Best ingredients for enlarged pores

Niacinamide

Calms redness, tightens the look of pores, and rebuilds the skin barrier.

PHA (Gluconolactone)

Gluconolactone

Exfoliates gently while hydrating, making it the mildest chemical exfoliant available.

Willow Bark Extract

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract

A botanical extract containing salicin, marketed as a natural BHA — though it does not behave like salicylic acid on skin.

Zinc PCA

A water-soluble zinc salt that regulates oil and keeps acne-causing bacteria in check.

Malic Acid

Exfoliates the skin surface as an alpha-hydroxy acid, often blended with other AHAs for a mild, balanced effect.

Willow Bark

Salix Alba Bark Extract

A botanical extract containing salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, used for mild exfoliation and blemish control.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Tightens the look of pores, reduces oil, and calms mild inflammation.

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Glycolic Acid

Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother texture and brighter tone.

Granactive Retinoid

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Binds directly to retinoid receptors without requiring conversion, offering retinoid effects with less irritation.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Salicylic Acid

Penetrates oil-filled pores to clear congestion and calm acne-related inflammation.

Sulfur

A mineral active with keratolytic, antibacterial, and oil-absorbing properties used to treat acne and oily skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Reduces acne-causing bacteria and calms inflamed breakouts.

Retinol

Speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen, smoothing texture and softening fine lines over months.

Bentonite

A swelling clay that thickens and suspends in a formula, and in a mask absorbs surface oil and water as it dries.

Kaolin

A soft white aluminium silicate clay that absorbs oil and lends body to masks, powders and cleansers. Among the clays used on skin it is the mildest, drawing less aggressively than bentonite or rhassoul.