We’ve likely all experienced pilling in our lives - that frustrating occurrence when your sunscreen or skincare products start rolling or balling up instead of absorbing into the skin. Its common causes include layering too many skincare products, not allowing each product enough time to absorb before applying the next, or using formulas that don't work well together, such as silicone-based products with water-based products.
But there’s good news in that pilling is easy to prevent. We advise keeping your skincare routine simple (there’s really no need for a 12-step routine) and allowing each layer to absorb for a minute or two before moving on to the next step. Apply your sunscreen (the recommended amount is two finger lengths to your face and neck) as the final stage of your morning skincare routine, using gentle pressing or smoothing motions rather than excessive rubbing, which can also cause pilling. If you wear makeup, wait a few minutes for your sunscreen to absorb before applying foundation, and choose lightweight, compatible formulas.
SPF formulas that are less likely to pill
Look for formulas that absorb quickly and leave little to no white cast or residue, particularly if you regularly layer skincare and makeup in your regimen. Pilling is often influenced as much by your skincare routine and application technique as the sunscreen itself, so applying a lightweight SPF with compatible products and allowing each layer to absorb will help ensure a smooth finish. Lightweight lotions, fluid sunscreens and gel-cream textures typically absorb more quickly than thicker, richer formulas, and also sit much better under foundation, making pilling much less likely.
Our facial SPFs - including a NEW launch
The Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Sunscreen is a non-pilling sunscreen that absorbs UV rays and converts them into harmless heat energy while forming a protective veil over the skin. Offering broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection with advanced UV filters, this K-beauty sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast. The fragrance-free, reef-safe formula has a lightweight cream texture that melts into the skin, leaving a velvety semi-matte finish that's non-greasy and non-sticky.
More than just sun protection, the formula is packed with antioxidant-rich black rice oil to nourish and brighten, alongside niacinamide to even skin tone, adenosine to improve the appearance of fine lines, and eco-ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Houttuynia cordata extract helps to soothe any irritation, while propanediol provides lasting hydration, leaving your complexion calm and smooth.
The silky texture also makes it an excellent makeup primer, creating the perfect base for a soft, cloud-skin finish. Apply it as the final step of your skincare routine, using two finger lengths of product across the face and neck, then massage in until fully absorbed. For continuous protection, reapply every two hours, or more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
The clinical trial results
- We tested how well the product blocks UVA rays, and saw a result of λc = 371nm. This means the product provides broad-spectrum protection, covering a wide range of UVA rays.
Domestic results found that:
-
SPF: 57.4 ± 0.0 → Very high protection against UVB rays (which cause sunburn)
-
UVA Protection (UVAPF / PFA / PPD): 18.7 ± 2.3 → Strong protection against UVA rays (which cause aging)
And overseas results found that:
-
SPF: 63.2 ± 8.9 → Very high UVB protection
-
UVA Protection (UVAPF / PFA / PPD): 26.6 ± 4.5 → Very high UVA protection
We also discovered a 19.373% improvement in skin hydration after exposure to UV rays after 2 weeks use.
This best sunscreen for the face delivers broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection - yep, you read that right - using FDA-approved UV filters that defend against UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun damage and premature aging. If you haven’t seen SPF 60+ before, the rating has been verified to meet strict US regulatory standards, giving you sun protection you can trust. The light-as-air formula absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
It’s brimming with nourishing skincare ingredients too. Centella asiatica extract helps soothe redness and support a healthy skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid delivers lasting hydration to keep skin soft and moisturised throughout the day. Ceramides work to replenish the skin's natural ceramide content, improving resilience and also helping to lock in hydration.
Simply apply this best Korean sunscreen generously to the face and neck as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturiser and before makeup, and reapply every two hours during sun exposure. For an extra boost of barrier support and glow, pair it with the haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence, which combines probiotics with ceramides and fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier while enhancing hydration.
The clinical trial results
We tested the UV protection index, with an in vivo result of 375.90 nm and an in vitro result of 72.6 ± 13.7, SPF 64, meaning strong protection against UV rays.
Final Thoughts
While sunscreen pilling can be annoying, it's usually the result of how your skincare products interact rather than the SPF formula itself. We recommend applying products in the right order, allowing each layer to absorb, avoiding overly generous amounts of skincare underneath, and choosing compatible formulas. With these simple tweaks, you can minimise pilling or prevent it altogether - and ensure your sunscreen forms the protective layer your skin needs every day.
