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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
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.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our top pick is the Resist Daily Treatment with 2 Percent BHA by Paula's Choice—it replenishes the skin barrier and soothes the complexion. With an infusion of vitamin C, InstaNatural's 7 Percent Glycolic AHA Toner is another great option that's budget-friendly.
"Ingredients that are 'pore minimizers' simply help pores appear smaller by exfoliating your skin, unclogging pores, and preventing sun damage," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marie V. Hayag. Whether it's a toner, serum, moisturizer, or mask, she recommends products containing retinoids, niacinamide, AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), and salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid or BHA).
"Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and also penetrates the pores to dissolve the dead skin cells and debris that may be clogging them," Dr. Hayag tells Byrdie. "It also reduces excessive oil production, preventing clogged pores in the first place."
To find the very best in pore minimizing, we conducted hours of research on the best pore minimizers and tried out some of the top-rated products on the market, from toners to exfoliating treatments. Our testers used these products for weeks at a time, taking note of how well each clarified their skin and improved overall pore appearance. We considered dozens of products and board-certified dermatologists helped narrow down our selection.
Ahead, find the best pore minimizers out there today.
Best Overall
Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2 Percent BHA
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Courtesy of Amazon
Replenishes skin barrier
Soothing
Doesn't leave a residue
Boosts radiance
May irritate sensitive skin
Who else recommends it? Seventeen, StyleCraze, and Insider all picked the Paula's Choice Resist Daily Treatment with 2 Percent BHA.
What do buyers say? 86% of 500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
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 dermis, this clever concoction plumps your skin, boosts collagen production, and creates a smoother complexion over time.
Price at time of publish: $36
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, peptides, allantoin | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"After using this pore-refining treatment just one time, I immediately noticed that my pores were minimized, and my skin was glowing. I mean glowing like a glazed donut, glowing." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester and Makeup Artist
What Our Editors Say
"I have relatively clear skin, but like many people, I still suffer from sebum and blackheads in my t-zone. Because of this, I’ve tried quite a few products, and Paula's Choice is the only one that works for me. It cleared up my pores and is easy to integrate into a simple skincare routine. Plus, you can’t beat the price." — Madeline Hirsch, Sr. News Editor
Best Budget
InstaNatural 7% Glycolic AHA Toner
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Balances oil production
Boosts radiance
May irritate sensitive skin
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.
Price at time of publish: $15
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Cream
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Budget-friendly
Works well under makeup
Contains synthetic fragrance
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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Silica powder, salicylic acid, agaric acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Splurge
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
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Skin Better
Noticeable results
Dermatologist-recommended
Results can take time
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 (vitamin B3) and other moisturizing ingredients to prevent irritation."
Price at time of publish: $130
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 | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Night Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Noticeable results
Small bottle
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."
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Retinol, minerals | Skin Type: Dry, mature, oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Leigh Weingus
What Our Testers Say
"Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. On top of being affordable, it didn’t irritate my skin, and I noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Best Cleanser
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Balances oil production
Reviewers note the bottle can leak
If you're just dipping your toes into the world of BHA skincare, this budget-friendly cleanser from The Inky 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.
Price at time of publish: $11
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, allantoin | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Toner
Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner
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Courtesy of Sephora
Gently exfoliates
Noticeable results
Balances oil production
Strong scent
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.
Price at time of publish: $45
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C, copper | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Serum
Glossier Super Pure
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Glossier
Non-irritating
Balances oil production
Small bottle
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.
Price at time of publish: $32
Key Ingredients: Zinc, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Multitasker
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
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Sephora
Generous amount
Non-comedogenic
Balances oil production
Contains synthetic fragrance
Contains dye
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."
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel, Japanese raisin tree | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Exfoliator
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
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Nordstrom
Improves skin texture
Noticeable results
Balances oil production
May be too harsh on sensitive skin
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.
