The 20 Best Pore Minimizers for Baby-Smooth Skin

When shopping for the best pore minimizers, Dr. Garshick says to “look for ones that include exfoliating acids, especially beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble to help penetrate deep into pores and eliminate dead skin cells.” Featuring a potent 2 percent dose of salicylic acid, Paula’s Choice’s top product worldwide “removes buildup and helps reveal skin that is smoother and brighter, while also helping to address breakouts and improve the appearance of pores,” Garshick says. Essentially, this is your miracle in a bottle if you’re looking for a more even skin tone with added vibrancy. Just make sure you commit to it. A number of people report minimal results at first, but you should see a major difference with time.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is an acid toner for those who are afraid of it. You might get a slight tingle from this, you may also not, but you’ll definitely see and feel with repeat use, smoother and less bumpy skin (it’s a great way to ward off impending breakouts)This formula contains a nice bit of salicylic acid to gently slough off dead skin and de-gunk pores so that they look cleaner, brighter, and smaller.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 4 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Green Tea

Skin Type: All

Welcome to the secret weapon of your makeup routine. This blurring balm is a 4-in-1 product that never disappoints. It can serve as a primer which minimizes pores and blurs skin, a sheer tint coverage, setting powder, or to contour and sculpt your face. And as if it could not get any better—the formula is designed to absorb oil on your skin throughout the day—say good-bye to an oily t-zone. The universal shade is a great primer; however, there are twelve additional tones to match all shades and increase the versatility of the product.

Sephora rating: 3.8/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This product is a game changer for your base face. I use it over my primer and underneath my makeup for a Paris filter like foundation and concealer application. When I first got my hands on this, I thought it was more like a setting powder, which it is! So yes, I also tap this into my skin post makeup application for an airbrush like finish. This product is the band aid of my makeup routine—it really fixes and sets everything.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 0.63 oz

Key Ingredients: Upsalite, olive-derived squalene, hyaluronic acid

Skin Type: All

Kate Somerville’s exfoliating treatment is a miracle in a bottle, as it works to instantly minimize pores. For best results, massage this treatment into your face for 30 seconds and leave it on for around two minutes before rinsing. You’ll likely notice results just after one use!

Sephora rating: 4/5 stars

A reviewer says: “I use the ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment twice a week, it’s a must-have staple in my skincare routine. Whenever I’m dealing with clogged pores, I like to use this product for a quick fix. I’ll apply it in the evening, and by the time I wake up in the morning, my skin looks drastically better.”— Lauren Tappan, Freelance Writer, ELLE.com

Size: 0.5 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, lactic acid, aloe vera

Skin Type: All

If you live in a busy city, you’ve probably dealt with clogged pores due to pollution. This cleansing oil effectively lifts away pollutants and detoxifies your skin, and the best part of all is that it’s a vegan formula. Biossance’s blend is powered by sugarcane-derived squalane and plant-derived oils which gently remove impurities to reveal brighter skin.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Excellent product, wonderful citrus smell, cleans the face well, only a small amount is needed, lasts a long time.”

Size: 6.7 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Sugarcane-derived squalane, plant-derived oils,

Skin Type: All

Tatcha’s clarifying mask is formulated with powerful ingredients like Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, and Japanese volcanic ash which work together to absorb oil, exfoliate dead skin, and remove impurities. Also, unlike other clarifying masks, this blend is not abrasive, so it won’t cause excessive dryness.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “The texture and warming sensation after it sets on the face is very satisfying. The instructions recommend washing off with cool temperature water, [my] skin felt refreshed! First time feeling pampered by a clay mask.”

Size: 1.7 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Okinawa kucha clay, Japanese konjac, Japanese volcanic ash

Skin Type: All

We love an all-around product. This toner will minimize pores while improving skin texture and encouraging cell renewal. It’s formulated with alpha hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, as well as the brand’s proprietary nutrient-rich liquid Pitera, which is designed to boost skin softness and smoothness.

Sephora rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Unlike the other products on this page, I know that SK-II’s essence doesn’t contain any acids. But I consider a toner to be the icing on the top of the cake when it comes to pore-minimizing. First, I want to make sure that my pores are free of gunk (thanks to acid toners, clay masks etc.) And then I want to make sure my skin is doused in layers of hydration like this essence, a one-time favorite of Cate Blanchett’s for almost a decade.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 5.4 fl oz

Key Ingredients: Pitera™, Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid

Skin type: All

Dr. Garshick recommends these TikTok-famous pore strips as they not only refine pores, but also help control oil production for smoother, more matte skin. Star ingredients include retinol and Hydrocolloid Polymer Technology, which works to lift away dead skin cells and reduce excess sebum that can cause congestion. These pore strips are very easy to use and you can easily leave them on overnight.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Peace Out makes some of my all-time favorite pimple patches, so I couldn’t wait to try the brand’s newer pore strips, especially since my nose is always the most congested area on my face. The amount of gunk these strips pull out is truly incredible, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and pores looking much tighter–even under the scope of my magnifying mirror. I also love that these strips can be gently removed and that the retinol in them makes my skin look a little brighter, too.” — Sam Peters, Senior Commerce Editor

