Ointments are oil-based preparations that are used for cosmetic and medical purposes. They may be prepared at home from natural or chemical ingredients, or may be purchased ready-made. In either case, they need to be kept in ointment jars for convenience and preservation.
To choose the best ointment jar, you need to know the types of ointment that are to be stored in it. It is important that the ointment should not react adversely with the material of the ointment containers. In some cases, special ointment storage jars may be needed to protect the contents from reacting to air or to direct sunlight.
Various types of ointment jars and medical containers are available for purchase, including glass, plastic and metal ointment storage containers. Glass jars are excellent for keeping ointments, but you may want to get the amber glass medical storage containers if the ointment is likely to spoil or degrade from exposure to sunlight. A plastic ointment jar may be cheaper than a glass one, but is less recommended, especially if the ointment contains coal tar; this could react adversely with the plastic material. Aluminum jars are popular for being lightweight and convenient; some jars may have aluminum on the outside and glass on the inside.
Since ointments are usually applied by hand or by a spatula, you may find it preferable to get medicine containers that have a wide neck so that it is easier to scoop out the ointment. Such a jar will also be easier to fill up in case of home medicine storage. When filling an ointment jar with the preparation, be sure to pack it in well with a spatula to get rid of any air pockets.
An important thing to consider when purchasing an ointment jar is the volume of the ointment you are going to dispense. You will need to get ointment jars of suitable sizes to meet your requirement; fortunately, it is possible to find jars of varying sizes in the market. If you have small children, it may be a good idea to look for medical storage containers with child resistant screw tops.
Whether you are making a single ointment preparation or a number of different ointments, remember to apply a correct label to the ointment jar. This label should contain the details of the ointment contents, the ointment expiration date and the ointment storage information. These details are necessary if you are selling the ointment and will also prove useful for home use.