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Have you ever taken a peek at one of your favorite selfies on Insta and noticed that your pores tried to make a cameo, totally sabotaging your main character energy? Maybe you've seen an increase in blackheads sprinkled across your nose. While there's no way to eliminate pores permanently, you can decongest clogged pores and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores for the ultimate filter-like texture with pore minimizers.
What are pores, and why do they have such a bad rep?
There's no doubt about it. If pores are a part of the conversation, besties are probably discussing ways to eliminate them. According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and MMSkincare founder, issues with pores are common. "Large, visible, clogged pores take away from your skin's glow and can cause dullness," she explains. Clogged pores can also trigger breakouts and acne "when an excess of impurities accumulate on your skin." As frustrating as enlarged or inflamed pores can be, they actually serve a useful purpose. Pores are "tiny openings in your skin that help liquids such as sweat and oil move throughout your skin," Dr. Marmur explains.
Top Pore Minimizing Picks
Best Pore Treatment and Blurring Primer Combo
Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops
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Beauty HAC founder and president Hillary Clark, a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician knows what helps pores thrive. "Well-hydrated, happy pores are responsible for the plump, poreless appearance of glass and glazed doughnut skin," she explains. "Dehydrated, irritated skin pulls the skin around a pore open, causing them to become slack and larger," she adds. While you may work to reduce the appearance of your pores, Dr. James Wang, a Harvard and UCLA-trained double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, says genetics and age determine your pore size.
Are there ingredients that make pore minimizers work?
Dr. Wang suggests looking for products that stimulate collagen around the pores with ingredients like retinoids, bakuchiol, and nourishing ingredients, like niacinamide. Clark suggests exfoliating with beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, which assists in cell turnover and dissolves dead skin and debris that clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Polyglcerin is another skincare ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of pores. Commonly found in moisturizers, Dr. Marmur recommends polyglycerine because it "helps hydrate the skin by attracting and retaining water." Not only does polyglycerine reduce the appearance of pores, but it also helps "bring back your skin's glow."
When you're ready to reduce the appearance of pores, you can try out different skincare and makeup products like cleansers, primers, toners, and serums that clear gunk and moisturize skin. Read ahead for the best pore minimizers that really work.
Best Pore Treatment and Blurring Primer Combo
Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops
Pros
- Works quickly
- Customer reviews note improvement in makeup application
Cons
- Some customer reviews note "gummy texture" after application
Glow Recipe changed the game with the Strawberry BHA Pore-Smore Blur Drops. BHA and strawberry enzyme smooths uneven texture, while tapioca and rice reduce pore size and provide smooth makeup application.
Best Cleansing Oil
benefit cosmetics The POREfessional Get Unblocked Oil Cleanser
Pros
- Glides on the skin
- Gently cleanses without drying
Cons
- Some customer reviews note the scent can be a little strong
When you're ready to wipe the day away, you need to make sure that all of your fave makeup products and skincare staples, like hard-to-remove sunscreen, don't leave anything behind. Benefit's POREfessional Get Unblocked Oil Cleanser melts away dirt, oil & makeup while clearing out pores.
Pros
- Seamless application
Cons
- May increase skin's sensitivity to the sun
- Customer reviews note a potent alcohol smell
Dr. Wang recommends this one because it reduces enlarged pores and tightens skin with the help of glycolic and hyaluronic acids. Customers love that this lightweight product leaves a glowing, more radiant finish.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Lipo-Hydroxy Acid
Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
Size: 1.1 ounce
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Pros
- Smooth, lightweight formula
- Safe for daily use
Cons
- Customers note that dry flakes can occur depending on skin type
This leave-on treatment has three standout ingredients that nourish your skin while handling pore-related concerns. Salicylic acid minimizes enlarged pores while peptides fight signs of sun damage and calm skin sensitivity. And last but not least, hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal
Size: 3 ounces
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Customer reviews note strong fragrance
Cons
Who doesn't love a two-in-one? This serum and toner combo clears gunk out of pores while brightening skin complexion and fighting unwanted shine.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Barbados Cherry, Australian Lemon Myrtle, Witch Hazel Water
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
Size: 5 fluid ounces
Best Drugstore Find
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Some customer reviews note irritation in skin conditions like eczema and rosacea
Neutrogena's Ulta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is oil, soap, fragrance, and paraben-free — making it a helpful option for those with sensitive skin. Enriched with a polyglycerin formula, this daily face cleanser gently decongests dirt and oil from clogged pores.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Polyglcerin
Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive, Oily
Size: 12 fluid ounces
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Pros
- Cooling sensation when applied
Cons
- Customer reviews note strong minty scent
Grab this when your pores are in need of some major detoxing. OLEHENRIKSEN's Cold Plunge Pore Mask is made of pore-clearing clay and snow lotus extract, an antioxidant-rich botanical that soothes inflammation.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Bentonite, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Size: 3 ounces
Best in Clean Beauty
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Helps treat acne scaring
Cons
- Customer reviews note that there may be an unpleasant smell
Both salicylic acid and niacinamide work overtime to combat blackheads, soothe active breakouts, minimize the appearance of pores, and absorb excess oil.
