Purpose
BOROHMA is a personalized platform, including AroMatch and a fragrance. Traditional repellents often overlook the olfactory experience, leaving users with pungent, chemical-heavy scents that linger unappealing. BOROHMA addresses this market gap by harnessing the customizability of the nearly scentless L-borneol and providing an effective deterrent against pests without the harshness of DEET. Our innovative formula utilizes a water-based, non-alcoholic base, making it suitable for a broader range of users, including those with sensitive skin or children. By prioritizing both effectiveness and fragrance, BOROHMA enhances the enjoyment of outdoor activities and aligns with a growing demand for eco-friendly, skin-safe alternatives in personal care products.
Product Description
BOROHMA
BOROHMA is a personalized platform featuring two key components: an insect fragrance repellent and a personalized fragrance quiz named AroMatch. Our fragrance brand is dedicated to crafting inclusive scents tailored to individual preferences and sensitivities. To facilitate this, we’ve developed a unique fragrance quiz that allows users to create a scent while considering any allergies they may have. The process begins with a simple question regarding potential allergies to fragrance ingredients, ensuring safety and comfort as customers customize their fragrance. Fragrances consist of three layers: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. The top note is the first scent experienced, typically light and fresh. As it fades, the middle note emerges, forming the core of the scent. The base note serves as the lasting foundation, lingering on the skin.
The main star of this repellent is the nearly scentless synthetic derivative of camphor, borneol, which has proven effective in repelling all kinds of pests. Our product follows the current upward trend in the insect repellent industry, aiming to meet the increasing demand suitable for all users. Furthermore, infusing aromatic scents sets itself apart from conventional insect repellents that often have pungent smells. Our alcohol-free formula slows evaporation, ensuring a longer-lasting fragrance that is less irritating to the skin. Borohma reflects our core value of inclusivity, ensuring suitability for nearly all users. We are committed to addressing common customer concerns such as certain allergens through our ability to customize repellents. Our unique universal design of the spray bottles ensures that the majority of people can use our product regardless of their disability status.
Visit our Inclusivity page for more details.
Customizable Insect Repellent
Our fragrance is an innovative insect repellent designed to accommodate individual scent preferences. This product effectively combines insect repellent with fragrance, ensuring consumers get the best of both worlds. FIR enables users to select their preferred fragrance, delivering effective protection to accompany their favored scents by leveraging the scentless properties of borneol.
Conventional insect repellents often feature a singular, overpowering odor that may prove disagreeable. Our fragrance disrupts this pattern by presenting a customizable fragrance experience. Our customization survey uses an algorithm backed by hundreds of responses to calculate the perfect fragrance for each individual. Whether one prefers the invigorating essence of eucalyptus, the calming scent of lavender, or the refreshing aroma of citrus, FIR allows customization to align with individual preferences.
All of our fragrances are alcohol-free. Not only does this prevent skin irritation caused by alcohol, but it also ensures a more effective perfume that lasts longer as an emulsion of organic oil and water has a lower evaporation rate than alcohol.
With our fragrance, consumers no longer have to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach to insect repellent. While fragrances are usually associated with greater attraction for unwanted pests, the borneol base of FIR allows the user to maintain the pleasantries of perfume without sacrificing efficacy. Whether situated on a camping adventure, gardening, or simply relishing a sunny outdoor day, FIR furnishes a personalized, agreeable, and effective means of repelling pests.
A proper blend of perfume would bring out the elegance and personality of its user, elevating their presence. To achieve this, a perfumer carefully mixes fragrances of different volatilities(Notes). Inherently the delicate process of combining different top, middle, and base notes, would also yield perfumes of differing atmospheres. Through our carefully curated questionnaire, we can find the core elements that define the user, and choose a combination of fragrances that match their personality and style accordingly. Our system guarantees a harmonized combination of scents to form a quality product that broadcasts the customer’s individuality.
