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Beauty/Skin/Serums & Treatments/Face Serums
Top 10 Pore Minimizers

The Secret To Smaller Pores Lies Within These Powerful Serums

The Secret To Smaller Pores Lies Within These Powerful Serums

Let’s get something out of the way first: pores are not a bad thing. We all have them, and they’re pretty important. Those micro openings on the surface of the skin are the reason water, products, and other particles can actually penetrate the skin and do their job. Without pores, the possibility of clearing breakouts, smoothing out fine lines, and correcting an uneven skin tone, to name a few, would be obsolete. That being said, take a moment to appreciate your pores, whether you think they’re perfect or too big. Sometimes, we spend way too much time complaining about our bodies instead of celebrating all that they do for us.

Still, we’re human, and sometimes, we wish we could zap certain things away, even just for a temporary fix. For a lot of people, that thing is pores. Specifically ones that, for lack of better words, look huge. There is a solution, but it’s not changing the size of your pores—that’s impossible to do. You can, however, tend to your skin with products that exfoliate and protect against environmental stressors, thus altering the appearance of pores. Those labeled as pore minimizers usually include ingredients that also constrict blood vessels in the skin and decrease inflammation, which is often a culprit for larger-looking pores.

If this is a point of concern for you, there's no shortage of pore minimizers to choose from. Ideally, you'll want a product that can easily layer, and not clash with, the other products in your daily routine. If you’re a minimalist, you may want a pore minimizer that can double as, say, a moisturizer or toner. The good news is we’ve found a range of the best pore minimizers that can suit all kinds of regimens.

How We Found The Best Pore Minimizers

We discovered each one of these pore minimizers with the help of our unbiased and ultra-smart algorithm, a proprietary tool that identifies products through analyzing lots of data. We’re talking beauty editor recommendations, trusted expert reviews, and social media word-of-mouth. See what we found below.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Retinol OilsOpening image: sephora.com

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April 12, 2022

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
Rank & Style Approved

nordstrom.com

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

Overall Score

4.7

10

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum

4.5

1656 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If you’re prone to blackheads and excess oil, this silicone-free treatment performs double-duty on the surface and underneath. Salicylic acid, a common exfoliant, keeps the pores clear of debris, while Agarikon Mushroom extract reduces shine without drying out the complexion.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: A third standout ingredient, adipic acid, helps promote a smoother skin texture.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

Overall Score

4.7

09

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

4.52

2611 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Biossance is known for its eco-conscious approach to every part of the brand, from the packaging to the source of each ingredient. In the case of this award-winning serum, the lactic acid is derived from vegan sources yet still effectively exfoliates the skin for a smoother-looking appearance.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: This is a must-have for dry skin since squalane, the star ingredient in almost all of Biossance’s products, restores and locks in moisture. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask Exfoliating Pore Treatment

Overall Score

4.75

08

Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask Exfoliating Pore Treatment

4.8

344 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Not everyone wants to add yet another product to their daily routine. Instead, they want something a little less frequent, like, say, a face mask. One of the most popular options for addressing large pores is this clarifying treatment from Tatcha. Upon application, it subtly warms up while absorbing excess oil and decongesting pores.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: Mineral-rich Okinawa Kucha clay is responsible for absorbing oil, while konjac exfoliates, and Japanese volcanic ash provides that warming sensation. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.75

07

Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer

4.4

9188 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Though it’s oil-free, this lightweight moisturizer is versatile enough to work with all skin types. The water-based formula is beloved for its inclusion of Japanese Wild Rose, a natural property known for its ability to boost blood circulation in the skin, thus gradually improving the appearance of pores.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: The brand’s proprietary “Hadasei-3” is a blend of green tea, rice, and algae that provides protection against environmental factors while boosting skin radiance. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

Overall Score

4.8

06

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

4.54

1159 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: Toner is a product that can help restore moisture lost from a cleanser and prepare the skin to better absorb ingredients from a moisturizer. This one also unclogs pores and clears away dead skin for a smoother-looking complexion.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: Instead of salicylic acid, Biossance harnesses the power of willow bark extract, a similar ingredient that minimizes oil and shine more gently but just as effectively.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Overall Score

4.8

05

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

4.55

7084 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If your morning routine has enough products, stick to some nighttime TLC for your pores. Drunk Elephant is known for its no-nonsense approach to skincare solutions, and this one is a multitasking beast. With both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids in the formula, you’re getting multiple levels of exfoliation for less acne, more brightness, and smaller-looking pores.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: You may feel some tingling during the first few uses, but that should dissipate over time. If you find the formula to be drying, mix it with an oil before applying. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Overall Score

4.85

04

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

4.41

9418 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: In addition to improving texture, lactic acid is a go-to for banishing blemishes and reducing the look of fine lines. Combined with the brightening power of licorice and lemongrass and the soothing after-effects of prickly pear extract, it’s no wonder Sunday Riley can barely keep this in stock.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: This can also be used as a face mask if you have sensitive skin. Simply apply, leave on for no more than 15 minutes, and rinse. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Overall Score

4.9

03

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

4.57

26009 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: If you’re on a budget, CeraVe’s retinol serum does more than refine skin texture. It also reduces the size of post-breakout marks and pores. Another signature ingredient? Ceramides, which pump the skin with moisture to give it a more plump appearance.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: This one is also dermatologically tested and free of fragrance, if you have sensitive skin. 


The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Overall Score

4.95

02

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

54.41

41010 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHY IT MADE THE LIST: The bottle is small, but it packs a big punch. This ultra-concentrated and ultra-affordable formula is made of 10% niacinamide, a multitasking property that brightens skin tone and decongests. The niacinamide is carried by zinc PCA, which soaks up excess oil.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: This product doesn’t mix well with vitamin C, so keep them separated by using them on alternate days or one in the morning and one at night.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum

Overall Score

4.85

01

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum

4.48

60252 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Overnight

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This powerhouse serum is boosted by the brand’s exclusive and quick-absorbing Chronolux Power Signal Technology, a blend of ingredients that targets signs of aging, boosts collagen product, and provides up to eight hours of antioxidant protection. Hyaluronic acid locks in all of these benefits for up to three days.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
Though it’s especially beneficial for aging skin, this formula is effective on all skin types.

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