And the copper version is just as messy.

I use a long Qtip to apply it but low and behold you still get the crap on you.
On a note about messy, I found the
Tarkelp hand cleaner I got at Harbor Freight is the best I've used since
Zep quit making
Soy Punch. A quart of it has lasted over 12 yrs. Neither of these two require nothing but a good rag to wipe off after the "messaging" process and a warm water rinse and your hands will look/feel baby smooth.