I’ve spent more time than I care to admit trying to erase my pores. I’ve attempted to unclog my pores. I’ve had endless conversations with dermatologists to find the best tips on how to minimize pores. I’ve even tried the best pore vacuums in search of a smoother complexion. What I’ve learned? Nothing is going to erase pores. They’re there—for good. But the best pore minimizers can make them appear smaller.
“Pore size is largely determined by genetics, but factors like age, skin type, and environment also play a role,” explains Nicole Ruth, MD FAAD and board-certified dermatologist. “While you can’t permanently shrink pores, you can minimize their appearance by keeping your skin clean, regularly exfoliating, and using topical treatments with retinoids, salicylic acid, or niacinamide.”
While you can visit a dermatologist for heavier-duty treatments (a professional chemical peel will change your life—promise), endless at-home options can de-gunk your pores or blur their appearance. From topical treatments like Paula’s Choice 2% Salicylic Acid Treatment to SkinBetterScience’s AlphaRet Serum, hundreds of products on the market promise quick and efficient results.
To find the best of the best, the Maire Claire team tested endless cult-favorite pore-minimizing products on a range of skin types. I also spoke to Dr. Ruth and board-certified dermatologist Mara Weinstein Velez, MD FAAD to learn everything there is to know about pore-minimizing products.
Best Pore Minimizers
- The Best Pore Minimizer Overall: Caudalie Pore Clearing Mask
- The Best Pore Minimizer for Oily Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes Serum
- The Best Pore Minimizer for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
- The Best Pore Minimizer for Sensitive Skin: Glow Recipe Pore Blur Drops
- The Best Pore Minimizer for Makeup: Rare Beauty Setting Powder
- The Best Pore Minimizer for Dry Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Refillable Moisturizer
Clay masks get a bad rap of being drying and crusty. But this Caudelie formula sets a new standard. The pink clay is effective at drawing out impurities and detoxing the skin, but it’s also fortified with nourishing antioxidants and smoothing caffeine. While I wouldn’t recommend this if you have extremely dry skin, it is an easy add-on to any routine—and the results are instantaneous.
Type: Mask
Key Ingredients: Sustainably sourced clay, caffeine, grape seed polyphenols
Size: 2.5 ounces
What We Love: Short-term contact; easy to incorporate into routine; results in 10 minutes; 100 percent recyclable tube
What We Don’t: Expensive
Review for MC: “I have super sensitive skin, so I try not to use any products that are too drying or intense. But recently, I feel like my pores have been super-sized. I opted for a mask (short-term contact is the way to go for me) and was pleasantly surprised by the results. The texture of this is pretty thick, so once I blended a thin layer across my face it wasn’t budging. It dried down over 10 minutes, but still had a comfortable feel on the skin. After rinsing it off with warm water, I instantly noticed that the little blackheads on my nose were less visible and my overall tone looked brighter and more even.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Samantha loves using this once per week.
Our whole team counts this miracle serum as a favorite. But we’re not the only ones. Drew Barrymore has repeatedly raved about it’s pore-tightening powers. “If I just use this once or twice a week I see a major difference in the brightening, the tightening, and the youthening of my skin,” she previously wrote on Instagram. With a blend of gentle AHAs, it’s able to target pores, hyperpigmentation, and overall tone. Plus, it’s gentle enough for dry skin.
Type: Serum
Key Ingredients: Purified lactic acid, prickly pear extract, licorice, lemon extract
Size: 1 ounce
What We Love: Safe for use on skin types ranging from dry to oily; helps regulate sebum production; smells fresh
What We Don’t: Contains fragrance that isn’t great for sensitive skin; can be drying if you use it too frequently
Review for MC: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid treatment has swiftly become a staple in my nighttime skincare routine. I’ve been dealing with a few stubborn breakouts, so I decided to give this luxe serum a try and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. After a week or so of using this product regularly, not only did my pores appear smaller in size, but my skin tone seemed more even. My skin is super sensitive so I was initially hesitant about applying this serum to my face, but I haven’t experienced any unwanted reactions. I also love the consistency—it’s super smooth and not at all sticky. That said, it is pretty lightweight so I would suggest using this serum in tandem with a hydrating cream.” — Lauren Tappan, Fashion Editor
This Sunday Riley serum blends a trio of acids.
Every single person I know that has tried this serum, refuses to stop talking about it. Not only does Dr. Ruth count it as one of her favorites, but one of my friends swears it “makes my skin look airbrushed.” The retinol-based serum, which combines the vitamin A derivative with AHAs and salicylic acid, takes a 360 approach to skin concerns, targeting texture, tone, oil production, and pores. Because it slows oil production, exfoliates dead skin cells, and detoxes your complexion, you should see a difference in eight weeks.
