Skincare ingredients for large pores
Our research data links 20 ingredients to large pores. Strongest evidence comes first, each with the studies behind it.
A research list, not medical advice. If a skin condition worries you, see a dermatologist.
Which ingredients have the most evidence for large pores?
In our data, the strongest evidence for large pores is behind Adapalene, Salicylic acid, and Niacinamide.
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| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapalene | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Moderate concern |
| Salicylic acid | 📄 Literature evidence | 30% (professional peel) | Moderate concern |
| Niacinamide | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 2-5% | Low concern |
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Moderate concern |
| All-trans-Retinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 0.075%, 0.4% | Moderate concern |
- AdapaleneModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 7 products
- Salicylic acidModerate concern
Studied at 30% (professional peel)
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Dayal et al., 2020
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Listed in 2,052 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at 2-5%
- Korea approved amount: 2-5%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 12,904 products
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
Katsambas 1989: in a single-blind 6-month study (n=289), 20% azelaic acid was equivalent to 0.05% tretinoin for comedone reduction. The double-blind controlled study (n=92) used inflammatory lesions as the endpoint, so it is viewed separately.
- Reference: Katsambas et al., 1989
Pregnancy: use with care · Listed in 89 products
- All-trans-RetinolModerate concern
Retinol
Studied at 0.075%, 0.4%
- Korea approved amount: about 0.075%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Kafi et al., 2007
- Reference: Kikuchi et al., 2009
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 752 products
- Glycolic acidModerate concern
Studied at 8%
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Stiller et al., 1996
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 843 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate concern
Retinal
Studied at 0.05%, 0.1%
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Kwon et al., 2018
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 192 products
- Retinyl RetinoateModerate concern
Studied at 0.05%
Kim et al. 2013 double-blind split-face (n=15): counts of inflammatory and non-inflammatory (including comedones) lesions and sebum all fell significantly. Small sample (15 women).
- Reference: Kim et al., 2013
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 9 products
- (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)Low concern
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Studied only mixed with other actives
Syed et al. (JAAD, around 2003/2004) double-blind placebo-controlled (n=60): skin texture items including 'large pores' improved 80.0% (placebo 10.0%). Physician visual assessment; pore diameter was not measured with calipers.
- Reference: Syed et al., 2003
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 103 products
- Linoleic acidLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
Letawe 1998 double-blind placebo-controlled crossover (mild acne): in digital analysis of cyanoacrylate follicular biopsies, microcomedone size fell by about 25% in 1 month. Small sample size.
- Reference: Letawe et al., 1998
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 624 products
- GluconolactoneLow concern
Studied at 10% (professional peel), 30% (professional peel)
Jarzabek-Perz et al. 2023: 10% and 30% gluconolactone peels significantly lowered sebum, pH and transepidermal water loss. PHA is known to act shallower and slower than AHA because the molecule is larger, so it irritates less. A direct pore-diameter measurement was not found.
- Reference: Jarzabek-Perz et al., 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,931 products
- Benzoyl peroxideModerate concern
Studied at 2.5-10%
The AAD acne guideline describes benzoyl peroxide as antibacterial plus mildly keratolytic. A dedicated clinical trial directly measuring comedone size or count was not found, and the evidence is mainly at guideline level.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 15 products
- Mandelic acidLow concern
Studied at 10% (professional peel)
Abdel Salam & Sorour 2015 (n=40): a salicylic-mandelic combination peel beat a 35% glycolic peel in comedone improvement rate (90.2% vs 35.9%, 20 weeks). The contribution of mandelic acid alone is not separated (mixed with salicylic acid).
- Reference: Abdel Salam and Sorour, 2015
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 126 products
- Cyclooctasulfur (S8; precipitated sulfur)Low concern
Sulfur
Study dose: not found yet
Gupta & Nicol 2004 review: sulfur reacts with keratinocytes to soften keratin and, in older studies, reduces comedones and lesions more than placebo. Modern stand-alone RCTs are lacking, and most were tested in sulfacetamide combination formulations.
- Reference: Gupta and Nicol, 2004
Listed in 71 products
- BentoniteLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
The same combined mud-pack study as Zhang 2023 above. Bentonite (montmorillonite) swells strongly, so its adsorption is in theory greater than kaolin (general mineralogy) - no clinical trial comparing the two clays head to head was found.
- Reference: Zhang et al., 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 463 products
- KaolinLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
Zhang et al. 2023 (n=60, mud pack): immediate sebum 68.97%, 24-30% reduction with 1-4 weeks of repeated use (all p<0.001). A combined formulation with kaolin, bentonite and other moisturizing ingredients, so kaolin's stand-alone contribution is not separated. Pore size was not measured directly - it is an indirect inference that less sebum makes pores look less prominent.
- Reference: Zhang et al., 2023
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 994 products
– = no pregnancy research data yet
Which ingredients for large pores need a doctor?
4 ingredients here are prescription-only or for in-clinic use in the US. We list them so you can look them up; they never go into a PERBETE routine.
Studied at 0.1%
Photoaging controlled studies included an apparent pore size measure. It does not mean permanent shrinkage of sebaceous glands or follicles.
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Retinoic Acid
Studied at 0.025-0.1%
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Griffiths et al., 1995
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at 0.005%
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
The stand-alone effective % for pore diameter itself is N/A. The concentrations in the table are values taken from related indications such as comedones, sebum and photoaging, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for large pores are advised against in pregnancy?
In our data, pregnancy guidance advises avoiding Adapalene, Tazarotene, All-trans-Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), Trifarotene, All-trans-Retinol, All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde), and Retinyl Retinoate. Each ingredient page names the source.
Use with care (the reason is on each ingredient page): Salicylic acid, Azelaic acid, and Clascoterone.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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