Key Ingredients: Salicyclic Acid, Grape Seed Polyphenols, Niacinamide
Skin Type: Combination, Oily
Size: 1.76 ounces
Pros
- Calms irritation
- Cool, soothing sensation
Cons
- Fragrance could irritate sensitive skin
Niacinamide and zinc are a match made in skincare heaven. This duo works together to combat excess oil and keep skin radiant and glowing.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc
Skin Type: Blemish-Prone
Size: 1 ounce
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Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Could cause drying in certain skin types
Clark recommends this acne-fighting gel because it helps refine the surface of the skin to prevent buildup from developing.
Key Ingredients: Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)
Skin Type: Acne-Prone
Size: 15-gram tube
Best for Oily Skin
Perricone MD Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner
Pros
- Improves skin's texture
- Gently exfoliates
Cons
- Customer reviews note that there may be an unpleasant smell
Both Dr. Wang and Hillary recommend this gem. Along with absorbing excess oil, this toner contains DMAE, a naturally produced compound, that instantly firms.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Copper Complex, Vitamin C
Skin Type: Oily
Size: 4 ounces
Pros
- Sustainable glass packaging
Cons
- Strong fragrance
A favorite of Clark, especially for those with dry skin, this moisturizer harvests the nourishing power of Jojoba oil and vitamins A and E to keep skin hydrated while DMAE evens texture.
Key Ingredients: Copper Peptides, Resveratrol, Kakadu Plum, and DMAE
Skin Type: Acne-Prone
Size: 2 ounces
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Pros
- Deep cleanses
Cons
- Overuse of this product could lead to drying
This creamy cleanser gets your pores squeaky clean and helps eliminate future breakouts. The moisturizing formula is great for dehydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil
Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive
Size: 7 ounces
Pros
- Doesn't irritate skin
Cons
- Some users note irritation to the toner's fragrance
One of Clark's faves, GOOPGLOW Flower Acids Resurfacing Toner is laced with hibiscus flower and prickly pear extract to exfoliate and refine skin texture. Aloe Vera juice soothes and locks in hydration while tamarind polysaccharides, a sugar molecule, improve skin elasticity.
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus Flower Acids and Prickly Pear Extract, Glycerin, Aloe Vera Juice, Tamarind Polysaccharides
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
Size: 4 ounces
Best Makeup Primer
Tatcha The Silk Canvas: Velvety Makeup Perfecting Primer
Pros
- Goes on smoothly
- Leaves poreless finish
Cons
- Pricey $$
Flawless makeup application begins with primer. Tatcha: The Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protector Primer uses silk extract to nourish dehydrated skin and minimize excess shine.
Key Ingredients: Fibroin, Sericin, Silk Powder, Hadaesi-3
Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Size: 0.7
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Best Exfoliating Cleanser
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Pros
- Lathers nicely
- Thoroughly cleanses, but doesn't leave skin super dry
Cons
- Can be harsh on more sensitive skin types
Dr. Wang loves this alpha-hydroxy acid and beta-hydroxy acid-based exfoliating cleanser. Not only does it minimize the appearance of pores, but it strengthens the skin barrier to protect against environmental damage.
Key Ingredients: Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Beta-Hydroxy Acid
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 6 ounces
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Reduces the appearance of acne scars
Cons
- May increase skin sensitivity
Don't you just love when one product checks off multiple boxes? This refreshing and soothing tonic calms and hydrates inflamed skin through prickly pear extract. It also exfoliates and reduces the appearance of acne scars thanks to salicylic acid, while glycolic acid helps the clogged pores.
Key Ingredients: Prickly Pear Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
Skin Type: Oily, Blemish-Prone, Combination
Size: 5 ounces
Best Peel-Off Mask
Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask
Pros
- Leaves skin hydrated
- The mask comes in a cool blue shade
- Comes with reusable bowl and spatula
Cons
- You actually have to assemble the mask yourself
- Some customer reviews note problems with the tools sent to assemble the mask
Reviewers can't get enough of the smooth, vibrant finish the mask leaves.
Key Ingredients: Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin
Skin Type: Dry, Normal, Combination
Size: 4 treatments
Jasmine Washington
Assistant Editor
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
