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Best Skincare for Enlarged Pores

Enlarged pores respond to retinoids, BHA, and niacinamide. Here are the 5 best products.

· 5 min read

Our #1 pick

Premium Beauty

Paula's Choice

2% BHA Liquid

~$35

Premium Beauty 10%, the pore standard

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The short answer
Best skincare for pores: Paula's Choice 2% BHA (premium 10%), Differin Adapalene, The Ordinary Niacinamide 10%, SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 (premium 10%), and Naturium BHA Liquid. Pores don't shrink, they stay clearer.

Pores appear enlarged when clogged with sebum and dead cells. Retinoids increase cell turnover, BHAs dissolve sebum, niacinamide reduces sebum production. Combined, pores appear dramatically smaller within 8-12 weeks.

Our top 5 picks

2

Differin

Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Retinoid for cell turnover

3

The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Sebum control at budget price

4

SkinMedica

Premium

Retinol Complex 1.0

Premium Beauty 10%, pharma-grade retinol

5

Naturium

BHA Liquid 2%

Budget BHA dupe

Frequently asked

Can you shrink pores permanently? +

No, pore size is genetic. But keeping them clear of sebum and dead cells makes them appear significantly smaller.