You know what bath bombs are — they create a unique bath experience through its soothing ingredients that dissolve in water. These bath bombs are fun additions when it comes to taking a relaxing bath.
Bath bombs are simple and affordable to make, allowing you to achieve supplementary income from a minute percentage of your business.
These bath bombs are also hugely popular, becoming a worldwide trend in the recent years. Creating bath bombs are inexpensive and easy to make, even in the comforts of your own kitchen. They are also easy to customise, allowing you to differentiate your product from the rest.
So, if you are thinking of starting a business and have a knack for crafts, why not try learning to make and sell bath bombs.
Read on to find out how to make bath bombs and sell them profitably!
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What are the types of Bath Bombs you can make?
There are various types of bath bombs with each type falling under the category of either a cosmetic or drug. Knowing whether your bath bomb is a cosmetic or drug may be tricky but important, as it tells you what type of licencing you will need for your bath bomb.
Knowing whether your bath bomb is a cosmetic or drug comes down to the claim you make about it. If your bath bomb offers mental and physical benefits, it is considered a drug. Otherwise, it will be considered a cosmetic. Most bath bombs are considered cosmetics, as they are treated like soaps or lotions for bodies.
Do note that if you plan on marketing your bath bombs as having medicinal benefits, they will need to be FDA approved for effectiveness and safety.
As requirements may vary depending on country, you should consult your local government for further information on how to register your bath bombs.
Classic Ball Bath Bombs
Bath Bombs by WhimiscalSunGiftCo.
These bath bombs are the most general type of bath bomb — traditionally spherical in shape, coming in various colours and scents. While some may be infused with fragrances and oils for cleansing the body, others have glitter and colour to create a more visual effect.
Jewel Bath Bombs
XL Bath Bomb With Mermaid Necklace by BatheInParadise
These luxurious bath bombs consist of jewellery in their products, found once the bath bomb melts. Within the bath bomb, you will be able to find various pieces of jewellery such as rings and earrings.
Crystal Bath Bombs
LoveFool Rose Quartz cauldron bath bombb by ToTheMagicBox.
These bath bombs add crystals to their products — catching the eyes of many, due to the belief of crystals having healing powers.
Shaped Bath Bombs
Organic Unicorn Bath Bomb Gift Set For Her by EscentialBathBody.
Rather than a spherical shaped bath bomb, these bath bombs come in unique shapes and sizes: triangles, squares, hearts and stars are popular options for this bathbomb style.
Aromatherapy Bath Bombs
Shower Steamers - Shower Bath Bombs - Aromatherapy by MamaBearsMajick.
Formulated with therapeutic essential oils, these bath bombs target physical and emotional ailments such as stress and dry skin. These bath bombs are classified as drugs, not cosmetics, due to the use of essential oils. Thus, they will need to be approved by the FDA.
How to Make Bath Bombs
As mentioned, bath bombs are easy to make as it only requires a few essential items. Once you familiarise yourself with making simple bath bombs, you will be able to customise them to you and your customers liking.
To make one batch of bath bombs, you will need:
- 8 ounces of baking soda
- 4 ounces of citric acid
- 2 ounces of cornstarch
- 4 ounces of mineral salts
- 2 tablespoons of essential oil
- 2.5 tablespoons of light vegetable oil (such as olive oil)
- 1-2 drops of food colouring
- Bath bomb molds
Steps:
- Place dry ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly till smooth
- Place wet ingredients in a jar and blend till smooth
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking as you go. Whisk slowly to avoid the mixture foaming
- Once everything is mixed, pack the mixture tightly into molds
- Leave the mixture in the molds and let it solidify. This can take up to a day
Once the mixture is solidified in the molds, it is ready to be taken out and sold.
Creating your Bath Bomb Business Plan
Once you have experimented and mastered the creation of bath bombs, it is time to start. While starting a business from scratch can feel daunting, a little guidance can help get you started.
Before creating a business plan, start testing out your products — receive feedback for your products from potential customers. This can even be your friends and family. Selling your products to a small group will help you have a better idea on what you can improve on. From here, you’ll want to start to think about and document your target market
Once you are set on your product, create a business plan, with all tasks, ideas and deadlines required to help stay on track of your business goals. This will be useful in highlighting future steps, keeping you on track to success.
There are various factors you will need to consider, such as where do you want to sell your products, how much will you sell them for, who are you selling them for.
When creating a business plan, you will also want to consider finances. While cost of creating bath bombs are low, it is still vitally important to know how much you are making from them. To do this, you’ll need to calculate the cost of ingredients, mailing costs, production costs and the cost of your time. Software like Craftybase Inventory + Bookkeeping software can do this for you instantly.
Selling Your Bathbombs Products Online and In Person
Now that you have created a business plan, you can now set up your store. There are various platforms you can use to sell your products whether it is in person or online.
If you are looking to sell your products online, look onto platforms such as Etsy, Shopify or even build your own website on platforms such as Wix or WooCommerce.
Where can I sell my craft products online? »
Make your products stand out by using quality images. Show off your product through its colours, textures and shapes. You can also consider including videos of your products onto the page. This will help consumers get a sense of what your bath bombs will be like when activated in water.
While if you are selling your products in person, look into farmers markets, pop up shops and craft shows that will allow you to have a temporary retail location without commitment.
Selling your products online will also help to connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners, helping you build your network. Creating connections will also help you create a social following and even help build an email subscriber list.
Packaging Your Bath Bombs
As bath bombs are delicate, it is important to package your products well to prevent them from crumbling during the process. Consider using shrink wrap, stickers, tissue paper and boxes when shipping your products.
What thinking about packaging, avoid packaging that can trap moisture, as moisture will result in activation of your bath bomb. Remember to wrap your products tightly, too, to prevent them from banging against each other. Use tissue and stuffing to keep them secure and in place.
Here are some low cost handmade craft packaging ideas you can use for inspiration.
Marketing Your Product
Now that you have set up your business, the next step to consider is your marketing strategy. As the bath bomb industry is competitive, you will want to find unique ways to market your product.
First, you will need to consider your brand and target audience. Who will your products target? What does your product represent? Various channels such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok can help you promote your brand and drive your online store. Facebook marketplace is also a great place to pick up new customers for your new bathbomb business.
You can also try influencer marketing and giveaways. This will help increase engagement and drive more people to your product page. Similarly, sales and promotions, especially during holiday season, can help to increase sales.
Be aware of important dates in the ecommerce holiday sales calendar that you can capitalize on - as an example, you might like to ensure you have a range of green bathbombs ready for St. Patricks Day, or some good old “red white and blue” themed products for July 4. Be creative!
