A lotion pump is a pumping mechanism that delivers the lotion or cream product from the bottle. Most pumps feature a dip tube that reaches the bottom of the bottle and connects to an exit valve on the pump mechanism. The pumping mechanism is controlled by a lever called an actuator. Pressing the lever or plunger a few times in quick succession will dispense the product. The pump can also work with different kinds of bottles, including glass bottles, which have thicker side walls and may not fit the dispenser.

There are a few things to check before purchasing a lotion pump. First, the straw on the pump should fit tightly in the bottle's mouth. It should also not be too loose, nor too tight. Then, the body of the pump should not break and the screw thread should be smooth. Secondly, the thread on the pump should fit into the bottle mouth smoothly without causing slippage or blockage. Thirdly, it should have a normal rebound. Finally, the body and straw should be of moderate tightness.

Depending on the type of pump you purchase, you may want to look into the amount of product it can dispense. Lotion pumps can be made to dispense a small amount of product or up to 2 or 3 cc of product at a time. The size of the dip tube will determine how much product you can dispense. A slender tube is best if you only need a small amount of product, but larger pumps may be necessary.