If you have large pores, you’ll want a lightweight moisturizer that adequately hydrates and balances the skin without feeling greasy or emphasizing the appearance of pores. Below, we’ve created a guide to the best moisturizers for large pores.
Our Recommendations
1. Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Moisturizer for Daily Moisturization
Paula’s Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
This moisturizer is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, because it is lightweight, non-greasy, oil-free, and doesn’t clog pores or lead to more breakouts.
It can be difficult for those with acne-prone skin to find a suitable moisturizer, but this option delivers hydration without contributing to breakouts. It also contains ingredients that soothe the skin, helping to eliminate any irritation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- No SPF for daytime use
This moisturizer contains niacinamide, which helps to minimize pores, eliminate redness, and even skin tone. It also contains antioxidants that soothe the skin, and ceramides that strengthen the skin’s surface.
Water (Aqua), Ethyl Macadamiate (hydration), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Cetearyl Alcohol (texture enhancer), Propanediol (hydration), Triethylhexanoin (skin-smoothing), Sodium Acrylates Copolymer (texture enhancer), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate (thickeners), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (skin- soothing), Hydrolyzed Pumpkin Seedcake (skin-replenishing), Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract (skin-soothing/antioxidant), Niacinamide (skin-restoring),Tripeptide-29 (skin-restoring), Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP (skin-replenishing), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-replenishing/hydration), Phytosphingosine (skin-restoring), Cholesterol (skin-replenishing), Panthenol (hydration), Sodium PCA (skin-replenishing), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Lecithin (skin-restoring/hydration), Arginine (amino acid/hydration), Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate (emulsifier) Sodium Gluconate (hydration/chelation), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Isohexadecane (solvent/texture enhancer), Xanthan Gum, Carbomer (thickeners), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin (preservatives)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.
2. Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
Paula's Choice Moisturizer for Daily Sun Protection and Moisturization
Paula’s Choice Clear Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+
This lightweight SPF 30 moisturizer leaves a matte finish and doesn’t clog pores, making it one of the best Paula’s Choice sunscreens for normal to oily and acne-prone skin.
Many people with oily or acne-prone skin worry about using sunscreens, because they often feel thick and greasy. However, this SPF moisturizer is an excellent choice for these skin types, because it protects the skin but doesn’t feel greasy or clog pores. It also contains antioxidants and hydrators that calm the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate sensitive skin
- Not water-resistant
This lightweight SPF moisturizer contains antioxidants and replenishing ingredients that calm and hydrate the skin without contributing to shine, including vitamin E, grape seed extract, green tea, and oat extract.
Avobenzone 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.0% (sunscreen actives), Water (Aqua), Glycerin (hydration/skin-replenishing), Silica (absorbent), Dimethicone (hydration/texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract (antioxidant), Sambucus Nigra (Black Elderberry) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract (skin-soothing), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract (antioxidant), Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Titanium Dioxide (texture enhancer), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (hydration), Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate (hydration), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Xanthan Gum (texture enhancer), Sodium Carbomer (texture enhancer), Benzyl Alcohol (preservative), Sodium Benzoate (stabilizer), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
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American Academy of Dermatology. "Is Sunscreen Safe?"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.
3. Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin
La Roche-Posay Moisturizer for Daily Moisturization
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin
This oil-free moisturizer is formulated with a variety of ingredients that cut down on shine to achieve a matte finish, but it still gives oily skin the hydration that it needs.
This moisturizer is great for oily skin, because it contains a variety of shine-reducing ingredients. It uses the brand’s Sebulyse technology, which helps mattify excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores. Additionally, it contains perlite and silica, which absorb excess oil to cut down on shine.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Contains fragrance
This moisturizer also contains a small amount of lipo-hydroxy acid, a chemical exfoliator that gently exfoliates the skin.
Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl Stearate, Alcohol Denat., Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamide Mea, Sarcosine, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Isohexadecane, Perlite, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid, Parfum/Fragrance.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Use of Lipohydroxy Acid in Skin Care and Acne Treatment"
Accessed Aug. 18, 2021.
4. Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
Paula's Choice Moisturizer for Daily Moisturization and Anti-Aging Benefits
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator
For those with normal to oily skin and aging concerns, this is an excellent lightweight moisturizer. The gel-lotion formula contains a blend of ingredients proven to brighten the skin and fight signs of aging.
