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Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Best Overall
Best Toner
Best Face Mask
Best Deep Cleansing
Best for Pores and Fine Lines
Best Peel Pads
Best Blurring Powder
Best Budget
Can You Reduce Pore Size?
Pores are a perfectly normal and much-needed skin feature, but when they start to look larger (thanks to age,
sun damage
, or years of squeezing them…), it's all too easy to grab a magnifying mirror and spiral. These depressions in the skin look like little dots on an otherwise
smooth and even complexion
, and as someone with genetically
large pores
on my T-zone, I feel the frustration firsthand.
The Best Pore Minimizers
Best Overall:
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex
​
Best Toner:
Yon-Ka Lotion Toner
​
Best Face Mask:
COSRx Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Face Masks
​
Best Deep Cleansing:
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule
​
Best for Oily and Combination Skin:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Serum
​
Why Do Pores Get Bigger?
To understand why pores get bigger over time, think of them like a flower: The roots are the oil gland, and the stem is the duct that connects to the pore, aka the flower. "Like pores, flowers come in all sizes, and if rain settles in them, then they become weighed down and have to expand," explains board-certified dermatologist
Mona Gohara
, MD. Of course, on your skin, the rain is oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.
Joshua Zeichner
, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, agrees: "As debris builds up within the pores, they stretch, making them look more prominent. The best way to minimize the look of large pores is to remove excess oil and dead cells from the skin's surface." Luckily, there's a ton of skincare, makeup, and even tools that offer long-term and temporary fixes. Keep scrolling for the best pore-minimizing products on the market.
1
Best Overall
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex
$64
Dermstore
Also Consider
$64
Amazon
$48
lovelyskin.com
Credit: Skin Medica
Why We Love It
Improves skin tone and texture
Targets signs of aging
Contains soothing ingredients
What to Consider
May be irritating to very sensitive skin
Gohara says you can't go wrong with retinol because of its ability to improve skin texture and tone. Unlike other
retinol
formulas, she likes this one because it includes an antioxidant complex that helps to minimize the potentially irritating effects. The formula also contains magnolia bark extract to help soothe inflammation. Not only will it help minimize the appearance of pores over time, but it also targets signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. If you're new to retinol, try incorporating it into your routine twice a week, then build up frequency as tolerated.
Key ingredients:
Retinol, antioxidants, niacinamide, squalane, and ceramides
Size:
1.0 fl oz
Skin type:
All
2
Best Toner for Minimizing Pores
Yonka Yon-Ka Lotion Toner
$55
Amazon
Credit: Yonka Paris
Why We Love It
Refines look of pores
Hydrates and tones
Large bottle
What to Consider
Artistic packaging is limited-edition
Refine skin texture and balance oil production with this alcohol-free toner mist. It's the perfect way to refresh and revitalize your complexion thanks to its blend of essential oils, including thyme to purify, rosemary to detox, cypress to balance, and soothing lavender. Spray a generous amount in the morning and evening to simultaneously moisturize skin, refine the look of large pores, and control excess sebum production. We also give it bonus points for the limited-edition bottle, inspired by impressionist art, that will look stunning on any vanity.
Key ingredients:
Thyme, rosemary, cypress, lavendar, and geranium essenial oils
Size:
6.76 fl oz
Skin type:
Normal to oily
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3
Best Face Mask
COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Glass Glow Hydrogel Face Masks
$15
Amazon
Also Consider
$15
Nordstrom
Credit: CosRx
Why We Love It
Boosts hydration and glow
Softens skin texture
What to Consider
There are only three in a pack
"I swear by these overnight gel masks for my large pores," says senior beauty editor
Genesis Rivas
. "I wake up, and my skin looks so smooth, soft, and insanely glowing. I can't get enough, and I recommend them to everyone." The formula is packed with beneficial skin care, including snail mucin, niacinamide, low molecular collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to give maximum hydration, soften skin texture, soothe complexion, and give a glass-like finish. Apply it as the last step in your skincare routine and leave on overnight—or wait until it turns clear before removing.
Key ingredients:
Snail mucin, niacinamide, low molecular collagen, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides
Size:
1.19 oz
Skin type:
All
4
Best Deep Cleansing
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule
$26
Ulta Beauty
Why We Love It
Instant results
Removes excess sebum/blackheads sto promote smoother-looking skin
What to Consider
It can be a little drying s

Book Your Appointment

Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.

Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.

Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.

Source: https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/g60330957/best-pore-minimizers/