One of the customizations is an innovative scentless insect repellent designed to prioritize comfort and protection, called invisibor. The formula has a borneol base, a naturally occurring compound recognized for its nearly complete absence of odor. It ensures comprehensive protection against pests without potential irritants like alcohol and aromatic compounds to minimize the risk of contact dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. It also accommodates those who prefer minimal scents like pregnant people who are more sensitive to smell.
It is optimal for individuals seeking to enhance their experience without compromising efficacy. The advanced alcohol-free composition makes it well-suited for those with alcohol allergies and sensitive skin, addressing common concerns related to skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions often associated with conventional insect repellents. Invisibor mitigates these risks, delivering gentle yet formidable protection, even for the most sensitive skin types.
Hardware Design (AroFuse)
Introducing our new insect repellent hardware, AroFuse, designed with universal accessibility in mind. This innovative bottle features an ergonomic grip with a soft, contoured design that fits comfortably in any hand. Its non-slip texture ensures a secure hold, making it easier for individuals with limited hand strength, the elderly, and young children to use effectively.
AroFuse is equipped with a simple, easy-to-pull trigger mechanism that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for those with arthritis or reduced hand dexterity. High-contrast, large-print labels combined with braille text provide clear instructions and safety information, ensuring accessibility for those with visual impairments.
Designed with safety and sustainability in mind, the bottle includes a child-resistant cap that is secure yet easy for adults to open, preventing accidental use by young children. Its refillability and built-in durability support environmental responsibility by reducing waste. AroFuse combines functionality with thoughtful design, making insect-repellent applications straightforward and inclusive for everyone.
Market Analysis
Insect Repellent Market
The demand for insect repellents is increasing in Taiwan and other Asia n countries due to the effects of global warming which creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes and other pests. The local market for insect repellents is growing, driven by increased awareness of insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever. According to market analysis, the Taiwanese insect repellent market is expected to experience significant growth from 2024 to 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%, reaching TWD 2.1 billion by 2031. This growth is fueled by the need for effective, safe, and user-friendly repellent solutions (Taiwan's fragrance market: Trends and insights, 2023).
Fragrance Market
The fragrance market in Taiwan is currently undergoing substantial growth, and it is anticipated to reach a value of USD 0.57 billion by 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.34% (CAGR 2024-2028). This growth is driven by several factors, including increasing disposable incomes, evolving consumer preferences, and the upsurge in demand for personalized fragrance products (Fragrances in Taiwan, 2023).
Target Market
Borohma focuses on developing cutting-edge insect-repellent solutions. Our target market sits at the intersection of the insect repellent industry and the fragrance industry, with a specific focus on the Taiwanese market.
BOROHMA's Dual Focus
Borohma’s products cater to distinct segments within these markets in Taiwan.
Invisibor targets health-conscious Taiwanese consumers seeking an effective, scentless, and non-irritating insect repellent. This product appeals to individuals with sensitive skin, allergies to traditional repellent ingredients, and those who prefer a clean, fragrance-free option for their outdoor activities in Taiwan’s humid climate.
Our fragrance addresses the needs of Taiwanese consumers looking for personalized insect-repellent solutions. By allowing users to choose their preferred fragrance, this product bridges the gap between functionality and personalization. It attracts a diverse audience, including fashion-conscious individuals, outdoor enthusiasts, and families who want protection without compromising on their preferred scents.
Local Impact
Borohma’s products are designed with the local market in mind, ensuring they meet the specific needs and preferences of Taiwanese consumers. Our focus on non-irritating, alcohol-free formulations addresses common concerns in Taiwan’s humid climate, where skin sensitivity and allergies are prevalent. Additionally, by offering customizable scents, we cater to the growing trend of personalized products in Taiwan.
Borohma’s innovative approach uniquely positions us within the expanding insect repellents and fragrances market in Taiwan. By offering products that cater to both health-conscious and personalization-seeking consumers, Borohma taps into the growing demand for multifunctional, user-centric solutions in these thriving local industries.
