily change
your formulation to tailor it for specific
markets, clients, or applications.
Getting Started: The Essential
Ingredients & Supplies
While there are many variations on
Bath Bomb recipes, the typical ratio
is:
2 parts Sodium Bicarbonate
1 part Citric Acid
1 part Corn Starch, Sea Salts, Epsom
Salts Etc.
Other noteworthy additions:
Ground Herbs - great for added
color, and also for a decorative touch
on top.
Floral Petals (either in the mixture,
or as a decorative accent on top)
Sea salt crystals - lend additional
moisturizing properties, and can
double as decorative toppers.
Jojoba beads (used like sprinkles on
top)
Borax - A naturally occurring mineral,
composed of sodium, boron, oxygen
and water. Borax is most often used
atomic bath: making bath bombs for fun & profit
as an effective laundry whitener,
general purpose cleaner and
disinfectant.
the best judge of your own product
-- noting any changes that you may need
to make to make your own "signature"
formula.
we recommend include:
A large glass bowl (metal bowls can
react with the oils, and plastic bowls
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (aka
can absorb scent and color)
SLSA) (used to create mounds of
The recipes provided in this ebook are Plastic gloves (pick up a box at your
luxurious bubbles!)
only provided as a guide -- feel free to local drugstore)
"tweak" them however you wish!
Milk Powders (*note that the
Sifter (*highly recommended. Get
addition of milk powders may
* You should NEVER create a product one that is dedicated to this purpose)
decrease fizzing action in some
for sale that you have not tested
formulations)
Glass measuring cup - for
on yourself first. Further, be sure
measuring oils and liquids. (Get one
that you have addressed all of the
Scent - Whether you select fragrance potential liability issues involved with
that is dedicated to this purpose)
or essential oils, scent will set your
offering personal care products for
creations apart in a dramatic way.
Metal measuring cups/spoons sale before you ever attempt going
Be sure that you use "body safe"
dry ingredients and/or oils (*get a set
into business. This is a necessary
fragrance oils!
that is dedicated to this purpose)
step that will protect both your
business, as well as your family.
Soap Safe Colorant - add some fun
Molds or tool for shaping your
to your fizzy treats. Blend colors to
You can make up a batch of bath
bath bombs - we'll discuss molds
create a multitude of variations!
bombs in your own kitchen with ease! in a bit more detail later (*we
*see our safety notes &
You should, however, make sure
recommend our bath bomb tools recommendations on use of this item that you have all of the necessary
found at on the MakeBathBombs.com
ingredients and supplies handy. The
website).
We encourage you to try out several
process can get a bit messy -- so
Some Safety Notes:
variations, allowing the bath bombs to having everything already within
Use common sense precautions such
fully dry and harden, then take them
reach will help to save time, and
as gloves, safety glasses, and dust
for a "test run" in a bath. You will be
reduce cleanup. The basic supplies
mask. Items such as citric acid or
SLSA are considered to be a nuisance
"Always request MSDS sheets for
dust, as well as an eye irritant.
all of your raw materials. Your
suppliers should be able to
provide you with this with no
difficulty. Maintain a binder with
this information for each batch of
product that you make -- noting the
lot numbers of each raw material
used to create the batch. Should
you ever run into a problem, you will
be able to immediately track the
ingredients in the subject batch.
This information may also be
required in order to prove
insurability with your carrier."
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit
Keeping It Clean &
Some Tips on Safety
Always work in a well-ventilated
area.
Avoid exposing children or pets to
your bath bomb ingredients during
the formulation process. If you have
"little hands" that want to help, be
sure to use the same common sense
safety precautions with them as you
would yourself.
Normal safety precautions should be
taken when working with bath bombs
such as safety goggles, dust mask
and gloves. This should be done when
you make your bath bombs regardless
of what ingredients you are using.
Citric Acid can be an eye irritant. Use
of SLSA in the appropriate usage
levels should cause minimal to no
eye irritation, and is considered safe
for children's bath products. Direct
contact with the concentrated product
(100%), however, has been known to
cause moderate skin irritation.
Other considerations:
Store all of your ingredients in a cool,
dry location, such as a pantry. Be
sure to keep items sealed tightly, and
make note of any/all expiration dates. Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (in a
ratio of 10-15%) produces lots of
wonderful sudsy foam in the bath. It
Always request MSDS sheets for all
helps extend the fragrance of your
of your raw materials. Your supplier
Bath Bomb, as well as emulsify some
should be able to provide you with
of the oils you may be using in your
this with no difficulty. Maintain a
blend. SLSA is milder to the skin than
binder with this information for each
other typical foaming agents, and is
batch of product that you make
-- noting the lot numbers of each raw hard water stable.
material used to create the batch.
One of the most important steps
Should you ever run into a problem,
in reducing the spread of germs
you will be able to immediately track
and bacteria is to be sure that your
the ingredients in the subject batch.