Size: 4 pore and 4 nose strips

Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid Polymer Technology, DMAE, Retinol (Vitamin A)

Skin type: All

When it comes to clearing out our pores and making them look nearly invisible, a chemical exfoliator is a must. This one is our favorite for the intensive trifecta of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids that works overtime to detox and tighten pores, while staying gentle enough not to cause any irritation or redness. And thousands of other shoppers swear by it, too.

Glossier rating: 3.9/5 stars

A Glossier reviewer says: “My tone was more even and I wasn’t breaking out as much… even my roommate said my skin already looked better.”

Size: 4.4 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid Brightening (AHA), Lactic Acid (AHA), Gluconolactone (PHA), Anti-Stress Aloe

Skin type: All

Turns out, eighty-seven percent of the people who used this product noticed that their pores appeared smaller and more refined after consistent use. In addition to salicylic acid, it contains DMAE, a naturally-occurring compound in the body that’s been linked to providing skin-firming benefits. For best results, apply morning and night, then move on to other serums and moisturizers.

Amazon rating: 4.4./5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I have always had gargantuan pores on my nose, cheeks, and chin, and nothing has ever helped before this product. A little rub in the A.M. and P.M. on a clean face is all it took. I noticed a difference in a week, and within a month, I was getting compliments from complete strangers on my complexion. And, it doesn’t break out my sensitive skin.”

Size: 4 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: DMAE, Copper Complex, Salicylic Acid

Skin type: Oily

“The first thing you can do to minimize the appearance of pores is to wash your face regularly,” explains Dr. Lal. “This will help decongest your pores, especially if you use a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.”

Designed for dry skin types, this cleanser spotlights the holy grail of ingredients for a clean, smooth complexion. “It gently scrubs away dead skin using ultra-fine jojoba beads and provides added benefits of alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, as well as a beta hydroxy acid and salicylic acid, which work to unclog pores and reduce their appearance,” Dr. Garshick notes. It also has a citrusy scent, if that’s your thing.

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using skin medica for years. It really works in eliminating uneven skin tone from age, melasma, acne, hormones. It takes time but it works!”

Size: 6 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Salicylic Acid

Skin Type: Dry

Created by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt (who’s worked with top A-listers like Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kelly Ripa) this two-in-one pore refining primer helps keep makeup in place by mattifying the skin and creating a smooth canvas— via oil-absorbing spheres and a derivative of exfoliating salicylic acid. And if you’re not a makeup kind of gal, no worries! You can easily wear this product alone for a natural look.

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “As someone who worked in makeup before and has extremely picky taste for primers, I love this! It’s cooling and weightless. I can see that it blurred pores and at the same time doesn’t leave a film on my skin. It’s like the primer sucks in and leaves a nice cashmere-like finish. As someone with adult acne, I also want to say that I didn’t break out from this.”

Size: 1 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Oil-Absorbing Spheres, Red Clover Flower Extract, Derivative of Salicylic Acid

Skin Type: Oily, Combo, Normal

Make like the French girls do and try this cult-favorite moisturizer, which uses the brand’s proprietary Sebulyse technology to “help reduce excess oil, mattify the skin, and reduce the appearance of pores,” says Dr. Garshick. Other key ingredients include Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, a derivative of salicylic acid; oil-absorbing minerals perlite and silica; and glycerin for hydration.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s light and my skin breathes. It moisturizes the dry spots and doesn’t irritate or inflame the acne-prone oily spots.”

Size: 1.35 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, Perlite, Glycerin, Silica, Salicylic Acid, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Skin: Oily

A concentrate with yeast extract and geranium will tighten skin for a lifted appearance, minimize pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The formula leaves your skin hydrated with a subtle glow. For an everlasting glow, make sure to apply this serum twice a day.

Kiehl’s rating: 4.1/5 stars

A Kiehl’s reviewer says: “It’s been four weeks since I’ve been using this product, and my skin looks poreless, tighter, and the fine lines are gone. I use it every night before bed. My first bottle is almost empty and will definitely order it again.”

