You Can't Get Rid of Your Pores, But These Pore-Minimizing Products Sure Come Close (2024)

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, peptides, allantoin | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 skin, this clever concoction plumps, 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.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, witch hazel | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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. Just keep in mind that with this many ingredients at play, sensitive skin might notice some slight irritation. To combat this, we recommend easing into use.

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

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.

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

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, and other moisturizing ingredients to prevent irritation."

Key Ingredients: Retinol, minerals | Skin Type: Dry, mature, oily, combination | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

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. For more on her experience, check out the full review.

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

If you're just dipping your toes into the world of BHA skincare, this budget-friendly cleanser from The Inkey 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.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin C, copper | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 4 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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.

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

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. Plus, it looks really cute on any vanity.

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel, Japanese raisin tree | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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."

Key Ingredients: Fruit enzymes, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, mature, oily, combination | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

As skin matures, pores tend to appear more visible. This gel-cream serum contains 20 percent pure vitamin Cfor 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. (For more on our experience testing this product, read our full review.)

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone, combination | Size: 1.4 ounces | SPF: 35 | Cruelty-Free: No

This face sunscreen boasts broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection while balancing oil production, boosting your complexion, and reducing the appearance of pores. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that it's non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. The only gripe we have with this formula is that it can leave behind a white cast on some skin tones.

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.

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

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, witch hazel, aloe vera | Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination, oily, mature | Size: N/A | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

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.