This information may also be required work surface, as well as all supplies
in order to prove insurability with your are both clean and sanitized. A
household bleach and water mixture,
carrier. To do some MSDS research,
provides both an effective and
you can visit: http://www.
economical solution.
msdssolutions.com.
Keeping it Clean
Always keep your work area clean and
sanitized.
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sanitizer solutions can be applied
in various ways:
(1) Spray bottle for spraying directly
on surfaces;
(2) Cloths rinsed in sanitizing solution
if they will be used to wipe down
equipment or surfaces; and
(3) Dipping the object into a container
filled with the sanitizing solution
- used for small objects/tools.
The concentration and duration of
contact of the sanitizer varies with
the application and anticipated load
of germs. Certainly, in instances
where objects or cloths are being
submerged into a solution, additional
chemical will be needed -- as this
releases some germs back into
solution.
As a general rule, it is best not to
rinse off the sanitizer or wipe the
object dry right away. A sanitizer must
be in contact with the germs long
enough kill them. Allow surfaces to
dry naturally.
Proper Labeling for Safety
Label spray bottles and containers
in which sanitizers have been diluted
for direct application with the name
of the solution (such as Bleach
Sanitizer) and the dilution of the
mixture. Always keep your sanitizing
solution out of reach of children and
pets. It is recommended that any
leftover solution be discarded at the
end of the day.
professional. Avoid using essential oil
around children and pets. Essential
oils are flammable! Keep away from
heat, fire, flame, or any potential
sources for ignition. Essential oils
should not be applied directly on
the skin. Always dilute them with a
carrier oil before using topically. Do
not ingest essential oils!
Creating the Sanitizing Solution
Household bleach with water is
recommended. It should, however,
it should be used with caution on
metal or metallic surfaces. If bleach
is found to be corrosive on certain
Likewise, keep essential oils away
materials, a different sanitizer may be from your eyes, ears, mouth or
required. Test a small patch to avoid mucous membranes.
potentially harming any surfaces.
Essential oils known to be skin
NEVER mix bleach with other
irritants include: angelica root,
household cleaners -- doing so can
bergamot mint, birch, bitter almond,
create potentially hazardous gases, or cinnamon leaf, cinnamon bark, clove
an explosive reaction.
bud, costus, grapefruit, hyssop,
lavender (spike), lemon, lemon
Recipe for a spray application on
verbena, lime, marjoram, orange
surfaces that have been detergentpeppermint, oregano, parsley seed,
cleaned and rinsed (minimum contact peppermint, pimento berry, pine,
time = 2 minutes):
savory, spearmint, tagetes, tangerine,
red and wile thyme and wintergreen.
¼ cup household bleach + 1 gallon of
cool water OR 1 tablespoon bleach + Individuals suffering from high
1 quart of cool water
blood pressure should avoid the
following essential oils: hyssop,
Safety Considerations When
rosemary, sage or thyme.
Using Essential Oils
As noted earlier, essential oils can
Those with epilepsy should not
be used to scent your bath bombs.
use: sweet fennel, hyssop, sage,
Proper storage, handling, and usage
rosemary and wormwood.
considerations should be made when
using essential oils:
Oils that are known to make skin
more sensitive to sunlight: most
Read all label instructions
concentrated citrus oils, angelica,
carefully, and use only as directed
bergamot, and lemon verbena.
by a physician, or other health
Those who are pregnant should
avoid use of the following
essential oils:
aniseed, balsam peru, bay (laurel),
basil, benzoin, bergamot, bitter
almond, basil, birch, cajeput,
camphor, cedarwood, celery seed,
chamomile (blue), cinnamon (bark
and leaf), cistus, clary-sage, clove,
cornmint, cypress, dill seed, douglas
fir, eucalyptus, eucalyptus lemon,
fennel, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine,
juniper, lavender (spike), lemon,
lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lemon
verbena, lime, lovage, marjoram,
myrrh, myrtle, nutmeg, oakmoss,
oregano, parsley seed, pennyroyal,
peppermint, pine (scotch), rose,
rosemary, sage, savory, spikenard,
st. johns wort, sweet marjoram,
tangerine, thuja, thyme, valerian,
wintergreen, and yarrow.
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit
Defining Your Brand:
Labels, Packaging & Required Information
times before making a
purchase. Seven times!
Avoid any confusion
by making sure that
your message is both
succinct and consistent!
Using a singular color
What is a BRAND?
scheme, font, and the
It is "the enduring emotional
association one has with a particular consistent use of your
company or product" — in other words, logo and tag line will
help to reinforce your
its lasting impression.
image, and solidify
it in the customer’s
Developing Your Brand:
mind. Don't miss
Consumers lose interest quickly. In
out on opportunities
most cases, you have a few short
to close the sale by
moments -- whether in a brick-andhaving an erratic image,
mortar venue, or on the web -- to
inconsistent packaging,
make that lasting impression. What
or poorly designed label.
are you doing to stay in the forefront
Image is important!
of their mind?
