I’ve recently seen a surge in jar moisturizers and wondered whether they are something we should avoid.
I know that jars were quite popular before moisturizing lotions were ever sold in jars but jar moisturizers have made a big comeback in the past few years. Is this a good or bad thing?
Are jar moisturizers bad for your skin?
Are jar moisturizers bad for your skin? No, they’re not bad for your skin. The main problem with jar moisturizers is that they don’t contain preservatives so you have to use them all up quickly and keep them in a cool (not cold) place. Otherwise, it’s fine. I have one, and I love it.
What is a jar moisturizer?
Jar moisturizers are products that come in a jar and which contain ingredients that effectively moisturize your skin. They range from creams-to-oil to creams-to-butters to lotions.
Many of them contain hyaluronic acid which can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on your face.
I don’t think any cream or lotion or formula can do all of those things but these products have definitely worked wonders for me!
Why do moisturizers come in jars?
The truth is that most moisturizers come in jars for a very practical reason: They are far less expensive for manufacturers to produce and ship than bottles are. In fact, a lot of times the jars aren’t even made by the company that makes the product. Instead, they’re purchased from suppliers who specialize in making containers for all kinds of products.
A bottle takes more material, more machinery, and more time to make than a jar does, so it’s significantly more expensive per ounce.
And since a moisturizer tends to be fairly low in price, it’s more economical to make it in a jar and sell it at a lower cost per ounce.
As for keeping it clean after you use it, there are two approaches: You can wash your hands every time you apply moisturizer (and hope you don’t have any dirt or oil on them) or you can use a cotton swab or makeup pad to apply it and then throw those away immediately afterward. Both methods work fine — it just depends on how much time you want to spend.
How long does a jar of moisturizer last?
The answer is actually pretty easy to figure out once you know how to read the product labels.
- Expiration date
Most jars of moisturizer will have an expiration date printed on them somewhere. However, if they don’t, then you can use the jar itself as an indicator of its freshness. If the jar has any dents in it from being moved around (like in your purse or makeup bag), or if there are any cracks in the lid, then that means the jar has been subjected to changes in temperature and could be compromised.
For most jars of moisturizers, the shelf life is usually between 24-36 months. After this time period has passed, the moisturizer may start to break down and lose its effectiveness over time.
- Product type
Tinted moisturizers can last up to 18 months, while lotions and creams can last up to 24 months. Keep in mind that these are general numbers, though.
Products with Vitamin C tend to have a shorter shelf life than most others – usually only six months or so. This is the same with any other products that contain acids or retinol.
You’ll also need to watch out for products that come with SPF, as they tend to spoil more quickly than other formulas.
You can extend the life of your moisturizer by preventing air from getting into the jar. Make sure your cap is on tight and remove it only when you’re ready to use the product.
How to get moisturizer out of the jar
Here are ten ways to get moisturizer out of a jar that will help you do so effectively:
1. Microwave the moisturizer for about 10 seconds and it should come right out.
2. You can also take a pair of scissors and cut down one side of the jar (be careful) then scoop it out that way.
3. Get a hairdryer and heat up the moisturizer while holding the jar upside down until it melts enough to come out of the hole in the top of the jar.
4. Put some warm water in the sink, place jar in the sink, and leave overnight-works like a charm!
5. Take a butter knife and run it around the edge of the jar, like scraping off excess frosting or cake batter from around edge of the cake pan when baking, this will loosen up all that extra product you had to scrape off with your fingers before!
6. Add some oil or lotion to loosen it up and make it easier to scoop out. If you have an old bottle lying around, adding some oil or lotion will help soften up any leftover moisture so that you can scrape it out more easily with a butter knife or spoon.
7. Place a piece of wax paper over the top of the pot and press down firmly. The wax paper will help get all the products out.
8. Hold something heavy on top of the pot, like a full bottle of shampoo or water bottle, for about 30 seconds. The extra weight helps force the product out of the jar.
9. Put some petroleum jelly around the rim of the jar and cover it with foil. Heat some water in a pan or microwave until it is very hot and place the jar in it for 5 minutes or so. This loosens up the contents AND makes cleanup easier!
10. If you still can’t get it out, try using an old makeup brush to apply it from inside the jar.
Pros of jar moisturizers
- They are affordable.
- Jar moisturizers are versatile.
- They are multipurpose.
- Jar moisturizers are easy to use.
- Jar moisturizers are less messy than liquid moisturizers.
- Jar moisturizers are less likely to cause breakouts.
Cons of jar moisturizers
- Jar moisturizers aren’t very travel-friendly.
- Jar moisturizers are not easily sanitized.
Final Thoughts
While jar moisturizers are indeed convenient for those with busy lifestyles, it’s important to remember that your skin won’t care what’s inside the container.
If you do decide to use a jar moisturizer, be sure to test it on a small patch of skin before going all in and covering your entire face with it.
Also, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight as this can severely reduce its shelf life.
