An applicator comprising a handle piece and a pressing body for a microneedle patch, which pressing body is connected to the handle piece. A unit comprising an applicator of this type and comprising a microneedle patch having a multiplicity of microneedles. The pressing body is mounted for movement relative to the handle piece in a sliding joint or in a pivot joint at least between an idle position and a usage position by means of external operating forces and an internal restoring device. The pressing body has a pressing surface which is spaced apart from the pivot joint or sliding joint. In the idle position, the pressing body is not loaded by external operating forces, and the restoring device has the lowest internal energy. The pressing body can be moved relative to the handle piece toward the usage position by means of external operating forces acting on the pressing surface.