These Pore-Minimizing Gems Will Fool Everyone Into Thinking You Have Tiny Pores

best-pore-minimizers-300590-1655419374338-main

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

"Shrinking" enlarged pores can be an uphill battle at times. The truth is you can't really change the shape of your pores with one specific product. Your pore size is determined by a bunch of different factors, such as genetics, age, sun exposure, and skin type. The good news is you can disguise or hide them if you use the right products.

Some ingredients to look for that are good for hiding pores are AHAs and BHAs, which can exfoliate, and retinoids, which can unclog the pores. Sunscreen will also protect your skin from sun damage, preventing your pores from seeming enlarged.

You also want to make sure you're in a good routine with cleaning your face and exfoliating, as unclogging the gunk and oil will make your pores appear smaller. But don't forget to go gentle here—you don't want to scrub so hard or wash your face so much that you cause inflammation and redness.

If you're looking for products that can make your pores seem smaller, we've compiled highly rated options below. Just remember that at the end of the day, we all have pores. Don't stress too much if you think your pores look huge—having them is completely natural!

What are pore-minimizing products, and how often should you use them?

Board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, wants to reiterate that you're not necessarily changing your pore size with products like this. "Pore-minimizing products reduce the appearance of pores, but they do not actually shrink them," he says. "Exfoliants and ingredients that clear and prevent clogged pores can make pores less noticeable so that they appear smaller."

"Pore-minimizing products are available as masks, moisturizers, serums, and toners. They can be used after cleanser but before moisturizing. Apply pore-minimizing moisturizers as a last step before sunscreen in the morning. Most pore-minimizing products can be used twice daily, morning and night. The frequency of use can be adjusted for those with more sensitive skin or during times of the year when skin is prone to dryness, like winter," he adds.

What ingredients should your pore-minimizing product contain?

best-pore-minimizers-300590-1699908298590-main

(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Camp says there are a few key ingredients you'll want to look for if you're trying to shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. "Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic and lactic acid, act as gentle exfoliants. They can remove dead skin over pores that can otherwise cause them to be blocked or appear engorged and dilated," he explains. "Beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, penetrate deep into pores to remove excess oil, which can also make pores look enlarged. Retinoids can also help regulate cell turnover. They are helpful treatments for dilated pores, blackheads, and whiteheads."

Take a look at some of our favorite pore-minimizing products below.

1. Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner

2. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

3. Bioderma Sébium Pore Refiner Cream

4. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

5. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution

6. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

7. Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

8. Perricone MD No Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner

9. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

10. PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment

11. Caudalie Instant Detox Mask

12. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask

13. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.