Like magic.
Pores: Everyone’s got ‘em, and there’s not much you can do about ‘em. Okay, so maybe we are oversimplifying slightly, but that’s the basic gist of it. We all have pores—tiny openings at the skin’s surface. And, contrary to what’s commonly said, there’s nothing you can do to change the actual size of your pores. How big they are is a matter of genetics, but what can change how big or small they look is essentially how much gunk is inside of them.
Clogged pores appear larger (and, in the case of blackheads, often darker), while ones that are clear are less noticeable. So, cleaning them out is a good place to start if you’re looking for a way to minimize the appearance of prominent pores. (Not to mention that clogged pores can also lead to bacterial build-up and acne.)1 Enter the beauty of a good pore-clearing mask. While it may not necessarily be a magic eraser, a mask can help to de-gunk pores and make them look smaller in a matter of minutes.
But which face masks actually deliver real results and are worth your hard-earned money? To find out, we tested a wide range of formulas in our Manhattan-based lab. Here we evaluated each face mask, scoring each one out of five based on how they exfoliated the skin, reduced oil, and helped shrink the appearance of pores—all without irritating or drying out skin. We also took into consideration a variety of skin concerns and types, as well as ease of application.
Finally, we spoke to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She’s also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Ahead, find our favorite face masks that can help pores appear smaller and less noticeable.
Best Overall: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Our overall favorite face mask for improving the appearance of pores is Kate Somerville’s best-selling Exfolikate treatment. It’s formulated with papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes for a naturally exfoliating effect while lactic, salicylic and silica acids create a chemically exfoliating action. Aloe vera, vitamin E and honey also help to keep the skin smooth and comfortable.
We tried this treatment in our NYC lab and felt that the performance of this product goes above and beyond. While it does sting a little on application, once it’s removed with warm water, our skin didn’t feel stripped or irritated – just totally rejuvenated. The brand recommends leaving it on for two minutes, but we took it off slightly earlier as our tester’s skin was more on the sensitive side. It’s also only intended to be used once a week so go slowly at first and see how your skin reacts.
Who It’s For
This is an excellent treatment for dry, combination, and oily skin that’s prone to dullness, uneven skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Best Overall Runner Up: GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Clearing Treatment Mask
This combines not one, not two, not three, but six different types of exfoliating acids for gentle exfoliation to help unclog pores (as well as generally make your skin look smoother and more even). As if that weren’t enough, it also touts activated charcoal, which may help to remove toxins and impurities from pores. It also works equally well on normal, combination, and acne-prone skin.
Who It’s For
This mask is ideal for congested and blemish-prone skin that needs a deep yet gentle clean.
Best Budget: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
“Clay is a popular ingredient in masks for pores because it absorbs sebum and has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. She adds that there are many different types out there, all of which are very absorbent and great for removing potentially pore-clogging oil.2 This pick is actually just straight-up bentonite clay, which you can turn into a DIY face mask by combining it with water. We found that it was highly effective at making our pores appear smaller, we’d just advise erring on the side of caution leaving it on for a shorter amount of time (about 5 minutes) until you’re sure it’s not too drying for your skin.
Who It’s For
This is an ideal weekly face treatment for blemish and acne-prone skin that struggles with congestion and build-up.
Best for Oily Skin: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask
According to King, clay masks are especially important for oily skin (and can sometimes be too drying for other skin types). This one from Kiehl’s touts both Amazonian white clay and bentonite clay to help purify pores and leave the skin feeling next-level deep cleansed and refreshed. It’s also a good treatment for smoothing skin texture and giving it a more uniform appearance.
Who It’s For
This cleansing mask is suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin that has visible pores and blackheads.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin, Runner-Up: Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask
Whether you’re trying to minimize the look of prominent pores or are battling a breakout, reach for this mask. Green clay does the pore-purifying duties, while a three-percent concentration of anti-inflammatory sulfur helps combat blemishes and the associated redness, (as does green tea extract).3 It’s on the pricier side, but a little goes a long way, meaning one tube will last for quite a while.
Who It’s For
This is an ideal face mask for decongesting oily skin that’s also prone to blemishes and redness.
Best Drugstore, Runner-Up: Bioré Instant Warming Clay Charcoal Face Mask
You probably think of this brand for its cult-classic blackhead strips, but this easy-to-use mask is another one of their effective pore-clearing products. The namesake ingredient helps to pull out unwanted gunk and grime in just one minute, and after rinsing off we noticed some stubborn whiteheads were gone. Plus, it has a pleasant warming sensation on contact and comes in convenient single-use packages that are great for travel.
