Hand creams in aluminium or plastic tubes?

I used to hate toothpaste. More precisely, I hate squeezing my metal tube toothpaste. They are nice tubes to look at when they are brand new but once you start squeezing them, they start to collapse and get really ugly. The worst is, it’s hard to squeeze out all the toothpaste! And, the screw tops don’t make them that user friendly too. I’m so glad that the packaging of toothpaste has improved. Instead of hard metal, the tubes are made in aluminium-plastic or in plastic and don’t collapse into an ugly lump. Plus, no more screw tops! But it’s still hard to get everything out of the tube unless you cut it up – and I don’t!

This is why I wish some of my favorite hand creams will change their tubes. Instead of aluminium tubes that’s really hard to squeeze especially when the product is at the end of their lifespan, consider a plastic tube. At least I won’t feel so shy about whipping the ugly tube out of my bag after awhile and when the tube is at the end of its lifespan, I don’t have to hurt my fingers so much by trying to squeeze so hard as I can cut it up easily if I wish.

Are there particular benefits in using aluminium tubes over non-aluminium ones? I understand that it is non-porous, light in weight, sanitary, durable, easy to handle, and has a long shelf life but wouldn’t plastic tubes suffice as well? The ingredients aren’t as potent as a face care product since it’s basically for moisturizing and soothing the hands and hence, I’m fine with plastic material.

So do you like your hand creams in aluminium tubes or you prefer them in other packaging material? Share your thoughts.

Comments

  1. youngorgeous says:

    plastic tube is definitely more user friendly but somehow the aluminium tube appeals to me..I will squeeze from the back and ‘roll’ it up so that the tube doesnt look all that dented…

  2. zhenling says:

    like the above comment, you have to squeeze it in a specific way for it to look nice.

    i prefer aluminium. i just like the feel of it haha. aluminium can be recycled.

  3. BT says:

    As long as it’s in tube form, easy to use and carry everywhere, also no waste. “v

  4. pf1123 says:

    There is a thing called a tube squeezer. My mum bought one from the pasar malam once. Can help to squeeze everything dry.

    Something that looks like this:
    http://liveimageserver.dlf.org.uk/mee//products/full/0015603.jpg

  5. emi says:

    maybe it’s more environmentally friendly? or it suits the company image more? idk…

  6. Connie says:

    I don’t like aluminium tubes either. Towards the end the tube has these holes and hand cream will start to ooze out from them.. ugh

  7. Raelynn says:

    i believe there’s something to do with aluminium tubes being able to insulate against the environment better, more inert to ingredients and easier to recycle… there are various versions of tube squeezers around, those will help =) but i do feel that you can get out more of aluminium tubes than the regular plastic ones. just have to be more disciplines to start squeezing from the top down to make it look a little more presentable if u bring the tube of cream out…

  8. Audris says:

    Alu for me, only if the alu is good enough, otherwise it might start tearing at points when you roll it up. I get more of the cream out of alu tubes than the plastic ones (which I end up cutting to get to the last bit). Also, the alu tubes stay rolled up, unlike the plastic ones (unless a squeezer is used), so easier to get to the last bit as well.

  9. Jyoan says:

    I think there is no difference as hand creams are generally not susceptible to attack from the environment and/or will not degenerate the material that holds it, unlike soft drinks and non-fizzy drinks.

    It’s probably a mere matter of costs. I should like to think that the plastic one of L’occitane is more expensive. In terms of colour and picture printing, it’s pretty much the same to print on aluminium and to print on plastic, with today’s technology.

    I prefer plastic ones because they wouldn’t bend and crack. Towards the end of C&E, my creams squirts out from the holes in the sides…

    However, aluminium is generally more environmentally friendly, IF one recycles it, otherwise, both becomes rubbish.

  10. sesame says:

    Aluminium tubes are appealing to me too when they’re new. I try to squeeze from the back but I don’t always roll up though.

  11. sesame says:

    Oh that’s right…more environmental friendly than plastic. I didn’t consider that.

  12. sesame says:

    The mobility is good…as long as it’s not heavy too.

  13. sesame says:

    I saw something like that online but it’s probably suitable for use at home. But will try to look out for it next time…

  14. sesame says:

    Aluminium, when brand new does seem more upmarket.

  15. sesame says:

    Yes, that happens and it’s very annoying.

  16. sesame says:

    Both are difficult to get to the last bit to me but I don’t mind cutting up.

  17. sesame says:

    I get the impression that the small ones from L’Occitanes are aluminium-plastic. Not too sure of the cost. They don’t collapse so badly and looks okay after awhile. Only thing is, they’re ex!

  18. Jyoan says:

    I am actually looking for that squeezer roller device. I saw the hair salon using it to squeeze my dye out. Very useful! Really squeezes flat dry. =)

  19. Rinka says:

    i prefer plastic compared to aluminium… thats one gripe i have about l’occitane hand creams. they do sell handcreams in plastic tubes but their shea butter handcream only comes in metal. i also dont like the crumpled squashed look, i like when a product looks the same as the first day i bought it #k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk

    but i guess its the inside that counts…

  20. sesame says:

    Same thoughts about the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. Wish the packaging is friendlier cos I like that product.

  21. pf1123 says:

    Actually, I’m on the fence for handcreams. I think I shared with you before. My boss said that hand creams actually forms a veil over the hands and cause skin on the hands to dry and die. So, there needs to be continuous application of hand creams.

    I seriously have no idea if that is true. But I remembered similiar concept for lip balms and I kinda believe that certain lip balms make lips even drier.

    So, I don’t use hand creams on a regular basis and minimize use of lip balms. Which is fine with lazy ol’ me. hehehee….

    If anyone thinks different, please let me know. Thanks!!

  22. sesame says:

    It could be true. Sometimes we think there is a need to use something, but maybe it’s not really necessary. But I find that the cream helps me when my skin is very dry with exposure to water.

  23. Sarah Manzano says:

    I much prefer an aliminum tube. Aside from being far more enviromentally friendly they have a nostalgic feel to them. I always fold them down as i use them so it never looks ugly and crumpled, also when you get to the end of the prodcut you can get out every scrap if you just fold it on itself. Far easier than an ugly plastic one!

  24. Sesame says:

    Well, I guess you have a point there too about them being more eco friendly. ?

  25. k says:

    anyone know of a few brands that sell lip balm or gloss in the aluminum tube?

  26. Emily Stencel says:

    Hello!

    I was wondering where is a good place to get aluminum tubes?

  27. Clark Brace says:

    A new tube squeezer with easy grip handles and a crank to squeeze and crimp the tube to push all the contents forward and out. Really gets everything out.

  28. Clark Brace says:

    See it at http://yourbigsqueeze.com/
    Clark Brace last post is: Hello world!

  29. Emery Ocampo says:

    I prefer aluminum tubes over plastic tubes as aluminum tubes are more eco-friendly than plastic tubes. Plus, it really looks appealing to me!
    Emery Ocampo last post is: Knife Steel Showdown: Stainless Steel Versus Carbon Steel

  30. Kyra Rodriguez says:

    I think aluminum tubes are better than using the plastic tubes!!!

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