Price at time of publish: $28
Key Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, mature, oily, combination | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"I looked in the mirror and instantly saw brighter skin." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Lotion
Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator
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Courtesy of Sephora
Lightweight
Mattifying
Oil-free
Reviewers note it might break up makeup coverage
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.
Price at time of publish: $39
Key Ingredients: Silica, St. Paul's wort extract | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Primer
Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer
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Ulta
Balances oil production
Mattifying
Works well under makeup
Small bottle
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.
Price at time of publish: $45
Key Ingredients: Red clover flower extract, capryloyl salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca
What Our Testers Say
"It felt so lightweight and blended well with the various foundations I tried it with. I noticed a major difference in the oil production of my skin throughout the day. My skin looked smooth and velvety all day, and I did not need to touch up my makeup." — Ashley Rebecca, Product Tester
Best Moisturizer
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Moisturizer
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Sephora
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-developed
Lightweight
Unhygienic container
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.
Price at time of publish: $68
Key Ingredients: Farnesol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mature Skin
BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner
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Courtesy of Skinstore
Absorbs quickly
Smoothes skin texture
Brightens complexion
Can sting once applied
As skin matures, pores tend to appear more visible. This gel-cream serum contains 20 percent pure vitamin C for 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.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Tartaric Acid, Squalane, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"Over the course of the three-week testing period, I noticed my skin began to brighten as its texture continued to improve." — Jenna Igneri, Product Tester
Best Sunscreen
Exuviance Daily Corrector SPF 35 Moisturizer
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Ulta
Balances oil production
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
Reviewers note it has a slight white cast
This non-comedogenic face sunscreen boasts broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection while balancing oil production, boosting your complexion, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Price at time of publish: $49
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.4 ounces | SPF: 35 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Mask
Temi Botanical Masque
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Essentials by Temi
Minimizes inflammation
Unclogs pores
Balances oil production
Has to be mixed with liquid
This anti-inflammatory mask calls on kaolin clay and maca to draw out impurities from your pores, then soaks up excess oil, sloughs off dead skin cells, and soothes with chamomile.
Price at time of publish: $48
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, maca, chamomile | Skin Type: Oily, combination, sensitive, balanced | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Peel
Wishful by Huda Beauty Rose Quartz Lift & Glow Peel-Off Face Mask
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Sephora
Balances oil production
Tightens complexion
Hydrating
Reviewers note that application can be tricky
If you're more of a peel person, go with Lift & Glow. This pretty-in-pink mask goes on like a gel and dries into an iridescent finish. When it peels off, it takes dirt, oil, and pore-clogging sebum along with it.
Price at time of publish: $39
Key Ingredients: Rose quartz, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best K-Beauty
CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
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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.
Price at time of publish: $24
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, betaine salicylate | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Exfoliating Pads
Bevel Exfoliating Toner
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Evens skin tone
Non-drying
Balances oil production
Contains fragrance
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.
Price at time of publish: $14
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel, aloe vera | Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination, oily, mature | Size: N/A | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
Our number one pick is Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2 Percent BHA, a fan-favorite toner containing exfoliating BHA, replenishing peptides, and soothing allantoin. For folks on a budget, we recommend InstaNatural's 7 percent Glycolic AHA Toner. And if you're open to splurging, your best bet is the dermatologist-approved SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum.
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Meet the Expert
- Marie V. Hayag, MD, of Fifth Avenue Aesthetics, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
- Dr. Amy S. Ross is a dermatologist in Tampa, Florida who specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and laser treatment of skin disorders.
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 dermatologist Dr. Amy S. Ross. "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—glycerin and hyaluronic acid—in a pore minimizer to help impart an extra hit of hydration even before you apply moisturizer.
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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. From the above, she has personally tried Paula's Choice, InstaNatural, CosRx, Clinique, Kate Somerville, RoC, The Inkey List, and Dr. Dennis Gross. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products at Byrdie.
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