cottonswab

Cottonswab, commonly called a cotton bud or cotton-tipped applicator, is a small hand tool used for applying or removing substances on skin, mucous membranes, or small surfaces. It consists of a short shaft—typically plastic, paper, or wood—with one or two small heads made of cotton fibers.

Common uses include cosmetics application, cleaning delicate areas, applying ointments, and arts and crafts. In medical contexts, cotton swabs are used for sample collection, wound care, or applying antiseptics under appropriate guidance.

Safety and handling: Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal, as this can injure the ear or push wax deeper into the canal. They are generally intended for outer-ear use only or for applying substances to skin or wounds. Misuse can cause abrasion, infection, or perforation.

Materials and variations: Shaft materials vary by brand and purpose; tips are cotton or cotton-wrapped fibers. Some variants may be infused with antiseptics, moisturizers, or dyes. The term cotton swab is widely used beyond any one brand; Q-Tips is a well-known trademark that became a generic reference in many regions.

Environmental and regulatory notes: Many cotton swabs use plastic stems, raising environmental concerns due to waste. Some jurisdictions encourage or require biodegradable paper or wood stems and have restrictions on plastic-stem versions.

History: The product rose to widespread use in the early to mid-20th century. It is commonly associated with the brand Q-Tips, developed in the 1920s by entrepreneur Leo Gerstenzang, though the generic form is now produced globally.