By understanding how consumers
view and respond to product
packaging, you will be better equipped
to give your customers what they want
and need!
Even if you aren’t a “brand shopper”,
we are all aware of major brands in
the marketplace. From soda to toiletry
items, we are literally inundated daily
with ad messages. And, whether we
like it or not, those messages register
on a subliminal level, and affect
buying preferences. Your product
packaging, as well as your website,
allow you the unique opportunity to
build and reinforce your brand. With
something as simple as a well placed,
clean logo graphic, followed by a tag
line, you are building a consistent
brand message for your customers.
In terms of your brand message
-- it is extremely important to be
CONSISTENT. Use consistent colors,
fonts, and packaging elements
to give your product and image a
professional, and "pulled together"
look. Create a look that is distinctly
your own — one that your customer’s
will recognize when they see it!
It is proven that customers must
view your offer on the average of 7
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Are you drawing a
blank when it comes
to logo design? Never
fear! Some of the best
logos out there are
combinations of preexisting clipart, that has been paired
with additional text or elements,
and colored to meet the client's
requirements.
Identifying Your Products’
Brand Equity
Just like a home builds equity, an
established brand also builds equity
over time. This is done by offering
a consistent product, packaged in
an easily identifiable manner —
something that positively associates
your brand to that product. Let’s use
Coke® for an example. They have
used their distinctive contoured bottle
for many years — and this design is
even incorporated into their canned
soda by using the curved lines that
mimic the contoured bottle.
If you were to see an empty
plastic soda bottle, and noted that
curved contour, most of us would
immediately recognize it as a Coke®
brand bottle.
Market research has proven that
consumers often identify a product
on a subliminal level by the shape
of the package, as well as its color.
How many times have you given
your spouse a shopping list, and in
listing the items for purchase, you
also include the color or shape of
the product’s packaging? This is
an illustration of the brand equity
principle at work!
Thinking Like A Consumer:
Since we are already consumers
ourselves, you would think that it
would be obvious to us what makes
certain products more popular than
atomic bath: making bath bombs for fun & profit
Color My World:
Big business continually relies
on the uncontrollable emotional
response of color, and its effect
on consumers. Color can influence
consumer behavior at every level,
• Educate consumer on your
from the brand logo, image, signage,
business mission, philanthropy, etc.
display, print materials, to the product
itself. Color plays a major role in
• Reduce the # of technical or use
questions you receive on the product, mood associations that determine
the way we feel about products.
by providing clear instructions,
Research has proven that up to 60%
ingredient listings, and cautionary
of a consumer's first impression of a
messages.
product comes from its color. Color
is so important to a product's brand
• Provide options—information on
identity that the Supreme Court
other scents, sizes, etc.
ruled in 1995 that a particular shade
of color, such as Coca-Cola® red,
• Develop realistic expectations for
could serve as a legally defensible
the product
trademark. Now that is POWER!
• Provide contact information for
reorder, custom products, wholesale, Basic Colors & What They Evoke:
Impulse purchases comprise nearly
75% of consumer spending — in that etc.
Red Alerts us to pay attention. Sexy,
crucial time frame when a consumer
looks to the shelf, if the package fails Want to encourage reorders? Be sure provocative, dynamic, stimulating,
and exciting.
to project the right message, it might to provide your phone number and
web address on your product labels
be left sitting there. The packaging
Pink Represents the sweetness of
or other packaging.
is essentially another form of
youth. High spirited & energetic.
advertising—with a primary purpose
of gaining the consumer’s attention. Packaging Elements to Consider:
Yellow Inviting, friendly, and intense.
Think about the last time you were in For those who offer their products
Pale shades are pleasing and
line at the grocery store, particularly wholesale, do you inquire of your
sophisticated.
wholesale accounts what other
if you had a child with you. Pay
competitive brands they offer? This
particular attention to where some
Orange Energy. Brightness & warmth.
simple question can give you great
of the best name brand candy bars
Cheerful, mellow, and soft to the
are — and also to the brightly colored insight — and can provide a insider
touch.
packages used for some of the newer view of your shelf competition. By
product additions. You’ll be surprised knowing this information, you can
Brown Connects us with the earth
tailor your packaging, or select
what you find!
certain items within your line that will and provides a feeling of substance
and stability.
capture the consumer’s attention.
Packaging Must WORK For You:
Your packaging must “work” for
Find out how your products are being Green Signifies life. It is sensuous
you. Simply said, it should be able
displayed. Are they selling your items and alive. Friendly, dependable, and
to embody your business, and your
steady.
quality of work. Particularly for those at the point of purchase? If so, you
would want to tailor your packaging
who sell to retailers — when you are
not physically there to help the sales accordingly. Since impulse purchases Blue Peaceful and tranquil. We
process, is your packaging attractive often occur at the point of purchase — respect deep blue as a sign of law,
enough to help move that bath bomb you may want to consider trial sizes, order, and logic.
samplers, or other special offers in
off the shelf, and into the cart?
