These Expert-Recommended Pore Minimizers Help Yield Smoother, More Flawless Skin

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If you’re looking for a solution for enlarged or clogged pores, the best pore minimizers can help you on your way to a smoother, more flawless-looking complexion. While there is no (at-home) way to truly shrink your pores, there are many skincare products that can help to minimize the appearance of pores.

Before looking to make them disappear, it’s important to note that “pores are normal,” says Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a dermatologist with Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia. “If you are critiquing your skin and judging the size of your pores with the help of a magnifying mirror, the first thing you should do is throw the magnifying mirror away!”

Meet the experts: Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a dermatologist with Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia; Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules; and Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.

Certain pore-minimizing skincare products can make skin look smoother and tighter. These products are simply those “that unclog a pore,” explains Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules. “When a pore is unblocked and unclogged, it makes the pore look smaller.”

These include serums, toners, lotions, and treatments that exfoliate the skin and promote collagen production with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and more.

Our top picks:

Even though you may not be able to literally shrink pores, these expert-recommended pore minimizers can help make them look as small as possible. Here, dermatologists share their favorites for smoother, more even-looking skin.

Disappearing Act

Not only does this serum claim to instantly blur the look of pores, the brand also claims that it helps reduce the look of pores with consistent use. “This has niacinamide, green tea extract, and mushroom extract, all of which help even out skin tone and reduce pore size,” explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.

User review: “I’ve had problems with enlarged pores since my teenage years. This is one of the only products I have ever tried that ever really worked to shrink them and it does it fast! This now has a permanent spot in my skincare routine,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel-Cream

Hydration can help “keep oil production in check,” Dr. Saedi says. This well-loved affordable hydrator is a powerful moisturizer. “It contains both glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are both humectants, which help hydrate the skin by helping it pull in and retain water or moisture,” she explains.

User review: “This product is my all-time favorite moisturizer...It’s light and non-greasy but extremely moisturizing,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “My face is SO soft and no breakouts or clogged pores.”

Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner

For a pore-minimizing toner, look no further than this option recommended by Dr. Jaliman. She explains that its salicylic acid which “unclogs the pores” as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin “to add hydration to dry skin.” Plus, it’s an easy addition to any skincare routine, fitting in between your cleanser and serum, and/or moisturizer.

User review: “The Watermelon Glow Toner is a game-changer for my skincare routine. It smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. It balances my skin’s pH levels, minimizes pores, and improves texture,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Stem Cell Cream Moisturizer

This cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Saedi for those with “mature skin” looking to address pore size and the visible signs of aging. It contains retinol to increase cell turnover and clear pores and peptides to help boost collagen production,” she explains. “It’s a great addition to an anti-aging skincare routine that will help improve the overall appearance of your skin while keeping your pores in check.”

User review: “I’ve only started using this in the last two weeks and already see an improvement to my skin,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “I’m 38 and just starting to really see the signs of aging, and this is already starting to noticeably smooth and plump my skin.”

Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Recommended by Dr. Lal, this two-in-one pore minimizer and makeup primer is formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate and smooth the skin plus oil-absorbing spheres to blur and mattify the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. It creates a smooth base for makeup and can be worn alone.

User review: “I have tried so many products and this one does what it promises to do without question!” wrote one Sephora shopper. “I have a very oily T-zone and large pores, and after using this product my makeup stays exactly where applied all day and my pores disappear!”

Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

These exfoliating peel pads were named the best face exfoliator in Prevention’s 2023 Healthy Skin Awards—and for good reason. The pads contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that “help diminish fine lines, even the skin, and boost the skin’s radiance,” explained Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, CA.

User review: “I was looking for something to make my face look more even and to minimize the redness and pores around my nostrils. I finally found it in these peels,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “My pores are less visible, skin tone more even, less red, clearer. I’ve had people tell me my skin is flawless—and it’s getting there, thanks to these.”

Nose Pore Patches

As a skincare-obsessed editor, one of my biggest gripes with my complexion is the size of the pores on my nose. These pore patches are shaped like a pore strip but use hydrocolloid (the same material in most pimple patches) to draw out the gunk from your pores without irritation or damage. My favorite skincare hack combines using an exfoliating treatment (like the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel—another personal favorite) followed by wearing these patches overnight—trust me, your pores will look nearly microscopic the next day.