This moisturizer is ultra-light and packed with ingredients that fight the signs of aging, making it one of the best Paula’s Choice moisturizers for people with normal to oily skin that want to soften lines and brighten. It also contains ingredients that defend against environmental stressors, hydrate, and minimize pore size.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- No SPF for daytime use
This moisturizer contains vitamin C, which brightens and fights signs of aging. It also contains niacinamide, which calms the skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and diminishes fine lines.
Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane (texture enhancer/hydration), Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate (texture enhancer), Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer (texture enhancer/film-forming agent), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Cetyl Alcohol (emollient), Niacinamide (skin-restoring), Dimethicone (hydration), Cetearyl Alcohol (emollient), Butylene Glycol (slip agent/hydration), Glyceryl Stearate (texture enhancer), PEG-100 Stearate (texture enhancer), Adenosine (skin-restoring), Epigallocatechin Gallate (green tea-derived antioxidant), Glucose Oxidase (hydration), Lactoperoxidase (hydration/soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (skin-soothing), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract (antioxidant), Lactobacillus (hydration/skin-soothing), Polysilicone-11 (texture enhancer), Sodium Chloride (texture enhancer), Potassium Thiocyanate (hydration), Glucose (hydration), Xanthan Gum (thickener), Ceteareth-20 (solubilizing agent), Decyl Glucoside (surfactant), Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.
5. Moisture Gel
Paula's Choice Moisturizer for Daily Moisturization
Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel
This super-light gel formula is perfect for those with normal to oily skin, as it hydrates without making the skin feel greasy.
Oilier skin types still need to moisturize daily, as it helps their skin stay hydrated and balanced. This super lightweight gel moisturizer is one of the best Paula’s Choice products for normal to oily skin, as it quenches the skin without leaving a greasy finish.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
Cons
- No SPF for daytime use
This moisturizer contains niacinamide, which calms the skin and can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and even skin tone. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that protect the skin.
Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone (hydration), Niacinamide (vitamin B3/skin-restoring), Laminaria Saccharina (Algae) Extract (hydration), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (hydration/skin-soothing), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil (non-fragrant oil/emollient/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Phenyl Trimethicone (hydration), Dimethicone (hydration), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (skin-soothing), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (vitamin c/antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), Isohexadecane (texture-enhancing), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer (texture-enhancing, Sodium Carbomer (texture-enhancing), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer (texture-enhancing), Polysorbate 80 (texture-enhancing), Hydroxyethylcellulose (texture-enhancing), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative), Potassium Sorbate.
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National Library of Medicine. "Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021. -
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
FAQs
What is the best moisturizer for oily skin with large pores?
People with large pores typically have skin that skews on the oilier side. All of the moisturizers that we’ve recommended above are great for oily skin with large pores. If you are specifically looking for an oily skin-friendly moisturizer that is formulated to cut down on shine for a more matte finish, check out the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer for Oily Skin or the Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Invisible Finish Moisture Gel.
Should I use a moisturizer if I have large pores?
Yes, you still need to moisturize your skin on a daily basis if you have large pores. Every skin type needs to moisturize in order to keep the skin adequately hydrated so that it looks and feels its absolute best. If you neglect to moisturize your skin, you’ll end up dehydrating your skin. This can actually trigger the skin to overcompensate and produce more oil, which can clog pores and make them appear even larger. Trying to “dry out” your skin by not moisturizing will ultimately do more harm than good.
Can you really shrink your pores?
It’s a common misconception that pores open and close. However, pore size is determined by genetics, and there isn’t anything you can do to actually shrink (or open) your pores. That said, there are steps you can take to keep the pores clear of dirt, sebum, and other excess debris, which will help minimize the appearance of pores and make them seem less noticeable. This includes using a chemical exfoliant, cleansing twice a day, using clay or charcoal masks, and avoiding any products that contain pore-clogging ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Everyone needs to moisturize their skin, and the right moisturizer can help those with large pores keep their skin hydrated and healthy without making pores appear larger. If you have large pores, consider adding one of our recommended moisturizers to your skincare routine.
