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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Pores are just a fact of life, and no product or procedure will effectively get rid of their appearance. That said, we know of some standout skincare formulations that can make them a bit less glaring. "Ingredients that are 'pore minimizers' simply help pores appear smaller by exfoliating your skin, unclogging pores, and preventing sun damage," says board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD. Whether it's a toner, serum, moisturizer, or mask, she recommends products containing retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and more.
To find the very best pore-minimizing products, we conducted hours of research on the best formulas and tested out some of the top-rated products on the market. We used these products for weeks at a time, noting how well each clarified the skin and improved overall pore appearance. After considering dozens of products, we tapped board-certified dermatologists to help narrow down the selection you see below.
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Amazon
Replenishes skin barrier
Soothing
Doesn't leave a residue
Boosts radiance
May irritate sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, peptides, allantoin | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Paula's Choice is a fan-loved brand for many reasons, one being its exceptionally effective BHA toner. Containing 2 percent salicylic acid, plus peptides and allantoin, the Pore-Refining Treatment sloughs away dead cells and replenishes the skin barrier. It also soothes stressed complexions. In addition to clearing debris from your pores and strengthening your skin, this clever concoction plumps, boosts collagen production, and creates a smoother complexion over time. Byrdie contributor and makeup artist Ashley Rebecca noticed that her pores looked smaller after just one use and that her skin was radiant and glowing.
Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
Best Budget
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner
Amazon
Budget-friendly
Balances oil production
Boosts radiance
May irritate sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This toner from InstaNatural dissolves sebum with AHA all-stars like glycolic acid and lactic acid. It then calls on witch hazel to balance oil production and vitamin C to tackle dullness. Just keep in mind that with this many ingredients at play, sensitive skin might notice some slight irritation. To combat this, we recommend easing into use.
Best Drugstore
Bioderma Sébium
Amazon
Mattifying effect
Works well under makeup
Ideal for oily to combination skin
Contains synthetic fragrance
Key Ingredients: Silica powder, salicylic acid, agaric acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Bioderma's Sébium Pore Refiner dissolves dead skin cells with salicylic acid, then soaks up excess oil and sebum with silica powder. Thanks to the formula's mattifying effect, this French pharmacy favorite works well under makeup.
Best Splurge
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
Skin Better
Noticeable results
Dermatologist-recommended
Results can take time
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, retinol | Skin Type: Mature, oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This fancy BHA serum is one of Dr. Hayag's favorites. "It improves skin tone, texture, appearance of pores, and clears skin," she tells Byrdie. "It also has multiple antioxidants alongside niacinamide, and other moisturizing ingredients to prevent irritation."
Best Night Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Noticeable results
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Retinol, minerals | Skin Type: Dry, mature, oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
RoC Retinol Correxion is your best bet for a night cream. As Dr. Hayag explains, "Retinoids have many functions, including clearing clogged pores, exfoliating dead skin cells, and improving the look of pores." Byrdie contributor Leigh Weingus also loves the cream, noting that she saw a reduction in fine lines within a week. For more on her experience, check out the full review.
Best Cleanser
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Amazon
Soothes irritation
Balances oil production
Removes makeup
Bottle can leak
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, allantoin | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you're just dipping your toes into the world of BHA skincare, this budget-friendly cleanser from The Inkey List is a great place to start. The mild foaming formula dislodges dead cells from your pores and minimizes excess sebum, all while washing away the day and soothing irritation.
Best Toner
Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner
Perricone MD
Gently exfoliates
Noticeable results
Balances oil production
Strong scent
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C, copper | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
After cleansing, reach for this pore-minimizing toner, which promises to exfoliate, refine, and control oil production while prepping your skin for the next step. Though some folks balk at its pungent smell, this almost makes us trust the no-nonsense formula even more.
Sephora
Non-irritating
Balances oil production
Improves skin texture
Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Zinc, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulated with zinc and niacinamide, Glossier Super Pure is said to combat sebum production and balance your complexion. "Niacinamide also helps the appearance of pores," says Dr. Hayag. Plus, it looks really cute on any vanity.
Best Multitasker
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
Amazon
Generous amount
Non-comedogenic
Balances oil production
Contains synthetic fragrance
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel, Japanese raisin tree | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Who says you can't consolidate skincare steps? Fenty Fat Water is a toner-serum hybrid that balances oil production, fades dark spots, and fights shine. We like that it contains niacinamide, which Dr. Hayag says "increases ceramide biosynthesis and helps restore the skin's moisture barrier."