User review: “These are amazing! I could not believe how much stuff was pulled out of my pores! They looked the best they ever have after only one use,” wrote one Ulta shopper.

Acne Control Cleanser

Dr. Saedi says that face washes that contain salicylic acid “help break up and unclog the particles trapped in your pores, lessening the appearance of your pores and preventing pimples.” She recommends this option from CeraVe and suggests leaving it on your face for one to two minutes to “give the salicylic acid a chance to work its magic.”

User review: “After just one use, my skin felt firm, plump, moisturized, matte (not oily), with remarkably smaller pores and a more even tone and texture,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Best of all, ZERO new blemishes and NO flaking/peeling.”

Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer

“This has salicylic acid which helps reduce the size of pores! It is a great daily moisturizer for all skin types and sensitivities,” explains Dr. Lal. “I recommend this to be used in the morning.” He adds that this mattifying moisturizer layers well under makeup and helps to make it look “flawless.”

User review: “This stuff changed my life. It’s my favorite skincare product ever. It’s slightly mattifying which is great for oily skin and my acne has tremendously decreased as well as pore size,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “If I could have one skin product only this would be it. Nothing else worked like this and I’ve been looking for a long time.”

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum

This serum “is a great option for shiny, oily skin” as niacinamide and zinc “both help with regulating oil production,” Dr. Saedi explains. “It is a water-based formulation that you can apply after cleansing your face.” It’s also very lightweight and pairs well with other skincare products.

User review: “This is bomb! This has reduced the size of my pores significantly within a week as well as oiliness. My skin didn’t purge or anything,” wrote one Sephora shopper.

Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum

“This serum has milk thistle extract along with silica to reduce the oily appearance of skin which provides a nice finish and reduces the appearance of pores,” Dr. Lal explains. “It is a great minimalist product for those with sensitive skin as well.” It can also be used alongside other targeted treatments as it’s formulated without exfoliating acids and other strong active ingredients.

User review: “I love this cream, I have been using this for a week and see my acne clearing up and I have a nice glow!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Great for sensitive skin.”

Good Genes All-In-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment

This gentle yet effective serum from Sunday Riley has had a massive cult following for years and boasts over 5,000 five-star reviews on Sephora. Plus, it’s a favorite of Dr. Jaliman’s. It contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate and unclog pores, aloe to soothe the skin, and squalane to hydrate. It’s also “good for sensitive, mature skin,” Dr. Jaliman says.

User review: “This stuff works like no other to exfoliate dead surface skin and clean out pores. It's expensive so I don't buy it often, but I wish I could. It makes my skin so smooth and shrinks my pores like crazy,” wrote one Sephora shopper.

Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

“This product contains aloe so it’s soothing to the skin. It also contains glycolic acid to unclog the pores and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin,” explains Dr. Jaliman. Plus, glycolic acid at a strength of 8% has been proven to increase collagen production and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.

User review: “This product really does produce results quickly,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “I have large pores on my chin, and they look much better after two or three days of using this. I believe it is helping some of the fine lines and wrinkles.”

Blemish + Age Defense

This powerhouse serum from SkinCeuticals contains both salicylic acid and glycolic acid. “These two ingredients help unblock the pores,” explains Dr. Jaliman. She recommends it for mature skin, but it’s also formulated to address acne and contains dioic acid to control sebum production.

User review: “I have used other products and always end up back with this one. I tend to break out and also have large pores, this product helps keep the breakouts to a minimum and also firms up my skin,” wrote one Dermstore reviewer. “My skin always is more clear when I use this product. Love it!”

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Dr. Jaliman says this product is a personal “favorite” and appreciates its “elegant gel” formula that helps to “smooth the pores.” It contains a mix of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to exfoliate as well as glycerin and aloe to hydrate and prevent irritation. “This product can be used on all skin types, but is especially good for sensitive, dry, or mature skin,” Dr. Jaliman adds. It’s also a favorite of deputy editor Emily Goldman. “I love that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, and I can see an actual difference the next day. My skin feels tighter and less congested.”

