As a face cream jars supplier who’s worked with packaging for over a decade, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten calls from small brand founders or DIY beauty enthusiasts asking the same question: “How do I clean my used face cream jars without ruining them?” It makes total sense—fancy glass or ceramic face cream jars aren’t cheap, and tossing them after one use feels wasteful, especially when you’ve invested in a nice, functional container that keeps your product fresh. But cleaning them wrong can leave residue, scratch the surface, or even create bacteria that ruins the next cream you put in. Over the years, I’ve tested every cleaning method imaginable on the jars we manufacture, and I’ve learned what works, what backfires, and what’s backed by actual packaging science. This guide is for anyone looking to reuse their empty face cream jars safely, whether you’re refilling them with a homemade moisturizer, decanting a high-end product you can’t bear to toss, or even reselling gently used packaging (yes, some brands do that, too). Let’s break it down step by step, no fluff, just what you actually need to know. Face Cream Jars
First, let’s start with why face cream jars are different from other packaging. Most of the ones we make are either glass, BPA-free plastic, or ceramic—all of which have different properties that affect how you clean them. Glass is non-porous and durable, so it can handle harsher cleaners, but it’s also prone to scratches from abrasive tools. Plastic jars, especially the matte or frosted ones we use for many of our budget-friendly lines, can absorb oils and harsh chemicals if you’re not careful, leading to discoloration over time. Ceramic jars often have a glazed finish, but unglazed interiors (used for certain natural skincare lines) can trap residue if not cleaned thoroughly. That’s why one-size-fits-all cleaning hacks from TikTok don’t always work—what’s fine for a glass jar might turn a plastic one cloudy, and what cuts through foundation might leave a film that goes rancid in your next cream.
Before you even pick up a sponge, there’s a critical pre-cleaning step I wish more people did: empty every last bit of product out before you start. I see it all the time—someone rinses the jar, but there’s still a thick layer of face cream stuck to the bottom or sides, hidden in the tiny crevices around the screw thread or the inner lip of the lid. That residue will go bad quickly, even with cleaning, and contaminate your new product. To get every last bit out, start by scraping the interior with a plastic spatula (metal can scratch glass, and even a metal spatula might leave tiny shavings in the jar) or even the edge of your credit card if you don’t have a spatula. Don’t push too hard—you want to loosen, not scrape holes, in the jar. For very thick creams, you can also run the empty jar under warm (not hot) water for 10 seconds to soften the remaining product, then scrape it out. This step alone cuts your cleaning time in half and prevents you from wasting product trying to rinse it away.
Now, let’s get to the actual cleaning methods, sorted by jar type, because that’s where most people mess up. I’ll cover the three most common face cream jar materials we supply: glass, BPA-free plastic, and ceramic.
Starting with glass jars—these are the easiest to clean, in my opinion, because they’re forgiving. The mistake here is people using harsh, abrasive cleaners that scratch the glass, which creates tiny nooks where bacteria can hide. For regular, daily cleaning of glass jars, use a gentle dish soap (something fragrance-free, because fragrances can leave a residue that mixes with your next cream) and a soft sponge or bottle brush. The small, round bottle brushes we sell for our 50ml and 100ml glass jars are perfect here—they reach the bottom and the sides without scratching. After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with warm water until no soapy suds remain. To get rid of any lingering oily residue (face creams are mostly oil, after all), you can add a tablespoon of white vinegar to a bowl of warm water, soak the jar and lid for 10 minutes, then scrub again. Vinegar cuts through oil without leaving a film, and it’s antibacterial, which is a bonus. One thing to never do with glass jars: put them in the dishwasher on a high-heat cycle. The extreme heat can cause thermal shock, especially if the jar was cold when you put it in—sudden temperature changes can make glass crack. I’ve had several brand customers come back with cracked jars from dishwashers, and it’s avoidable.
Next, plastic face cream jars—these are trickier. The frosted plastic jars we make are super popular for natural brands, but they can get cloudy if you use the wrong cleaners. First, never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on plastic—they’ll break down the plastic over time, making it brittle, and they can leave toxic residue that mixes with skincare. For regular cleaning, stick to fragrance-free dish soap and a soft sponge. If you have sticky residue or a smell (some plastic jars hold the scent of old cream), make a paste of baking soda and warm water—baking soda is mild, abrasive enough to lift residue without scratching, and it neutralizes odors. Rub the paste on the inside and outside of the jar, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse. A trick we use at our factory for plastic jars that have gotten a little cloudy from repeated cleaning: soak them in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and four parts water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide is safe for BPA-free plastic, it’s antibacterial, and it will brighten cloudy plastic without damaging it. Just make sure to rinse very well—any leftover hydrogen peroxide can react with your cream and cause it to separate. Also, never soak plastic jars for more than 30 minutes—over-soaking can make the plastic leach chemicals, even if it’s labeled BPA-free.
