From degunking pore strips to facials in a jar.
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Let’s get something out of the way: textured skin is completely normal, despite what smoothing filters and edited photos on social media may lead us to believe. One of the most common complaints people have about their textured skin is enlarged pores. But while eradicating pores for good is impossible, there are ways to make them appear smaller that won't require any in-office treatments.
The best pore minimizers can include facial cleansers, face masks, blurring makeup primers, and more. “Pore minimizers refer to products that improve the overall appearance of the pores, making them appear smaller,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. According to Dr. Garshick, two of the biggest culprits behind enlarged pores are excess sebum and dead skin. That’s why it’s also important to use products like exfoliators that unclog pores and help slough everything away, especially if you live in a polluted area or wear a lot of makeup.
If you need specific product recommendations, you’re in luck. We built a list of our favorite pore minimizers with the help of Dr. Garshick, Dr. Karan Lal, and Dr. Howard Sobel. We also rummaged through our skin care shelves and makeup drawers and pored over hundreds of customer reviews to select the best of the best to highlight. Scroll on for the 18 best pore minimizers to achieve flawless-looking, smooth skin.
When shopping for the best pore minimizers, Dr. Garshick says to “look for ones that include exfoliating acids, especially beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble to help penetrate deep into pores and eliminate dead skin cells.” Featuring a potent two percent dose of salicylic acid, Paula’s Choice’s top product worldwide “removes buildup and helps reveal skin that is smoother and brighter, while also helping to address breakouts and improve the appearance of pores,” Garshick says. Essentially, this is your miracle in a bottle if you’re looking for a more even skin tone with added vibrancy. Just make sure you commit to it. A number of people report minimal results at first, but you should see a major difference with time.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (BHA), green tea
An ELLE editor says: “This is an acid toner for those who are afraid of it. You might get a slight tingle from this, you may also not. However, you’ll definitely see and feel, with repeat use, smoother and less bumpy skin (it’s a great way to ward off impending breakouts). This formula contains a nice bit of salicylic acid to gently slough off dead skin and de-gunk pores so that they look cleaner, brighter, and smaller.” — Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Kate Somerville’s exfoliating treatment is a miracle in a bottle, as it works to minimize pores instantly. For best results, massage this treatment into your face for 30 seconds and leave it on for around two minutes before rinsing. You’ll likely notice results just after one use!
Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, lactic acid, aloe vera
A reviewer says: “I use the ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment twice a week, and it’s a must-have staple in my skincare routine. Whenever I’m dealing with clogged pores, I like to use this product for a quick fix. I’ll apply it in the evening, and by the time I wake up in the morning, my skin looks drastically better.”— Lauren Tappan, ELLE.com freelance editor
Welcome to the secret weapon of your makeup routine. This blurring balm is a multipurpose product that never disappoints; it can serve as a primer—which minimizes pores and blurs skin—a sheer tint coverage, setting powder, or a contour to sculpt your face. As if it couldn't get any better, the formula is designed to absorb oil on your skin throughout the day. The universal shade is a great primer, but there are twelve additional tones to match all shades and increase the versatility of the product.
Key Ingredients: Upsalite, olive-derived squalene, hyaluronic acid
An ELLE Editor says: “This product is a game changer for your base face. I use it over my primer and underneath my makeup for a Paris filter-like foundation and concealer application. When I first got my hands on this, I thought it was more like a setting powder, which it is! This product is the band-aid of my makeup routine—it really fixes and sets everything.” — Danielle James, ELLE digital beauty director
We love an all-around product. This toner will minimize pores while improving skin texture and encouraging cell renewal. Formulated with alpha hydroxy acids, it gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also contains the brand’s proprietary nutrient-rich liquid, Pitera, which is designed to boost skin softness and smoothness.
Key Ingredients: Pitera™, Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid
An ELLE editor says: “Unlike the other products on this page, I know that SK-II’s essence doesn’t contain any acids. But I consider a toner to be the icing on the top of the cake when it comes to pore-minimizing. First, I want to make sure that my pores are free of gunk (thanks to acid toners, clay masks, etc.) And then I want to make sure my skin is doused in layers of hydration like this essence, a one-time favorite of Cate Blanchett’s for almost a decade.” — Kathleen Hou
Dr. Garshick recommends these TikTok-famous pore strips, which not only refine pores but also help control oil production for smoother, more matte skin. Star ingredients include retinol and Hydrocolloid Polymer Technology, which works to lift away dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum that can cause congestion. These pore strips are very easy to use, and you can easily leave them on overnight.
Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid polymer technology, DMAE, retinol (vitamin A)
Size: 4 pore and 4 nose strips
An ELLE editor says: “Peace Out makes some of my all-time favorite pimple patches, so I couldn’t wait to try the brand’s newer pore strips, especially since my nose is always the most congested area on my face. The amount of gunk these strips pull out is truly incredible, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and pores looking much tighter--even under the scope of my magnifying mirror. I also love that these strips can be gently removed and that the retinol in them makes my skin look a little brighter, too.” — Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor
If you wear makeup or SPF daily, one round of cleanser probably isn’t going to cut it. Using an oil cleanser like Medik8’s is essential for making sure every last bit of foundation, sunscreen, and any pollutants your pores may have collected wash down the drain. This option is gentle on the skin and emulsifies when combined with water for easy removal.
Key Ingredients: Safflower oil, linoleic acid (omega-6), moringa extract, vitamin E
A Medik8 reviewer says: “I’ve had a few bottles of this now. It feels lovely to apply, dissolves my sunscreen, and is great as a first cleanse.”
Consistency is key, and with daily use, this formula can bless you with smaller, more refined-looking pores. For best results, soak a cotton pad with this salicylic acid-packed toner each morning and evening and gently wipe it all over your face.
Key Ingredients: DMAE, copper complex, salicylic acid (BHA)
An Amazon reviewer says: “This has been the only product so far that I’ve tried and has made a difference. I could see a change upon first use. It almost has the effect of a blurring primer.”
This clarifying mask purges the skin of impurities and excess sebum with potent ingredients such as Okinawa kucha clay and Japanese volcanic ash. The creamy formula smooths over the skin and decongests pores without causing dryness or irritation.
Key Ingredients: Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, Japanese volcanic ash
A Sephora reviewer says: “My boyfriend has large deep blackheads near his cheeks, and this is one of the only products that could efficiently remove them after only one use. I look forward to continuing to use it.”
Chemical exfoliants are effective because they can actually get into your pores and clear the gunk out. Glossier’s iteration is a triple threat: it contains salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids, allowing it to unclog pores, banish dead skin cells, and brighten all in one go. Plus the aloe in the formula helps soothe any irritation that may occur.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (BHA), glycolic acid brightening (AHA), lactic acid (AHA), gluconolactone (PHA), aloe
A Glossier reviewer says: “I have been using for a few weeks now, and my skin is clearer and feeling much softer. Smells a little alcohol-y, but does the job well!”
Cleansing is a vital step on any journey toward smooth-looking skin. While many products containing chemical exfoliators may be geared toward oily or combination skin, this exfoliating cleanser is specifically formulated for effectiveness on dry skin. “It gently scrubs away dead skin using ultra-fine jojoba beads and provides added benefits of alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, as well as a beta hydroxy acid and salicylic acid, which work to unclog pores and reduce their appearance,” Dr. Garshick explains. If needed, it can be used first thing in the morning and in the evening.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, jojoba oil, salicylic acid
An Amazon reviewer says: “I follow the instructions and spend a couple of minutes massaging it into my face in a circular motion. I also use it on my neck and chest. When I’m done, my skin is so smooth it’s ridiculous...and I’m 62-years-old. It is exfoliating and toning, but it is not moisturizing, so follow it up with a good quality moisturizer, and you’ll absolutely glow.”
According to Dr. Garshick, “this serum works to minimize the appearance of pores, without irritating the skin,” thanks to niacinamide, a pore-tightening ingredient, and allantoin, a gentle and soothing exfoliator. The anti-aging serum also contains glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid—the latter helps to brighten the skin.
Fun fact: you can also use Renee Rouleau’s serum beneath your eyes to soften fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid (AHA), glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), niacinamide (Vitamin B3), allantoin
Size: 0.5 fl. oz or 1 fl. oz
Skin type: Oily, combination, normal, mature, acne-prone
Renée Rouleau rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Renée Rouleau reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for about three weeks, and I have seen a difference in my wrinkles on my forehead, my pores seem to be getting smaller, and texture seems be getting smoother. Feels great on my skin.”
It’s been a best-seller for 20 years for a reason. The super-effective, two-step acid peel is inspired by the treatment you’d get in a dermatologist’s office—even Dr. Garshick is a fan. The pre-dosed pads have a potent mix of AHA and BHA to instantly “brighten, exfoliate and prevent clogged pores,” she says. Additionally, it includes witch hazel, an astringent that Dr. Lal notes is also great for clearing debris.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, witch hazel, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily
A Sephora reviewer says: “These have done wonders for my skin! I feel as if it’s really pricey, but I’m happy with the results. My acne has reduced and my skin texture has improved.”
Make like the French girls do and try this cult-favorite moisturizer, which uses the brand’s proprietary Sebulyse technology to “help reduce excess oil, mattify the skin, and reduce the appearance of pores,” says Dr. Garshick. Other key ingredients include Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, a derivative of salicylic acid; oil-absorbing minerals perlite and silica; and glycerin for hydration.
