Cut Your Skincare Tubes: The Simple Hack to Save Product and Money

Today’s article is a little different from what I usually share.

Instead of talking about ingredients, routines, or product reviews, I wanted to take the time to discuss something much simpler but just as important. A small habit that we don’t talk about enough, yet one that can make a real difference in our skincare routine.

We often focus on buying the right products, layering them correctly, or finding the perfect formula. But how often do we talk about actually using every last drop of what we already have?

If you think your skincare tube is empty… think again.

There is often far more product left inside than we realize and sometimes enough for several more uses, even up to a full week of application. And yet, most of us throw it away without a second thought.

So today, I want to remind you of one simple skincare habit that can save you money, reduce waste, and help you get the most out of your beauty products: Cut your tubes before throwing them away.

Why You Should Always Cut Your “Empty” Skincare Tubes

Before you toss your next “finished” product, here’s why this beauty hack is absolutely worth doing.

First, skincare packaging is designed in a way that makes it difficult to access every last drop. Thick creams and cleansers tend to stick to the inner walls of the tube, especially near the seams and corners. Even when the tube feels empty, a significant amount of product can remain trapped inside.

Second, many skincare products today are expensive. When you throw away a tube without cutting it open, you are often throwing away several days’ worth of product, sometimes even close to a full extra week.

By simply cutting the tube, you can:

get every last drop of your skincare
extend the life of your product
save money over time
reduce unnecessary beauty waste

It takes less than a minute, but the difference is real.

I Cut Mine Open… and There Was WAY More Product Than Expected

Shows the skincare tube cut in half in order to see the amount of skincare left in the tube

I recently cut open one of my “empty” skincare tubes, and honestly, I was not expecting what I saw.

There wasn’t just one or two uses left.

There was easily enough product for multiple applications, almost a full extra week of use, depending on how much you apply each time. Seeing how much product was still inside really changed the way I look at my “finished” products.

This is exactly why I now always cut my tubes before throwing them away. What looks empty on the outside is very often far from empty on the inside.

If you’ve never tried it before, you will probably be surprised too.

How to Cut Your Skincare Tubes Properly (Step-by-Step)

If you want to try this skincare-saving hack, here is the easiest and cleanest way to do it.

Step 1: Wait until the tube seems empty

Squeeze and roll the tube as much as possible first to push out the remaining product.

Step 2: Use clean scissors

Cut the tube horizontally about one-third from the bottom. Make sure your scissors are clean to keep things hygienic.

Quick safety note: no matter the tube, always be careful when using scissors. Some packaging (especially thicker moisturizer tubes) can be more rigid and harder to cut. If the plastic feels too tough, it’s best not to force it to avoid injury.

Step 3: Scoop out the remaining product

Use clean fingers, a spatula, or a cotton swab to retrieve the product inside the tube.

Step 4: Close it back up

Place the top part of the tube back over the bottom part to protect the formula from air and contamination. This step is important because exposure to air can cause the remaining product, especially creams, to dry out and harden.

I’ve personally had this happen before: when the tube is left open, the cream can quickly become thick, dry, and sometimes completely unusable. Properly closing the tube helps keep the texture fresh and smooth for the rest of your uses.

Pro tip: Store it upright in your bathroom to keep things neat, hygienic, and to prevent the product from drying out too quickly.

When You Should Avoid Cutting a Product

While this hack works amazingly well for many products, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.

Best products to cut open:

Cleansers
Moisturizers
Cream treatments
Sunscreens in soft squeeze tubes

Avoid cutting:

Airless pump packaging
Already expired products
Highly unstable active formulas that degrade quickly with air exposure

When in doubt, check the texture, smell, and appearance before continuing to use the product.

A Small Skincare Habit That Makes a Big Difference

Cutting your skincare tubes may seem like a small step, but over time it really adds up.

You waste less product, you stretch your skincare budget further, and you make your beauty routine a little more sustainable. Plus, there is something incredibly satisfying about knowing you truly finished your product to the very last drop.

Once you start doing this, it quickly becomes a habit you won’t want to skip.

Final Reminder: Don’t Throw It Away Yet!

Next time your skincare tube feels empty… cut it open first!

Because chances are, there is still several days, sometimes up to a full week, of product waiting inside. And your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

Tell me in the comments: do you already cut your skincare tubes, or is this a new discovery? I hope you enjoyed this kind of article!

See you soon, Beautifully Moi!