How to Decant Creams Into Refillable Jars

To decant a cream into a refillable jar, clean and dry the jar, wash your hands, and transfer the product with a clean spatula or spoon, not your fingers. Press it down to remove air pockets, leave a little space at the top, close the lid firmly and label the jar with the product name and date. Take only what you will use on the trip, since a decanted product does not keep as long as one in its original packaging.

Why decant creams?

• Travel. A week's worth of moisturizer weighs far less than the full jar.
• Carry-on rules. Containers of 100 ml or less fit the usual liquids limit.
• Gym and overnight bags.
• Samples, for sharing or for testing a product before committing.
• Homemade products, such as lip balm, body butter or scrubs.

Which products decant well, and which do not?

How do you clean the jar first?

1. Wash the jar and lid in warm, soapy water, and rinse well.
2. Wipe or spray the inside with rubbing alcohol, and let it evaporate fully.
3. Leave the jar and lid upside down on a clean towel until completely dry.

Do not pour boiling water into plastic jars. It can warp them.

How to decant, step by step

1. Wash your hands.
2. Clean your spatula or spoon with soap, then alcohol, and let it dry.
3. Scoop a small amount from the original container.
4. Scrape it into the jar against the inside edge.
5. Tap the jar on the counter and press the cream down, to release air pockets.
6. Leave a few millimeters at the top so the lid does not squeeze product out.
7. Wipe the rim and threads clean. Product on the threads is the usual cause of leaks.
8. Screw the lid on firmly.
9. Label with the product name and the date you filled it.

A set of clear jars

The Uexim clear refillable cosmetic jars are a set of 20 clear plastic jars with white screw-top lids, which the listing describes as secure against leaks. They come in five sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml and 250 ml, all 71 mm across and from 28 mm to 84 mm tall. The listing suggests them for homemade lip balm, creams, and portioning makeup and skincare samples.

Which size should you pick?

• 50 ml: face cream or hair mask for a week or two. Carry-on friendly.
• 100 ml: body cream for a short trip. The largest size within the usual carry-on limit.
• 150 to 250 ml: checked luggage, gym bags, home storage, and batches of homemade scrubs or body butter.

These are generous sizes. For a weekend, part-fill a 50 ml jar instead of carrying more than you need.

How long does a decanted cream keep?

Less time than in the original pack, because transferring exposes it to air and to whatever is on your tools. As a working rule, decant what you will use within a few weeks, and do not pour leftovers back into the original container. Discard anything that changes smell, color or texture.

How do you stop jars leaking in a bag?

• Clean threads and a firmly closed lid.
• A square of cling film over the opening, under the lid, as a second seal.
• Jars packed upright inside a zip bag.
• Air space at the top, especially for flights.

Common mistakes

• Using fingers to scoop.
• Filling a damp jar. Water invites spoilage.
• No label. White creams look identical.
• Decanting months ahead.
• Mixing two products in one jar.
• Leaving clear jars in the sun. Light degrades many ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take cream in a jar in my carry-on?

Creams count as liquids. The container must be 100 ml or smaller and go in your liquids bag. Check current rules for your route.

Is it safe to decant skincare?

For short-term use, with clean tools and a clean jar, yes. Keep sunscreen and air-sensitive products in their original packaging.

Can I reuse the jars?

Yes. Wash, wipe with alcohol and dry completely between uses.

Can I pour hot homemade balm into plastic jars?

Let the mixture cool until warm, not hot, before pouring, and test one jar first. Very hot liquid can warp plastic.

The bottom line

Clean jar, clean spatula, small amounts, clean threads, and a label with the date. Decant only what the trip needs.