How to Minimise Pores: The Best Ingredients and Products for Smoother Skin

Large or visible pores are one of the most common skin concerns and while you can’t physically shrink them, you can minimise their appearance with the right skincare ingredients and treatments. If you’ve been searching for ways to achieve smoother, more refined skin, here’s everything you need to know about how to minimise pores effectively.

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What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Before tackling how to reduce pore size, it helps to understand the main causes of enlarged pores:

• Excess oil production (common in oily or combination skin)
• Clogged pores due to dead skin cells, makeup, or pollution
• Loss of elasticity as skin ages, making pores appear stretched
• Genetics, which can determine your natural pore size

While we can’t change genetics, we can definitely address oiliness, congestion, and skin texture with the right skincare products.

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Best Ingredients to Minimise Pores

Now i have tried countless products and ingredients in attempt to achieve smaller appearance of pores and overall smoother skin. When choosing skincare products to refine and smooth the skin, i have found that these powerhouse ingredients are key:

1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

A hero for oily and combination skin, niacinamide helps regulate sebum (oil) production, strengthens the skin barrier, and visibly reduces the look of pores over time.

• Look for serums or moisturisers with 5–10% niacinamide.
• Generally works well for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

The ones from Drunk Elephant and The Ordinary are quite good depending on your budget and preference.

2. Salicylic Acid (BHA)

This oil-soluble exfoliant penetrates deep into the pores, dissolving excess sebum and unclogging blackheads and whiteheads.

• Ideal for acne-prone skin.
• Found in cleansers, toners, and leave-on exfoliants.
• Helps prevent future congestion and makes pores look smaller.

I love the Cerave cleansers. Also gentle for sensitive skin as well, i find.

3. Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing the stretched appearance of pores.

• Use a gentle retinol serum at night.
• Start slow (2–3 times a week) and build up to daily use.
• Always pair with SPF during the day.

I am obesessed with the Tretinoin from Obagi. Iv talked about Obagi before and what a transformative skincare program that is. Tretinoin does need a prescription and is very strong so i do not use it more than twice a week.

4. Natural Retinol Alternatives (Sensitive Skin-Friendly)

If your skin is too sensitive for traditional retinol, plant-based retinol alternatives are a game-changer. Ingredients like bakuchiol and rosehip seed oil deliver similar pore-refining and skin-renewing benefits – without the irritation.

✨ Editor’s Pick: The beautyandbains™️ Natural Retinol Alternative Serum is a gentle yet powerful option designed for sensitive skin. It helps boost cell turnover, improve elasticity, and smooth skin texture, all while being kind to delicate skin types. A perfect pore-minimiser for those who want results without the side effects of retinol.

5. Clay (Kaolin, Bentonite)

Clay masks absorb excess oil and impurities from the pores, making skin look instantly smoother and more matte.

• Use once or twice a week.
• Great quick fix before events.

The Mario Badescu Collagen Mask is great for pores. Use once a week.

6. Peptides

Peptides help support collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness. Firmer, healthier skin means pores look tighter and less noticeable.

✨ Editor’s Pick: The beautyandbains™️ Peptide Serum is formulated with advanced peptides that target skin elasticity and support a smoother, pore-refined complexion. It not only helps minimise the appearance of enlarged pores but also delivers powerful anti-ageing benefits, making it a must-have in your pore-care routine. Watch some of our favorite reviews of the serum here.

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Best Products for Minimising Pores

When building your skincare routine, aim for products that combine cleansing, exfoliation, treatment, and protection. I would say a really good example of a pore-refining routine would be:

• Gentle Cleanser: Removes dirt and excess oil without stripping skin.
• Exfoliating Toner with Salicylic Acid: Keeps pores clear and refined.
• Niacinamide Serum: Balances oil and smooths texture.
• Retinol (PM): Long-term skin renewal and pore refinement.
• beautyandbains™️ Natural Retinol Alternative (PM (works for sensitive skin as well)): A gentle option that effectively boosts cell turnover and smooths pores.
• beautyandbains™️ Peptide Serum (AM & PM): Boosts skin firmness and reduces pore visibility.
• Clay Mask (Weekly): Deep clean for congested skin.
• SPF (AM): Essential for protecting pores and preventing skin damage.

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Lifestyle Tips for Smaller-Looking Pores

Products are powerful, but daily habits matter too. These 2 things work hand in hand with each other to give you the healthiest skin you can have:

• Always remove makeup before bed (i cant emphasize enough how important this is).
• Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate skin and enlarge pores.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen daily – UV damage worsens pore visibility (check out our all natural mineral SPF thats tinted as well for smoother skin with a subtle glow).

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Final Thoughts: Can You Really Shrink Pores?

Pores are a natural part of skin and can’t be erased completely. But with the right pore-minimising ingredients – like niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinol, natural retinol alternatives, and peptides – you can in fact, dramatically reduce their appearance and achieve a smoother, more refined complexion.

If you’re looking for results-driven solutions, the beautyandbains™️ Natural Retinol Alternative and beautyandbains™️ Peptide Serum are powerful additions to your routine. With consistent use, they help restore skin firmness, balance texture, and minimise the visibility of pores for radiant, healthy-looking skin. They are also all natural (Eco-Cert Natural Certified), made with natures best.

I hope this helps and your pores shrink but your confidence only grows:)

Much Luv,

Arita bains Xx