Then there are ceramic face cream jars, which are often used for luxury or natural skincare lines because they look sleek and keep cream cool (porous ceramic can actually help stabilize temperature, which is great for active ingredients like vitamin C). But ceramic can be tricky, especially if it’s unglazed inside. If your ceramic jar has a glazed interior, treat it like a glass jar—dish soap, soft sponge, no high heat. If it’s unglazed, you need to be extra careful. Unglazed ceramic has tiny pores that can trap bacteria and residue, so regular soap and water won’t cut it. For unglazed ceramic jars, start by rinsing out all product, then fill the jar with boiling water (the heat will open the pores a little and loosen residue) and let it sit for 5 minutes. Dump the water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, and use a small brush (like a toothbrush with soft bristles) to scrub the inside, getting into all the tiny pores. Rinse very well, then soak the jar in a solution of one part white vinegar and three parts water for 20 minutes. The vinegar will kill any bacteria trapped in the pores. After soaking, scrub again with the soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely. Never use a rough brush on glazed or unglazed ceramic—it can scratch the glaze or even leave tiny particles in unglazed ceramic. Also, don’t put ceramic jars in the microwave unless they’re labeled microwave-safe (most face cream jars aren’t, even if they look like they are) because the metal in any glaze can cause sparks.
Now, what about the lids? Most people forget about lids, and that’s where 90% of bacteria hide. The inner part of the lid, which touches the cream, is full of tiny grooves and edges where product builds up. For screw-top lids (the most common for face cream jars), take the lid apart—many lids have a separate inner seal or a plastic ring that comes off. Wash every part of the lid the same way you cleaned the jar, but again, match the method to the material. If you have a plastic lid, don’t soak it in hot water for too long, and don’t use abrasive scrubbers. For metal lids (sometimes used for luxury glass jars), use dish soap and a soft sponge—metal lids can rust if they’re not dried properly, so after cleaning, dry the lid immediately with a towel, and store the jar upside down to let any moisture escape.
Once you’ve cleaned the jar and lid, the final step is drying. This is non-negotiable—moisture in the jar is the number one cause of mold and bacteria growth in your new cream. Don’t just wipe it with a paper towel and call it good; paper towels can leave lint behind, and they don’t get into the small cracks. The best way is to let the jar air dry completely upside down on a clean, lint-free towel (like a cotton kitchen towel, not a paper towel) for at least 24 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a clean, soft cloth to dry it, but make sure you get every nook and cranny. Some people use a hair dryer on a cool setting to speed up drying, but never hot heat—hot air can warp plastic or crack glass.
Now, let’s talk about what to avoid, because I’ve seen people do these and ruin perfectly good jars:
- Using harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or heavy-duty kitchen cleaners are not for face cream jars. They leave toxic residue that can cause skin irritation or make your cream go bad. Stick to mild, food-safe cleaners like dish soap, vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
- Scratching the surface: Scratches on glass or plastic create tiny bacteria colonies. Always use soft sponges or brushes, never steel wool or rough scrub pads.
- High heat: As I mentioned before, high heat from dishwashers, ovens, or even boiling water can cause thermal shock in glass and warp plastic. This is especially true for our smaller travel-sized face cream jars, which are thinner.
- Not drying completely: Even a tiny drop of water in the jar can turn into mold within a week. Always let it dry fully before adding new product.
A quick note if you’re refilling jars with homemade skincare: Homemade products don’t have the preservatives that commercial creams do, so it’s even more important that your jar is clean and bacteria-free. I’d actually recommend soaking your empty jar in boiling water for 5 minutes before cleaning it, to kill any bacteria that might be left, even after scrubbing. This is an extra step, but it’s worth it to keep your homemade cream safe.
Now, as a face cream jars supplier, I get asked all the time why we design jars with those tiny screw threads and inner lips—those parts are actually intentional, to keep cream from leaking out, but they also trap product. If you’re struggling to clean those hard-to-reach spots, we actually sell small bottle brushes specifically made for face cream jars, with angled bristles that fit into those crevices. It’s a tiny investment, but it makes cleaning so much easier, and it means you don’t have to throw away perfectly good jars because you can’t get them clean.
If you’re a brand owner looking to source durable, easy-to-clean face cream jars for your products, or if you’re a regular person who buys our jars for DIY projects and needs tips, feel free to reach out to discuss your specific needs. We work with small craft brands and large cosmetic companies alike, and we can help you choose jars that are easy to clean, durable, and perfect for your products.
Toner Bottle References:
- Cosmetic Packaging Association. (2021). Best Practices for Reusing Skincare Packaging. Journal of Cosmetic Packaging Materials, 18(2), 45-52.
- American Cleaning Institute. (2020). Safe Cleaning Methods for Plastic and Glass Food-Contact Containers. Household Cleaning Research, 32(4), 112-119.
- International Ceramic Society. (2019). Care and Maintenance of Ceramic Skincare Packaging. Applied Ceramic Engineering, 27(1), 78-85.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Food-Safe Cleaners for Reusable Packaging. FDA Consumer Product Safety Guidelines, 12(3), 201-207.
Gaocho Industrial (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.
Gaocho Industrial (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional face cream jars manufacturers and suppliers in China. We have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. We warmly welcome you to wholesale customized face cream jars at competitive price from our factory.
Address: Floor 1-4, Building 3, No. 19, Yonghuan Road, Jintian Industrial Zone, Huadong Town, Huadu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China.
E-mail: sale03@gaopack.com
WebSite: https://www.gaobottle.com/
