How to Choose the Right Lotion Pump for Your Product Packaging

Lotion pumps are one of the most common packaging components in the personal care, cosmetic, and household product industries. Whether you are a brand selecting a lotion pump or a manufacturer recommending one to your clients, several key factors must be considered: bottle neck size, formula compatibility, product viscosity/flow, pump dosage, and final packaging format.

1. Selecting by Neck Size and Thread Specifications

Most lotion pumps are paired with bottles using screw threads, following standard industry specifications.Suppliers generally manufacture lotion pumps according to these standards, and customers choose pumps accordingly.

Common neck sizes: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm, 28mm, 33mm, 38mmCommon neck finishes: 400, 410, 415

For example: Plastic Bottle Finish SP -  410

Seal Integrity Testing

In quality control, seal testing is critical.

• The bottle is filled with tinted water (or actual formula) according to its intended fill volume.

• The pump is fitted using the correct torque and locked in the closed position.

• The bottle is placed horizontally and tested under a vacuum of -0.03 to -0.06 MPa for 5 minutes (requirements vary by client).

  
  

Pass criteria:

• No leakage at the neck, between the pump body and closure, or from the actuator head.

• Smooth thread engagement with no cross-threading, resistance, or tilting.

Injection-molded bottle necks provide higher precision and better sealing performance due to stable dimensions and accurate threads.

2. Choosing Based on Product Viscosity and Flow Characteristics

Formula viscosity plays a major role in pump performance. A simple cup test can help assess suitability:

• A. Instant leveling, no trace: Any lotion pump or derivative pump works.

• B. Quick leveling with slight mound: Spray pumps require testing; other pumps work normally.

  

  Mouth drawing

• C. Leveling within 1–2 seconds with visible mound: Requires high-suction pumps with stronger springs; high-viscosity pumps preferred; vacuum packaging also an option.

• D. No quick leveling, significant mound: High-viscosity pumps must be tested; vacuum jars/bottles or caps recommended.

• E. Formula does not flow out when cup is inverted: Only vacuum jars, caps, tubes, or cans are suitable.

3. Formula Compatibility

The pump material must pass compatibility testing:

• Finished, filled products are stored in a high-temperature chamber for 7 days.

• Afterward, parts are inspected for cracks, rust, deformation, or other damage.

• The formula should show no discoloration or odor change.

  
  

4. Selecting by Pump Dosage

Consumer research often defines the recommended usage amount. Pump dosage should match this volume or reach it within 1–2 actuations.

Example:

• Recommended use: 1.0 ml per application → choose a pump with a 1.0 ml output or a 0.5 ml pump with 2 actuations.

  

5. Selecting by Final Packaging Format

Once the packaging capacity is confirmed, select a pump specification based on the total number of intended uses.

Example 1: 100ml bottle → 1.0ml pump: ~100 uses 0.5ml pump: ~200 uses

Example 2: 500ml bottle → 2.0ml pump: ~250 uses 3.5ml pump: ~140 uses

Why Choose De Varo Packaging for Lotion Pumps?

At De Varo Packaging, we provide:

• Standard neck finishes compatible with industry bottles

• Custom pump colors, finishes, and actuator designs

• Pumps engineered for different viscosities and dosage requirements

• Quality assurance through rigorous seal and compatibility testing

  
  

Whether you need lotion pumps for skincare, haircare, household, or hospitality products, our solutions ensure reliable performance, perfect fit, and premium presentation.

📩 Contact us today (sales@devaropackaging.com)for free consultation, sample requests, or bulk pricing.