We first consulted a dermatology expert to understand the issues with current repellents. In our interview with Dr. Chen Chih-chiang, the Director of Dermatology at General Veterans Hospital, we gained critical information about developing a mosquito repellent suitable for sensitive skin. He highlighted the potential allergic reactions and skin irritations caused by common repellents, such as those containing DEET, and emphasized the need for safer alternatives like Borneol. His recommendation to create separate lines for sensitive and non-sensitive skin guided our inclusive market strategy.

In addition, Jane Liu, founder of JSoaper, guided us through the regulatory landscape and the importance of obtaining an International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient certification. This ensured our compliance with Taiwanese regulations and positioned us further for international sales. At this stage of the project, Jane helped us with understanding the market of the fragrance and the repellent industry.

After developing our business plan, we wanted feedback on potential challenges we may face. During a follow-up meeting with Jane Liu, we realized that our initial pricing strategy was insufficient to cover the manufacturing and marketing costs. This feedback prompted us to reevaluate our pricing model and adjust accordingly. Additionally, the short shelf life of our product — only one year compared to competitors’ four years — highlighted the need for better inventory management and market positioning.

Pharmacist Lin Yi-Wen, founder of ATHENA Skincare toxic-free brand, offered entrepreneurial advice that was invaluable in balancing repellent properties, cost, and environmental impact. Her experience in starting a cosmetic line from scratch helped us refine our approach to the market. She stressed the importance of factoring in external variables like weather and economic conditions, which would affect product demand and production. Finally, her recommendation to collaborate with environmentally conscious companies reinforced our commitment to sustainability, aligning our brand with the values of our target audience.

According to Taiwan’s regulations, our product falls under the category of cosmetics, governed by a strict code of conduct to avoid serious legal repercussions. Specifically, cosmetics must not contain banned substances such as mercury or lead, although residual traces permissible under contemporary technical standards are acceptable, provided they pose no health hazard. Additionally, our production process must adhere to ethical guidelines, meaning no animal testing is allowed unless explicitly approved by the central competent authority under specific conditions — such as when an ingredient’s function cannot be replaced or when data is showing potential harm to human health. Ensuring our equipment and experimental procedures align with these regulations is vital to prevent any violations and to guarantee that our product can be legally marketed and sold in Taiwan.

Besides local regulations, adhering to international cosmetic regulations is crucial for our project’s success and global market entry. Beyond Taiwan’s stringent regulations, international standards also ensure our product’s compliance and acceptance. For instance, in the European Union, cosmetics must adhere to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which prohibits certain substances and requires thorough safety assessments. Similarly, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees cosmetic products, mandating that they be safe for use and properly labeled, though pre-market approval is not required. Additionally, in countries like Canada and Australia, stringent guidelines are enforced regarding ingredient safety and product efficacy. Meeting these international standards broadens our market reach and enhances our product’s credibility. By ensuring our product complies with these diverse regulations, we mitigate legal risks, build consumer trust, and position ourselves favorably in the global market, thus paving the way for successful international expansion.

Our fragrance brand commits to creating personalized, inclusive scents that cater to each customer’s preferences and sensitivities. To achieve this, we’ve designed a fragrance personalization quiz AroMatch that allows individuals to craft unique scents that account for the allergies of our customers and their likings. The process begins with a simple question about potential allergies to fragrance ingredients, ensuring that any allergens are immediately excluded from the selection process. This step ensures safety and comfort as the customer moves forward in customizing the fragrance.

Fragrances consist of three layers: top, middle, and base notes. The top note is the first scent you would notice when applying the fragrance, usually light and fresh. The middle note emerges as the top note fades, forming the core of the scent experience. The base note serves as the foundation that lingers on the skin, providing a lasting scent. Once the allergy check is complete, the quiz guides customers through selecting their preferred top and middle notes from our catalog of options, with Borneol being a constant base note for every fragrance. Each option is accompanied by a description to help with their choices. For example, whether they prefer floral, citrus, woody, or spicy notes, customers can pick scents that resonate with their style. This quiz ensures that everyone can enjoy a fragrance that is both safe and aligned with their own preferences. Through this easy 2-minute quiz, each customer can walk away with a fragrance that feels uniquely theirs.

Visit AroMatch to customize your scent!

Our economic model, derived from the Bass diffusion model, provides valuable insights for our human practices and entrepreneurship efforts by predicting market adoption trends for BOROHMA’s dual-function product. By combining data from both the insect repellent and fragrance markets, our model helps to anticipate how the product will be received, guiding decision-making in product development, marketing, and investment. Not only does our model emphasizes the importance of balancing repellent and fragrance aspects, enabling the team to tailor their strategies for different target audiences such as fragrance-sensitive individuals and outdoor enthusiasts, this predictive understanding strengthens the entrepreneurship plan, ensuring that BOROHMA’s offerings are positioned effectively in the market, ultimately supporting sustainable growth and consumer satisfaction.

Visit our Model page for more details.

Our business plan outlines BOROHMA’s strategy to innovate the insect repellent industry by merging pest protection with personalized fragrance options, catering to a growing demand for eco-friendly, customizable, and skin-safe solutions. By leveraging L-borneol, a nearly scentless and sustainable alternative to traditional repellents, we provide users with an alcohol-free formula suitable for sensitive skin and those with fragrance sensitivities. This plan outlines our product offerings, market analysis, target audience, and a five-year roadmap for expanding in Taiwan and broader Asian markets. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and local impact, our business model positions BOROHMA to stand out in both the insect repellent and fragrance sectors.

Visit our Business Plan page for more details.