If your pump feels like it’s not pulling product at all, even after several attempts, it’s usually because air has become trapped inside the tube during filling or transport. When this happens, the pump may push out only air or feel completely empty, no matter how many times you press it.
This is a common first-use issue with skincare pumps and does not mean the pump is faulty. A proper priming step removes the trapped bubble, allows the formula to rise through the tube & gets the pump working normally.
The guide below shows exactly how to fix this, why it happens & what to do if the issue still continues after priming.
Pump Is Not Pulling Product At All
This usually happens when an air bubble is trapped at the bottom of the tube, preventing the formula from rising.
Try the following:
• Ensure the pump is fully unlocked
• Press slowly & firmly 10–15 times (fast pumping traps more air)
• Keep the bottle upright while pumping
• Tap the bottom of the bottle with your palm to release the bubble
Once the bubble clears, the product will begin to travel up the tube & the pump will start working normally.
Pump Only Pushes Out Air
This means the tube is still filled with air, which is normal during the first use.
To fix it:
• Continue slow, full presses or rapid half presses
• Give the bottle a gentle shake to help the formula reach the tube
• Tap the base lightly to dislodge trapped air pockets
As soon as the tube fills, the air will clear & the pump will release product consistently.
Pump Feels Stuck or Hard to Press
The pump may feel stiff if product has dried inside the nozzle or if the pump head is slightly tilted.
Try:
• Wiping the pump head with a clean tissue
• Pressing straight down without angling the pump
• Checking that the pump is fully unlocked
If the pump still feels stuck after cleaning, please watch the troubleshooting video below for a clear demonstration of how to unblock a stubborn bubble.
Product Is Leaking from the Nozzle
Leaking can happen if the pump is half-pressed repeatedly or if excess product builds up around the nozzle.
Fix:
• Use full presses instead of short taps
• Wipe away any residue from the nozzle
• Store the bottle upright
If leakage continues during first use, contact support & we will review it.
I Tried Everything & It Still Doesn’t Work
In rare cases, an air bubble may be tightly trapped inside the tube due to shipping movement.
Try this final step:
• Hold the bottle upside down for 5 seconds
• Set it upright again & pump slowly and fully
This helps the formula settle into the tube so the pump can start pulling product.
If the pump still does not dispense after priming, tapping & this final step, please watch the troubleshooting video below for a clear demonstration of how to unblock a stubborn bubble.
What Is Normal Pump Behaviour?
Certain behaviours can seem like pump issues but are completely normal, especially during the first use. These do not indicate a faulty pump:
• A few pumps of only air before product appears
This happens when the tube is filled with air during filling or transport.
• Small air bubbles inside the tube
They clear automatically once the product starts rising.
• The pump making a light suction sound
This is the mechanism pulling product upward, not a defect.
• Needing a couple of pumps after the bottle has been unused for days
The formula settles downward when the bottle is untouched for long periods.
As long as the pump begins dispensing product after priming, tapping & slow full presses, the pump is working normally.
Watch the Pump Troubleshooting Video
This short video shows how to prime your pump, remove trapped air bubbles & get the product flowing smoothly. If your pump feels stuck, pushes only air or doesn’t pull product after multiple presses, this demonstration will guide you through the exact steps to fix it.