Type: Serum
Key Ingredients: Retinoid and AHA blend, salicylic acid, lactic acid, botanical complex, niacinamide
Size: 1 ounce
What We Love: Great for acne and oily prone skin; dermatologist tested; fragrance-free; minimizes dryness and flaking
What We Don’t: Don’t use if you have dry skin; can only purchase from one retailer
Review for MC: “I’ve been using a retinol serum for about a year now but I haven’t exactly gotten the results I expected. Sure my skin is smoother than before, but my pores are still sadly on the large side. So, I switched over to this serum, which combines pore-busting ingredients like salicylic acid and lactic acid with a retinoid and now my skin is finally moving in the right direction. I haven’t had a breakout since I’ve added this to my routine and the redness around my nose and cheeks fades with every use. With my results so far, I’m tossing my old retinol and sticking to this serum for the foreseeable future.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editor
If you're willing to spend a bit, the results are worth it.
Tapioca and rice don’t just make a yummy pudding; they’re also ingredients that can minimize the look of your pores. That’s precisely why Glow Recipe made them star ingredients in their pore-blurring drops. Part primer and part serum, this milky skincare product has both immediate and long-term benefits. It smells amazing too, so I promise you’ll look forward to applying it every morning.
Type: Primer
Key Ingredients: Rice, tapioca, encapsulated BHA, strawberry enzyme, plant-derived pore minimizer
Size: 1 ounce
What We Love: Primer and serum duo; works under or over makeup; won’t irritate sensitive skin What We Don’t: Some people don’t like the smell
Review for MC: “Glow Recipe products never cease to amaze me. Sure they have cheeky, cutesy, fun packaging, but the formulas housed inside are so incredibly effective. This particular serum soaks up oil and blurs pores wherever I get greasy—and never irritates my sensitive skin. I typically spot treat before I apply makeup—some on my nose, a little on my chin, and a dot on my T-Zone. It keeps shine under control without feeling too dry on the skin. I’ve also recently been putting a little on top of my makeup. I know that’s not the intended use, but it does help mattify me mid-day without disrupting my foundation too much.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Putting a little drop of this over makeup also provides a blurring effect.
I’ve written extensively about Rare Beauty’s best products (I’ve tried all 37), so trust me when I say that Selena Gomez’s go-to primer is no joke. It’s hydrating and cushiony while still providing a matte finish and regulating oil. Even if you don’t plan on wearing makeup for the day, a thin layer of this primer will provide a soft focus finish and blur pores instantly.
Type: Primer
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, vitamin E
Size: 0.94 ounces
What We Love: Can be worn with or without makeup; blurs pores; creates long-wear makeup; filter effect
What We Don’t: Can feel a bit thick
Review for MC: “Pores around my nose are a major issue for me. By the end of the day, I can always see where my makeup is separating into uneven pieces. This primer from Rare Beauty changed all of that. When worn underneath my makeup, the primer gave me an airbushed final look. My skin’s texture looked seamless. The texture of the primer is silicone-y with lots of slip, so I was worried it would be too matiffying on my skin. That wasn’t the case. Instead, my base makeup glided on and stayed put through hours spent sweating in New York City’s high humidity. It made my skin look like I had a filter on in photos, too.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Naturally, Selena Gomez can do no wrong.
Dry skin and large pores can be tricky. A lot of pore minimizers on the market are intense, and even one treatment a week can be too much. That’s where pore-minimizing moisturizers like this one come into play. With a lightweight texture and non-comedogenic formula, it won’t clog pores or exacerbate the issue. The oil-free formula takes things a step further. It contains salicylic acid alternative called Japanese Wild Rose that is effective at tightening pores and smoothing skin texture.
Type: Moisturizer
Key Ingredients: Japanese Wild Rose, Hadasei 3 (antioxidant protection)
Size: 1.7 ounces
What We Love: Hydrating and great for dry skin; non-comedogenic moisturizer; contains Japanese Wild Rose to shrink pores
What We Don’t: Some say this product caused acne
Review for MC: “Rich moisturizers and my oily, sensitive skin are not a good match. Instead, I need something lightweight that won’t clog my already congested pores or add any greasiness. This Tatcha moisturizer checks all of those boxes and then some. It feels virtually weightless and absorbs within seconds, leaving my skin with a baby-smooth feel every time I apply it. I’m slowly but surely starting to see my pores shrink too, which after trying countless pore minimizers, feels like a miracle. I will be anxiously awaiting to see my full results in a few weeks.” — Brooke Knappenberger, Associate E-Commerce Editor
This lightweight moisturizer is ideal for warmer weather.
