A Guide to Dropper Pipettes: What to Choose and When to Use Them
Dropper pipettes are a core component of packaging for products that require controlled, accurate and user-friendly liquid dispensing. From beauty and wellness to supplements, essential oils and pharmaceuticals, selecting the right pipette directly affects dosing accuracy, safety and the overall customer experience.
At Carow Packaging, we help brands navigate the numerous dropper pipette options available. Below is a streamlined listing of the different types of dropper pipettes and when to use each. Use this guide to help choose the right solution for your product and market.
Standard (Regular) Dropper Pipettes
Best for everyday products that do not have safety or regulatory requirements.
Standard dropper pipettes are the most common and most cost-effective option. They are compatible with a wide range of neck finishes, including 18‑400, 18-DIN, 20‑400, 22‑400 and 24‑400. They are available with either glass or plastic pipettes. They provide simple, reliable dispensing when measured dosing is helpful, but no additional safety features are required.
Ideal for:
- Facial serums
- Essential oils
- Tinctures
- Cosmetic and beauty oils
Tamper Evident (TE) Dropper Pipettes
Best for products that require visible proof of integrity.
Tamper-evident droppers indicate whether a package has been opened before purchase, eliminating the need for shrink bands and enhancing consumer trust. TE dropper pipettes are often required in regulated markets and help brands meet retail and compliance expectations while maintaining a clean, professional appearance on the shelf.
Ideal for:
- Supplements
- Cannabis products
- Ingestible wellness formulations
Child Resistant (CR) Dropper Pipettes
Best for products that may be hazardous to children.
Child-resistant dropper pipettes are designed to restrict access and meet safety requirements for certain formulations. CR droppers help brands meet safety guidelines while still offering ease of use for adults.
Ideal for:
- CBD products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Highly concentrated essential oils
Child Resistant/Tamper Evident (CR/TE) Dropper Pipettes
Best for highly regulated or liability-sensitive products.
CR/TE droppers combine both child resistance and tamper evidence into a single closure. This option provides maximum protection and is often selected for products sold across multiple regulated markets. This option positions brands as safety-focused while reducing packaging complexity.
Ideal for:
- Regulated ingestibles
- High-potency formulations
- Products with strict compliance requirements
Glass Pipettes (Type III)
Best for products with essential oils or active ingredients.
Glass pipettes are preferred when chemical resistance is critical. They also offer a premium look that elevates brand presentation. Glass pipettes can be printed with graduations to support precise, repeatable dosing.
Ideal for:
- Essential oils
- Skincare actives
- Clinical or herbal formulations
Plastic Pipettes (LDPE)
Best for thicker formulations and durability during shipping.
LDPE plastic pipettes are flexible and less prone to breakage, making them a practical choice for certain applications. Plastic pipettes are also often chosen for cost-sensitive projects or situations where squeezing flexibility improves the user experience.
Ideal for:
- High‑viscosity or sticky liquids
- Sample kits and travel sizes
- Products intended for children or pets
Printed (Graduated) Pipettes
Best for products requiring precise, repeatable dosing.
Graduated pipettes help users measure accurate amounts before dispensing, reducing misuse and improving consistency. Printed graduations support clearer dosing instructions and improved end-user compliance.
Ideal for:
- Skincare treatments with active ingredients
- Tinctures
- Clinical and herbal products
Unprinted Pipettes
Best for aesthetic-driven brands and general dispensing.
Unprinted pipettes offer a clean, minimal appearance and are an economical option when exact measurement is not critical.
Ideal for:
- Beauty and cosmetic products
- Oils and serums where approximate dosing is acceptable
Choosing the Right Dropper Pipette
Selecting the right dropper pipette depends on product formulation, safety requirements and how the end user will interact with the product. From standard droppers to child-resistant and tamper-evident solutions, Carow Packaging offers a wide range of in-stock options designed to support both regulated and non-regulated markets.
With fast lead times and expert guidance, Carow helps brands choose dropper pipettes that deliver accuracy, compliance and a consistent user experience—without over-engineering.