Why Does My Sunscreen Pill Under Makeup? Causes & How to Prevent It
We’ve likely all experienced pilling in our lives - that frustrating occurrence when your sunscreen or skincare products start rolling or balling up instead of absorbing into the skin. Its common causes include layering too many skincare products, not allowing each product enough time to absorb before applying the next, or using formulas that don't work well together, such as silicone-based products with water-based products.
But there’s good news in that pilling is easy to prevent. We advise keeping your skincare routine simple (there’s really no need for a 12-step routine) and allowing each layer to absorb for a minute or two before moving on to the next step. Apply your sunscreen (the recommended amount is two finger lengths to your face and neck) as the final stage of your morning skincare routine, using gentle pressing or smoothing motions rather than excessive rubbing, which can also cause pilling. If you wear makeup, wait a few minutes for your sunscreen to absorb before applying foundation, and choose lightweight, compatible formulas.
SPF formulas that are less likely to pill
Look for formulas that absorb quickly and leave little to no white cast or residue, particularly if you regularly layer skincare and makeup in your regimen. Pilling is often influenced as much by your skincare routine and application technique as the sunscreen itself, so applying a lightweight SPF with compatible products and allowing each layer to absorb will help ensure a smooth finish. Lightweight lotions, fluid sunscreens and gel-cream textures typically absorb more quickly than thicker, richer formulas, and also sit much better under foundation, making pilling much less likely.
Our facial SPFs - including a NEW launch
Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
The Black Rice Moisture Airy Fit Sunscreen is a non-pilling sunscreen that absorbs UV rays and converts them into harmless heat energy while forming a protective veil over the skin. Offering broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection with advanced UV filters, this K-beauty sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white cast. The fragrance-free, reef-safe formula has a lightweight cream texture that melts into the skin, leaving a velvety semi-matte finish that's non-greasy and non-sticky.
More than just sun protection, the formula is packed with antioxidant-rich black rice oil to nourish and brighten, alongside niacinamide to even skin tone, adenosine to improve the appearance of fine lines, and eco-ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Houttuynia cordata extract helps to soothe any irritation, while propanediol provides lasting hydration, leaving your complexion calm and smooth.
The silky texture also makes it an excellent makeup primer, creating the perfect base for a soft, cloud-skin finish. Apply it as the final step of your skincare routine, using two finger lengths of product across the face and neck, then massage in until fully absorbed. For continuous protection, reapply every two hours, or more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating.
The clinical trial results
Domestic results found that:
And overseas results found that:
We also discovered a 19.373% improvement in skin hydration after exposure to UV rays after 2 weeks use.
The NEW Centella Calm Cloud SPF
This best sunscreen for the face delivers broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection - yep, you read that right - using FDA-approved UV filters that defend against UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun damage and premature aging. If you haven’t seen SPF 60+ before, the rating has been verified to meet strict US regulatory standards, giving you sun protection you can trust. The light-as-air formula absorbs quickly, leaves no white cast and feels comfortable on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
It’s brimming with nourishing skincare ingredients too. Centella asiatica extract helps soothe redness and support a healthy skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid delivers lasting hydration to keep skin soft and moisturised throughout the day. Ceramides work to replenish the skin's natural ceramide content, improving resilience and also helping to lock in hydration.
Simply apply this best Korean sunscreen generously to the face and neck as the final step of your morning skincare routine, after moisturiser and before makeup, and reapply every two hours during sun exposure. For an extra boost of barrier support and glow, pair it with the haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence, which combines probiotics with ceramides and fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier while enhancing hydration.
The clinical trial results
We tested the UV protection index, with an in vivo result of 375.90 nm and an in vitro result of 72.6 ± 13.7, SPF 64, meaning strong protection against UV rays.
Final Thoughts
While sunscreen pilling can be annoying, it's usually the result of how your skincare products interact rather than the SPF formula itself. We recommend applying products in the right order, allowing each layer to absorb, avoiding overly generous amounts of skincare underneath, and choosing compatible formulas. With these simple tweaks, you can minimise pilling or prevent it altogether - and ensure your sunscreen forms the protective layer your skin needs every day.