Other Pore Minimizers We Love
When someone asks me what to buy on a budget for large pores, I always tell them to get this Paula’s Choice formula. Seriously, I’ve recommended it to well over 100 people. Apply it like a toner after washing your face and watch blackheads and large pores disappear. The leave-on, salicylic acid formulation gives skin (especially the nose) an effective deep clean. The best part is you can customize the intensity to your skin type. Oily skin types can use these twice a day, while drier skin types might benefit from once every other day.
Type: Toner
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, allantoin, glycerin, lactic acid
Size: 3 fluid ounces
What We Love: Visibly shrinks pores on the nose; results noticeable in just a few weeks; contains hydrating ingredients as well as exfoliants
What We Don’t: You need a cotton pad to apply
Rihanna’s recent makeup-free selfie has me contemplating copying her entire skincare routine. One of her must have products is Fenty’s Fat Water, which she says is a two-in-one that helps tighten pores and fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and fight shine. It’s a lightweight serum texture with a hint of cherry in the fragrance that makes application a sensorial experience. It does have a very hydrating base too, making this a great option for dry skin types.
Type: Toner
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Barbados cherry (stronger than vitamin C), Australian lemon myrtle (absorbs oil)
Size: 5 ounces
What We Love: Multi-benefit; available in fragrance-free version; Rihanna-approved
What We Don’t: Some report irritation
The Ordinary is one of my favorite brands for highly efficacious skincare on a budget. Case in point: This pore-cleaning serum contains two percent salicylic acid and a soothing agent to detoxify skin and restore balance and hydration—for just $7.50. It has an oil-like, silky smooth texture, but rest assured, it’s a non-comedogenic formula.
Type: Serum
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, squalane
Size: 1 ounce
What We Love: Affordable price point; active ingredient is salicylic acid; luxe feeling texture What We Don’t: Smells a bit; can feel greasy
We’ve vetted the best pore vacuums, and there’s no doubt that BeautyBio is at the top of our list. It uses gentle suction to remove debris, while infusing a salicylic acid-based solution into the skin. Just take MC tester Dana’s word for it. “I focused on my nose, brow, and chin for the first use, concentrating on where I have the most blackheads and biggest pores. While the waste chamber filled with noticeably opaque water, clearly getting impurities out of my skin, my skin didn't look much different than before after one use,” she shares. “ I'm excited to keep using the Beauty Bio Pore Cleansing Tool, since continued and regular use will likely help to clear more from my skin and make a more noticeable difference.”
Type: Pore Vacuum
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.7 ounce solution
What We Love: Longterm solution; one of the gentler pore vacuums on the market; fortified with blue LED to help kill bacteria associated with acne
What We Don’t: Expensive; not adviseable for sensitive or easily irritated skin
“As someone with big pores and more blackheads than I care to admit on my nose, Iwas excited to try this face wash—and I wasn't disappointed,” Dana tells Marie Claire. “It smells great, felt gentle and deeply cleansing, and worked perfectly on my combination skin without drying or moisturizing. I've been using it daily for over a week and while my pores don't look any different, my skin looks and feels especially good overall.”
Type: Cleanser
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, AHAs, flower acids
Size: 3.7 ounces
What We Love: Gel to foam texture; brand has conducted clinical trials to prove efficacy; helps resurface and balance skin; fights acne triggers
What We Don’t: Fragrant
A classic purifying face mask, you really can’t go wrong with the Kiehl’s clay mask. “It feels incredibly on the skin—it’s tingly in a light, satisfying, refreshing way that made me feel like it was really working,” Dana shares with Marie Claire. “It rinsed off easily and made my skin look tauter and my pores tighter immediately after use. While the look and feel didn't last, I think that using it a few more times a week will be beneficial. I also loved the scent, which was vaguely familiar and slightly reminiscent of whipped cream.”
Type: Mask
Key Ingredients: Amazonian white clay; aloe
Size: 0.95 ounces
What We Love: Easy to include in a routine; great immediate (albeit temporary results); editor-tested
What We Don’t: Might be too aggressive for sensitive or dry skin
The brand’s Alpha Beta Exfoliating Pads might get all of the hype, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, they can be a bit too intense. Enter: The Alpha Beta Daily Moisturizer. It contains the same powerful combination of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid (the ultimate trio for pore de-clogging), but is balanced by moisturizing ingredients and suspended in a hydrating lotion.
Type: Moisturizer
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid
Size: 1.7 ounces
What We Love: Powerful actives, but still gentle on the skin; great texture of a lightweight lotion; oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer; works well under makeup
What We Don’t: A little expensive
On days when I’m feeling a little extra oily, it’s this toner to the rescue. It’s gentle enough to not irritate my sensitive skin, but still has powerful purifying acids that regulate sebum production. I normally use it ever other day, and when I’m consistent with it, notice that the pores on my nose are so much less noticeable.
Type: Toner
Key Ingredients: AHAs, willow bark extract
Size: 3.5 ounces
What We Love: Easy to incorporate; great smell; powerful yet gentle
What We Don’t: Expensive
How Do Pore Minimizers Work?
