Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sourcing Droppers

A dropper assembly is a multi-part dispensing closure typically consisting of three key components:

• • The Bulb: The squeezable actuator (usually Silicone, TPE, or Nitrile) used to draw product.
• • The Collar: The threaded cap (Plastic or Aluminum) that secures the assembly to the bottle.
• • The Pipette: The dip tube (Glass or Plastic) that holds and dispenses the liquid.

A wiper (also known as an orifice reducer or LDPE insert) is a small plastic component that snaps into the neck of the bottle to restrict the opening size.

It serves a critical function by scraping excess formula off the exterior of the glass pipette as it is removed. This prevents messy drips on the bottle threads and ensures that only the product inside the tube is dispensed.

Droppers remain a top choice for prestige beauty brands for several reasons:

• • Precise Dosage: Allows consumers to dispense exact amounts, critical for potent actives like Vitamin C or Retinol.
• • Hygiene: The pipette draws product without direct finger contact, reducing contamination risks.
• • Viscosity Versatility: Ideal for low-to-medium viscosity formulas such as facial oils, essences, and liquid highlighters.
• • Premium Aesthetic: Glass pipettes weigh heavily in the hand, signaling luxury and quality to the consumer.

• • Standard Bulb Droppers: The traditional squeeze-top design.
• • Push-Button Droppers: A modern, premium mechanism where a button on top of the cap is pressed to load the pipette.
• • Child-Resistant (CR) Droppers: Essential for regulated products (like CBD or certain chemical peels), featuring "push-down-and-turn" mechanisms.
• • Mono-Material Droppers: Newer designs made entirely from a single polymer (like PP) to facilitate recycling.

To ensure a clean user experience, you must use a wiper (also known as an orifice reducer or LDPE insert). This small plastic component snaps into the neck of the bottle.

• • Function: As the consumer pulls the pipette out, the wiper scrapes excess formula off the exterior of the glass tube.
• • Benefit: This prevents the product from dripping onto the bottle threads (which causes sticky caps) and ensures that the only product dispensed is what is intentionally drawn into the pipette, significantly reducing waste.

Fit is critical. If a pipette is too short, consumers cannot access the product at the bottom; if too long, it may break during capping.

• • Length: Must be matched specifically to the bottle’s "OFC" (Overflow Capacity) and height. Always request a "fitment test" from your supplier.
• • Tip Shapes: Common shapes include Straight, Bent/Curved (for easier application to the face), and Bulbous (for higher dosage).

Compatibility with your formula is the deciding factor:

• • Silicone: High resistance to heat and chemicals; preferred for premium skincare.
• • Nitrile/NBR: Excellent resistance to oils and acids; often used for essential oils.
• • TPE/TPR: A recyclable thermoplastic option that balances performance with sustainability.
• • Natural Rubber: Cost-effective but can degrade with certain oil-based formulas.

Recyclability is complex due to the "mixed material" nature of standard droppers. According to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR):

• • Standard Droppers (Detrimental/Requires Action): A typical dropper combines a glass tube, plastic collar, and rubber bulb. Because these materials are fused or difficult to separate, they often cannot be sorted correctly at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
• • Small Parts Issue: Pipettes and small collars often fall through sorting screens (less than 2 inches in size) and end up as waste, even if the material itself is recyclable.

To align with sustainable design guides:

• 1. Design for Disassembly: Encourage consumers to separate the glass pipette (recyclable in glass streams) from the plastic collar and bulb.
• 2. Specify Mono-Material: Switch to all-PP (Polypropylene) dropper assemblies. The APR classifies mono-material PP packaging as "Preferred" because it allows the entire component to be recycled in the rigid plastic stream without disassembly.
• 3. Use PCR Materials: Source collars made from Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic to reduce virgin plastic usage.

• • Clean Beauty & Skincare: Facial serums, beard oils, and ampoules.
• • Wellness & CBD: Tinctures requiring precise milliliter (mL) dosage.
• • Liquid Makeup: Fluid foundations, illuminators, and bronzing drops.
• • Hair Care: Scalp treatments and hair oils.

When sourcing dropper components, consider these specialized suppliers known for quality and innovation:

• • Calaso: A European leader in high-quality glass packaging, Calaso specializes in premium dropper bottles (such as their Ginger and Laurel series) with a strong focus on design durability and sustainable glass production.
• • Idealpak: An ISO-certified supplier offering a "one-stop" solution for dropper packaging. They are known for their extensive range of custom molds, eco-friendly options (including PCR and bioplastic), and full decoration services.
• • Vexel: Specializing in plastic components, Vexel offers a wide variety of standard and custom dropper assemblies, including mono-material PP options and precision-engineered closures compatible with various bottle necks.