User review: “It’s expensive, but it works! I have large pores, oily skin, and sun damage,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “My skin is much more vibrant, my pores are less noticeable, and I actually have a ‘glow.’”

Hyseac Mat’ Matifying Emulsion

“This amazing emulsion has licorice extract and a proprietary pore refinyl for minimizing the appearance of pores,” says Dr. Lal. “It is affordable and luxurious in texture.” Dr. Lal recommends using it in the morning for all-day shine control.

User review: “This is my second purchase and I must say that it is really good. My dermatologist recommends it,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It does what it claims to do—reduces the pore size.”

Glass Skin Refining Serum

“This is what I use!” says Dr. Lal. “It is great for all concerns of skin aging. It has niacinamide, peach extract, and peptides—all of which hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.” Plus, reviewers love the “silky, weightless” texture of the serum that absorbs quickly but provides long-lasting moisture and hydration

User review: “It started working magic immediately for me. I have very dry skin but still a significant amount of blackheads on my nose and pores all in my T-zone,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “This serum makes my skin feel so good and hydrated, my pores look completely smooth, and my skin just glows when I put this on!”

Acne Control Gel

Dr. Jaliman recommends this gel for those with red or acne-prone skin. She explains the niacinamide in the formula “helps with redness” while the mix of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid helps exfoliate the skin and treat breakouts.

User review: “After a few weeks of use I notice visibly clear pores that appear smaller, and significantly less breakouts. It has even been great for hormonal acne. Can’t recommend this enough,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

Dr. Lal says that he uses this serum at night “to help the skin look poreless” the following morning. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo hydroxy acid to help unclog the pores, exfoliate and smooth the skin, and target breakouts. Dr. Lal also notes that this serum tends to work better for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

User review: “If you have acne constantly, this is a great solution and one of the best products you can find. I use it every two days because I have sensitive skin and it definitely helps to prevent acne and reduce pores size,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

This face mask is another one of my personal favorites for unclogging pores and treating acne. Every time I use this sulfur and clay-powered mask, I notice a clear difference in my skin the following day—pores that appear smaller, reduced redness, and a noticeable reduction in breakouts. Plus, the mask has earned an overall 4.5-star rating on Sephora with heaps of rave reviews.

User review: “Love this sulfur masque. It is great when I have blackheads that normal cleansing just won’t get rid of,” one Sephora shopper wrote. “After 10 minutes of this, my blackheads are gone! My pores are clean! And my skin absorbs any serums/treatments I use much better after using this masque.”

Can you shrink your pores?

“No, unfortunately, there is no way to permanently alter the size of your pores,” Dr. Saedi explains. “Your genetics, something you can’t change, play a big role in determining the size of your pores.” But that doesn’t mean there aren’t products you can use to minimize their appearance.

“That’s because oil and debris that gets trapped in your pores can make them appear larger,” Dr. Saedi adds. “Additionally, the skin’s collagen and elastin production declines as we age. As your collagen and elastin decline, your pores can appear larger.”

Luckily, there are loads of skincare products that help address both of these underlying causes of enlarged pores.

How to choose and use the best pore minimizer

Below, find tips from Dr. Saedi for choosing the right pore minimizer for you.

✔️ Choose the right formula. Dr. Saedi emphasizes the importance of choosing “oil-free, non-comedogenic formulations” to avoid clogging the pores further.

✔️ Look for exfoliating ingredients. Ingredients like retinol or retinoids and exfoliating acids (like salicylic acid and glycolic acid) can help reduce the appearance of pores by “clearing oil and debris from pores,” says Dr. Saedi.

✔️ Consider collagen-boosting products. Since the loss of collagen can make pores appear larger, it’s important to look for ingredients like retinol or retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, and growth factors, adds Dr. Saedi. These ingredients boost collagen production to “maintain the strength and structure of your skin.”

How we chose the best pore minimizer

We spoke with Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a dermatologist with Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia; Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules; and Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. We also sifted through countless product reviews to select the best pore minimizers available.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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