Best Exfoliator
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
Sephora
Improves skin texture
Noticeable results
Balances oil production
May be too harsh on sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, mature, oily, combination | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
When it comes to effective at-home skincare treatments, ExfoliKate is one for the books. Containing naturally exfoliating fruit enzymes, plus AHA and BHA, it pulls out all the stops to loosen up pore-clogging debris. It also tackles sebum production.
Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
Best Lotion
Clinique Pore Refining Stay-Matte Hydrator
Amazon
Lightweight
Mattifying
Oil-free
Reviewers note it might break up makeup coverage
Key Ingredients: Silica, St. Paul's wort extract | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Whether you use it as a moisturizer, serum, or makeup primer, you can count on Clinique's Stay-Matte Hydrator to soak up sebum and keep excess oil under control for up to eight hours. We love it as a base for makeup, too.
Dermstore
Balances oil production
Mattifying
Works well under makeup
Small bottle
Key Ingredients: Red clover flower extract, capryloyl salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
It can be tricky to minimize the look of pores when wearing a full face of makeup, but this mattifying primer is up for the task. Red clover extract helps balance oil production to shrink the appearance of pores, while a BHA derivative gently exfoliates to create a smooth canvas.Rebecca loved how lightweight it was, and she noted that her skin stayed smooth all day and she didn't feel the need to touch up her makeup.
Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
Best Moisturizer
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Moisturizer
Amazon
Non-comedogenic and lightweight
Dermatologist-developed
Dual-purpose moisturizer and exfoliant
Unhygienic container
Key Ingredients: Farnesol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Dennis Gross is a brand you can trust when it comes to minimizing the look of pores. Thanks to a blend of farnesol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and squalane, this brilliantly lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer encourages cell turnover. It also prevents breakouts and supports the skin barrier.
Best for Mature Skin
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
Amazon
Absorbs quickly
Smoothes skin texture
Brightens complexion
Can sting once applied
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Tartaric Acid, Squalane, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As skin matures, pores tend to appear more visible. This gel-cream serum contains 20 percent pure vitamin Cfor a brighter skin tone, but it also works to unclog pores and reduce their appearance through the use of tartaric acid. The result is bright and firm skin that is smooth to the touch. (For more on our experience testing this product, read our full review.)
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Byrdie / Jenna Igneri
Best Sunscreen
Exuviance Daily Corrector SPF 35 Moisturizer
Amazon
Balances oil production
Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free
Contains SPF 35
Has a slight white cast
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.4 ounces | SPF: 35 | Cruelty-Free: No
This face sunscreen boasts broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection while balancing oil production, boosting your complexion, and reducing the appearance of pores. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. The only gripe we have with this formula is that it can leave behind a white cast on some skin tones.
Best K-Beauty
CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Amazon
Tightens complexion
Dermatologist-tested
Calms redness
Results take time
We're also big fans of CosRx Blackhead Power Liquid, which contains generous doses of salicylic acid and niacinamide. "These factors help your skin achieve a 'tighter' look, reducing the appearance of pores," says Dr. Hayag.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, betaine salicylate | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Exfoliating Pads
Bevel 2-in-1 Exfoliating Pads
Bevel
Evens skin tone and addresses oil production
Soothing and hydrating
Swipe and go application
Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel, aloe vera | Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination, oily, mature | Size: N/A | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
If you prefer to exfoliate with single-use toner pads, we recommend these from Bevel. Its star ingredients are glycolic acid and niacinamide, which are two of Dr. Hayag’s favorite ingredients for reducing the appearance of pores. This formula also has aloe vera to soothe and hydrate, which is a must if AHA’s tend to dry out your skin.
What to Look For in a Pore Minimizer
- Exfoliating ingredients: This is by far the most important criterion. "When dead skin cells build up in the pores, they make them appear much larger," says board-certified dermatologist Amy Ross, MD. "Choosing a pore minimizer that contains chemical exfoliants like fruit acids or physical exfoliants like jojoba beads will help minimize that build-up," she explains.
- Hydrating ingredients: "Your pores will also be much less prominent if your skin is well-hydrated," points out Ross. Look for lightweight hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help impart an extra hit of hydration even before you apply moisturizer.
- Skin type: It's also important to remember that the pore minimizer that will serve you best is one designed for your skin type. (Need help determining yours? We have a guide.) Those with dry skin will want to ensure that there are hydrating ingredients in the formula, while those with oily skin might want to double down on oil-absorbing products.
Why Trust Byrdie
This article was written and updated by Theresa Holland, a freelance copywriter specializing in beauty and commerce. Before making her final selections, she interviewed a board-certified dermatologist for product suggestions and formulation considerations, referenced a long list of peer-reviewed resources, and considered myriad products.
- Marie Hayag, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Amy S. Ross, MD, a dermatologist in Tampa, Florida who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and laser treatment of skin disorders.
