We all wish that all the skincare products we’ve tried actually work. Sadly, that is not the case. Even after reading reviews and recommendations from experts, sometimes some products just aren’t for us. This is because everyone’s skin is different. We each react differently to different ingredients. That is why some products work for others and some don’t. It’s fine to try out different skincare products due to the hype or youtube reviews. But, what happens when you realise it doesn’t work for you? Throwing it out is too much of a waste, but it’s not compatible with your face either! That is why Beauty Insider is here to help! Let’s look at some ways we can repurpose unwanted skincare products.

Tips For Reducing Waste

Before we get started, here are some tips to help you avoid creating too much skincare waste. 

skincare

Stop Overbuying

Only buy products that you need at the time. Don’t try to “stock up” because you most probably will forget about it! Sometimes, you might even only remember it after it has expired. You end up wasting a brand new product you haven’t even tried! Stop buying products due to its hype and look at what you already have. Also, look at factors such as do you really need it? Take it slow and try skincare products one at a time! 

Know your skin

Next up is to understand your skin type. Is it oily, normal, sensitive, dry or a combination? Once you know your skin inside-out, you can look for the right products! It’s also best to know what ingredients trigger your skin. That way, you can always look at the ingredient list before buying a new product! 

1. Gift It To Someone 

repurpose skincare

If a product doesn’t work for you, it might work for someone else! Ask if any of your family and friends want it and give it to them instead. Or, you guys can try swapping! Maybe they have a product that didn’t really work out either. Just make sure that all the products you want to gift or exchange are still within their shelf life. 

2. Use For Your Body

repurpose skincare

If it doesn’t work for your face, try it on your body! Your skincare products won’t strip your body as much as your face. Making it a great way to repurpose skincare products! So, some cleansers can be used as a body wash. Moisturisers, for example, can be used as hand creams as well if they don’t work for your face. Most products are suitable for the body even if it wasn’t for the face. For serums and creams, use them for your hands and chest! 

3. Cleansers For Makeup Brushes

repurpose skincare

A cleansing oil or balm can also be used as a cleanser for your makeup brushes. Typically, they won’t strip the brushes dry. The oils and balm can help break down residues of makeup from the brushes. Easy to use, all you have to do is add some water and product onto your brushes and rinse them off!

4. Deodorant

repurpose skincare

For the skincare addicts out there, you might have some chemical exfoliants lying around. An easy way to repurpose these skincare products is to use them as a deodorant! A little goes a long way and that is all you need to apply to your pits. Chemical exfoliants have benefits to help prevent ingrown hairs too. Not only that, but it also has the benefit to help fade away hyperpigmentation. 

5. Tame Your Hair

repurpose skincare

To repurpose face oil skincare products that you no longer need, you can use them to tame your hair! Apply some of the oil onto your ends after showering. This can help to calm any frizziness in your hair. Using it on dry hair also helps smoothen down flyaways. 

6. On The Lips

repurpose skincare

Face oils can also be used on the lips as well as the cuticles of nails. Due to its lightweight formula, it can help moisturise your lips. Applying to your cuticles can also help provide nourishment. 

7. Empty Bottles? Recycle!

bottles

If you’ve got a bunch of empty bottles lying around instead, just recycle them! These bottles can be reused to store other skincare products when you’re travelling. Glass bottles can be used as soap dispensers as well! If not, maybe use them as plant holders. Or, you can also repurpose empty bottles as storage containers. DIY them and paint them so it looks cooler! 

8. Room Fragrance

spray

Next up, if there are toners you don’t need but they smell really good, try using them around your room. Spray it all over your room, pillows or anything you want. Treat it like a perfume for your room. This way, you get to repurpose it without wasting anything. For toners with fragrances, it’ll have your room smelling fresh and amazing!

9. Happy Feet

pedicure

Too many face masks and some have even expired? Don’t worry, use them for your feet instead! Lay one sheet on each foot and enjoy a nice spa day for your feet. Leave it on for a few minutes and apply some foot cream too! While you’re at it, just go ahead and give yourself a pedicure!

10. Donate It

donation

Lastly, you can always donate the skincare products you don’t need. Give them to local charities or organisations that will take products back. Similar to gifting it to a friend, just make sure the product hasn’t expired! Here are some places that will probably accept your donations.