Value Proposition
A diagram of Borohma's value proposition
SWOT Analysis
A diagram of our SWOT analysis
Lean Business Model Canvas (LBMC)
A diagram of Borohma's Lean Business Model Canvas
Customer Segmentation
A diagram of our target audience
Potential Problems & Solutions
To address the challenge of consumer awareness and education, we plan to launch a series of comprehensive marketing campaigns. These initiatives will focus on highlighting the benefits of L-borneol, including its effectiveness, natural origins, and safety profile. We aim to leverage endorsements from entomologists and dermatologists and utilize authentic testimonials to build consumer trust and confidence.
We recognize that obtaining regulatory approval is a critical step. Moving forward, we will work closely with regulatory experts to navigate the approval process for L-borneol. We will prepare detailed documentation and conduct independent studies to demonstrate the ingredient’s efficacy and safety. These efforts will not only support our regulatory compliance but also reinforce our marketing strategies and bolster consumer confidence in our product.
In terms of market differentiation, we plan to emphasize the unique benefits of L-borneol, such as its natural origin and lower potential for irritation. Our innovative spray bottle design, combined with our commitment to sustainability and additional skin benefits, will be central to our marketing efforts. We will develop a strong brand identity and narrative to effectively distinguish our product from others that use DEET or similar ingredients.
Regarding cost and pricing, we will conduct a thorough cost analysis to manage production expenses efficiently. By optimizing our supply chain and production processes, we will work to keep costs under control. Should higher costs be necessary, we will highlight the added value of our product’s unique benefits. We will explore various pricing strategies, including premium positioning and value packs, to appeal to different segments of the market.
Finally, to foster consumer acceptance and trust, we will provide transparent information about L-borneol’s benefits, research, and safety. We plan to offer satisfaction guarantees and money-back policies to alleviate any perceived risk for first-time buyers. Additionally, we will engage directly with consumers through samples, trials, and promotional events to showcase the effectiveness of our repellent and build strong consumer relationships.
By addressing these challenges with a proactive approach, we are confident that our L-borneol-based insect repellent will successfully meet the growing demand for natural and effective alternatives to traditional repellents.
Competitor Analysis
Insect Repellent Analysis 1 (Hulin - Fragrances, n.d.)
Insect Repellent Analysis 2 (Earth Friend - Eco-friendly fragrances, n.d.)
Fragrance Analysis(Chuang Chi - Products, n.d.)
Financing
Through our surveys with the Taiwanese audience, we narrowed down the general acceptable price of the scentless mosquito repellent(Invisibor) to around 280 NTD. However after consulting a Taiwanese fragrance industry expert from the taiwan base fragrance company Jsoaper we realized that we need a higher pricing. The main issue with our price is that it doesn't cover distribution cost or advertisement cost, either of which is crucial to kick start our product. Following the recommended price increase of 70 NTD to account for these expensive procedures resulted with Invisibor being 350 NTD.
Our second product FIR a novel take on perfumes and colognes, so we examined similar products that have garnered a following in Taiwan. The general pricing of these fragrances start at 600NTD (around USD 19) and brands with following would oftentimes increase their price to approach 30USD. We decided that we would price FIR at 650 NTD. When we gain market recognition we can focus on variety and gently ease up the prices of our inventory.
Comparison of Fragrance Brands
Initial Capital Requirements: Fixed Costs during R&D
Future Plan
First Year:
To finalize our scent insect repellent formula, we'll refine its composition for efficacy and safety and obtain an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) certificate. This involves gathering ingredient details, completing the INCI application, and paying a $200.00 fee per trade name. The process takes 3-6 months, and once approved, we can use the INCI name on our labels to ensure international compliance. We'll collaborate with small Taiwanese companies like Jsoaper, WATER MAGIC LTD, and Alfresco for mass production. Our website will feature product details, prices, and customizable scents, emphasizing our unique combination of insect repellents and pleasant scents. We'll partner with outdoor activity groups for advertising and use customer feedback to make adjustments, including new scents or changing borneol concentration. Market data will guide our strategies, with price adjustments as needed. We'll ensure regulatory compliance by obtaining necessary certifications and adhering to Taiwanese health and safety standards, helping us enter and sustain our market presence.
