13 Best Pore Minimizers For Skin That's Smooth As Silk

If you’ve ever spent too much time examining your pores in a magnifying mirror, you’re not alone. While pores are crucial to your health—they release sweat and toxins and produce sebum to keep skin hydrated—there’s nothing wrong with also wanting to make them a little less noticeable. “Your genetics, which are beyond your control, significantly influence your pore size. While there's no way to permanently shrink or change pore size, certain factors can make pores appear larger. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce their visible appearance,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University.

That’s where these handy over-the-counter pore minimizers come in. The right products can help clear out sebum and impurities, reducing the appearance of pores. “Look for ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and AHAs that can improve skin texture and reduce pore visibility by promoting cell turnover, minimizing oil buildup, and calming inflammation. Retinoids smooth skin by encouraging cell turnover, while salicylic acid clears excess oil and debris that can stretch pores. Niacinamide helps balance oil production and fortifies the skin’s barrier, which gradually diminishes the appearance of pores. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid gently exfoliate, refining skin texture for a smoother, more even look,” says Miriam Hanson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas.

With the help of our go-to derms, we decoded the ingredient labels to make finding the best pore-minimizing products a breeze.

Our Top Picks:

• Best Overall for Minimizing Pores: Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex, $248
• Best Cleanser: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, $45
• Best Pore Treatment: Peace Out Pore Minimizing Strips, $19
• Best Toner: Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner, $49
• Best Physical Exfoliant: Furtuna Skin Triple Active Exfoliator, $115
• Best Chemical Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $35
• Best Moisturizer: Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer, $78

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the most effective pore minimizer?
• What do dermatologists recommend for pore minimizers?
• Can you really reduce pore size?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Pore Minimizer Overall: Alastin Skincare Restorative Skin Complex

Why we love it: Here at Allure HQ, we're big fans of Alastin for bringing that derm-office-level glow to your daily routine—and the Restorative Skin Complex does just that. This unique formula strikes the perfect balance between serum and moisturizer, sinking right in to help clear out damaged collagen and promote cell turnover. "The formula combines niacinamide with TriHex Technology to build collagen, delivering hydration and impressive results without any sticky residue," says Dr. Hanson. With consistent use, expect smoother texture and pores that blissfully fade into the background, leaving you with that refined, healthy glow you’re looking for.

Editor's tip: Niacinamide tackles acne, calms inflammation, and keeps oil production in check so your skin stays balanced and happy.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, silver mushroom, peptides | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with oily, combination, or sensitive skin

Best Cleanser: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

Why we love it: Before the alphabet soup of LHA, AHA, and BHA make your head spin, let’s break it down: The SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel is a powerful 12% concentration blend of lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA), and salicylic acid (beta-hydroxy acid or BHA). This powerful trio dives deep into pores to sweep away buildup, balancing skin texture for a smoother, more refined look. “It’s one of my go-to cleansers, especially for patients with acne, oily skin, or large pores. The acid blend provides balanced exfoliation without overdrying,” says Dr. Hanson.

Editor's tip: Despite its cocktail of chemical exfoliants, this cleanser is gentle enough for twice-daily use—perfect for oily skin that craves a fresh start both morning and night.

Key ingredients: LHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with acne-prone or oily skin

Best Pore Treatment: Peace Out Pore Minimizing Strips

Why we love it: Chances are one of your first beauty self-care moments involved the experience of peeling off a pore strip and examining the “treasures” it revealed. The Peace Out Pore Minimizing Strips take pore strips up a notch with hydrocolloid polymers, retinol, DMAE, and vitamin A to deep-clean, lift out impurities, and visibly shrink the appearance of pores on and around your nose. These pore strips are meant to be used for at least four hours (or overnight) so that the ingredients sink and refine the appearance of pores long after peeling them off.

Editor's tip: “Retinols regulate cell turnover, which reduces the formation of blocked pores that can develop into whiteheads and blackheads,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.

Key ingredients: hydrocolloid, retinol, DMAE | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with blackheads or clogged pores

Best Toner: Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

Why we love it: Millennials, rejoice—this isn’t that harsh, stinging toner from your high school days. Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner is all about modern, balanced care: it hydrates while gently exfoliating with salicylic acid to sweep away dirt, oil, and everything that makes pores pop. Plus, it’s boosted with copper, a natural body element that helps improve firmness, elasticity, and moisture with every swipe. Just a few seconds a day for soft, matte, and shine-free skin without a hint of dryness. Perfect for anyone who wants a fresh, refined glow minus any sting.

