Do you prefer tubs or tubes?
By Fleur
@Fleura (34919)
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.
8 people like this
10 responses
@pitsipeahie (5744)
•
7h
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 (5744)
•
5h
@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 (34919)
• United Kingdom
5h
@pitsipeahie Yes that is quite a faff. OK if it's something you only use at home I suppose.
3 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (17950)
• Torrington, Connecticut
3h
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.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (222110)
• United States
4h
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.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381288)
• Rockingham, Australia
2h
Once I can't get any more out of a tube, I cut off the empty part, sit the tube on its lid and dig out the rest with a spatula. It's surprising how much more you can get out of a tube in this way.