Purple Sensual, spiritual, elegant, and
order to gain an impulse sale.
mysterious. Regal & majestic.
others. The fact is, it often isn’t
obvious — and it is for that reason
many large corporations spend
millions of dollars each year on
market research to determine what
products, and what approaches to
use in bringing products to market.
There is an old adage, "you can't
make a bad product look good, but
you can make a good product look
better." This is a great illustration
of what effective packaging can
do. Perception of quality is linked
to value — and that perception is
initially driven by appearance. If a
product LOOKS good, then we will
automatically assign a higher value
to it. We will further infer that such an
attractive package must be offered
through a quality source.
What Goals Should My Packaging
Accomplish For My Business?
• Develop a sense of branding
through imagery, logo, & slogan
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit
Defining Your Brand:
Labels, Packaging & Required Information
White Purity and simplicity. Clarity and artisan shop that requires you to
distinctively label your products?
cleanliness.
These are all factors that can affect
your products’ packaging, as well as
Black Strong, classic and elegant
add additional expense. Nowhere
is the subject of packaging more
Knowing the Competition
important than in the competitive
While it certainly won’t hurt to visit
your local gift or specialty retailer and markets of cosmetics, or perfumes. In
browse their shelves — your research some cases, manufacturers actually
spend more on the product packaging
shouldn’t stop there. Industry
than they do on the product it will
publications are a great way to see
hold! For small business owners,
what’s popular now, and also what
operating on a much more limited
the trends are toward the “next big
budget, cost is often a primary factor
thing”. Many trade publications are
also FREE — in exchange for filling out to consider in selecting product
packaging.
a brief company profile. And finally,
some trade publications are online
— involving no costs for subscription. Tips on purchasing packaging:
1. Do your homework. Know what
Making use of these resources will
you are looking for, color, size, and
help you maintain a pulse on the
dimensions.
market you serve.
Are Too Many Options a Bad
Thing?
When it comes to packaging a
product, there actually IS such a thing
as too many options. Some small
business owners fall into the trap of
trying to be “all things to all people”
— trying to stock every “HOT” new
package type, candle jar, or bath
bomb package. To begin with, it’s
costly. Second, when faced with
so many choices — you have
essentially created a beauty contest
for your customers. And, while
these new additions may hold
interest as a novelty in the short
term, they often lack staying power.
The small business owner is then
left with excess inventory, as the
next “HOT” item comes along, and
its predecessor is forgotten. Your
business will be far better served by
investing your time into researching
and perfecting a signature look for
your brand — and then committing to
it.
Distribution & Cost:
Another retail factor is distribution.
Are you selling into a large chain, that
will be shipping to multiple locations?
Does your product package need
to have a UPC code added? Are you
selling to a consignment or multiple
2. Don’t buy without comparison
shopping.
Calculating Costs:
Keeping costs under control is a
problem all small business owners
face. Product packaging can be very
costly -- and can easily become cost
prohibitive to the sale of your finished
product. Here are just a few of the
items that you should incorporate into
your finished item cost:
1. The cost of the packaging item
(based upon the LOWEST quantity
price break you purchase at. If your
orders fluctuate between 500 and
2000, price your items using the
packaging cost at the 500 quantity.
This will allow you to be profitable at
any quantity between the 500 and
2000 piece quantities.
2. The cost of the freight to get
the packaging items shipped
to you. For this amount, calculate
the cost based upon the HIGHEST
quantity you purchase. his will allow
you to be profitable at any quantity
within your normal order pattern.
3. Use the resources available.
Try the Thomas Register, Industry
Publications, and your local Chamber
of Commerce for possible resources. 3. Product Labels - to figure out the
cost of your product labels, you will
calculate the cost of the blank label
4. Try to buy locally if possible. If so,
find out if you can arrange to pick up stock, and divide by the total number
your order. This can save on shipping of labels in the package. Or, for labels
printed by a third party, calculate the
charges!
cost of the labels and their shipping
5. Don’t be afraid to ask suppliers for charges to reach you, and divide that
number by the total number of labels
additional quantity price breaks.
you’ve ordered.
6. Consider consolidating. Can
you use one type of packaging for
multiple products? If so, you may be 4. Special Closures, safety seals,
shrink wrapping, etc. This will be
able to order a larger quantity, and
calculated the same way. Calculate
save money.
the cost of the additional items, along
Looking for creative tag
ideas? Visit your local
scrapbook supply store.
You will find a wide variety
of cut shapes, as well as
paper punches that you
can use to create your own
signature look. At the left,
we've shown three variations of a heart shaped tag.
