Why won't my lotion pump work?

It's quite frustrating when you're faced with your favorite skincare product but the lotion pump refuses to work. The reason for a malfunctioning pump is usually hidden in a few inconspicuous details.

● Common Reasons Why Lotion Pumps Don't Work

• It hasn't been switched out of "lock mode."

This is the most common reason. To prevent leakage during shipping, lotion pumps are locked at the factory.
Simple explanation: It's like putting a bolt on a door. If you find that the pump head won't press down, or keeps spinning in place without springing back up, it's locked. You need to hold the bottle neck steady and twist the pump head in the specified direction (usually counterclockwise) until it springs up.

• Air has entered the pump (airlock).

This is the most common reason people mistakenly think the pump is broken.
Simple explanation: The pump works by vacuum suction. If there's a large amount of air in the tube, or the liquid isn't touching the opening of the tube, pressing down only compresses the air, and the suction doesn't reach the liquid. You need to be patient and press the pump repeatedly and quickly dozens of times to "force" the air out.

• The suction tube is too long or too short.

Simple explanation: Sometimes the tube is pressed against the bottom of the bottle, completely blocking the liquid inlet, preventing the liquid from entering; or the tube is too short to reach the lotion at the bottom, making it difficult to pump when the product is almost finished. You can unscrew the cap to see if the tube is bent too much or not properly inserted.

• The liquid inside has "dried up" or is "too thick."

Simple explanation: In lotion pumps that haven't been used for a long time, a small amount of cream residue in the nozzle can dry and harden, blocking the outlet like a plug. Also, if your lotion is as thick as ice cream, and the pump's suction isn't strong enough, it won't be able to draw the liquid up the tube.

• Internal small parts are "stuck."

Simple explanation: Inside the pump head, there's a small spring and a tiny ball bearing. If this small ball is stuck by dried product, or the spring is rusted or displaced, the entire pumping system will be paralyzed. You can try rinsing the pump head with warm water to loosen any stuck parts.