Selecting Storage Containers

When selecting your containers avoid using containers that held medicine, film, poison, household cleaners, spoiled food, compost or fertilizer.

Always sterilize your containers that have been previously used to ensure the purity of your product. If you are planning to sell your products, the FDA requires that you use new containers only. Follow the sterilizing standards set up by OSHA. Plastic containers are harder to sterilize by the boiling method because they may melt. It is better to use a bleach water solution and wipe them individually.

Glass Containers

Clear glass containers are readily available, but glass in amber and blue are becoming more popular because they better protect your products from light. Some of the types of glass containers you will find on the market are Cream Jars (wide mouth jars that are good for creams and salves); Spice Shakers (usually two inches high and are perfect for sprinkling out dried herbs in small quantities or for dusting powders); Woozeys (narrow necked jars designed for herbal vinegars and oils. They come in different sizes, but the most common are 5 oz., 10 oz., 12 oz. Can be used for bath oils); Hex Jars (6-sided, wide-mouthed jar that is used by beekeepers because it looks like a beehive. This jar is useful for creams and moisturizer. Lids for these jars can be unreliable during traveling); Storage or Canning Jars (Available in pint, quart, half gallon and gallon. Great for storing herbs and other dry ingredients. I use them for my bath jelly recipes and bath salts.); Boston Rounds (Come in various sizes and come in blue, amber and clear. Great for bath salts.)

Plastic Containers

Cream Jars (These opaque, white wide-mouth jars are great for lip balms, salves and creams) and Lotion Bottles (Translucent, Squeezable, Flip Top which makes them great for lotions and massage oils).

Other Containers

Tins (Shallow wide-mouthed decorative tins which labels can be put on the lid are great for lip balms and salves); Powder Cylinders (Normally these containers come in white and are great for dusting powders); Muslin Bags (Great for herbal tea tubs and milk baths).


Source: The Herbal Home Spa…Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils and Scrubs by Greta Breedlove. Storey Publishing. North Adams, MA, 1998. Pages 48-53.