Skincare ingredients for large pores
Our research data links 22 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 Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, and Azelaic acid.
- Salicylic acidModerate hazard
Studied at general drug 0.5-2%; professional peel 30%
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 photoageing, 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 608 products
- NiacinamideLow hazard
Studied at clinical 2-5%; Korean notice whitening 2-5%
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 photoageing, 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 et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not enough data · Listed in 2,529 products
- Azelaic acidModerate hazard
Studied at acne comedones 20%
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 A et al., 1989
Pregnancy: considered fine · Listed in 69 products
- All-trans-RetinolModerate hazard
Retinol
Studied at clinical 0.075%, 0.4%; Korean notice 0.075% equivalent
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 photoageing, 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 et al., 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 352 products
- Glycolic acidModerate hazard
Studied at clinical 8% leave-on
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 photoageing, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Stiller et al., 1996
Pregnancy: considered fine · Listed in 334 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate hazard
Retinal
Studied at clinical 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 photoageing, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
- Reference: Kwon et al., 2018
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 77 products
- Retinyl RetinoateModerate hazard
Studied at clinical 0.05%, split-face 8 weeks
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 B et al., 2013
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 1 product
- (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)Low hazard
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Studied at 2% polyphenols (green tea polyphenol complex, not single EGCG)
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 TA et al., 2003
Pregnancy: not enough data · Listed in 22 products
- Linoleic acidLow hazard
Studied at N/A (concentration applied in the original paper not disclosed; pure linoleic acid applied alone topically)
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 C et al., 1998
Listed in 200 products
- GluconolactoneLow hazard
Studied at professional peel 10%, 30%
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 S et al., 2023
Listed in 537 products
- Benzoyl peroxideModerate hazard
Studied at drug/clinical 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: considered fine · Listed in 14 products
- Capryloyl salicylic acidModerate hazard
Studied at N/A
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 photoageing, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
Pregnancy: not enough data · Listed in 216 products
- Mandelic acidLow hazard
Studied at professional peel 10% (combined with salicylic acid 20%, 7 sessions every other week)
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 HA et al., 2015
Pregnancy: not enough data · Listed in 52 products
Sulfur
Studied at N/A; drug standard varies by formulation
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 AK et al., 2004
Listed in 11 products
- BentoniteModerate hazard
Studied at N/A
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 X et al., 2023
Listed in 105 products
- KaolinModerate hazard
Studied at N/A
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 moisturising 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 X et al., 2023
Listed in 275 products
- Zinc PCALow hazard
Studied at N/A
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 photoageing, and are not to be read as a range proven to shrink pores.
Listed in 139 products
Which ingredients for large pores need a doctor?
5 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 drug 0.1%, 0.3%
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 photoageing, 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 3 products
Studied at apparent pores clinical 0.1%, 24 weeks
Photoageing 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 clinical 0.025-0.1%; typical 0.05%
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 photoageing, 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 clinical/drug 0.005% = 50 ug/g
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 photoageing, 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
Studied at drug 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 photoageing, 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 (a limit on strength, area or time): Salicylic acid and Clascoterone.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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