When you Google 'treatments for large pores', the obvious suspects are the first recommendations. Chemical peels, scrubs, clay masks, acid-based toners, and extractions. All well and good given the right circumstances, but not everyone's skin is resilient enough to deal with the side effects of these potentially harsh treatments—many of which can actually worsen the appearance of enlarged pores if overused or used incorrectly.
As an esthetician, one of the first things I do when a client raises concerns around enlarged pores is check what moisturiser they're using. 99% of the time they're not even using one—due to the age-old myth that moisturisers will clog pores and cause congestion and breakouts. By the way, totally false.
The thing is, not moisturising skin can actually make pores appear larger. If skin lacks moisture and is dehydrated, it typically becomes quite thin and stretches, which means that pores are also stretched out and therefore appear more obvious. What's more, because dehydrated skin lacks moisture, it overcompensates by trying to produce its own, which it does by increasing sebum production. Sebum then clogs the pores, causing them to dilate and appear larger. The moral of the story? Moisturiser is essential, even (and especially) if you have large pores.
For this reason, a hydrating toner, serum, and moisturiser are the first things I recommend to clients who want to tackle large pores, no matter whether they have oily or dry skin. Within a matter of weeks, they'll notice a huge difference to their general skin health (and glow!) as well as to the size and appearance of their pores. Plus, with their skin more healthy and resilient, it'll be better able to deal with stronger pore-minimising treatments, so they can take a multi-pronged approach to reducing pore size.
Why should you use moisturiser if you have large pores?
Hydration is key for overall skin health and can prevent the dryness and dehydration that can make pores appear more obvious. "When the skin is dehydrated, it can overproduce oil to compensate, which can lead to clogged and more prominent pores," says Charlene Dehaven, clinical director at iS Clinical. "A well-formulated, lightweight moisturiser with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help regulate oil production and minimise the appearance of pores."
For best results, choose an oil-free, water-based formula labelled as a non-comedogenic moistursier, which is free from known pore-clogging ingredients.
Can you tighten enlarged pores?
Firstly, it's important to understand what causes enlarged pores. "Enlarged pores are influenced by a variety of factors: genetics, excess sebum production, loss of skin elasticity, and environmental damage," says Dehaven. "Individuals with oily skin types tend to have more visible pores due to excess oil and debris accumulation. Additionally, as collagen and elastin levels decline with age or UV exposure, skin loses firmness, making pores appear more prominent."
According to Dehaven the appearance of pores can be minimised with effective skincare. "Regular use of ingredients like retinol can stimulate collagen production, helping to firm the skin and reduce pore visibility," she explains. "Chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid, help clear out excess oil and debris, while advanced treatments like laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores."
To prevent clogged and enlarged pores, Dehaven recommends avoiding heavy, pore-clogging ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and certain silicones. "Harsh alcohol-based products can strip the skin, triggering increased sebum production and overuse of thick occlusive creams or overly aggressive scrubs can also worsen pore congestion and irritation," she adds.
Essentially, while you can't erase or shrink pores, you can make them appear less obvious and prevent them from stretching and becoming more permanently enlarged.
Keeping skin well hydrated can help to keep pores clear of excess oil and prevent them from becoming clogged—which makes them appear enlarged. When skin is plumped with moisture, pores will appear more 'closed' and therefore less obvious as they're not stretched out due to dehydration.
The Best Moisturisers for Large Pores:
- Best for Oily Skin: iS Clinical Moisturising Complex (£98)
- Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser (£50)
- Best for Mature Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z Gel Cream Moisturiser (£33)
- Best for Dull Skin: The Inkey List Omega Water Cream (£11)
- Best for Dehydrated Skin: Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream (£45)
- Best for Combination Skin: Skin + Me Light Moisturiser (£22)
- Best for Breakout-Prone Skin: Medik8 Clarity Peptides (£45)
- Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream (£17)
- Best for Under Makeup: Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser (£49)
1. iS Clinical Moisturising Complex
Best for: Oily skin
This lightweight moisturiser is perfect for oily skin with large pores thanks to the addition of retinol. While best known for its ability to treat signs of skin ageing and clear breakouts, retinol also helps to regulate sebum production and keep pores clear—ultimately meaning they appear smaller and less obvious over time.
