We’ve all been there—digging through a bathroom cabinet or drawer and stumbling upon half-used bottles of lotion, expired perfume, or a bar of soap we forgot about. While it’s tempting to toss them and declutter, what if those products could still be useful?
Repurposing personal care items saves money, reduces waste, and gives everyday products a second life in creative ways. But before you start upcycling, keep in mind that some expired items—like sunscreen—lose their effectiveness, and jar lotions can harbor bacteria. If something smells off, has changed color, or has a strange texture, it’s best to let it go. Otherwise, let’s get creative and find new uses for your old beauty and hygiene products!
Repurposing Old Lotions
Lotions don’t last forever, but if yours has lost its scent or just isn’t your favorite anymore, here are a few ways to make the most of it:
- Shaving Cream Substitute – Old lotion works as a moisturizing alternative to shaving cream, leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
- DIY Cuticle Oil – Massage a little lotion into your nails and cuticles to keep them soft and healthy.
- Dusting Hack – A small dab of lotion on a cloth can help polish wooden furniture and reduce static dust buildup.
- Lotion Play Dough for Kids – Turn extra lotion into a fun craft! Lotion can get a second life as a super soft play dough that is easy to make and fun to use. Baby lotion works best, but other mild, fragrance-free lotions can work too. You can even use conditioner!
To make the lotion play dough, mix two cups of cornstarch for every one cup of lotion. Mix together until a dough consistency starts to form. Then use your hands to knead the dough and make it more pliable. If it seems too sticky add some cornstarch; if it’s too dry add a bit more lotion. Once it’s the right texture, you can add food coloring to make various colors. Keep the dough in a sealed bag or container when not in use.
Giving New Life to Perfume
If you have a fragrance that’s faded or no longer suits your taste, don’t throw it out—repurpose it instead!
- Room Spray – Give your home a fresh scent by spritzing perfume on linens, in closets, or around the house.
- DIY Potpourri Booster – Add a few drops of perfume to dried flowers or homemade potpourri for a longer-lasting aroma.
- Car Freshener – Spray some on a cotton ball and place it under your car seat for an easy DIY air freshener.
- Bug Repellent – Perfumes containing citrus, lavender, or eucalyptus oils can help deter mosquitoes and other bugs. Spray a little on your outdoor furniture before sitting outside!
- Mini Vase from Old Perfume Bottles – Once empty, clean out beautiful perfume bottles and use them as tiny vases for fresh or dried flowers.
What to Do with Old Bar Soap
Even if your bar soap has dried out or broken into tiny bits, it can still be put to good use.
- DIY Liquid Soap – Melt leftover soap pieces in water to create a new bottle of hand soap.
- Drawer Freshener – Wrap a bar of soap in fabric and place it in drawers or closets to keep clothes smelling fresh.
- Mark Fabric for Sewing – A dry bar of soap makes a great temporary marker for fabric, and it washes out easily.
- Deodorize Shoes – Similar to the drawer freshener, wrap the soap in paper and put in smelly shoes overnight.
Creative Uses for Expired Shampoo & Conditioner
Just because your shampoo or conditioner has expired doesn’t mean it’s useless! Try these handy alternatives:
- Shampoo as a Makeup Brush Cleaner – Shampoo works well to gently cleanse makeup brushes and sponges, removing dirt and oil buildup.
- Conditioner as Fabric Softener – Mix conditioner with water (about 1 part conditioner to 3 parts water) and use it as a natural fabric softener alternative in your laundry.
- Shampoo for Delicate Laundry – Use shampoo instead of harsh detergents when hand-washing delicate fabrics like silk or lace.
- Conditioner as a Shaving Cream Alternative – Conditioner helps soften hair and skin, making it a great option for shaving in a pinch.
Repurposing Old Makeup Products
Expired or unwanted makeup doesn’t have to go to waste—here are some clever ways to reuse it:
- Eyeshadow as Nail Polish – Crush an old eyeshadow and mix it with clear polish to create a custom nail color.
- Mascara Wand for Eyebrow Grooming – Clean an old mascara wand and use it to brush and shape your eyebrows or even tame flyaway hairs.
- Pressed Powder for Dry Shampoo – If you’re out of dry shampoo, lightly dust some old pressed powder onto your roots to absorb oil and refresh your hair.
Before you toss those half-used bottles and forgotten beauty products, think about how they might still be useful! Many personal care items can have a second life in creative and practical ways. Whether it’s transforming old lotion into play dough, using a bar of soap for sewing, or turning perfume bottles into tiny vases, there are plenty of fun and functional ways to upcycle your beauty stash.