The 19 Best Pore Minimizers of 2023 | by Byrdie

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. We 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.

“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.”

“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).

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.

What to Look For

Best Overall

Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2 Percent BHA

4.8

Amazon

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Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment with 2 Percent BHA Review

What We Like

• Replenishes skin barrier

• Soothing

• Doesn’t leave a residue

• Boosts radiance

What We Don’t Like

• May irritate sensitive skin

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. 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.

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

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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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Balances oil production

• Boosts radiance

What We Don’t Like

• 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

Best Drugstore

Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Cream

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Works well under makeup

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $26

Key Ingredients: Silica powder, salicylic acid, agaric acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum

Skin Better

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What We Like

• Noticeable results

• Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $135

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

Best Night Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

4.2

Amazon

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RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream Review

What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Noticeable results

• Won’t irritate sensitive skin

What We Don’t Like

• 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.” Byrdie contributor Leigh Weingus also loves the cream, noting that she saw a reduction in fine lines within a week.

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 / Leigh Weingus

Best Cleanser

The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Amazon

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What We Like

• Affordable

• Balances oil production

• Removes makeup

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $12

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, allantoin | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Toner

Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

4.2

Perricone MD

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Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner Review

What We Like

• Gently exfoliates

• Noticeable results

• Balances oil production

What We Don’t Like

• 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

Best Serum

Glossier Super Pure

Amazon

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What We Like

• Non-irritating

• Balances oil production

• Improves skin texture

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $29

Key Ingredients: Zinc, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 17 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023

Best Multitasker

Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Generous amount

• Non-comedogenic

• Balances oil production

What We Don’t Like

• 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

Best Exfoliator

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

4.3

Sephora

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Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Review

What We Like

• Improves skin texture

• Noticeable results

• Balances oil production

What We Don’t Like

• 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

Best Lotion

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator

Amazon

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What We Like

• Lightweight

• Mattifying

• Oil-free

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $44

Key Ingredients: Silica, St. Paul’s wort extract | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Primer

Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

4.8

Dermstore

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Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer Review

What We Like

• Balances oil production

• Mattifying

• Works well under makeup

What We Don’t Like

• 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.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.

Price at time of publish: $48

Key Ingredients: Red clover flower extract, capryloyl salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Byrdie / Ashley Rebecca

Best Moisturizer

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Moisturizer

Amazon

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What We Like

• Non-comedogenic

• Dermatologist-developed

• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $72

Key Ingredients: Farnesol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, squalane | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Mature Skin

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner

4.2

Amazon

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BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner Review

What We Like

• Absorbs quickly

• Smoothes skin texture

• Brightens complexion

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $85

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Tartaric Acid, Squalane, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Sunscreen

Exuviance Daily Corrector SPF 35 Moisturizer

Amazon

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What We Like

• Balances oil production

• Non-comedogenic

• Fragrance-free

What We Don’t Like

• 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

The 11 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin of 2023

Best Mask

Temi Botanical Masque

Amazon

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What We Like

• Minimizes inflammation

• Unclogs pores

• Balances oil production

What We Don’t Like

• 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.

Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay, maca, chamomile | Skin Type: Oily, combination, sensitive, balanced | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 12 Best Skin-Smoothing Products of 2023 That Deliver Incomparably Glowy Skin

Best Peel

Wishful by Huda Beauty Rose Quartz Lift & Glow Peel-Off Face Mask

Sephora

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What We Like

• Balances oil production

• Tightens complexion

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• 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

The 12 Best Chemical Peels of 2023

Best K-Beauty

CosRx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Amazon

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What We Like

• Tightens complexion

• Dermatologist-tested

• Calms redness

What We Don’t Like

• 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: $25

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, betaine salicylate | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Exfoliating Pads

Bevel Exfoliating Toner

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What We Like

• Evens skin tone

• Non-drying

• Balances oil production

What We Don’t Like

• 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