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.
Get a free large pores routine matched to your skin
Answer 5 questions, skip the rest. Free, and no sign-up to see it.
| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapalene | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | drug 0.1%, 0.3% | Moderate concern |
| Salicylic acid | 📄 Literature evidence | general drug 0.5-2%; professional peel 30% | Moderate concern |
| Niacinamide | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 2-5%; Korean notice whitening 2-5% | Low concern |
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | acne comedones 20% | Moderate concern |
| All-trans-Retinol | 🧪 Clinical evidence | clinical 0.075%, 0.4%; Korean notice 0.075% equivalent | Moderate concern |
- AdapaleneModerate concern
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 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 3 products
- Salicylic acidModerate concern
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 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 1,555 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
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 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: not rated yet · Listed in 8,542 products
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
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 et al., 1989
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 86 products
- All-trans-RetinolModerate concern
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 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 586 products
- Glycolic acidModerate concern
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 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 665 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate concern
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 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 135 products
- Retinyl RetinoateModerate concern
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 et al., 2013
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 6 products
- (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)Low concern
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 et al., 2003
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 79 products
- Linoleic acidLow concern
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 et al., 1998
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 480 products
- GluconolactoneLow concern
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 et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,364 products
- Benzoyl peroxideModerate concern
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: not advised against on skin · Listed in 14 products
- Mandelic acidLow concern
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 and Sorour, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 90 products
- Cyclooctasulfur (S8; precipitated sulfur)Low concern
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 and Nicol, 2004
Listed in 40 products
- BentoniteLow concern
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 et al., 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 363 products
- KaolinLow concern
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 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: not rated yet · Listed in 784 products
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 apparent pores clinical 0.1%, 24 weeks
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 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 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 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 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
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 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 and Clascoterone.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
Trending now
Ingredients more people are searching for this season. Trending is not the same as proven: tap one to see its evidence.
Get a routine for your skin
A free quiz picks products for your concerns and leaves out ingredients you tell it to avoid. Answer 5 questions, skip the rest.