applicator

An applicator is a device designed to apply a substance to a surface or area with controlled placement. The term encompasses a wide range of tools used in medicine, cosmetics, industry, and laboratory settings.

In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, applicators include droppers, oral applicators, ophthalmic applicators, and vaginal or rectal applicators for suppositories. They are often sterile and either single-use or designed for cleaning and reuse. The goal is precise dosing and contamination control.

In cosmetics, applicators deliver products to the skin or lips. Examples include mascara wands, lip-gloss applicators, roll-on fragrance balls, and applicator tips for creams or serums. These are typically consumer-use devices designed for convenience and hygiene.

In industry, applicators are used to dispense adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, or lubricants. They include syringes, nozzle tips, spray heads, and glue guns. Precision and material compatibility are important to prevent waste or damage.

In laboratories, pipettes, transfer pipettes, and micro brushes function as applicators to place liquids onto substrates or into reactions. They may be manual or automated.

Materials range from plastic, glass, to metal, chosen for chemical compatibility and sterility. Some applicators are disposable, others are reusable after cleaning and sterilization. Safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards govern their design and use, particularly in clinical or pharmaceutical contexts.