Editor's tip: Apply it all over for a full refresh, or if your skin leans on the drier side, just spot-treat the areas that need it most.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, DMAE, copper | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with oily skin, especially in their T-zones

Best Physical Exfoliant: Furtuna Skin Triple Active Exfoliator

Why we love it: When it comes to exfoliators, the Furtuna Skin Triple Active Exfoliator is no ordinary scrub—it’s a triple threat. With a mix of natural botanicals, skin-smoothing enzymes, and superfine olive pits and volcanic perlite, it gently polishes away dead skin and clears out those stubborn pores without any harsh scrubbing. It’s packed with ingredients grown right on their farm in Sicily, so every time you exfoliate, you get a little slice of a Mediterranean escape.

Editor's tip: Massage in gentle circular motions, focusing on the T-zone where pores are more noticeable, to exfoliate without irritating your skin.

Key ingredients: olive oil, fruit enzymes, volcanic perlite | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: all skin types that feel congested

Best Chemical Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Why we love it: Despite popular myths, pores don’t actually open and close—but you can make them look less visible with Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. “It’s technically a leave-on lotion that has the consistency of a toner. It uses salicylic acid to treat acne and improve skin texture, making pores appear clearer and smaller,” says Dr. Camp. With regular use, it’s great for tackling blackheads, fading old acne scars, and keeping future breakouts at bay.

Editor's tip: “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is lipophilic, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores and remove excess sebum or oil,” says Dr. Camp.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, green tea extract, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with oily or combination skin that’s acne-prone

Best Serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Why we love it: The Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment is no stranger to the Best of Beauty Awards. This editor- and celeb-loved treatment uses lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that promotes cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while tacking the appearance of pores. “Regularly exfoliating away dead skin cells also helps smooth skin texture, which contributes to a more youthful complexion,” says Dr. Camp. The formula also features brightening licorice root to diminish dark spots and balance skin tone, targeting common signs of aging like hyperpigmentation.

Editor's tip: Since lactic acid can increase skin sensitivity to the sun, we love using this as an overnight treatment.

Key ingredients: lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people of all skin types

Best Moisturizer: Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturizer

Why we love it: Picking just a few of our favorites from Tata Harper—where every product is lovingly hand-crafted at Harper’s farm in Vermont with pure botanicals—is no small task. But we’re especially devoted to the Clarifying Moisturizer. This lightweight, serum-like moisturizer stands out for its pore-perfecting and hydrating benefits. Infused with natural salicylic acid from willow bark, it keeps pores clear and visibly minimizes them while balancing skin’s pH to curb oil overproduction. We love the smooth, refreshed, and hydrated feeling that lasts all day.

Editor's tip: Unlike heavier creams, hyaluronic acid is incredibly light yet holds many times its weight in water, delivering deep hydration without clogging pores.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, oat ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with acne-prone or dry skin

Best Mask: Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask

Why we love it: Korean skincare brands like Sulwhasoo are celebrated for their game-changing innovation, dedication to skin barrier health, and use of one-of-a-kind ingredients that truly deliver real results. This Clarifying Mask is your shortcut to that glass-skin glow in just 20 minutes. The rich, honey-like texture (thanks to honeysuckle) hardens to hug every pore, grabbing all that grime and dead skin for that satisfying peel-off moment. In addition to anti-inflammatory honeysuckle, it’s infused with antioxidant-rich ginseng and clarifying Solomon’s Seal powder (a plant traditionally used in herbal medicine. It leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother every time.

Editor's tip: Once the mask is dry, start peeling the mask from the edges and work your way in.

Key ingredients: ginseng, honeysuckle, glycerin | Fragrance-free: no | Who it’s for: people with uneven texture

Best At-Home Peel: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Why we love it: The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels are a true multitasker, tackling everything from acne to keratosis pilaris. And while “peel” might sound intense, it’s just shorthand for a gentle chemical exfoliant. “These peel pads contain both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” says Dr. Camp. This two-step daily peel strikes the ideal balance of powerful and gentle, bringing pro-level results for all skin types—even sensitive ones. The first peel sweeps away dead skin, oil, and impurities, while the second peel neutralizes and nourishes with anti-aging ingredients, leaving your skin irresistibly smooth. With just a few swipes a day, you’ll see smaller pores, softer lines, and a radiant glow.

