Cosmetic Glass Guide
Cosmetic Jars
In skincare, body care, and natural wellness formulation, cosmetic jars are used where the texture, consistency, or application method doesn’t suit pumps or droppers.
Whether housing a balm, cream, mask, or scrub, jars allow for direct access to thicker products, while also offering flexibility in presentation and volume.
Over time, and through supporting a wide range of makers, from small-batch artisans to established wellness brands, we’ve come to understand how jar selection impacts not only product functionality, but also shelf stability, brand consistency, and end-user experience.
The glass jars in our range have been chosen to meet those diverse needs across different scales and product types.
Available in a variety of sizes, from compact 15ml options to larger 250ml formats, and in both clear and amber glass, our jars can be paired with compatible lids for a clean, reliable seal.
Choosing the right jar involves more than volume: it requires consideration of light sensitivity, preservation, handling, and ingredient behaviour over time.
Amber vs. Clear Glass – Choosing the right protection
Amber glass provides protection against UV light, which is particularly important for products containing botanical extracts, essential oils, or photosensitive ingredients.
It’s often chosen for natural or preservative light formulations to help extend shelf life and maintain stability.
Clear glass (including frosted or uncoated variations), on the other hand, is preferred where visual appeal or product visibility is a key part of the customer experience. It allows for easy colour and texture display, ideal for exfoliating scrubs, whipped butters, or layered formulas, while still supporting a premium look when paired with the right lid.
Both materials can be paired with various lids, including urea, aluminium, and lined plastic options, selected for barrier performance, compatibility, and aesthetic fit.
15ml Clear Ointment Jar
Best for: Lip balms, eye treatments, samples, solid perfumes
Overview: 15ml size is most commonly used for small-format products or high-potency topicals, where limited quantity and controlled application are expected.
It's also a practical option for travel kits, trial sizes, or promotional samplers, giving customers a way to test texture or scent before committing to a full-size product.
30ml Ointment Jars (Clear or Amber)
Best for: Face masks, concentrated creams, travel sizes
Overview: The 30ml jar offers a balanced format for both skincare and targeted body care.
It’s often used for single-product treatments, such as face masks, eye creams, or travel friendly moisturisers.
Amber glass is generally chosen for more sensitive or essential-oil-rich products, while clear jars are popular where presentation is a focus.
60ml Ointment Jars (Clear or Amber)
Best for: Moisturisers, balms, multi-purpose skincare
Overview: A versatile mid-size jar, the 60ml format works well for daily use creams, healing salves, or all-over balms.
It offers enough capacity for extended use while still being compact enough for personal routines or smaller retail packaging.
It’s a common choice for brands offering product refills or refills in glass formats.
120ml Ointment Jars (Clear or Amber)
Best for: Body butters, masks, scrubs, refill systems
Overview: This size supports wider-format applications and products where scooping or spreading is part of the usage - such as rich body creams, exfoliating scrubs, or deep treatment masks.
It’s also well-suited to refill systems and customers who prefer fewer purchases with more volume.
Amber is often selected for storage in humid or warm environments.
180ml Amber Ointment Jar
Best for: Body care, bulk products, at-home spa treatments
Overview: With a larger capacity and protective colouring, the 180ml amber jar is frequently used for body butters, wraps, or therapeutic creams that require light shielding and extended usage.
It’s also appropriate for value-sized formats or back-bar use in professional settings like salons and spas.
100ml Licata Jar
Best for: Luxury creams & small-format body products
Overview: With a more rounded, curved profile, the 100ml Licata jar is often used for higher-end skincare where visual softness or tactile appeal is important.
It holds enough product for long-term use without feeling oversized, and the distinctive shape offers brands a differentiated packaging format for premium lines.
200ml Cuban Jar
Best for: Premium body products, bath soaks, layered formulations
Overview: The 200ml Cuban jar offers a wider, flatter silhouette, often chosen for aesthetic presentation or where product visibility plays a role, such as in whipped scrubs or layered soaks.
Its broad opening allows for easy access and scoop application, while its weight and profile contribute to a luxury feel. A strong choice for both retail and gifting.
Selecting Lids, Seal, Compatibility & Presentation
All jars in this range are compatible with a selection of functional and visually cohesive lids.
Options include lined urea caps, known for their chemical resistance and tight seal, aluminium lids for a clean, modern finish and plastic closures in various colours and finishes.
Liners can be chosen to support oil-based, water-based, or preservative-light formulations depending on your product's sensitivity and packaging requirements.
Choosing the right jar for Your product
The right cosmetic jar is determined by more than just volume, it should align with your formulation type, shelf life expectations, application method, and brand identity.
From compact 15ml ointment jars for targeted treatments to 250ml Cubans for body rituals or spa-grade applications, each format offers a unique balance of function and presentation.
Understanding how size, glass type, and lid compatibility work together can help ensure your final product is both technically sound and visually aligned with your line.