The 19 Best Pore Minimizers for Baby-Smooth Skin

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If you ever stare into the abyss that is a magnified mirror, odds are you’ve had the horrifying thought, “Have my pores always been this big?” We would love nothing more than to magically erase our pores, but we’re sorry to tell you, that’s just not possible. What is possible, however, is to gradually shrink and minimize them, through a mixture of effective cleansing, exfoliating, and, yes, covering them.

“Pore minimizers refer to products that improve the overall appearance of the pores, making them appear smaller,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “Although pores are normal, they can appear larger as a result of being clogged with oil or dead skin, so these products work to exfoliate and unclog them.”

While sometimes enlarged pores are just genetic, if you’ve been skipping steps in your skincare routine, odds are, your pores are becoming more prominent. Clogged pores can lead to blackheads and acne, which is why it’s important to stick to a skincare routine that keeps your skin clean and soothed.

Here, we spoke with Dr. Garshick, as well as fellow board-certified dermatologists Dr. Karan Lal and Dr. Howard Sobel, to learn what makes the best pore minimizers on the market. Ahead, discover the 19 best tightening toners, masks, face washes, moisturizers, serums, and blurring primers available, according to experts, customer reviews, and our own scrupulous testing.

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Best for Every Skin Type

Paula’s Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid

Best for Shrinking Pores

Perricone MD

Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

Best for a Matte Finish

Dr. Brandt Skincare

Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer

Best for Sagging Skin

Kiehl’s

Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate

Best for a Budget

Skin Food

Peach Sake Pore Serum

Best for a Deep Clean

SkinMedica

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Best for Fine Lines

Renee Rouleau

Pore + Wrinkle Perfecting Serum

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Mat Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturizer

Best for Dewy Skin

Glossier

Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Best Pore-Minimizing Mask

Then I Met You

Rosé Resurfacing Facial Mask

Best Detox Mask

Buttah Skin

Charcoal Detox Mask

Best for Even Skin

SK-II

Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner

Best for Smooth Skin

U Beauty

Resurfacing Compound

Best for Breakouts

Dr. Dennis Gross

DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel

Best Exfoliating Wipes

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel

Best for Dull Skin

Golde

Papaya Bright Face Mask

Best Oil-Control Strips

Peace Out

Pore-Refining Nose and Face Strips

Best for a Quick Fix

Black Opal

Pore Perfecting Powder Foundation SPF 15

Best Tightening Overnight Cream

Charlotte Tilbury

Magic Night Cream

Dr. Marisa Garshick is a dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology in NYC.

Dr. Howard Sobel is an NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin.

Dr. Karan Lal is a celebrity dermatologist and director of pediatric dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Ariz.

What causes enlarged pores?

“Pores are openings in the skin that are connected to sebaceous glands (oil producing glands) and hair follicles,” says Dr. Lal. “They play a major role in helping things get in and out of your skin. Depending on how oily your skin is, you may have more prominent pores than others.” Depending on your skin type, your pores may appear enlarged. “Pores are larger in people who make more skin oils,” says Dr. Lal. “Men tend to have larger pores than women. The central face, including the nose, often has more prominent pores. Congestion from skin products, pollutants, and excess oil all make pores appear bigger.”

Is it possible to shrink your pores?

“While you can’t completely shrink pores, you can minimize the appearance of your pores,” explains Dr. Sobel. “Over time, pores can be reduced in size,” adds Dr. Lal.

How can you minimize the appearance of pores?

In addition to choosing products with effective cleansing, exfoliating, and tightening properties, it’s also key to consistently remove any makeup. “Removing makeup at the end of the day before washing your face is essential for preventing your pores from being clogged with oils and dirt,” says Dr. Lal. “Gentle exfoliation will help remove excess oil from your pores as well. You must be consistent with your skincare.”

And remember, just as important as looking for ingredients that help improve the appearance of pores is avoiding products that can clog them. “It’s always crucial to look for products and makeup labeled non-comedogenic,” cautions Dr. Garshick.

How often should I use pore-minimizing products?

“In general, the higher the concentration of the ingredient, the stronger the product may be, and therefore it may not be recommended to use as frequently,” Dr. Garshick says. “It is better to find a product that you can tolerate consistently than to use one that is very strong, but leaves the skin irritated and dry.”

Tatjana Freund Beauty Commerce Writer Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. Sam Peters Commerce Editor Sam Peters is a Commerce Editor at Hearst covering fashion, beauty and more.

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