10 Best Cotton Buds in the UK 2024 | Johnson's, LastSwab and More

It doesn't get much more environmentally friendly than this! Even the case is made from corn starch, a material that's 100% biodegradable and can be sterilised - something that's particularly important when it comes to reusable products.

The swab itself is made from plastic, which may come as a surprise, but this is one that's built to last. Rather than go straight in the landfill, you'll be able to use it again and again, cutting down on the carbon emissions caused by manufacture and transport. This really is a bud built with the long-term in mind, and that's why it's our number 1 pick. 

If you've been a cotton bud user for years, and want something that'll continue to perform at the level that you're used to, look no further! Bambuds are high-performing, while remaining sustainably sourced.

These cotton buds are made of bamboo, a completely biodegradable material that's sturdy and has naturally antibacterial properties. They might not be reusable, but they do come in a bulk pack of 2000, so you can keep stocked up.

EcoSlurps are an award-winning British company on a mission to become one of the first carbon positive eco gift businesses in the world. As well as planting trees every day, they've also designed these reusable cotton buds, made from medical-grade silicone, that are designed to endure up to 2,000 uses.

In this set, you'll receive two different cotton buds housed within a lovely magnetised bamboo case, one with a standard tip and another for applying and removing make-up. 

Champions when it comes to ecological solutions, Pure Heart's bamboo cotton buds come in a beautifully designed, round cardboard case and are manufactured entirely in the UK. This means that they have a lower carbon footprint than overseas options.

The buds themselves are 4x stronger than plastic ones, featuring two different tip styles for versatility. They even come in different colours that are created by using organic dyes!

When it comes to buying products for infants, safety is paramount. Many cotton buds are not suitable for use on children, but these leaf boat buds have been designed with babies in mind.

The 100% organic cotton ensures this product is pesticide-free and completely safe. They also provide a soft cushion that prevents the bud from travelling too far into the ear canal. They're a little pricier than standard cotton buds, but the extra money is worth it to ensure your child's safety. 

If you suffer from excess ear wax, this is the kit for you. It features tools designed to imitate those used by professionals, and will help you tackle your problem without the need for repeat trips to specialists.

For general use, the professional nature of this kit may seem a bit excessive. The manufacturer also recommends reading the instructions carefully before use. But, providing that you Properly acquaint yourself, you'll never want for any other kit.

Such length may seem unnecessary for those who only use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but for those who require something to clean hard-to-reach areas or apply make-up, the extra length gifted by these cotton swabs is indispensable. 

As well as being biodegradable, their textured wooden handles also enables a greater grip while cleaning. The main downside of these cotton buds is that they only include one tip, which means you'll need to replace them twice as often. 

The ultimate in portable cotton buds, this kit is perfect for those who like to maintain their hygiene routine while away from home, as well as those who like to touch up their make-up while out and about! 

The tips are made from a high-quality medical grade silicone that's easy to clean, and the whole kit is super lightweight. It even comes with tweezers, a brush, a mirror and stand. Which is ideal for camping trips and holiday stays.

With over 150 years in the business, Johnson's are a brand that most people know and trust. The good news is that in an effort to be more environmentally conscious, their cotton buds now use recyclable paper sticks.

While we applaud this move, there's no denying that these paper sticks are less durable than non-recyclable alternatives. Maybe Johnson's will see fit to do away with the plastic packaging at some point, too?

They leave a lot to be desired in terms of sustainability, but their innovative design makes these medical-use cotton sticks worth mentioning. Simply snap the stick at the orange line and the antiseptic iodine solution will flow onto the cotton swab, ready for use.

They're a brilliant addition to any first aid kit and you can even detach a few for on-the-go use. Their individual wrapping means these cotton buds are sterile and safe for cleaning wounds. However, this is also a huge downside where the environment is concerned, particularly in conjunction with the non-recyclable plastic stems.