Pilling when layering homemade gel and sunscreen
Question
I made a face gel with the following formula:
- TaraGel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) 1.5%
- Centella Extract 2%
- Calendula Extract 2%
- Panthenol 1%
- Preservative 1%
- Water
When I apply this gel before applying La Roche-Posay sunscreen, it causes pilling (the product balls up or peels off). What could be causing this incompatibility?
Answer
Subject: Re: Inquiry about face gel formula
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out regarding the pilling issue you're experiencing when applying your homemade gel before La Roche-Posay sunscreen.
Pilling often occurs when different skincare products are layered and their ingredients are not compatible, causing one product to ball up or peel off the skin.
Your gel formula contains:
- TaraGel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) 1.5%
- Centella Extract 2%
- Calendula Extract 2%
- Panthenol 1%
- Preservative 1%
- Water
As the previous staff response suggested, the pilling is likely due to an incompatibility between some ingredients in your gel and the sunscreen. They specifically suspected the preservative or the Centella Asiatica Extract.
Certain ingredients, such as gelling agents (like TaraGel), high concentrations of extracts (like Centella or Calendula), or certain types of preservatives, can sometimes contribute to pilling, especially when layered with products containing ingredients like silicones or certain film-formers commonly found in sunscreens.
To help reduce pilling when layering products, you can try:
- Applying the gel to slightly damp skin.
- Allowing the gel to dry completely before applying the sunscreen.
- Using a smaller amount of both the gel and the sunscreen.
- Patting the products onto the skin instead of rubbing.
Following the staff's suggestion to test each ingredient from your gel formula by mixing a small amount with the sunscreen on your hand is the most effective way to pinpoint which specific ingredient is causing the incompatibility.
We hope this helps!
