If you want to minimize the appearance of large pores, using an expertly formulated serum can help. While you can’t actually change the size of your pores, serums that unclog excess sebum and debris will help make them appear smaller. Here is our guide to the best serums for large pores.

Our Recommendations

1. Niacinamide

The Inkey List Niacinamide

The Inkey List Serum for Large Pores, Excess Oil, and Redness

The Inkey List Niacinamide

This affordable serum from The Inkey List uses the power of niacinamide to control sebum production, minimize redness, and more.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Large Pores, Excess Oil, and Redness
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply an even layer of the serum all over the face. Follow up with a moisturizer, and sunscreen during the day.
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This lightweight serum contains a 10% concentration of niacinamide (vitamin B3), a multi-tasking skincare ingredient. It has been shown to control excess oil and minimize the appearance of large pores, so it is particularly great for those with oilier skin. Niacinamide also helps minimize redness and control blemishes for a clear and even complexion.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Affordable
  • Cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-toxic

Cons

  • Some people can have a niacinamide sensitivity, which may cause irritation (patch test before using)

In addition to the niacinamide, this daily serum contains a 1% concentration of hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin hydrated.

Water (Aqua/ Eau), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Allantoin, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Jan. 11, 2022.

2. Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Serum for Fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and minimizing large pores

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

This drugstore retinol serum is specifically formulated to tackle post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and large pores, and helps promote an overall even and clear complexion.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and minimizing large pores
Tested on animals: Yes
How to use: After cleansing, apply a pump of the serum evenly all over the face, neck, and chest. Use once a day (or less frequently to prevent irritation).
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This is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable retinol. This fragrance-free retinol serum not only helps with acne scars and large pores, but it can also help fight signs of aging and brighten the skin.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Developed with dermatologists

Cons

  • May cause irritation or dryness

This non-comedogenic retinol serum also contains ceramides and niacinamide, which work to calm and restore the skin while maintaining its barrier. Additionally, this formula contains licorice root extract, which gives a brightening boost. That extra benefit may further help lighten discolored scars.

Aqua/Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne"

    Accessed Nov. 8, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Nov. 8, 2021.
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products"

    Accessed Nov. 8, 2021.

3. Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum

La Roche-Posay Serum for Minimizing Pores and Exfoliating

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum

This serum is packed with chemical exfoliators and additional ingredients that help minimize the appearance of pores, while also smoothing the skin’s texture and reducing fine lines.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Minimizing Pores and Exfoliating
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply two to three drops to the face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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This serum is excellent for both minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and reducing fine lines. Lipo-hydroxy acid (which is a derivative of salicylic acid) helps diminish the appearance of enlarged pores, while also brightening and evening tone and texture. Glycolic acid works on the surface of the skin to smooth texture and minimize lines.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist tested

Cons

  • May irritate more sensitive skin

In addition to the chemical exfoliators mentioned above, this serum contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin hydrated and helps counteract the potentially drying effects of the exfoliators.

Water, Alcohol Denat, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Diisopopyl Adipate, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-30 Glyceryl Cocoate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, P-anisic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium Edta, Polyquaternium-10.

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The Use of Lipohydroxy Acid in Skin Care and Acne Treatment"

    Accessed Aug. 16, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin"

    Accessed Aug. 16, 2021.

4. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

The Ordinary Serum for Minimizing Blemishes and Controlling Sebum Production

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

This multi-tasking product helps minimize blemishes and congestion while reducing redness and regulating the production of sebum.

Skin types: Normal, Oily and Combination
Best for: Minimizing Blemishes and Controlling Sebum Production
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply the serum to the face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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Niacinamide is an excellent skincare ingredient that has been shown to control sebum production, reduce redness and inflammation, minimize fine lines, and even reduce hyperpigmentation. This product also contains zinc, which further balances sebum production and reduces inflammation.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)

This product is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. However, those currently fighting acne will also want to introduce other acne-fighting ingredients into their routine, as niacinamide on its own is not an effective treatment for minimizing breakouts.

Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Xanthan gum, Isoceteth-20, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production"

    Accessed Aug. 9, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Aug. 9, 2021.
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review"

    Accessed Aug. 9, 2021.

5. 10% Niacinamide Booster

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Paula's Choice Serum for Refining Pore Size and Improving Skin Tone

Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

This super light niacinamide product is one of the best Paula’s Choice serums. It delivers a multitude of benefits, including minimizing the appearance of pores, controlling sebum production, smoothing fine lines, reducing redness, and brightening.

Skin types: All Skin Types
Best for: Refining Pore Size and Improving Skin Tone
Tested on animals: No
How to use: After cleansing, apply the booster to the face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
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Niacinamide is a powerful skincare ingredient that offers a wide variety of benefits, which makes this another great multipurpose serum. In addition to minimizing the appearance of pores, it has been shown to control sebum production, smooth fine lines, reduce redness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and brighten the skin.

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • May cause flushing in those sensitive to niacinamide (patch test prior to using)

In addition to the 10% concentration of niacinamide, this booster contains allantoin and licorice extract, which calm the skin. It also contains vitamin C, which brightens. It’s important to note that users should patch test niacinamide first, because some people are sensitive to it, and it may make acne or flushing worse.

Water (Aqua), Niacinamide (vitamin B3, skin-restoring ), Acetyl Glucosamine (skin replenishing/antioxidant), Ascorbyl Glucoside (vitamin C/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Phospholipids (skin replenishing), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Boerhavia Diffusa Root Extract (skin-soothing), Glycerin (hydration/skin replenishing), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (skin-soothing), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (licorice extract/skin-soothing), Ubiquinone (antioxidant), Epigallocatechin Gallate (antioxidant), Beta-Glucan (skin-soothing/antioxidant), Panthenol (skin replenishing), Carnosine (antioxidant), Genistein (antioxidant), Citric Acid (pH balancing), Sodium Citrate (pH balancing), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancing), Xanthan Gum (texture-enhancing), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative), Phenoxyethanol (preservative)

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production"

    Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. "How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?"

    Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.

FAQs

Can serums reduce pore size?

Serums and other skincare products can’t actually reduce your pore size, because pores don’t shrink. Pore size is determined by genetics, and there isn’t anything you can do to actually change their size. However, serums (and other skincare products, like masks and exfoliants) that help unclog pores and keep them clear of excess sebum and debris can help minimize their appearance and make them seem less noticeable. 

What is the best serum for wrinkles and large pores?

If you’re looking for a multi-tasking serum that will both fade fine lines and wrinkles and minimize the appearance of large pores, try the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. This serum contains retinol, which is one of the best ingredients for fighting signs of aging. Retinol also helps unclog pores, so it’s great for keeping the pores clear so that they appear smaller. Another great option is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum, which has different forms of chemical exfoliants that help unclog pores and exfoliate the surface of the skin to minimize lines and promote a softer complexion.

What is the best serum for blackheads and large pores?

It’s not uncommon for people with large pores to also have skin that is prone to blackheads. If you want a serum that tackles blackheads and large pores, try the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum or the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum. Both of these serums contain ingredients that help minimize the appearance of large pores while also tackling blackheads and other forms of acne.

The Bottom Line

While you may not be able to actually change the size of your pores, you can use a serum to help minimize their appearance. If you are looking to target large pores, consider adding one of our recommended serums to your routine.