For
- Matte finish
Against
- Expensive price point
2. Dr. Sam's Flawless Moisturiser
Best for: Dry skin
Not many moisturisers deliver on multiple fronts, especially when it comes to treating dry skin and enlarged pores simultaneously, but this one does. Shea butter soften, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier while 5% niacinamide helps to reduce pore size by regulating sebum production.
For
- Fragrance free
Against
- Pump bottle means some product is wasted
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z Gel Cream Moisturiser
Best for: Mature skin
Multitasking azelaic is the hero ingredient in this light gel-cream textured moisturiser. It helps to gently exfoliate and unclog pores while fading dark spots and smoothing uneven texture. In addition, salicylic acid has the same exfoliating, unclogging effect on an even deeper level, so congestion is addressed right from the root.
For
- Addresses fine lines and hyperpigmentation
Against
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
4. The Inkey List Omega Water Cream Moisturiser
Best for: Dull skin
Not only does this refreshing gel moisturiser pack a powerful punch of hydration, but it leaves skin glowing in the process. Seriously, we're talking "glass skin". What's more, it hydrates without clogging pores, so the skin's moisture levels feel instantly replenished, but you don't need to worry about congestion being triggered.
For
- Affordable price point
Against
- Often sold out
5. Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream
Best for: Dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin and enlarged pores unfortunately come hand-in-hand, so the right moisturiser is key. When skin is thirsty, it often attempts to "self-moisturise" by producing excess oil, leading to an increase in congestion which, makes pores appear larger. What's more, as dehydrated skin is typically thin and stretched, pores are stretched wider and appear even larger. This moisturiser immediately plumps skin with moisture thanks to ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid—helping with time to prevent excess oil production.
For
- Feels cooling and refreshing
Against
- Jar is not airtight
6. Skin + Me Light Moisturiser
Best for: Combination skin
Since it's specifically designed with oily to combination skin in mind, this lightweight moisturiser does a little bit of everything. A potent 1% zinc PCA prevents pore clogging and sebum production, while hyaluronic acid hydrates skin and ceramides strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss. Both dry and oily areas are treated, and over time balance is restored.
For
- Affordable price point
Against
- May feel too rich for oilier skin
7. Medik8 Clarity Peptides
Best for: Breakout-prone skin
While this isn't the most moisturising option on the list, it's a brilliant solution for skin that's dealing with breakouts and enlarged pores—the two are intrinsically linked, so typically benefit from the same mix of ingredients. A strong 10% niacinamide regulates oil production and smooths skin texture (which helps pores appear less obvious) while also reducing inflammation and preventing the congestion that leads to breakouts forming.
For
- A multitasking formula
Against
- Not super hydrating
8. CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream
Best for: Sensitive skin
CeraVe has long since provided effective solutions for sensitive skin concerns, but with most of their moisturisers being best suited to drier skin types, oily complexions with enlarged pores haven't always benefitted. It made total sense when the brand launched this, their first gel-cream moisturiser, designed with oily skin in mind. The non-comedogenic formula hydrates skin without clogging pores or leaving a thick, heavy residue.
For
- Affordable price point
Against
- May not be rich enough for drier skin types
9. Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser
Best for: Under makeup
It's easy to see why this moisturiser has such good reviews—it truly ticks all of the boxes. The texture is light and gel-like so feels cooling and refreshing, and leaves skin with a smooth, glowy finish—the perfect base for makeup. Plus, by boosting collagen production, the peptide-rich formula strengthens and rebuilds skin structure, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores caused by loss of skin elasticity.
For
- Skin feels immediately hydrated
Against
- Doesn't last long
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