Use your imagination!
and that you are printing on your best
Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (or
setting.
Is It Soap?)
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
Labeling & Staying Compliant
When added together, this will give
cos-218.html
you PER UNIT COSTS. Make sure that We should first point out that the
information included below should in
you ADD this figure to your cost to
NO WAY be construed as legal advice. Cosmetic Labeling:
MANUFACTURE your product!
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
The Creative Concept is not a
cos-labl.html
manufacturer of products -- and
Choosing color schemes:
If creating a color palette is not your while we can certainly offer design
Specific Warning Label Texts:
tips that will make your products
strong suit, never fear! Our favorite
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
tool for this is called Color Schemer. more attractive, we will not make
They offer a free trial -- and once you suggestions or offer consultations on cos-labl.html
FDA product labeling.
try it, you’ll be hooked. You select
Some common labeling terms:
one color, and it will offer an array
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
Staying Compliant:
of complimenting colors. It will also
As mentioned at the beginning of this cos-safe.html
tell you whether or not a color is
web safe or not, and it will allow you module, we will be providing some
links for additional reading. This will
to select a color that you may have
Cosmetics sold to consumers must
allow you to research what guidelines bear labels that list ingredients in
seen elsewhere. Look for a link to
Color Schemer in the Recommended will pertain to your specific products, descending order of predominance.
and what items are to be included.
Resources.
Trade secrets (as defined by FDA)
and the ingredients of flavors
Defining the Line:
Labeling Checklist:
and fragrances do not have to be
The FD&C Act defines cosmetics
• Consistent. This refers to fonts,
specifically listed.
as articles intended to be applied
images, colors. Just because you
to the human body for cleansing,
see a bit of empty space on a label
Regulatory Requirements for
doesn’t mean you have to fill it! Make beautifying, promoting attractiveness, Marketing Cosmetics in the United
use of space, but temper your desire or altering the appearance without
States
with creating visual appeal with your affecting the body's structure or
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
functions. This definition includes
desire to refrain from becoming
cos-hdb1.html
skincare creams, lotions, powders
overdone.
and sprays, perfumes, lipsticks,
Cosmetic Labeling Manual
fingernail polishes, eye and facial
• Select color wisely.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
makeup, permanent waves, hair
cos-lab1.html
colors, deodorants, baby products,
• Include the required information
bath oils, bubble baths, and
for your product. If space permits,
Labeling Regulations Applicable to
you may wish to add additional usage mouthwashes, as well as any material "Cosmetics"
intended for use as a component
information, answer FAQ about the
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
of a cosmetic product. The term
product, etc.
cos-lab2.html
''cosmetic'' means (1) articles
intended to be rubbed, poured,
• Be clever! Several years ago,
Cosmetic Labeling Guide
sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
we purchased a bar of handmade
into, or otherwise applied to the
soap, and immediately noticed
cos-lab3.html#clgl
human body or any part thereof for
the packaging. It was wrapped in
cleansing, beautifying, promoting
handmade paper, and had a band
Alphabetical Listing of INCI Names
attractiveness, or altering the
around it. On the back side of the
http://pharmacos.eudra.org/F3/
appearance, and (2) articles intended inci/incialf.htm
band, it posed the question, “What
for use as a component of any such
makes this soap special? Read our
articles; except that such term shall
inside label to find out!” That’s right
not include soap.
-- they printed on BOTH sides of
the band. What a great idea! You
-- FD&C Act, Sec. 201 (i) From the US
could use the inside of a band for:
Food and Drug Administration Center
promotional information, coupons,
reply forms, mailing list information, for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/
etc. Use your imagination! If you
cos-pol.html
plan to print your own labels -- don’t
skimp on the paper! Make sure you
are using high quality paper stock,
with their shipping, divided by the
number purchased.
Creative Promotional
Tools & Ideas
Where To Begin
While most folks don’t care much for
pushy salespeople, there are plenty
of ways to get your business noticed,
without being overbearing. The only
way they are going to know about your
business is if you PUT IT OUT THERE!
Think for a moment about the Warner
Brothers® cartoon, Roadrunner®.
Wylie Coyote® was battered and
bruised, blown up and beaten — again
and again. Yet, despite all of his
failed attempts — he never lost sight
of his goal. Instead, he tried new
methods, in the hope that one of
them would help him finally catch the
Roadrunner.®
What’s the message here?
Simple. Be Wylie Coyote®. If
something isn’t working, don’t
beat yourself up about it. More
importantly, don’t continue to do it!
After all, nobody knows your customer
better than YOU do. Try something
else. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
Just because your method is new,
doesn’t mean it won’t work.
