Do you prefer tubs or tubes?
By Fleur
@Fleura (35005)
United Kingdom
June 3, 2026 4:33am CST
When it comes to any kind of cosmetics like hand cream, lip balm, body scrub or whatever, do you prefer it to come in a tub or in some sort of tube?
Personally I prefer tubes. I like to be able to apply the contents without having to stick my fingers into whatever is there. Otherwise to be hygienic I would really need to wash my hands before applying lip balm, for example. And I really hate it when I get stuff under my nails. And then scraping it out from there to apply to my lips – no.
And what about all those people with fancy artificial nails, how do they even get their fingers into a little pot?
I just don’t understand the appeal, and yet these little pots seem to be very popular, especially among those making more ‘natural’ products. I guess maybe it’s just easier to pour the substance into them.
Do you have a preference?
All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2026.
13 people like this
14 responses
@pitsipeahie (5758)
•
3 Jun
I prefer those in tubes. Like you, I don't want dipping my hand into tubs, you know contamination and all. But then if the tub comes with spatula or scoop, which most products in tubs comes with nowadays, then it's fine. But for convenience, I'd go for tubes, no need for spatula or anything.
4 people like this
@pitsipeahie (5758)
•
3 Jun
@Fleura True, and imagine-having to keep it somewhere, and also you need to clean it after use, otherwise it can also contaminate your product BUT there are some where the scoop is attached to the product itself or have this built-in lid compartment, whatever you call that. I have already seen one with a dedicated plastic middle tray for the spatula or scoop. But then, it's another thing to have to clean your scoop too. That's why for me tube still wins.
3 people like this
@Fleura (35005)
• United Kingdom
3 Jun
@pitsipeahie Yes that is quite a faff. OK if it's something you only use at home I suppose.
4 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (18113)
• Torrington, Connecticut
3 Jun
I tend to prefer tubes too because they feel more hygienic and less messy. It’s definitely more convenient not having to dip fingers into a product every time, especially for lip balm or creams. Tubs can be nice for thicker products, but tubes just seem easier and cleaner overall.
3 people like this
@LindaOHio (222314)
• United States
3 Jun
From the standpoint of getting something under your nails, etc., I prefer the tubes; but you can get the last little bit of product out of a tub.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (382036)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Jun
@Fleura I think I got the idea from you and either DE or Jim Bauer. I do it with anything in a tube now. When the dish-washing liquid gets to half a squirty bottle, I fill it with water. It needs a shake before you use it but definitely lasts longer. Some with shampoo and conditioner if you can get the tops off.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169448)
• United States
3 Jun
Things for my lips I do prefer tubes. Lotions, balms and creams I prefer a jar or tub. If it is only mine I do not worry about putting my fingers into it. I do not feel like I ever get 100% out of the squeeze tubes, unless I have to cut it open and that is certainly a mess.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (120723)
• United States
3 Jun
I am one who washes her hands before putting her fingers in the tub of facial moisturizer. I prefer tubes by far, but my CeraVe facial moisturizer just sells in a tub. But I make sure germs get as few opportunities to touch my face as possible so I’m an avid washer of hands.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (34379)
•
9 Jun
I think I prefer it to come in a tub.
Yvonne said tube.
I thought she was calling me a name.
Tubes mean squeezing every last drop out.
Tubs can be refused
So it's tubs for me
1 person likes this