Size: 1.7 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Micro-filtered yeast extract, Geranium Essential Oil, Salicylic Acid

Skin Type: All

Pores are no match for the AHA and BHA found in this Insta-worthy formula, which works to lift dead skin cells and improve overall texture. Infused with real Damask Rose petals, it also helps strengthen and hydrate skin to banish fine lines and other signs of aging. For a refreshed feel, apply this mask to clean skin and leave it on for around 15 minutes.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Resurfacing is a scary word, but this mask from Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho is really not frightening at all. It contains soothing rose damask, resveratrol, and a healthy dose of glycolic and lactic acid, which you wash off after 10-15 minutes. My skin always feels so clean and soft after using this, and I love that I get a slight, but not frightening tingle, while it sits on my face.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 1.76 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: AHA/BHA Rose Complex, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Resveratrol, Coptis Japonica Extract

Skin Type: All

Featuring a blend of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid, “this serum works to minimize the appearance of pores, without irritating the skin, as it contains niacinamide (another pore-cleansing ingredient) and allantoin,” Dr. Garshick says. Additionally, it helps lift discoloration for a brighter complexion.

Fun fact: you can also use Renee Rouleau’s serum beneath your eyes to soften fine lines.

Renée Rouleau rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Renée Rouleau reviewer says: “I’ve been using this product for a couple of years and it’s been doing a great job of reducing my break outs while protecting it against wrinkles.”

Size: 0.5 fl. oz or 1 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid (AHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Allantoin

Skin type: Oily, Combination, Normal, Aging, Prone to Occasional Breakouts

It’s been a best-seller for 20 years for a reason. The super-effective two-step acid peel is inspired by the treatment you’d get in a dermatologist’s office—even Dr. Garshick is a fan. The pre-dosed pads have a potent mix of AHA and BHA to instantly “brighten, exfoliate and prevent clogged pores,” she says. Additionally, it includes witch hazel, an astringent that Dr. Lal notes is also great for clearing debris.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “These have done wonders for my skin! I feel as if it’s really pricey but I’m happy with the results. My acne has reduced and my skin texture has improved.”

Size: 5 to 30 treatments available

Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

“The best long-term way to minimize pores is by using a topical retinoid that shrinks your sebaceous glands and thereby reduces pore size,” says Dr. Lal. According to Dr. Garshick, the ingredient also regulates cell turnover, which in turn can help boost collagen production to plump the skin and diminish fine lines. Created by blogger Tina Craig, this day and night retinol treatment should give you smoother, tighter skin after a single application. It also helps nourish via hyaluronic acid and reduce dark spots thanks to vitamins C and E, making it the perfect multitasker in your routine.

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I am not afraid to admit that while I fully believe that Biologique Recherche’s P-50 works, I’m also a little scared of it. Of course I want to use a product called “Jesus in a Bottle,” but I also sometimes want something a little gentler but also effective. I consider this to be like baby P-50 or “Baby Jesus In A Bottle,” I guess you could call it. It contains just about every ingredient you’ve heard that’s good for your skin: Vitamin C, Retinol, Antioxidants, Multi-Hydroxy Acids, and Vitamin E. Unlike P-50, it is also not irritating and has an almost silky texture and works over time to give brighter skin and the appearance of tighter pores.” — Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 1 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, Stabilized Vitamin C, Stabilized Vitamin E, Peptides, Stable Retinol, Hyaluronic Acids, AHAs

Skin Type: All

If your skin needs a detox, try this versatile clarifying mask. It’s made with deep-cleansing charcoal which helps to draw out impurities and minimize pores. The great thing about this mask is that it also keeps skin balanced via nourishing argan oil and shea butter.

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’ve raved about this brand before, but buttah. truly is the perfect introductory skin care line for anyone that is new (and maybe a bit resistant) to a skin care routine due to their easy-to-understand ingredients. This charcoal detox mask helps unclog pores and leaves your skin feeling brighter, refreshed, and super soft.” — Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director, ELLE

Size: 1 fl. oz

Key Ingredients: Activated Charcoal Powder, Argan Oil & Shea Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bentonite & Kaolin Clay

Skin type: All

Eliminate breakouts and unclog pores with a combination of 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, and monk’s pepper. This powerful blend of ingredients works to fight bacteria and diminish irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross’ formula also contains soothing green tea and aloe vera, which helps to calm skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Dr. Dennis Gross reviewer says: “This stuff is amazing…it helps control my oiliness and has vastly improved my skin texture. It also has helped significantly reduce those deep painful blemishes that leave scars. I struggled with finding a regimen that worked for years, but now that I found this product, I can’t go without it!”

Size: 1 fl oz

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide (B3), Salicylic Acid, Monk’s Pepper

Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily

Wake up to smooth, glowing skin with this sumptuous cream designed to work wonders while you sleep. “Containing a time-release retinol, this overnight cream helps to boost radiance while also plumping, reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick says. The inclusion of plant stem cells and vitamin E further help to brighten and firm your complexion.

Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “I have combination skin with dry red patches and this stuff has transformed my skin, I wake up with glowing skin and barely have to put anything on in morning before I go. It’s thick and rich I just pat it on and sit for second to melt.”

Size: 1.6 fl oz

Key Ingredients: Time-Released Retinol, Vitamin E, Plant Stem Cells

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination