How Nano Infusion Works

Nano infusion is a skincare method that glides a pen with fine silicon nano tips over the skin while you apply serum, to boost serum absorption. It is painless for most people, with no downtime.

Quick answer: Nano infusion pairs a cordless handheld pen with a fine silicon Nano Chip. As the chip glides over the skin during your serum routine, it helps the serum absorb better and spread more evenly than hands alone, without the metal needles or recovery time of professional microneedling.

If you already use facial serums, the important questions are what the tip does, how to choose a compatible product, whether the process fits your routine, and how it differs from other at-home tools.

The Three Parts of a Nano Infusion Routine

1. The Pen: Consistent, Controlled Contact

A nano infusion pen helps the user move a small treatment head across the skin with controlled contact. NDP's Luxury Modern and Luxury Classic pens are rechargeable metal-body models with three speed settings and stronger power, so you can choose a comfortable speed. They share the same specs and differ only in design. NDP also has other styles that run on dry AA/AAA batteries; we recommend the rechargeable Luxury pen.

2. The Nano Chip: The Part That Contacts the Skin

NDP Nano Chips use ultra-fine silicon tips (about 80 nm) designed for serum-focused skincare, not the longer metal needles of medical microneedling. Each chip is individually sealed and single-use. The named chip length is not a guaranteed penetration depth; contact depends on the device, pressure and technique.

Use a fresh, compatible Nano Chip for each session. NDP sells 10-pack Nano Chip refills, with available tip lengths from 0.15 mm to 0.50 mm. The appropriate choice and frequency depend on the manufacturer's instructions and the user's tolerance; longer is not automatically better. See the tip-size and frequency guide.

3. The Serum: The Product You Already Use

Nano infusion works with the serums and ampoules you already use and helps them go further, rather than replacing them. Simple hydrating, non-irritating formulas are a good starting point; avoid harsh exfoliants or other irritating actives around a session.

For ingredient examples and practical precautions, read What Serum to Use With Nano Needling?

How a Typical At-Home Nano Infusion Session Fits Together

1. Start with clean skin. Follow the skincare and device hygiene instructions; do not use the tool on broken, infected, or actively inflamed areas.
2. Choose a suitable Nano Chip and formula. Use a new compatible tip; check the device instructions and avoid irritating combinations.
3. Use gentle contact. Apply only the pressure and motion described in the manual; let the pen do the work.
4. Finish with a simple routine. Follow the brand's aftercare instructions and watch for unusual discomfort or persistent irritation.
5. Replace, do not reuse, the chip. A fresh sealed chip every session means nothing to clean; refills are sold separately.

Follow your product manual for full instructions.

Nano Infusion vs. Microneedling: Why the Difference Matters

According to the U.S. FDA's consumer guidance, devices with short tips that only contact the skin's top layer may be treated differently from regulated medical microneedling devices. Regulatory status depends on actual product design, intended use, and claims—not the word “nano” alone.

See Nano Needling vs. Microneedling for a more detailed comparison.

What About the Balloon, Ink, and Microscope Demonstrations?

Balloon and ink demonstrations show how the ultra-fine tips touch a surface without breaking it, which helps explain why the routine feels gentle. They illustrate the tip design; they are not a measurement of how much serum enters human skin.

Which NDP Pen Makes Sense for Your Routine?

If the goal is a rechargeable, three-speed at-home nano infusion pen, compare Luxury Modern with Luxury Classic. Both are cordless, rechargeable, metal-body pens with three speeds, and both come in kits with 10, 30 or 40 single-use Nano Chips. Choose by design preference and how many sessions you want in the starter kit.

Already own an NDP pen? Check the Nano Chip Refills page instead of buying another device. NDP Nano Chips are made for NDP pens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nano infusion another name for microneedling?

No. Microneedling uses metal needles that can enter deeper skin layers and may need recovery. NDP's nano infusion uses ultra-fine silicon Nano Chips to help serums absorb better in a gentle routine with no downtime.

Does nano infusion replace my serum?

No. It helps the serums you already use absorb better and go further. Choose gentle, compatible formulas and follow the usage guidance.

Are NDP Nano Chips reusable?

No. NDP Nano Chips are single-use consumables. Use a fresh compatible chip for each session.

Can nano infusion treat deep acne scars?

Nano infusion is designed to boost your serum routine, not to replicate professional microneedling for scars. For deep acne scars, seek a professional assessment.

Learn More

Explore the NDP Nano Infusion Learning Center for side-by-side device guides and practical serum-focused routines. If you're comparing different categories of at-home beauty tools, see At-Home Skincare Devices Compared.

Editorial note: Nano Derma Pen sells nano infusion devices. This guide explains how our products are designed to be used. Individual experiences vary.