Have Empty Skincare Jars? Here Are Some Ways to Reuse Them

Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 12:58 pm

If you’re like me and use various skincare products you may have empty containers. Specifically empty skincare jars. I had a few that I liked the size of so I didn’t feel I should throw them into the recycling bin.

Many skincare jars can be made of plastic or glass. The size and weight along with material may give you a bit of pause. If you tend to drop things like I do glass jars may put you off. However, they can still have some great uses after their original product is gone.

I thought I’d share a few ways you can reuse your empty jars.

Proper Cleaning before reusing the jar

I like to make sure all of the product is out of the jar. Then I add a little soap and warm to hot water. I replace the lid and shake it. If the product is a bit thicker such as a moisturizer. I’ll leave the jar sitting overnight. In the morning I rinse it with hot water again and let it dry. If the jar has a label you can let it soak in warm water until the label loosens and can be peeled off.

Jar types

There are many different types of skincare jars. There are larger ones to small sample size ones. I thought I’d break them down by size and material.

Glass jars

Glass jars are used for a variety of different skincare products. It may also vary by brand as well. But here are a few examples of some that I have and some uses for them.

Small jars

Small glass jars like the one shown above are great for small items. Such as glitter or mixing craft paint. You can also add water to them if you use watercolor. The top can double as a paintbrush or stamper holder.

These small jars are also great for craft items if you use buttons or small claps for jewelry making. or even to hold smaller bead strands or small pendants. Since they are glass you can see what’s in the container.

Of course, you can fill them with other products to take with you if you travel too.

Larger jars

Larger glass jars can also be used for a variety of products. Since they are larger they can hold more if you opt to use them for storage.

Some examples:

• holding paperclips
• buttons
• small clips
• magnets
  The list is endless.

Plastic jars

Like glass plastic skincare jars come in different sizes and styles. some can be opaque to clear. Others are solid or colored.

solid jars

Solid jars may be great for storing something long term. Since the light can’t penetrate the sides you can use them for items you may not need to use all the time. You can also decorate your jar to fit your needs.

I just realized this type of jar would be great if you work with paint when crafting. If you only need a small amount.

Colored plastic jars

Some brands may offer colored jars or maybe they have opted for this because the product inside the jar needs to be protected from direct sunlight.

These would be great for storage. You can also add some holes to the top and create your own essential oil diffuser. You can add a few drops of your favorite oil to a cotton ball and add it to the jar.

Opaque Jars

These types of jars have lots of potentials. You can always decorate them and use them on your desk to store paper clips or as a pencil holder. Another idea is to use them on your vanity to hold bobby pins or small hair clips. They also work well in deep drawers to help organize them better.

Another reuse idea is to cut a hole in the top and make it a coin bank. If your a crafter using it to hold yarn, ribbon or string might work as well. Just cut a hole in the top and run the string or yarn, etc through it.

Do you have any uses for your extra skincare jars? Share your tips in the comments below.