5 Common Causes of Pilling on Your Face (And How to Fix It)
Have you ever applied your skincare only to find tiny balls, or “pills” of product rolling off your face later in the day? This frustrating phenomenon is called pilling, and not only can it ruin your makeup and waste your expensive skincare products, but it also tends to look and feel pretty gross (unfortunately I know this from firsthand experience).
If you’re dealing with pilling, this blog post is here to help. We’ll go over:
Let’s dive in!
What is Pilling?
Pilling occurs when skincare or makeup products clump together and form small balls or flakes on your skin's surface. Instead of absorbing properly, the products roll off when touched or rubbed.
5 Common Causes of Pilling
1. Layering Incompatible Product Formulas
The problem: Mixing silicone-based products with water-based products is the number one cause of pilling. When these formulas don't blend well together, they separate and ball up on your skin.
How you can fix it: Check your product ingredients and group them by formula type. Apply water-based products first, allow them to absorb completely, then follow with silicone-based items. You can look for ingredients like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane to identify silicone products. Also, waiting 30-60 seconds between each layer helps to ensure proper absorption of each of the products.
2. Applying Too Much Product
The problem: Using more skincare products than your skin can absorb leads to excess sitting on your skin’s surface, which pills when you apply the next layer or touch your face.
How you can fix it: Start with smaller amounts—a pea-sized portion is usually sufficient for most serums and moisturizers. You can always add more if needed. The "less is more" approach not only prevents pilling but also makes your products last longer and allows your skin to breathe and absorb product more easily.
3. Rubbing Products Instead of Patting
The problem: Aggressive rubbing in your products creates friction that causes the forumlation to roll up and pill, especially when your skin already has multiple layers applied.
How you can fix it: Pat or press products into your skin using gentle tapping motions with your fingertips. This technique helps products penetrate better while minimizing friction. For thicker creams, use gentle upward strokes rather than circular rubbing motions.
4. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time Between Layers
The problem: Rushing through your skincare routine by applying products before the previous layer has absorbed creates a slippery surface where products can't adhere properly.
How you can fix it: Practice patience. Wait at least 30-60 seconds between each skincare step. For heavier products like sunscreen or thick serums, you can even try allowing up to two minutes for full absorption. You can use this extra time to brush your teeth, make coffee, or simply take a deep breath—your skin will thank you.
5. Using Products with High Concentrations of Thickening Agents
The problem: Products containing carbomers, acrylates, or high concentrations of hyaluronic acid can create a gel-like film that pills when layered with other products.
How you can fix it: If you notice consistent pilling with a specific product, check the ingredient list for thickening agents. Consider using these products that may contain thickening agents alone or as your final skincare step. Alternatively, try lightweight versions or switch to products with different formulations that work better with your routine.
Quick Tips to Prevent Pilling
Always apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency
Cleanse your face thoroughly before starting your routine—dead skin cells can contribute to pilling
Exfoliate regularly (2-3 times per week) to remove buildup
Store products properly to maintain their texture and efficacy
Test new products individually before adding them to your full routine
Facial pilling doesn't mean your products are bad—it usually means they're not playing well together or being applied correctly. By identifying the cause of the issue and adjusting your routine or techniques, you can eliminate pilling and get the most out of your skincare. 🌼