LastSwab Reusable Cotton Bud by LastObject

Last updated: March 2026

What is the LastSwab reusable cotton bud?

LastSwab is the world's first reusable cotton bud, designed in Copenhagen by LastObject. It launched via a Kickstarter campaign in 2019, raising over DKK 4.7 million from nearly 20,000 backers, and has since become one of the most popular sustainable bathroom products on the market.

The concept is straightforward: one well-designed swab, used up to 1,000 times, replacing hundreds of disposable cotton buds. It comes in a compact carry case and can be cleaned in seconds with soap and warm water.

Two versions are available:

LastSwab Original has rounded, textured tips for general cleaning, including the outer ear, applying ointments, and tidying small areas. LastSwab Beauty has a pointed tip on one end and a rounded tip on the other, designed for makeup corrections such as tidying eyeliner or blending concealer.

What is it made from?

The tips are made from medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which is soft, skin-friendly, and non-porous. The rod is polypropylene reinforced with glass fibre for durability, so it won't bend or snap under normal use. The carry case is made from certified recycled Ocean Bound Plastic, collected through LastObject's partnership with Plastics For Change.

The cardboard packaging is recyclable. When the swab eventually reaches the end of its life, the case can be recycled with hard plastic, and refill rods are available so you can keep the case and replace just the swab.

Why choose a reusable cotton bud?

Single-use plastic cotton bud sticks have been banned across the EU since July 2021 under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Cotton buds are consistently among the most common items found as marine litter, and even paper or bamboo alternatives still require raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, and disposal every single time.

By using one LastSwab reusable cotton bud 1,000 times, you avoid all of that waste. At roughly £9 to £10, it's comparable in cost to five packs of disposable buds over the same period, with a fraction of the environmental impact.

How to use and clean your LastSwab

Use it exactly as you would a disposable cotton bud. For the Original: clean the outer ear, apply cream or ointment, or tidy up small areas. For the Beauty version: correct makeup, tidy eyeliner, or blend product. Never insert any swab deep into the ear canal.

To clean, run the tips under warm water with a small drop of soap. Gently rub for a second or two, rinse, and pop it back into the case. The case itself can be cleaned occasionally with hand sanitiser. The swab can dry inside the case between uses.

Where to buy LastSwab in the UK

Both the Original and Beauty versions are available on Amazon UK.

Buy LastSwab Original on Amazon UK

Buy LastSwab Beauty on Amazon UK

You can also buy directly from lastobject.com, which ships internationally.

We've written a full hands-on review if you'd like to read more about how it performs day-to-day: LastSwab review.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a LastSwab last?

Each swab is tested to withstand up to 1,000 uses. With daily use, that works out to roughly three years. Refill rods are available when it's time to replace the swab.

Is the LastSwab hygienic?

Yes. The medical-grade TPE tips are non-porous and easy to sanitise with soap and water. The carry case keeps the swab protected between uses.

What is the difference between LastSwab Original and Beauty?

The Original has two rounded, textured tips for general use (outer ear cleaning, applying ointment). The Beauty has one pointed tip for precision makeup work and one rounded tip. Both replace up to 1,000 disposable swabs.

Is the LastSwab case biodegradable?

The current case is made from certified recycled Ocean Bound Plastic and can be recycled with hard plastic at end of life. Earlier versions used a cornstarch-based bioplastic, but LastObject has since moved to recycled ocean plastic.

Can I use LastSwab to clean inside my ears?

LastSwab is designed for cleaning the outer ear only. Never insert any cotton bud or swab deep into the ear canal. This is the same guidance that applies to disposable cotton buds.

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