“Formulas that claim to be pore minimizing work by targeting the factors that make pores appear leather,” explains Dr. Ruth. “They focus on clearing out pores and improving skin texture.” These formulations leverage the power of exfoliating and oil-absorbing ingredients that can speed up cell turnover, regulate sebum products, and slough away dead skin cells accumulating on the upper layer of the skin.
What to Look for in a Pore Minimizer
- Active Ingredients
“Pore minimizing formulas typically contain salicylic acid, an ingredient that helps dissolve sebum or oil lodged in the pores,” explains Dr. Velez. “Another great ingredient to minimize pores is niacinamide because it helps to shrink sebaceous and promote cell turnover, which essentially is like refreshing the lining of the pore.” Dr. Ruth adds that alpha-hydroxy acids, clay, and charcoal are also great ingredients to look out for. “These help keep pores clean and smooth the skin, reducing the visibility of pores without changing their actual size.”
- Non-Comedogenic Formulations
While looking for active ingredients is key, it’s just as important to know what ingredients to steer clear of. “To minimize the appearance of large pores, avoid products that can clog pores or exacerbate oiliness, such as heavy or comedogenic oils like coconut or mineral oil, alcohol-based products that dry out the skin, and increase oil production, thick, creamy moisturizers that may clog pores, and silicone-based primers that can cause buildup with prolonged use,” says Dr. Ruth. Instead, look for words like non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight.
- Hydration
Because exfoliating ingredients and acids can be drying, it’s important to replenish skin with hydration. Dr. Ruth suggests picking a product that includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, and non-comedogenic oils like jojoba.
What Pore Minimizing Product Should I Use for My Skin Type?
Your skin type will heavily influence which product you choose. “For oily skin, I recommend foaming cleansers and toners with salicylic acid, and peel pads with BHAs to control oil,” says Dr. Ruth. “Dry skin benefits from creamy cleansers and alcohol-free toners with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, and gentle AHAs for exfoliation. Combination skin requires gel-based cleansers and toners that balance hydration, and peel pads with a mix of AHAs and BHAs to address both dry and oily areas.”
If you have sensitive skin, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and toners with soothing ingredients like chamomile, and low-concentration exfoliating pads.
How Often Should I Use Pore Minimizing Products?
The goal is not to burn off your face, so don’t throw multiple, aggressive pore-minimizing products at your face every day of the week. “I tell patients to focus on one active ingredient per night,” says Dr. Ruth. Depending on your tolerance, consider using a retinoid two to three nights a week, and exfoliating topical like and AHA or BHA two times per week, and a hydrating ingredient on the other nights.
When Will I See Results From Pore Minimizing Products?
Patience is a virtue—and one that you’ll need if you’re trying to minimize your pores. “Seeing results from over-the-counter products can vary depending on your skin type, the concentration of the active ingredient, and how often you use it,” says Dr. Ruth.
If you’re using a retinoid, expect an improvement in texture and tone within four to six weeks of consistent use. But the full effect of the pore minimizing product won’t take effect for about three to six months.
Meet the Dermatologists
Dr. Nicole Ruth is a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Ruth treats adolescent and adult patients. Dr. Ruth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Michigan. She received her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and graduated as a member of PCOM’s honor society. She completed her internship and dermatology residency at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey where she served as chief resident of the department.
Dr. Ruth utilizes a comprehensive approach to skin care and aging. She works closely with her patients in order to understand their skin care goals and uses her medical expertise to achieve their desired results. Dr. Ruth is passionate about treating her patients holistically with a particular interest in health, wellness and prevention.
Dr. Ruth is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is also an active member of numerous professional societies including the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and the American Medical Association.
Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist who completed a prestigious Laser, Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, with clinical faculty from the Harvard and Yale Departments of Dermatology. She is thrilled to be part of the Dermatology Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center and to serve as one of the only Fellowship-trained Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons in Western NY.She earned her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and completed her Dermatology residency training at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Weinstein has been invited to present at national professional meetings, published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored chapters in dermatologic textbooks including Surgery of the Skin, Treatment of Traumatic and Burn Scars and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. She has been working in clinical research for over 4 years as both a sub-investigator and principal investigator and has participated in over 15 clinical research trials for state-of-the-art laser devices, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments and new acne medications.Dr. Weinstein has received numerous awards and achievements, including the Excellence in Teaching Award, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the Women's Dermatology Society (WDS) Mentorship Award, and was most recently selected to be a part of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Future Leaders Network. She serves on the Board of Directors for the WDS and holds positions on Diversity, Networking, Fundraising and educational committees for national societies. Outside of work hours, Dr. Weinstein enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, exercising and traveling.
