14 Pore Minimizers That Will Smooth Uneven Texture Easily and Effectively (2024)

Pores are a perfectly normal and much-needed skin feature, but when they start to look larger (thanks to age, sun damage, 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.

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, in 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."

Can you reduce pore size?

Technically, no, but you can make pores look smaller. While you can't actually shrink the pores you were born with (they don't open or close either—a common myth), certain skincare products can help minimize their appearance. "When buildup collects in pores, it stretches them; removing the gunk with a skincare product can make them look smaller," says Gohara. (Do note that some acne scars can look like enlarged pores; to tackle those, it's best to see a dermatologist for treatment options.)

What to consider when looking for pore minimizers

The best pore minimizers are those that clean out the pores effectively. Look for ingredients known to flush out debris: salicylic acid is like Roto-Rooter for pores, and retinol increases cell turnover. "Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and removes excess oil from within the pore," says Zeichner. "Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin shed dead cells that can build up in the pore, making it look bigger." Dry skin can also exacerbate the look of enlarged pores, so Gohara also recommends formulas that contain hyaluronic acid to help make skin look plumper and smoother. Niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory, is a good choice for preventing pores from getting any larger. And makeup, like silicone-based or hydrating primers and blurring powders, act as instant band-aids.

How we chose the best pore minimizers

Oprah Daily beauty editors researched, tested, and analyzed product reviews to narrow down the most effective formulas. We also interviewed top dermatologists for their insights and recommendations. Ahead, pore minimizers that have made a difference for us—and soon for you, too.

Is it possible that we've never met a pore minimizer more innovative than this peeling mousse? As you massage it onto dry skin, the mousse dissolves and picks up any dirt, oil, and dead skin that's sitting on your complexion. "It's fascinating because I'll apply this even after I've washed and dried my face, and I'm shocked at how much gunk still comes off," says Rivas. "Immediately after, my skin looks smoother and firmer."

As the name suggests, this formula is a remedy for large pores. Whether you have large pores and oily skin, experience sebaceous filaments, or want to address uneven texture, this one-and-done formula has you covered. It contains a blend of powerful ingredients, such as encapsulated retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, green tea, and perlite (a mineral that absorbs oil). Apply a pea-size amount at night; follow with a moisturizer. If you're new to retinol, apply once every third night before increasing tolerance.

If you're looking for a heavy-duty treatment that will even out skin texture and tone, look no further than these daily peel pads. They contain retinol, five types of exfoliating acids, chamomile, and green tea extract to help reduce the look of pores, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. Each treatment comes with two pads: one to exfoliate and one packed with antioxidants to neutralize and protect skin.

Magic wands may not exist, but when it comes to making pores disappear, this stick comes pretty close. To use, you need to twist the base of the stick so that the formula comes out of the silicone tip. Then, apply the formula sparingly where pores appear enlarged. It contains glycolic acid, pumpkin seed extract, and tea tree oil, ingredients that Dr. Schultz (dermatologist and brand founder) says significantly help to retexturize skin.

Salicylic acid really is a game changer for keeping pores clean, thanks to its ability to cut through oils. "This formula is cosmetically elegant, easy to layer, and highly concentrated," Gohara says. In addition to salicylic acid, it also contains alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid to boost its exfoliation benefits. You can apply it all over your face to help control excess shine, reduce the look of pores, prevent breakouts, and fade discoloration.

For only $10, this primer works overtime to deliver a smooth, pore-less-looking complexion. It contains silicone to blur the look of large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. Apply it underneath makeup to extend wear and help control excess oil production thanks to tea tree oil. It also contains A and E vitamins to protect and restore skin.

This serum contains three forms of hyaluronic acid to "hydrate, plump fine lines, and minimize the look of pores," says Zeichner. It also has retinol to stimulate collagen and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells. It's a great fix for large pores and other signs of aging—and it's available at most drugstores.

This toner contains niacinamide, which is another potent ingredient that helps reduce the look of large pores by promoting a more even texture. It's also great for fading discoloration and balancing oil production. Other supporting stars: Barbados cherry, which is higher in vitamin C than an orange, and Australian lemon myrtle, which helps absorb oil. Apply it day and night on dry skin for the best results.

Gohara says you can't go wrong with this retinol because of its ability to improve skin texture and tone. Unlike other retinol formulas, 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, 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.

If you find that exfoliating serums are too strong or irritating for your skin, Gohara recommends a cleanser. She loves this one for its ability to give a deep clean while still soothing and hydrating skin. The formula contains milk thistle oil, which helps to boost ceramide production to support the skin barrier and combat dryness. It also has Avene thermal spring water, an ingredient unique to the brand that softens and soothes skin.

"This formula makes such a difference to the texture of my skin," says Rivas. The leave-on exfoliant contains a high concentration of salicylic acid at 2 percent, which penetrates pores to get rid of buildup, and green tea, a powerful antioxidant that protects skin as it soothes. "I apply it at night and wake up to a visibly smoother and glowing complexion," adds Rivas.

Have you noticed that when your skin is dry, the texture of your skin—like pores and fine lines—looks more prominent and inconsistent? That's why derms recommend adding a hydrating serum to your routine. What's special about this formula is that it's a two-in-one serum that contains seven forms of hyaluronic acid plus polyglutamic acid to help you retain moisture. Over time, it revives dry, dull, and dehydrated skin. "This formula is so hydrating, I don't apply moisturizer after," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas.

A blurring powder is a quick and easy way to reduce the look of large pores. What's great about this formula is that it doubles as a light to medium coverage foundation. It applies like a buttery balm that evens the skin tone and blurs the look of texture, but it dries down into a powder to help control shine and stay put. It comes in 14 shades and is the perfect solution for temporary coverage.

Made with 1.5 percent medicated salicylic acid, niacinamide, and zinc PCA, you can expect this formula to gently exfoliate the skin, reduce blemishes, and offer a more even complexion after each use. It's also loaded with hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin and is perfect for acne-prone skin types looking to reduce existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. For the best results, you'll want to use it twice a day. That said, if you have sensitive skin, start with once daily and increase as tolerated.