Tools You Can Use
There are many resources that you
can employ to assist you in promoting
your business. And luckily for small
business owners, many of these
resources are affordably priced, and
available across the country:
* Run an ad in the Classifieds
* Postcard Marketing
* Neighborhood Newsletters
* Flyers in Laundromats
* Supermarket Bulletin Boards
* Hold an Open House
Raise money for a
favorite Charity. Host
your event at your
church, and donate
a portion of your
proceeds.
Donate a product for a
silent auction. Include
your business card &
literature.
Contact groups that
often need to raise
funds, and suggest they
conduct a fundraiser
with you.
Look for special events,
groups, or causes that
you can partner with for
a product tie-in.
Getting Beyond the
Comfort Zone
When you are first
starting out in business,
you typically gravitate
toward friends, family
members, and coworkers. This network
comprises your comfort
zone. In order to take
your business to the
next level, you will need
to venture out in new,
creative ways — and penetrate new markets. At first, you may be nervous
— and that is perfectly natural! But, this leap of faith can lead to big rewards
— if you are willing to invest some “sweat equity” into your
business.
Customers are everywhere — the key to finding them is in changing your own
perceptions of WHERE customers are, and HOW to find them.
Below are some tips to help get you started:
* Use bumper stickers
* Magnetize your business card
Other Ideas to Consider
* Leave catalogs in professional office waiting rooms
Send a freebie to your local radio
station. Often they will give you a free * Leave your business card inside a library book.
* Join a club or network group. Your local Jaycees, Garden Clubs, etc. are
plug!
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
atomic bath: making bath bombs for fun & profit
great places to network!
* Corporate Gift Giving.
* Web Decals or Magnetic Signs
Using Fairs, Shows & Expos:
While they may not be available in
every community, local fairs and
similar events provide a unique venue
in which to identify new potential
customers. If you have the resources
to book a space at a local community
event, we recommend doing it. Not
only will you get your name out to a
large, varied audience, but you may
also get a glimpse of the competition
as well! Fairs and community events
also provide an affordable way for
you to test ideas for new product
concepts, without large scale
production.
where your booth will be located. If
it goes to print prior to the event, clip
out the article, and post it in your
booth — with a caption, “As featured
in…”
* Hand out promotional samples,
offer taste tests, etc. Interactive
booths get noticed!
Of course, standard rules of “booth
etiquette” should be observed
as well. These are items that are
common sense for the most part, but
do bear repeating. Keep in mind that
a potential customer may be seeing
you for the very first time. Make sure
that your first impression is a positive
one!
to eat during slow times, and keep
wrappers and drink containers out of
plain sight.
Avoid chairs that place you below your
customers eye level. It is best to be
either standing, or seated at eye level
with your customers. Not all events
may be formal in nature — dress
professionally, yet appropriately for
the venue. Smile. It is your single
best selling tool when making a first
impression.
Looking for more great ideas to
help launch your business? Check
out Create the Dream! Magazine's
website:
www.CreateTheDream.com.
Keep displays simple, and attractive.
Use risers to create visual interest.
Store extra supplies, display
materials, and any extra stock
* Every visitor is a potential customer! underneath your tables. Invest
* Bring literature!
in a few attractive table coverings
* Search for Shows @ Craft Lister
— preferably ones that go to the floor.
* Send out a Press Release in
Try to avoid eating or drinking in your
advance of the event, mentioning
booth. If it cannot be avoided, try
Here are some tips to keep in
mind:
When setting up a retail or show
display, pay particular attention to
your color scheme. Select a few key
pieces that can be used throughout
all seasons, then accent with seasonal live or silk flowers or foliage
to provide a pop of color.
Remember that varying the height
of your display will create visual interest. If your product line contains
several color palettes, group those
which are complimentary together.
This will help "guide" the customer's
eye, and keep them interested!
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit
The Recipes
The recipes that follow are all basic
in nature, and can be "tweaked" to
your own specifications. We'll provide
some ideas for variations at the end
of the recipes listing -- but feel free
to allow your creativity to take over,
and design fabulous variations of your
own!
is ready to be packed into
your desired mold. Allow
to dry completely before
removing from mold.
Take special care to keep
bath bombs out of humid
environments, as this will
cause them to “bloom”.
* See the Resource Listing for
sources for all of your supply needs.
Saturday Nite Sizzle
10 T. baking soda
2-1/2 T Cornstarch
2 T Tapioca Starch
5 T. citric acid
1-1/2 T. safflower, sweet
almond, or canola oil
1/2 tsp. Sodium Lauryl
Sulfoacetate
2-3 drops soap safe
colorant, if desired
1 T. fragrance oil or
essential oil of your
choice
Witch Hazel (*use in spritzer bottle,
spritzing dry mixture as needed)
Fizzy Bath Bombs
2 tbs. citric acid
2 tbs. cornstarch
1/4 C. baking soda
3 tbs. Coconut oil ( feel free to
substitute another oil of choice)
1/4 tsp. fragrance oil
3-6 drops of Soap Safe colorant, if
desired
Place all of the dry ingredients into
a bowl and mix well. Place coconut
oil into a small glass bowl and add
fragrance and food coloring. Slowly
add oil mixture into dry ingredients
and mix well. Scoop up small
amounts of the mixture and shape
into 1" balls. Let the balls rest on a
sheet of waxed paper for about 2 to
3 hours, then place each ball into a
candy cup to let dry and harden for 24
to 48 hours. Store bombs in a closed,
air-tight container.
