To choose a metal-free pump for your formula, start with the product itself: its viscosity, the dose your customer needs and how it will be sold and shipped. Then match those needs to a pump format, a dosage, a lock style and a neck finish. Always confirm the choice by testing samples with your actual formula before you place a production order.
Step 1: Know your formula
The formula decides most of the pump specification. Before you talk to a supplier, gather these details:
- Viscosity. Is it water-thin, a light lotion, a rich cream or a gel? Thin and thick formulas often need different pump designs.
- Particulates. Exfoliants, beads or pigments can affect how a pump primes and seals.
- Ingredients that can affect plastics. High levels of oils, fragrance or solvents should be flagged early so testing can focus on them.
- Air sensitivity. If your formula benefits from limited air exposure, an airless system may suit it better than a standard pump with a dip tube.
Share a formula sheet or a sample with your packaging supplier. It saves time later.
Step 2: Pick the right format
Metal-free designs are available in most dispensing formats. Match the format to the product and to how your customer uses it.
| Formula type | Suggested metal-free format | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Lotions, body creams, conditioner | Lotion pump | Delivers a generous dose of medium to thick product |
| Serums, light lotions, foundations | Treatment pump | Smaller, controlled dose with a neat finish |
| Air-sensitive skincare | Airless pump bottle | No dip tube; limits air drawn back into the package |
| Hand soap, facial cleanser | Foamer pump | Turns a thin liquid into foam as it dispenses |
| Facial mists, setting sprays | Fine mist sprayer | Small, even mist with a fixed dose |
| Cleaners, hair sprays, detanglers | Trigger sprayer | Larger output, spray or stream patterns |
| Facial oils, concentrates | Dropper | Precise drop-by-drop control |
Step 3: Set the dosage
Dosage is the amount of product each full stroke delivers, usually measured in cc (cubic centimeters, the same as milliliters). Think about how much product a customer needs per use and how many strokes feel natural.
- A body lotion may need a larger dose so the customer does not pump five or six times.
- A face serum usually needs a small dose to avoid waste.
- Dosage also affects how long a bottle lasts, which shapes your price per use.
As examples from our range, the Infinity V2 Lotion Pump delivers 1.5cc per stroke and the clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump delivers 3.5cc. Those two alone cover quite different use cases.
Step 4: Choose a lock style and neck finish
Lock style
Locks stop the pump from dispensing in transit or in a bag.
- Up-lock: the actuator is twisted to lock in the raised position. It looks clean on shelf and is easy for customers to use.
- Clip-lock: a removable clip holds the actuator down. It is simple and gives clear visual proof the pump has not been used.
- Over cap: a full cap covers the actuator, which protects it and gives a finished look.
Neck finish
The neck finish must match your bottle. It is written as two numbers, such as 28/410. The first is the diameter in millimeters. The second is the thread style. A 410 finish has a taller skirt and more thread than a 400 finish of the same diameter, so the two are not interchangeable. Check the exact finish on your bottle drawing before ordering samples.
Step 5: Plan for shipping and recyclability
If you sell online, your pump has to survive parcel shipping. Look for designs built for e-commerce, with a secure lock and good sealing. Water resistance also helps for products used in the shower.
For recyclability, removing metal is a key step, since mixed-material parts are hard to sort and recycle. Some all-plastic pumps are recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). Where a pump is mono-material, the whole component is one plastic family, which can simplify the story further. Keep your claims accurate: say "designed for recyclability" or "recyclable where facilities accept it." Our posts on mono-material airless pumps cover that side in more depth.
How APG can help
APG Packaging designs and supplies cosmetic and personal care packaging, with molding and decoration at our plant in Defiance, Ohio. Options that fit common formula needs include:
- Infinity Lotion Pump: all-plastic, up-lock, APR recognized for recyclability, water resistant and built for e-commerce.
- Infinity V2 Lotion Pump: PP mono all-plastic, up-lock, 1.5cc, ribbed or smooth.
- Clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump: PP, 3.5cc dose.
- All-plastic treatment pump: PP with a full over cap for serums and light lotions.
- Eternal Pump airless bottle: PP mono material in 15ml, 30ml and 50ml.
See all of our metal-free pumps and sprayers, or read what a metal-free pump is if you are new to the category. For specific lotion pump options, our metal-free lotion pump buyer's guide goes further. Ask us about lead times and minimums when you request a quote.
Common questions
What information should I send a supplier?
Send the formula type and viscosity, target dose, bottle and neck finish, sales channel and annual volume. A product sample helps most.
How do I test a metal-free pump with my formula?
Fill sample bottles, then check priming, dose accuracy, return feel and leakage over time. Include storage at different temperatures and a shipping test.
Can a metal-free pump handle thick creams?
Many can. Thick formulas may need a specific pump or a larger dose. Testing will confirm the fit.
Should I choose up-lock or clip-lock?
Up-lock gives a cleaner look and is easy to unlock. Clip-lock is simple and shows the pump is unused. Both help prevent leaks in transit.
Is an all-plastic pump always mono-material?
No. All-plastic means no metal. Mono-material means one plastic family. Check the specification for each product.
Have a formula in mind? Request samples or a quote and we will help you match it to the right metal-free pump.