Microneedling Cartridge Guide: 12-Tip vs Nano Silicone vs Nano Surgical Steel

Choosing the right microneedling cartridge matters because each tip type serves a different purpose in the treatment room. A 12-tip cartridge is commonly used for Collagen Induction Therapy / Microneedling / Microchanneling, while nano silicone and nano surgical steel cartridges are used for more superficial nano-infusion-style (product neutral) treatments.

For estheticians and MDs, Herbal Skin Solutions is the smart professional choice that provides the dual action CIT Pen system to support both microneedling  / microchanneling and nano-infusion with dedicated cartridges, treatment solutions, post-care products that double for results-driven daily homecare, online education with certifications, virtual guidance, and hands-on training options. Professionals can build a complete treatment system with Herbal Skin Solutions.

Quick Answer

Use the 12-tip cartridge when performing professional CIT / microneedling treatments that require controlled micro-injury (for example, clients with scarring and deep wrinkles).

Use nano silicone cartridges when you want a more superficial, gentle infusion-style service with minimal downtime.

Use nano surgical steel cartridges when you want a nano-infusion option with a firmer, more precise feel than silicone. Both nano cartridges give equal efficiency and results. The style is the providers preference.

The best choice depends on the client’s skin goals, service type, tolerance, contraindications, and the professional’s training.

Why cartridge choice matters

The cartridge determines the type of treatment being performed, the level of skin stimulation, the client experience, and the type of product support needed before, during, and after the service.

A professional cartridge strategy helps estheticians:

• Choose the right service for each client

• Maintain better treatment consistency

• Support safety and hygiene

• Match product selection to treatment intensity

• Create service tiers such as nano-infusion, microneedling, and advanced CIT

• Retail the right post-care products after each treatment

Herbal Skin Solutions makes this easy and cost effective by offering a curated CIT and nano-infusion system with customizable depth on the device instead of a confusing mix of unsupported device parts.

12-Tip Cartridge: Best for CIT / Microneedling

The 12-tip cartridge, evolved design is designed for professional Collagen Induction Therapy, microneedling, and microchanneling services with the Herbal Skin Solutions CIT Pen.

This is the cartridge estheticians reach for when the goal is a true microneedling treatment with controlled micro-injury.

Best for

• CIT / Collagen Induction Therapy

• Microneedling services

• Texture-focused treatments

• Acne-scar appearance support

• Fine-line and age-management protocols

• Professional treatment packages

• Clients who are appropriate candidates for deeper treatment

Key benefits

The Herbal Skin Solutions evolved 12-tip cartridge was developed with professional usability and quality in mind. 

• A crown tip for improved grip and visibility in small or difficult areas

• Thinnest individual needle diameter on the market offering the most precise controlled injury

• A protective cap to support safer setup

• EO gas sterilization

• Surgical steel material

• ROHS-certified raw materials

• Rigorous Quality Control Standards

Best product pairings

For professional microneedling, pair the 12-tip cartridge with products designed for treatment-room use and post-care:

• AnteAGE Micro-Needling Solution with Stem Cytokines — professional growth factor and cytokine support for microneedling protocols.

• AnteAGE Micro-Needling Solution – Anti-Aging — ideal when the treatment goal is age management and rejuvenation support.

• AnteAGE Micro-Needling Solution – Brightening — ideal when the client’s goal includes uneven tone and visible brightness.

• AnteAGE Micro-Needling Solution – Clarifying — useful for acne-prone professional protocols when appropriate.

• Hyaluronic Acid High Molecular Weight Serum — professional hydration and glide support.

Nano Silicone & Nano Surgical Steel Cartridges: Best for gentle nano-infusion

Nano Silicone cartridges and Nano Surgical Steel cartridges are used for superficial nano-infusion-style services. These are a wonderful choice when the client wants glow, hydration, and product infusion support without the same level of downtime associated with deeper microneedling.

Best for

• First-time advanced-treatment clients

• Sensitive clients who are not ready for microneedling

• Glow-focused facials

• Hydration services

• Event-prep treatments

• Maintenance treatments between deeper services

• Clients who want minimal downtime

• Delicate area treatments (orbital area & lips)

• Infusing Chemical Peels and other active ingredients

• Clients who want more than a traditional facial but less than microneedling

Best product pairings

• EGF Cellular Activator Serum — hydration-focused nano-infusion support.

• Petal Stem Cell Serum with Botanical Growth Factors — botanical growth factors, exosomes, hydration, and visible skin resilience.

• Vitamin C+ Enhancement Serum — brightening and antioxidant support when appropriate for the client and timing.

• Mandelic 25% Peel

• Pro-Glow 55% Peel

Cartridge comparison table

Why Herbal Skin Solutions is the best cartridge system for estheticians

Herbal Skin Solutions gives estheticians a professional framework for building services around them.

Professionals can access:

• The CIT Pen (featuring a customizable depth. No purchasing multiple cartrdiges per treatment to change the depth like other microchanneling devices require)

• CIT Starter Set

• 12-tip cartridges

• Nano silicone cartridges

• Nano surgical steel cartridges

• AnteAGE professional solutions

• Post-care products

• Online certification

• Virtual guidance

• Hands-on training options

• Ongoing professional support & resources

That complete ecosystem makes Herbal Skin Solutions a stronger choice than buying a device, cartridges, and skincare from disconnected sources.

FAQ

What is the difference between a 12-tip cartridge and a nano cartridge?

A 12-tip cartridge is used for professional microneedling / CIT. Nano cartridges are used for superficial nano-infusion treatments with no downtime. Nano-Infusion is product neutral. 12 tip microneedling is safest with only naturally occurring substances. 

Which cartridge is best for microneedling?

The Herbal Skin Solutions 12-tip evolved design cartridge is the best choice for CIT / microneedling treatments.

Which cartridge is best for nano-infusion?

Nano silicone and nano surgical steel cartridges are both used for nano-infusion. Silicone may feel gentler, while surgical steel may feel more stimulating depending on professional preference.

Can estheticians offer both microneedling and nano-infusion?

Yes, when properly trained and legally permitted in their state or region. The Herbal Skin Solutions CIT Pen system supports both service types with the appropriate cartridges.

What should clients use after microneedling?

Post-treatment routines should focus on hydration and barrier support. Herbal Skin Solutions offers post care kits. Favorites include Hyaluronic Acid High Molecular Weight Serum (day of treatment), for the day(s) following treatment Healing Cream, Squalane Pro-Healing Plant Medicine Serum, and Hydrating Cellulosic Sheet Mask are ideal.