Can you use empty lip balm containers to store other cosmetic or personal care products?

Throwing away empty balm tubes wastes resources and creativity. Reusing these containers supports sustainability—and opens up fresh ways to organize DIY beauty routines¹.

Yes, you can refill and repurpose² empty lip balm tubes, jars, and rollers for other cosmetics. Clean and sanitize them first, then add solid perfume³, tinted balm, lipstick blends⁴, aromatherapy sticks⁵, or even travel sunscreen⁶.

At ECO-BAMBOO, I’ve watched small brands and inventive customers transform discarded packaging into prized multi-use beauty tools. Repurposing bamboo containers⁷ becomes a ritual—less waste, more creativity.

What can I do with used lip balm containers?

You can turn used balm tubes and jars into travel storage for homemade balms, creams, solid perfume³s, or even healing salves. With proper cleaning, wood or bamboo packs last through many cycles.

A designer in our community created a DIY gift set from used bamboo jars—filled with her own hand-poured cuticle creams and solid scents. Packaging became a point of pride and a story about waste reduction.

Repurposing Options Chart

Can you put lipstick in a lip balm container?

Yes. Pour melted lipstick into a cleaned balm tube and let it set. This trick gives old lipstick a new life as a travel stick or custom shade—even for limited-edition runs.

For one brand, we blended unsold seasonal lipstick shades with organic balm base and filled leftover bamboo tubes—the result was a “zero waste” tinted balm that became a bestseller.

Lipstick Upcycling Table

Can you put anything in a lip balm tube?

You can fill sanitized balm tubes with anything that sets firm and fits the tube format—solid perfume³, deodorant, sunscreen, or first aid balms. Avoid liquids or reactive ingredients.

I often tell clients to match product hardness with tube type. Bamboo tubes, with food-grade liners, work for most solid formulas but aren’t meant for runny serums or watery creams.

Suitable Refill Table

How do you reuse a lip balm roller?

Wash and sanitize the roller thoroughly, then refill it with aromatherapy oils, eye serums, or liquid highlighters. The rolling ball can deliver precise, mess-free application.

Our clients have used bamboo rollers as signature aromatherapy “calm sticks.” Combining durable packaging with smart refills encourages customers to repeat the ritual instead of tossing packaging.

Roller Reuse Table

Conclusion

Repurposing empty lip balm packaging blends sustainability with user creativity. Clean, sturdy bamboo and wood containers keep cosmetics safe—and empower brands and users to reduce waste, one refill at a time.