We will also focus on market expansion by collaborating with larger companies like Raid and Qu Wen Jue to appeal for expanding our production line. New customizable fragrance options will be introduced based on customer feedback and market trends. Additionally, we will develop new products such as travel-sized bottles and seasonal fragrances. Our physical market presence will be established in supermarkets like Carrefour and SimpleMarket, and pharmacies like Yes Chain and Great Tree. We'll also explore larger Taiwanese e-markets and seek collaborations to sell our products.
Second Year:
Our regional market expansion will target opportunities in Asian insect repellent companies in countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Japan. We will research and adapt our products as necessary to fit regional preferences and regulations. To develop our brand, we will strengthen our presence through strategic marketing campaigns, collaborations with well-known brands, and participation in industry events. Advertising will be conducted through YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms.
Third Year:
We will focus on establishing our brand as a leader in the insect repellent industry by engaging in extensive marketing campaigns, fostering collaborations with established brands, and participating in major industry events. We'll expand our advertising efforts on digital platforms like YouTube and Instagram to reach a broader audience. Sustainability will be a key focus, implementing eco-friendly practices in production, packaging, and distribution to align with growing consumer demand. We'll obtain certifications and partnerships with environmental organizations to reinforce our commitment to sustainability.
Fourth Year:
In our fourth year, we will aim for global expansion, entering markets beyond Asia while continuing to adapt our products to meet various international standards and preferences. We'll invest in research and development to innovate new products and improve existing ones, ensuring they remain competitive. Our branding efforts will be intensified through strategic partnerships, influencer collaborations, and high-visibility marketing campaigns. Sustainability practices will be further enhanced, and we will seek recognition through awards and certifications to solidify our position as an industry leader in both product effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Regulations
Taiwan's Regulations on Cosmetics:
In Taiwan, the Cosmetic Hygiene and Safety Management Act ensures the safety and hygiene of cosmetics to protect public health. It requires manufacturers and importers to register products, maintain information files, and obtain permits for specific-purpose cosmetics. Prohibited substances such as mercury and lead are banned, except for harmless trace residues. Cosmetics must have clear labeling in Chinese, and manufacturing sites must meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. Advertising must be truthful and not claim medical benefits, and any adverse reactions must be reported. Authorities have the right to inspect, sample, and test products, and imported cosmetics must pass inspections. Violations can result in fines, suspensions, or license revocations.
Our Product
From talking to multiple industry professionals we gained insight into the regulation product for insect repellents in Taiwan. Our products fall under the legal cosmetic category in Taiwan. Therefore, the legal regulation process is relatively straightforward and has a high chance of success. Once our product is approved, it increases consumers' trust in Borohma and allows us to sell for a greater price.
We also have plans to get a International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) certificate for Borohma. This gives our repellent greater international recognition and allows us to target customers all over the world. First we would gather all relevant details about the ingredient, including its chemical composition and safety data. Then, visit the Personal Care Products Council's website to complete the INCI application form and pay the $200.00 fee per trade name. The application process typically takes 3-6 months meaning that Borohma could start generating profit within a year.
- Taiwan News. (2023).Taiwan's fragrance market: Trends and insights.https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/5902423
- Euromonitor International. (2023).Fragrances in Taiwan.https://www.euromonitor.com/fragrances-in-taiwan/report
- Hulin. (n.d.).Hulin - Fragrances. https://www.hulin.com.tw/
- Earth Friend. (n.d.).Earth Friend - Eco-friendly fragrances.https://www.earthfriend.co/
- Chuang Chi. (n.d.).Chuang Chi - Products.https://chuang-chi.com/products/