A metal-free treatment pump is a small, fine-output pump made entirely of plastic, designed to dispense serums, foundations and other thin formulas in precise doses. Because it has no metal spring or ball, it keeps metal out of contact with the formula and removes a common barrier to recycling. APG's all-plastic treatment pump is made of PP and comes with a full over cap.
What a treatment pump is
A treatment pump sits between a fine mist sprayer and a lotion pump. It dispenses a small, controlled dose through a narrow nozzle, so the product lands as a neat bead rather than a spray or a large squirt. Brands use treatment pumps for:
- Face serums and essences
- Liquid foundations and tinted products
- Eye creams and spot treatments
- Hair oils and thin leave-in treatments
Most treatment pumps include an over cap. The cap protects the actuator from accidental presses in a bag, keeps the nozzle clean and gives the package a finished look on shelf.
How a metal-free treatment pump works
Like a lotion pump, a treatment pump has a chamber, valves, a return spring and a dip tube. Pressing the actuator pushes a measured dose out of the nozzle. Releasing it lets the spring lift the actuator, and the chamber refills from the bottle.
In a conventional treatment pump, the spring is usually steel and the check valve may use a metal ball. In a metal-free design, these parts are replaced with plastic. The result is a pump that is all-plastic, which helps when you are building a package that is designed for recyclability.
Treatment pump vs other formats for serums
Serums and thin formulas can be packed several ways. Here is how a treatment pump compares.
| Format | Dose style | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment pump | Small, precise dose from a fine nozzle | Serums, foundations, eye products, thin lotions | Uses a dip tube, so some product can remain at the bottom |
| Airless bottle | Pump dose with a rising piston; no dip tube | Serums and creams you want to protect from air | More parts; sizes set by the bottle range |
| Dropper | Drop by drop from a pipette | Facial oils and serums applied in drops | Opened at each use; less consistent dose |
| Lotion pump | Larger dose per stroke | Body lotions, cleansers, larger sizes | Too much product per press for most serums |
| Fine mist sprayer | Light mist | Toners, essences and face mists | Not suitable for thicker serums |
Choosing the right pump for your serum
Start with the formula, then work out to the package.
Viscosity
Treatment pumps are made for thin to medium formulas. Very thick creams may not prime well or may need a larger dose. Water-thin products may drip if the nozzle is not matched to them. Send a sample of your formula when you request a quote so we can suggest a fit.
Dose
Think about how much product a user needs per application and how many presses that should take. A good serum dose is often one or two presses. If you need a larger dose, a pump like the Infinity V2 Lotion Pump, with a 1.5cc dosage, may be a better fit for thin lotions.
Air sensitivity
If your formula contains ingredients you want to protect from air, compare a treatment pump with an airless bottle. Airless bottles use a piston instead of a dip tube, so air does not flow in as product is used. See metal-free airless bottles for how they work.
Bottle and neck
Match the pump's neck finish to your bottle and cut the dip tube to the right length. Share your bottle drawing or a sample so we can confirm fit.
What to check before you commit
- Compatibility testing. Fill samples with your final formula and age them under your normal stability conditions. Check dose consistency, priming, leaks and any change in the formula or the parts.
- Clogging. Fine nozzles can be sensitive to formulas that dry quickly or contain pigments. Test how the nozzle behaves after the pump sits unused.
- Over cap fit. Check that the full over cap seats securely on your bottle and looks right with your decoration.
- Claims. Say "designed for recyclability" and "recyclable where facilities accept it". Avoid wording that implies the package is recyclable everywhere.
- Commercial terms. Ask us about lead times and minimums through our quote request form so they fit your launch plan.
How APG can help
APG makes cosmetic and personal-care packaging, with a plant in Defiance, Ohio for molding and decoration. For serums and thin formulas, look at:
- All-plastic treatment pump: PP with a full over cap.
- Eternal Pump airless bottle: PP, mono material, in 15ml, 30ml and 50ml.
- Infinity V2 Lotion Pump: PP mono all-plastic, up-lock, 1.5cc dosage, ribbed or smooth.
- Infinity Dropper: all-plastic, for oils and serums applied by the drop.
- All pumps, to compare sizes and styles.
To see every all-plastic option side by side, browse our metal-free pumps and sprayers. If you are weighing a dropper, read all-plastic droppers vs glass droppers.
Common questions
What is the difference between a treatment pump and a lotion pump?
A treatment pump dispenses a smaller, more precise dose through a finer nozzle and usually has an over cap. A lotion pump dispenses more per stroke and suits body lotions and cleansers.
What is APG's all-plastic treatment pump made of?
It is made of PP and is all-plastic, with a full over cap. If you specifically need a mono-material package, look at the Infinity V2 Lotion Pump or the Eternal Pump airless bottle.
Should I use a treatment pump or an airless bottle for my serum?
Use an airless bottle if you want to limit air exposure and get high product evacuation. Use a treatment pump if you want a simpler, lower-part-count package for a stable formula. Testing both with your formula is the best way to decide.
Can a treatment pump handle foundation?
Treatment pumps are a common choice for liquid foundation. Pigmented formulas can dry in fine nozzles, so test how the pump performs after sitting unused.
Is a metal-free treatment pump recyclable?
Removing metal makes a pump easier to recycle. Whether it is accepted depends on local facilities, so use "recyclable where facilities accept it" and review your whole package before making a claim.
Ready to find the right pump for your serum? Request samples or a quote.