Kimmi is careful: Is it true that tub-style skincare packaging can become contaminated with bacteria? If so, then why don’t more companies package their products in tubes or bottles?
The Right Brain responds: 
Yes Kimmi, it’s true that any product packed in a tub is more prone to bacterial contamination. To a large extent, that’s because you dip your fingers into the tub so any bug living on your skin can be transferred to the product. That doesn’t happen with tubes.
The good news is that the preservatives used in most cosmetics will keep bacteria from growing. Of course, that means more “chemicals” like parabens must be added to the formula. But then again, preservatives need to be added to the product whether it’s sold in a tube or not (to provide protection during manufacturing.) Whew! Instead of talking in circles, let’s just give you three things to watch out if you’re worried about contamination in tub products.
Keep your top on
In addition to contamination from your fingers, airborne bacteria, mold and fungi can easily colonize an uncovered jar of product. Keep the cap on when you’re not using the product.
Shameful shower
Tub products that are meant to be used in the shower are REALLY asking for trouble. That’s because the extra water that splashes into the tub can dilute the product’s preservative system. And even if you’re really really careful, the warm moist air in the shower is a good breeding ground for mold. (Have you seen the Left Brain’s shower? YUCK!)
Watch for water
The shower isn’t the only place you should watch for water. Look for it on the ingredient list on the back of the package. Or rather, look for products that DON’T have water. Think of oil-based sugar or salt scrubs. Those products are sold in tubs but since they don’t typically contain any water there’s very little chance that bacteria will grow in them.
Tubs vs Tubes
So why don’t more companies pack their products in tubes for better protection? It’s really just a marketing decision by the company based on which type of packaging will make the product more appealing and on the cost of the product. (In general, tubs are cheaper to make and to fill than tubes.) Every company makes this decision differently: for example, Clinique is a brand that’s fairly inconsistent with their approach to packaging. Their Repairwear SPF Cream
What do YOU think? Do you take packaging into consideration when decide which cosmetics to buy? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love Clinique Moisture On-line but it comes in a tub:( Is it also true that antioxidants become “inactive” when they are exposed to air?
I REALLY think that companies need to become smarter with refillable packages. The amount of waste is atrocious! Let’s say you buy a tube of moisturiser, and it’s down to the end, wouldn’t it be a great incentive to take it to the store and save like 15- 20% OFF [or something] by having them sanitize it, and quickly refill the tube?
Thanks lot! you all always keep me informed!
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Thanks, Brains, for clarifying this issue. Hopefully it will make us all more aware of how clean our fingers are before we poke them into the jar of cream.
In Europe, we have an added degree of protection, for all cosmetic products (not just those in tubs). European law requires manufacturers to put a ‘shelf life’ on products (a jar symbol and words – ’12 months’ etc) giving you an indication of how long the product will be safe for.
I agree that refillable packages would be nice, but in many cases it comes down to hygiene – how can the refiller be sure the pot is properly cleaned out? Do they have to put extra preservatives in the product to cover the ‘worst case’ scenario?
Like I was saying, picoloflapjack, they would have to sanatize the tub OR Tube for you at the counter. I live in Tokyo Japan, and once you initially buy the bottle of shampoo, dish detergent, dishwasher detergent,washing machine detergent, bathroom cleaner etc you can go to the store and save money by buying the refill package. Sure there is still waste, but you can recycle the soft plastic package. Most of the time it’s made from recycled materials.
I second Jeni’s question. I’ve read that antioxidants become less effective each time you expose them to air. That’s why I avoid tub products. Is this true?
Is there any advantage to using a spatula rather than one’s fingers to dip cream out of a jar – if the spatula is wiped off with an alcohol pad after use, will it diminish the risk of bacterial contamination?
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