To use, drop 1 to 3 bombs into warm
bath water.
Bombs Away!
1/4 C. Citric Acid
1 tsp. Tapioca Starch
3/4 C. Baking Soda
Witch Hazel
3-5 drops desired Fragrance or
Essential Oil
Sieve all dry ingredients. Combine oil,
SLSA, and fragrance together, and mix
well. Drizzle oil mixture onto the dry
ingredients, combining it with your
hands, spritzing with Witch Hazel
as needed. Press mixture firmly
into your mold of choice. Allow to
dry completely at least 24 hours, to
insure that your bombs are completely
hardened.
Simply Sassy
1 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of citric acid
1/2 cup of Tapioca starch
2 T. of shea butter, melted
1 T. Desired Fragrance
Witch Hazel (*use in spritzer bottle,
spritzing dry mixture as needed)
to keep the mixture together. Press
firmly into molds, and allow to dry
completely for 24-48 hours.
Easy Peasy Bath Bombs
Equal parts: Citric acid, baking soda,
cornstarch
Witch hazel
Mix dry ingredients together. Spritz
lightly with witch hazel, mixing
constantly. Repeat spritzing and
stirring until the mixture begins to
stick together. Pack into molds,
pressing firmly. Allow to dry for 24
hours before using.
Lotsa Variations Bombs
1/2 Cup Baking Soda
2 T Citric Acid
2 T Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
1 T Tapioca Starch
2 T Shea Butter, melted
5 drops each - Lavender Essential Oil,
Mix dry ingredients together. Combine Peppermint Essential Oil, and Sage
Combine the dry ingredients in a glass melted shea butter and fragrance oil, Essential Oil
bowl. Continue to mix, spritzing lightly and drizzle onto dry mixture. Mix well, Witch Hazel (*use in spritzer bottle,
with Witch Hazel as needed. Once
spritzing with Witch Hazel as needed
spritzing dry mixture as needed)
the mixture begins to stick together, it
Sift dry ingredients together into large
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
atomic bath: making bath bombs for fun & profit
glass bowl. Combine shea butter and
essential oils, drizzle over dry mixture,
and combine with hands. Spritz with
witch hazel to hold mixture together
as needed. Pack into molds, pressing
firmly. Allow to dry 24-48 hours
before using.
Other Essential Oil Blends to try:
Ginger and Sweet Orange,
Lemongrass and Lavender, Bergamot
and Lime, Lavender and Vanilla,
Lemon, Lime and Ginger, Lime and
Rosemary
a safety precaution regarding getting in and out of the tub - the oils used in
your bath bombs can cause the tub to be VERY SLIPPERY!
Make sure that your product tags or labels include general safety notes and
disclaimers, in order to protect both yourself and your customers.
Specific Warning Label Texts:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-labl.html
Cosmetic Labeling Guide
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-lab3.html#clgl
Alphabetical Listing of INCI Names
http://pharmacos.eudra.org/F3/inci/incialf.htm
Fragrance Oil Blends to try:
Gingersnap and Apple, Blueberry and
Lemon, French Vanilla & Grape, Apple
and Grape, Coconut & Lemon, Mango
& Vanilla, Pear & Grapefruit
Super Softening Bombs
1 Cup Citric Acid
1/4 Cup Tapioca Starch
3/4 Cup Baking Soda
1/4 Cup Epsom Salts
2 T Shea Butter, Melted
2-3 drops soap safe colorant, if
desired
Witch Hazel (*use in spritzer bottle,
spritzing dry mixture as needed)
The addition of Epsom salts in this
mixture make them super softening
to the skin! Sift dry ingredients
together into large glass bowl.
Combine shea butter and essential
oils, drizzle over dry mixture, and
combine with hands. Spritz with
witch hazel to hold mixture together
as needed. Pack into molds, pressing
firmly. Allow to dry 24-48 hours
before using.
Some General Notes:
ALWAYS be sure that you are using
soap safe colorants, as well as bath
and body safe fragrance oils.
Make sure you include notes on your
product labeling regarding the use
of the colorants - some tubs can be
stained by colorants. Also include
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit
Variation Ideas
& Resource Lists
Some Ideas for Recipe Variations:
There are lots of ways to get more "mileage" out of a basic recipe
once you've perfected it:
* Split the mixture into two or three parts, coloring each portion
a different color. Combine the colors as you are packing the
mold, creating a swirled effect.
