Why Your Skincare Products Are Pilling

Ever spent precious minutes perfecting your skincare routine, only to have your products pill and roll off like eraser shavings?

What Causes Pilling?

Pilling occurs when products don’t absorb properly and instead, sit on top of your skin.

Avoid Pilling - Dos and Don'ts

Don't: Apply before your products have had time to fully absorb.
Do: Give each product 30 seconds to a minute to absorb before layering.
Don't: Mix skincare products with incompatible ingredients like retinol and vitamin C.
Do: Mix a drop of facial oil, like our Vitality Nourishing Facial Oil to help products blend better on your skin.
Don't: Apply too much product, Moderation is Key.
Do: Gently pat your skin instead of rubbing to minimize disruption.

How to Prevent Pilling – Tips & Tricks

Wait a Minute! Patience is key -
Give each product 30 seconds to a minute to absorb before layering the next one. This simple step can make a huge difference!
Use Thin to Thick Rule -
Apply your skincare products from the thinnest (like serums) to the thickest (moisturizers and oils). This ensures each layer penetrates and absorbs properly. After cleansing your face, apply in this order to avoid pilling:
- Hydrating Rinse
- Opaleze Brightening Serum
- Luster Eye Cream
- Botanica Souffle Cream
- Protec Plus Mineral Sunscreen (During the day)
Less is more -
Don't overload your skin, a little goes a long way. Use just a teaspoon of SPF in the morning to cap off your skincare routine and fully protect your face. If you don’t keep measuring spoons handy, try the two finger rule: Squeeze sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers.
A full routine should look something like this:
- Serum/Toner: use a pea-size amount of Opaleze Brightening Serum and apply thin layer to face.
- Eye Treatment: Use a rice-grain amount of Luster Eye Cream and dab under eye area with ring or middle finger.
- Moisturizer: Use an almond-size amount of Botanica Souffle Cream and apply to the face and neck.
- SPF: In the morning, (or 15 minutes before sun exposure) use the two finger rule, or measure about a teaspoon of Protec Plus Mineral Sunscreen.
Check Compatibility -
Some ingredients don’t mix well, so be sure to read your ingredients. For example, C Shield Smart Serum and Botanica Souffle Creme both have liposomal delivery systems that are formulated to work together.
Adjust for Summer -
In the summer, switch to lighter formulations like our C shield serum to accommodate the increased humidity and sweating. Alternatively, use a two-in-one like our Roux Tinted Day Creme with SPF 30, which provides protection and contains vitamin c, for hydration and protection all in one layer.
Exfoliate Regularly -

Dead skin cells can prevent products from absorbing. Incorporate gentle exfoliation into your routine to keep your skin smooth and ready to soak up all the goodness. Use our Gommage Exfoliating Gel to physically remove loosened dead skin cells. For chemical exfoliation use our Harmony Glycopolymer Solution or our Glow To Go Glycolic Acid Peel Pads. Be sure when using a chemical exfoliant to follow up with SPF.