Last updated: 24 March 2026

This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author's own and do not constitute professional advice.

Cool Factor: 4/5

This LastSwab review has been a long time coming. At CoolCuration we're big fans of anything that shrinks our carbon footprint, and a reusable cotton bud that replaces up to 1,000 disposable swabs sounded almost too good to be true. Spoiler: it's not. The LastSwab by Danish brand LastObject is one of those quietly brilliant inventions that makes you wonder why we ever settled for the single-use version. Here's how it holds up after extended use.

What is the LastSwab?

LastSwab is the world's first reusable cotton bud, designed by Copenhagen-based startup LastObject. The concept is simple: one tiny swab, used up to 1,000 times, replacing hundreds of disposable cotton buds that would otherwise end up in landfill or, worse, the ocean.

The product launched via Kickstarter in 2019 and raised over DKK 4.7 million (roughly half a million pounds) from nearly 20,000 backers. It comes in two versions: the Original, with rounded textured tips for general use, and the Beauty, with a pointed tip on one end for makeup touch-ups.

If you've seen our LastSwab detail page, you'll know we rate it highly enough to feature in our gift guides. But a proper LastSwab review deserves a closer look at the materials, the daily experience, and how it stacks up against alternatives.

First impressions

Out of the box (well, out of the case), the LastSwab feels surprisingly solid. The case itself is made from certified recycled Ocean Bound Plastic and is sturdy enough to toss into any wash bag without worrying about damage. It clicks shut cleanly and keeps the swab hygienic between uses.

The swab is noticeably different from a disposable cotton bud. The tips are made from medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which gives them a soft, slightly rubbery texture. The rod is polypropylene reinforced with glass fibre, so it's firm and doesn't flex or snap under normal pressure. It's compact, well-made, and looks like something you'd actually want to keep in your bathroom.

The experience: using a reusable cotton bud daily

Let's be honest, there's a brief adjustment period. If you've spent your entire life using disposable cotton buds, the absence of any absorbency is noticeable at first. The TPE tips don't soak up liquid the way cotton does. But here's the thing: for most tasks, absorbency isn't actually what you need. You need something to gently grab, wipe, or nudge, and the textured tips do exactly that.

For ear cleaning (the external parts only, of course), the LastSwab works well. It collects what it needs to without the risk of cotton fragments breaking off and getting lodged somewhere they shouldn't. For makeup corrections, the Beauty version's pointed tip is genuinely useful for tidying eyeliner or blending concealer in tight spots. The slightly firmer feel of the Beauty tip can drag a touch on very delicate skin, so go gently around the eye area.

Cleaning is dead simple. Run it under warm water with a drop of soap, give the tips a gentle rub for a couple of seconds, shake dry, and pop it back in the case. The whole process takes less time than finding a new cotton bud in the packet. You can also use hand sanitiser on the case itself for a deeper clean.

We've been using ours regularly for months and there's no visible wear on the tips. LastObject says each swab is tested to withstand up to 1,000 uses, and based on daily use that works out to nearly three years.

How the LastSwab compares to disposable alternatives

Comparing the LastSwab to standard plastic-stemmed cotton buds is straightforward: single-use plastic cotton bud sticks have been banned across the EU since July 2021 under the Single-Use Plastics Directive. That legislation exists because cotton buds are one of the most common items found as marine litter. So the baseline comparison barely needs making.

But what about paper-stemmed or bamboo cotton buds, which are the current disposable standard? They're certainly better than plastic, but they're still single-use. Every one requires raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and disposal. Even "biodegradable" doesn't mean much in practice: buried in a landfill without light or air, a paper cotton bud can take years to break down. The truly sustainable choice is to stop throwing things away altogether.

By using a single LastSwab 1,000 times, you avoid all of that waste. That's 1,000 cotton buds that don't need to be grown, manufactured, wrapped in plastic, shipped, and binned. The maths is genuinely hard to argue with.

The rod is still plastic (polypropylene), which isn't perfect. We'd love to see LastObject explore a bio-based alternative in future iterations. But in context, one plastic rod that lasts three years is a dramatically better outcome than 1,000 disposable ones.

Value for money

A LastSwab costs around £9 to £10. A pack of 200 disposable cotton buds costs roughly £1 to £2. At first glance, the reusable option looks expensive. But do the maths over its lifespan and you're replacing five packs of disposables, which puts the total cost at roughly the same, or even slightly cheaper. And you're producing almost zero waste in the process.

LastObject also sells refill rods, so once your swab reaches the end of its life, you can replace just the rod and keep the case. That pushes the long-term value even further.

The verdict

The LastSwab is one of those products that quietly changes a daily habit for the better. It does what it promises, it's well designed, and it lasts. The case is smart, the cleanup is effortless, and the environmental argument is overwhelming. It took a small adjustment period to get used to the non-absorbent tips, but once you're past that, there's no going back to disposables.

Overall, a solid 4/5 Stone cold. The LastSwab earned it through genuine innovation, thoughtful materials (including the recycled Ocean Bound Plastic case), and a product that actually delivers on its sustainability promise. It didn't quite hit Ice cold because the rod is still conventional plastic, and the Beauty version's slightly firmer tip can feel a touch draggy on sensitive skin. If LastObject cracks a fully bio-based rod in the future, we'd happily bump this up. Until then, it's still one of the smartest little swaps you can make for a lower-waste bathroom.

If you'd like to explore more sustainable swaps, browse our gift guides for curated picks across every category.

How does it work?

Frequently asked questions about the LastSwab

Is the LastSwab hygienic?

Yes. The medical-grade TPE tips are non-porous and easy to clean with soap and warm water after every use. The carry case keeps it protected between uses. LastObject recommends occasional sanitising of the case with hand sanitiser for extra peace of mind.

How long does a LastSwab actually last?

Each swab is tested to withstand up to 1,000 uses. With daily use, that's roughly three years. Refill rods are available if you want to keep the case and replace just the swab.

Can you use the LastSwab to clean inside your ears?

The LastSwab is designed for cleaning the outer ear, not for insertion into the ear canal. This is the same guidance that applies to disposable cotton buds. Never insert any swab deep into the ear canal.

What is the LastSwab case made from?

The current case is made from certified recycled Ocean Bound Plastic. Earlier versions used a cornstarch-based bioplastic, but LastObject has since moved to recycled ocean plastic as part of their partnership with Plastics For Change.

Is the LastSwab worth it compared to bamboo cotton buds?

Bamboo cotton buds are better than plastic ones, but they're still single-use. Each one requires raw materials, manufacturing, and disposal. The LastSwab replaces up to 1,000 of them, which dramatically reduces your waste and roughly breaks even on cost over its lifespan.

Where can I buy LastSwab in the UK?

LastSwab is available directly from LastObject's website as well as through several UK stockists. Prices typically sit around £9 to £10 for a single swab with case.

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