* Place sea salts, jojoba beads, or dried herbs into the bottom
of your mold prior to packing it. This will create a decorative
"topping" on the bath bomb when you remove it from the mold.
* Consider "dipping" your dried bath bombs into melted
shea butter for a light coating. Allow the dipped bomb to dry
completely before dipping -- then place the dipped bomb on
waxed paper to set up. When cool, package as normal. This
may slightly minimize the initial "fizz" of your bath bomb, but it
will add additional softening properties to the water. You can
also roll the "dipped" bomb in dried herbs or jojoba beads while
the shea butter coating is wet.
* Consider the addition of cosmetic "glimmer" mica colorants
to your bath bomb recipes! This is particularly popular among
children and tweens. A small amount is all that is needed (1/8
tsp will color a large batch.)
Some Fun Ideas:
Consider packaging your finished bath bombs in candy foils (available from your local bakery or confectionery supply).
This will allow you to theme the foils for different holidays, or for use as shower favors. Package your bath bombs in bonbon boxes as a dressed up favor for bridal or baby showers. To make a great gift set - package several bath bombs with
a bath pouf, or scented candle. These "ready to go" gifts are popular at craft shows and fairs, and offer a way for you to
move additional product along with your bath bombs.
Our Recommended Resources:
The sources listed in the Atomic Bath E-book are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, MakeBathBombs.com, or The
Creative Concept. They are listed only as a courtesy to help readers locate suppliers and sources for related products and
services.
Planet Label: Bulk Label Stock - includes many of the popular Avery® sizes. Their site also offers templates for
download! http://www.PlanetLabel.com
Online Labels: Custom printed labels - 50 sizes to select from. Visit them online at: http://www.onlinelabels.com/
Ripped Sheets: Portal for Laser & Inkjet labels. http://www.rippedsheets.com/
Color Schemer: Create a color palette - it’s a breeze! www.colorschemer.com
pcCrafter® - Lots of affordable graphic collections - could be used on product labels, product data sheets or websites.
www.pccrafter.com
© 2007 The Creative Concept, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
atomic bath: making bath bombs for fun & profit
Xerox® Free Color Printer Program - Get a FREE Laser Printer Certain restrictions apply FreePrinters.com - FREE
Xerox® Printer Program
MyOwnLabels.com - Purchase high-quality Labels by the Sheet, customized with your text! Great for small batches,
shower favors, etc.
Direct Selling Association—If you are thinking about adding consultants, do your homework! The DSA offers many
free resources on their website, and can steer you in the right direction if you are deciding to add consultants to your
company. They are located at www.DSA.org
The Direct Marketing Association—Great articles on the right and wrong way to go about direct marketing your
business. They also have the latest information on the upcoming “Do Not Email” legislation. Take the time to
familiarize yourself with these resources! They are located at: www.the-dma.org/
Web Decal—The best investment you can make in your small business! Put your website or contact info on a Web
Decal, and attach to your vehicle. You are automatically advertising every time you use your vehicle! Tell them
Promo Boost sent you! www.WebDecal.com
Express Yourself Online—Great accessory items for use with Home Shows, Fairs & Expos. They are located at
www.ExpressYourselfOnline.com
InfoUSA—If you are looking to market your business through direct mail, we highly recommend InfoUSA. This
is a service we have used personally. You can purchase mailing lists that are targeted by criteria you set up —
homeowners, male or female, age, income level, etc. They even have an option to query the criteria on the website!
Check them out at www.InfoUSA.com.
Small Business Administration—A wealth of information exists at the SBA. You can gain information on financing,
business tips, and read actual success stories of other folks like you! They are located at www.SBA.gov
US Patent & Trademark Office—If you have a great idea, you better protect it! You can file the necessary forms for
trademarks and patents from the website, as well as conduct searches to make sure your name isn’t already taken.
They are located at www.uspto.gov
Wholesale Packaging - http://shop.essentialsupplies.com/
Gift Basket & Packaging Supplies - http://www.nashvillewraps.com
Paper Mart - http://www.papermart.com/
Rapps Packaging - http://www.rappspackaging.com
Shrink Bags & More - http://www.shrinkbagsandmore.com/
Shrink Banding Equipment & Supplies - http://www.shrinkbagsandmore.com/
The Packaging Source - http://www.packagingsource.com/
US Box - http://www.usbox.com
Cool Cosmetic Packaging - http://www.coolcosmeticpackaging.com/cool.html
Spectrum Naturals in Petaluma California (organic oils of all types) http://www.spectrumnaturals.com
Pacific Coast Chemical in Berkeley (lye, citric acid in bulk) http://www.pcchem.com
Oils By Nature - Excellent midwestern source for oils, butters, vegetable waxes, and essential oils.
www.OilsByNature.com
Atomic Bath: Making Bath Bombs for Fun & Profit