Key Ingredients: Lipo-hydroxy acid, perlite, glycerin, silica, salicylic acid, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s light and my skin breathes. It moisturizes the dry spots and doesn’t irritate or inflame the acne-prone oily spots.”
Created by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt (who’s worked with top A-listers like Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kelly Ripa), this two-in-one pore refining primer helps keep makeup in place by mattifying the skin and creating a smooth canvas. The formula contains oil-absorbing spheres and a derivative of exfoliating salicylic acid. And if you’re not a makeup kind of gal, no worries! You can easily wear this product alone for a natural look.
Key Ingredients: Oil-absorbing spheres, red clover flower extract, derivative of salicylic acid
Skin Type: Oily, combination, normal
An Amazon reviewer says: “As someone who worked in makeup before and has extremely picky taste for primers, I love this! It’s cooling and weightless. I can see that it blurred pores and at the same time doesn’t leave a film on my skin. It’s like the primer sucks in and leaves a nice cashmere-like finish. As someone with adult acne, I also want to say that I didn’t break out from this.”
Pores are no match for the AHAs and BHAs found in this viral mask, which works to lift dead skin cells and improve overall texture. Infused with real Damask Rose petals, it also helps strengthen and hydrate skin to banish fine lines and other signs of aging. For a refreshed feel, apply this mask to clean skin and leave it on for around 15 minutes.
Key Ingredients: AHA/BHA rose complex, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, resveratrol, coptis japonica extract
An ELLE editor says: “Resurfacing is a scary word, but this mask from Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho is really not frightening at all. It contains soothing rose damask, resveratrol, and a healthy dose of glycolic and lactic acid, which you wash off after 10-15 minutes. My skin always feels so clean and soft after using this, and I love that I get a slight, but not frightening tingle, while it sits on my face.” — Kathleen Hou
“The best long-term way to minimize pores is by using a topical retinoid that shrinks your sebaceous glands and thereby reduces pore size,” says Dr. Lal. According to Dr. Garshick, the ingredient also regulates cell turnover, which in turn can help boost collagen production to plump the skin and diminish fine lines. Created by blogger Tina Craig, this day-and-night retinol treatment should give you smoother, tighter skin after a single application. It also helps nourish via hyaluronic acid and reduce dark spots, thanks to vitamins C and E, making it the perfect multitasker in your routine.
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, stabilized vitamin C, stabilized vitamin E, peptides, retinol, hyaluronic acid, AHAs
An ELLE editor says: “I am not afraid to admit that while I fully believe that Biologique Recherche’s P-50 works, I’m also a little scared of it. Of course, I want to use a product called ‘Jesus in a Bottle,’ but I also sometimes want something a little gentler but also effective. I consider this to be like baby P-50 or ‘Baby Jesus In A Bottle,’ I guess you could call it. It contains just about every ingredient you’ve heard that’s good for your skin: vitamin C, retinol, antioxidants, multi-hydroxy acids, and vitamin E. Unlike P-50, it is also not irritating and has an almost silky texture and works overtime to give brighter skin and the appearance of tighter pores.” — Kathleen Hou
If your skin needs a detox, try this versatile clarifying mask. It’s made with deep-cleansing charcoal, which helps to draw out impurities and minimize pores. The great thing about this mask is that it also keeps skin balanced via nourishing argan oil and shea butter.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal powder, argan oil, shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, bentonite, kaolin clay
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve raved about this brand before, but Buttah truly is the perfect introductory skin care line for anyone that is new (and maybe a bit resistant) to a skin care routine due to their easy-to-understand ingredients. This charcoal detox mask helps unclog pores and leaves your skin feeling brighter, refreshed, and super soft.” — Danielle James
Wake up to smooth, glowing skin with this sumptuous cream designed to work wonders while you sleep. “Containing a time-release retinol, this overnight cream helps to boost radiance while also plumping, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick says. The inclusion of plant stem cells and vitamin E further helps to brighten and firm your complexion.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, plant stem cells
Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination
A Sephora reviewer says: “I have combination skin with dry red patches and this stuff has transformed my skin, I wake up with glowing skin and barely have to put anything on in morning before I go. It’s thick and rich I just pat it on and sit for second to melt.”
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in NYC.
Dr. Howard Sobel is an NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin.
Dr. Karan Lal is a celebrity dermatologist and director of pediatric dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“Pores are openings in the skin that are connected to sebaceous glands (oil producing glands) and hair follicles,” says Dr. Lal. “They play a major role in helping things get in and out of your skin. Depending on how oily your skin is, you may have more prominent pores than others.” Depending on your skin type, your pores may appear enlarged. “Pores are larger in people who make more skin oils,” says Dr. Lal. “Men tend to have larger pores than women. The central face, including the nose, often has more prominent pores. Congestion from skin products, pollutants, and excess oil all make pores appear bigger.”
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