Editor's tip: The second pad also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with dark spots

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Pore.Remedy PHA Exfoliating Face Serum

Why we love it: If your skin leans on the sensitive side, Dr. Jart+ Pore.Remedy PHA Exfoliating Face Serum has you covered. This gentle formula is powered by PHAs, a mild acid that delicately sweeps away dead skin cells and clears pores without harshness. Unlike AHAs and BHAs, PHA has a larger molecular size, so they don’t penetrate as deeply—making them perfect for irritation-prone skin. Additionally, it’s infused with calming panthenol for extra hydration and macadamia seed oil to manage sebum without blocking pores.

Editor's tip: If you have sensitive skin, skip the aggressive rubbing. Instead, dispense one or two pumps into your palms and gently pat the serum onto your skin. This technique helps your skin absorb the product without irritation.

Key ingredients: PHA, panthenol, macadamia seed oil | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin

Best For Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Why we love it: By now, we hope it’s crystal clear: salicylic acid is kind of a big deal when it comes to minimizing the appearance of pores. “Face washes like CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash with salicylic acid work to break down and clear out debris trapped in your pores, reducing their appearance and helping to prevent breakouts,,” says Dr. Saedi. Plus, with the calming benefits of niacinamide and essential ceramides, this formula goes beyond just cleansing—it actively supports the skin barrier, keeping your skin calm and resilient for the long haul.

Editor's tip: To get the best results, let your face wash sink in for a minute or two (a great opportunity to use a face massager) so the salicylic acid can do its work.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with acne-prone skin

Best Budget: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum

Why we love it: Raise your hand if a pore minimizer under $10 sounds like music to your ears. We found one—and it truly delivers. The Ordinary never fails to impress for budget-friendly radiance and this Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum is a true star in its lineup. "This is an excellent choice for shiny, oily skin, as it helps to balance oil production,” says Dr. Saedi. In addition to keeping oil in check, it minimizes the appearance of pores by clearing and plumping the skin, and balances pH with its effective niacinamide and zinc duo. You can look forward to less noticeable pores and a more even texture.

Editor's tip: The consistency is water-based, so a little bit goes a long way. The dropper applicator makes removing just a small amount of product easy.

Key ingredients: niacinamide, zinc | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it’s for: people with uneven skin and signs of congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

Effectively minimizing the appearance of pores involves a combination of skincare ingredients and practices that target oil control, exfoliation, and protecting your skin barrier. “People should focus on incorporating the right ingredients rather than the product type. Skincare ingredients that exfoliate and clear oil and debris from pores include powerhouse options like retinoids and AHAs/BHAs such as salicylic and glycolic acid. To keep oil production in check, niacinamide is a star. And for collagen support, look for ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, growth factors, and SPF—essential for maintaining skin structure and smoothness,” says Dr. Saedi.

Regular cleansing with gentle, non-comedogenic products is key to clearing pore-clogging oil that can make pores appear more prominent. Exfoliation also plays a crucial role by dissolving dead skin cells trapped in pores, keeping them clear and refined. Treatments with retinoids, which promote cell turnover, are a long-standing dermatologist favorite, along with niacinamide, which helps regulate oil production. Your pore-minimizing strategy may depend on your skin type. “If the patient’s skin is oily or combination, using a retinoid or beta or alpha hydroxy acid would be more effective for reducing oil and ultimately pore size. For those with dry or sensitive skin, focusing on niacinamide or gentler exfoliating acids like lactic acid is more beneficial,” says Dr. Hanson. No matter your skin type, a broad-spectrum SPF is essential, as UV damage can weaken skin structure and prevent pores from looking refined.

The short answer is no. “Over-the-counter products don’t actually shrink pore size; they simply help keep them clean, which makes them appear smaller,” explains Dr. Camp. In addition to implementing the right pore-minimizing ingredients into your routine, some lifestyle factors, like diet, sleep, and skincare habits, can also influence pore visibility. “While these don’t technically change pore size, a diet high in glycemic foods can spike insulin levels, increasing sebum production. Conversely, a diet high in healthy fats and antioxidants can help decrease inflammation and promote a smooth skin texture. Meanwhile, inadequate sleep and chronic stress raise cortisol levels, which can lead to increased oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation,” says Dr. Hanson.

• Miriam Hanson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin and Cedar Park, Texas
• Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in the tri-state area.
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University

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