Addressing Your Formulation Questions

You've asked about two separate issues: pilling with a tester formulation and whether shaking Beta Glucan is necessary.

Pilling with the Tester Formulation

The pilling you experienced with the tester containing MatteSilica XL (5%), Lipid Soft (5%), and Protect Ultra (20%) is a common issue in cosmetic formulations. It often happens when:

• The formula contains a high concentration of powders or film-forming ingredients that don't fully absorb into the skin.
• Different product layers applied to the skin are incompatible or applied before the previous layer has fully set.
• The product is applied with rubbing instead of gentle patting.

In your specific tester, the combination of MatteSilica XL (a silica powder designed for oil absorption and a matte finish) and a high percentage of Protect Ultra (a sunscreen blend which likely contains film-forming components) at the concentrations you mentioned (5% and 20% respectively) could easily contribute to pilling. Silica powders, especially at higher levels, can sometimes roll up on the skin, and sunscreen filters can form a film that separates, particularly when layered with other products like your moisturizer. The specific type of Lipid Soft used could also play a role in how these ingredients interact.

The staff's offer of a refund for the tester acknowledges that the specific blend may not have performed as expected, which can sometimes happen with certain ingredient combinations or concentrations.

Shaking Beta Glucan

Regarding your question about Beta Glucan, the product description notes that the particles can be heavy and may settle if the formulation (especially if it's a gel or cream with insufficient viscosity) is left standing. Shaking the product before use is recommended to ensure that the Beta Glucan is evenly dispersed throughout the liquid. This ensures you apply a consistent amount of the active ingredient each time, allowing you to get the full intended benefits, such as strengthening the skin barrier, reducing irritation, and potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Therefore, it is generally best practice to shake products containing ingredients like Beta Glucan that are prone to settling to maintain product consistency and efficacy.