In part 1 of this series we discussed the ingredients needed to make effective, quality, scented hand sanitizer.  In part 2 we debated the differences between bottles / packaging styles.  Now it is time to talk about creating the product label! 

There are two main parts to the label: Ingredients panel and the actual label.  Let's discuss ingredients first.  

Ingredients always need to be listed in order.  The first ingredient on the list needs to be what there is the MOST of.  The last ingredient on the list is what there is the LEAST of.  Side note: Reading labels is a fantastic way to see what products are made from cheap ingredients!  For example, if Corn Meal is the first ingredient listed on the bag of dog food, you now know it's garbage because dogs don't eat corn (I mean they technically *can* eat corn, but corn is not a part of a dogs actual diet).  

So, your ingredients list should look like this (but your ingredients will instead say whatever YOUR ingredients are):

Next you want to design your label.  The Purell bottle shown above has TWO labels; one on the front and a second on the back side.  A double label on a rectangle bottle is WAY MORE WORK than applying a single "wrap around label" to a round bottle. A round bottle usually has one label that wraps around the bottle like this:

To make a round label you need to measure the size of your bottle using a tape measure:

Cut out a piece a paper that fits the measurement.  Now wrap the paper around the bottle and make sure it fits. 

Next, use the paper to sketch out an idea of how you want it to look.  You will basically want to design something similar to this:

Or, you can buy the actual template shown above on Etsy for around $16. Abobe Spark has FREE label templates that are super nice - I would def recommend checking Adobe out. Additionally,there are tons of other sites that sell templates or offer "Bottle Label Designer Online".  You can even design your label AND have it printed, cut and shipped to you through a company like PSprint or VistaPrint.  (Note: If you want to order through VistaPrint, sign up for Mr Rebates because you'll earn 7% CASH BACK + you'll get a coupon to use.  Today's coupon is for 25% off stickers and labels (the coupon code is LABEL25 but it expires 6.30.20) 

Having someone else print and cut your labels will really speed up the process, lessen error / waste and help you get your product to market way faster.  VistaPrint offers super tiny custom quantities, so even if you only want 25 labels, you can order just that. 

If you absolutely insist on making the labels yourself you can however it will be likely be more expensive because you can't just print them on regular paper.  You will need to buy a lamination machine and rolls:

The machine shown above comes with one 30-foot roll for around $35 total.  You will then need to print your graphics professionally (Kinkos or similar).  You will need to laminate your graphics then cut them to size to fit your bottle.  Trust me, it is a TON of work to go this route however you will end up with a nice looking product:

OR, if you are ok with a less-professional looking label you can buy "Waterproof Labels" off Amazon and print them on your home printer. Personally, I think home-printed labels look like total crap if you don't have an industrial printer, but that's just my opinion; I know many successful farmers market / flea market sellers who do not professionally print anything. 

Other alternatives:

• If you totally suck as designing things, hire a graphic designer off Fiverr.com This is a website that features freelancers so you can get a great product at a great price. You can probably get a nice label designed for $50 or less. You would still have to print and laminate it but it will look totally professional. 
• You can also ask around.  Maybe someone in your group of friends or family has enough design experience to make a label.  It helps a lot if you find a label you love online then tell the person "I would like it to look similar to this".  That helps the person know what you have in mind.