13 Best Pore Minimizers

All too often we hear that people are desperate to get rid of their pores. Despite what you may have heard, getting rid of your pores is impossible and—quite frankly—you shouldn’t want to. They allow you to sweat and help regulate your skin barrier. While you may not be able to get rid of pores entirely, we understand wanting to make them less noticeable. According to a NCBI study, enlarged pores, caused by high sebum excretion, decreased elasticity around pores, and increased hair follicle volume, are a major concern for many. They just don’t fit with an otherwise flawless complexion. Thankfully, even though you can’t part with your pores permanently, you’re not totally out of luck. You can help minimize their appearance with the help of a pore-minimizing product. We’re sharing our picks of the 13 best pore minimizers—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—below.

Pore Minimizer #1: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser

When it comes to unclogging pores, exfoliating is your new BFF. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser goes beyond daily cleansing to exfoliate and unclog pores for skin that feels smoother. Squeeze the product into your hands and just add water to watch it transform from a clay to a mousse. When you’re finished washing, skin is purified of dirt and oil. And of course, don’t think we forgot, with continued use imperfections appear less visible and pores appear tighter and minimized.

Pore Minimizer #2: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cream Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cream Cleanser boasts a creamy texture that develops into a soft, smooth lather. Reach for it when you’re looking to cleanse and tighten clogged pores.

Pore Minimizer #3: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Refining Tonic 

If your beauty routine doesn’t include a toner, it should. Trust us, toners aren’t just an extra step to add to your regimen. In fact, they can even play a part in minimizing the appearance of your pores. The Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Reining Tonic is a dual-phase toner formulated with Amazonian white clay and can help to refine pores and control shine. Of course, that’s not all. It also mattifies and rebalances skin’s moisture levels for a smoother and healthier looking skin appearance.

Pore Minimizer #4: Vichy Idéalia Radiance Serum

Large pores may often be associated with oily skin, which is why you may see pore minimizing products that can also help zap away oils and reduce excess shine. But, we understand not everyone’s after skin that looks matte. That’s where a pore refining, radiance boosting serum comes into play. Yes, you can have both. The Vichy Idéalia Radiance Serum is an antioxidant serum that revives skin’s natural glow, helps create an even looking complexion, refines skin texture, and minimizes pores—with the first visible effects in a matter of days. 

Pore Minimizer #5: Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector

Don’t you just love a product that does it all? The Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector not only tackles the appearance of large pores, but skin texture and wrinkles too. Bye, bye complexion concerns. The unique complex of ingredients re-texturizes the look of skin, refines and corrects the appearance of wrinkles and pores, leaving skin looking visibly more beautiful both immediately and over time. If that’s not convincing enough, its efficacy day after day, where skin looks as if it’s transformed, should do the trick.

Pore Minimizer #6: SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture

In case you’re out of the loop, let us reiterate, everyone needs to moisturize—no matter their skin type. Since moisturizing is already a given , you might as well help minimize the look of your pores while you’re at it. The SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, moisturizes while minimizing, so you can check two things off your to-do list. Suitable for normal and oily skin types, the lightweight moisturizer hydrates, nourishes, and helps reduce the appearance of pore size.

Pore Minimizer #7: Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask

Since large pores don’t exactly do anything good for our stress levels, we love a pore minimizing option that doubles as a way to unwind. Not catching our drift? Use a face mask to work on your pores, while kicking up your feet and relaxing. The Garnier SkinActive Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask is a sheet mask formulated with charcoal and algae extract which can help to draw out pore-clogging impurities in 15 minutes. Pop on a mask 3 times a week and pores will start to look tightened and less visible, along with skin appearing healthier and less shiny over time. 

Pore Minimizer #8: Kiehl’s Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate

Clinically tested to help visibly lift the skin and help re-define the appearance of facial contours, this Kiehl’s Precision Lifting & Pore-Tightening Concentrate will be your new favorite pore minimizer. It’s formulated with micro-filtered yeast extract, and can help to lift skin and tighten the look of enlarged pores. It’s also ideal for all skin types.

Pore Minimizer #9: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum

Besides its aesthetically pleasing bottle, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum is as effective as it is pretty. It helps to reduce the look of pores, smooth skin texture and boost radiance. It’s formulated with glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid, and can target fine lines, visible pores, and uneven skin texture.

Pore Minimizer #10: Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion

For those of you looking for a product with a little more intensity, look to Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. This polishing cream smooths the skin’s surface, minimizes discolorations, and helps to reduce the appearance of unsightly, enlarged pores.

Pore Minimizer #11: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur is more than a moisturizer, or primer – it’s an instant skin smoother that can help erase the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores with continued use.

Pore Minimizer #12: L’Oreal Paris Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher

For a fresh, lightweight cream-based moisturizer, look to L’Oreal Paris Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher. This product works in three ways: to shrink the look of pore depth, number, and size. As it absorbs oil for an all-day, shine-free finish, it also helps the skin to appear hydrated and tightened. Apply as the last step in your routine, both in the morning and at night. 

Pore Minimizer #13: L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

When it comes to pore-minimizing primers, this one should be on your radar. L’Oreal Paris’ Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base perfects skin’s texture all day and night while minimizing the look of pores and fine lines for a gorgeous makeup look.