Who It’s For
Best Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Pore Remedy Purifying Mud Mask
Sheet masks are easy, mess-free, and ideal for travel. The only issue? It can be tough to find formulas for clogged pores (most of the sheet masks out there are for hydrating or brightening), making this option all the more noteworthy. It uses Kaolin clay to remove build-up and blackheads while sea salt and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, gently exfoliates.4 We also appreciate that it comes in a two-piece design that ensures a snug fit so that it stays put and you can actually do things while wearing it.
Who It’s For
This sheet mask is ideal for anyone who wants to keep on top of congestion while traveling or wants an alternative to a clay mask.
Best Exfoliating: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
Exfoliation is a great way of brightening dull skin and clearing pores, and this mask from Peter Thomas Roth is in our weekly rotation. It exfoliates and smooths the skin with pumpkin enzyme, alpha-hydroxy acids to create a chemical peeling action on the skin, and aluminum oxide crystals to smooth uneven texture.
We found that this mask was really easy to apply, and while it felt a little uncomfortable immediately after application, that sensation soon eased and turned into more of a cooling effect. Once rinsed off, our skin felt really decongested and refreshed with a lovely dewy glow.
Who It’s For
This is an ideal face mask for all skin types, including sensitive, and effectively exfoliates the skin and clears pores without creating irritation
Best Night Mask: Farmacy 10% Niacinamide Night Mask
If you want to tackle visible pores without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier function, you’ll love this very hydrating night mask from Farmacy. With 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol, beta-glucan, and up-cycled blueberry seed oil, it helps to even out the skin tone, balance oil production, brighten dull skin, refine the pores, and support the skin’s moisture barrier. In short, it’s the easiest way to wake up to a visibly improved complexion.
After using this mask a few times, we noticed that our pores appeared smaller. It has a gel-like texture that feels cool on contact and, after waking, our skin felt softer – the fine lines under our eyes even looked smoother. Our skin also felt more hydrated and overall, our skin looked more supple.
Who It’s For
This night mask is suitable for all skin types apart from very sensitive ones. It’s also ideal for improving visible pores and uneven skin texture.
Where We Stand
You may not be able to change the size of the pores, but there are plenty of face masks out there to help them look smaller. Our favorite overall choice is Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment as the performance of this product goes above and beyond and left our skin feeling like it was totally renewed. The Glamglow SUPERMUD Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask was a close runner-up, combining exfoliating acids and purifying charcoal for clearer, smoother skin.
How We Researched
Each product in this roundup faced extensive testing in our Manhattan-based lab and at our testers’ homes. Each tester had a different skin tone and type and used the product for several weeks. After application, we scored each face mask a mark out of five considering a number of factors such as its efficacy, feel on the skin, ease of application, and overall performance when it came to minimizing the appearance of pores.
∙ Feel on the skin
∙ Ease of application
∙ Appearance of mask
∙ Efficacy and ability to improve the look of pores
∙ Extra skin benefits
What to Look for in Pore-Cleansing Face Masks
- Clay: Typically, clay-based masks made with acids are recommended to take on your clogged or enlarged pores. Clay helps draw out impurities from the skin, aiming to leave it fresh, smooth, and clean.5 Note that when working with a clay mask such as Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay, do not leave on the skin for more than five to 10 minutes depending on your skin’s sensitivity level.
- Acids: Acids help unclog and minimize the look of your pores. Look for commonly used acids, such as lactic and salicylic acids, when scanning the ingredient lists before your purchase.
- Emollients: Pore-cleansing products and masks can often be rough on the skin while going to work. Seeking masks with skin-soothing formulas to offset any wear and tear and help nourish the skin after your pores have been cleaned.
FAQ
What should I look for in products to avoid clogged pores?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should look for at least one of the following terms on everything you apply to your face: “non-comedogenic,” “oil free,” and (obviously) “won’t clog pores.”6
How often should I wash my face to avoid clogged pores?
Cleansing twice daily can help prevent clogged pores, unclog existing pores, and reduce oiliness.6 Always be gentle when washing your face. Avoid using hot water, which can irritate the skin and lead to pores looking larger in size.
After masking, what other steps can I take to avoid pores?
On top of masking, you can take other preventative options in your skincare routine to combat large pores. The proper exfoliators, toners, cleansers, retinoids, and hydrators can all contribute to helping minimize pores.
