How to Stop Sunscreen from Pilling on Your Face

Sunscreen pills when it's applied too soon after other products or when formulas don't play well together.

1. Wait between layers. Give your moisturizer at least 5 minutes to absorb before applying sunscreen. Rushing this step is the main reason sunscreen pills and flakes off in little balls.
2. Use the right amount. Apply sunscreen in a thin, even layer rather than one thick glob. Too much product creates a film that's more likely to pill when it interacts with makeup or other products.
3. Pat, don't rub. Gentle patting motions help the sunscreen settle into your skin without disturbing the layers underneath. Aggressive rubbing causes the formula to clump and roll off.
4. Check your base products. Silicone-heavy primers and water-based sunscreens often don't mix well. Stick to similar formulation types or use a primer specifically designed to work under sunscreen.