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ELLE Edit: 15 Of The Best Pore Cleansers For Clear, Happy Skin
Blackheads and blemishes be gone.
Contrary to popular belief, you can't actually close or open your pores. But, what you can do is give them a good, thorough cleanse. Everyday aggressors, such as pollution and grime, that often come with oily skin can lead to the formation of blackheads, blemishes, and yes, pores that appear enlarged. Thankfully, there are easy ways to keep your pores clean which will in turn, help minimise their appearance.
One of the key ingredients to look for? Charcoal. 'It has long been accepted that charcoal has a cleansing effect on the skin,' says pro facialist Debbie Thomas. 'It is often recommended for oily skin types because it absorbs excess sebum without drying the skin and purges pores of impurities,' . 'This action of deep cleansing means pores will appear more refined and less visible, and skin will feel softer and smoother.'
Another game-changer is exfoliating acids. 'Beta hydroxy acid, commonly known as salicylic acid, dissolves connections between dead cells on the surface of the skin and remove excess oil,' says Natasha Clancy, founder of Mayfair-based skin clinic, KICHI. She often recommends Paula's Choice Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA,' (as do we!) 'The key is to use these products only on the problem areas, not all over the face: for example, the nose or chin. Overuse of chemicals in areas where it isn't necessary can disrupt the skin's vital barrier function. Products like these are amazing for blackheads as they just dissolve away and I see incredible results in just a few weeks.'
As for manual, DIY blackhead removal, the general consensus among skin experts is: don't do it. 'I find overzealous steaming and squeezing old-fashioned and can sometimes enlarge the pores and scar, (which I end up fixing with my laser). The problems keep coming back, so I prefer to educate my clients in chemicals and management', explains Clancy. In-clinic, Kichi offers Hydrafacials as the first step, before going in with BHAs and a suction pore device to gently take care of blackheads.
Ahead, see the best facial pore cleansers to keep skin feeling fresh and looking clear.
Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee 3%
Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee 3%
Niacinamide is the hard-working ingredient dermatologists turn to for not only blemish-prevention, but also brightening and hydrating benefits. When in doubt, a niacinamide-rich formula is your best bet. This lightweight jelly texture thoroughly cleanses without aggravating sensitive complexions, and doubles as a mask. Just leave on for five minutes and rinse off.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Very oily complexions will appreciate this mattifying formula laced with salicylic acid and tea tree to help eradicate painful spots and prevent new ones.
Starface Space Wash Foaming Facial Cleanser
Starface Space Wash Foaming Facial Cleanser
Don't be fooled by the fun yellow packaging, this cleanser means business when it comes to decongesting clogged pores and leaving the skin feeling refreshingly clean without drying it out. Calendula and chamomile flowers offers comfort to irritated complexions.
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse™
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse™
Our go-to brand for when our skin plays up, Medik8's fragrance-free cleanser unclogs pores whilst gently exfoliating - ideal for city dwellers who are constantly exposed to pollution and grime.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser
Kiehl's powder cleanser offers an intensive cleanse with a side of exfoliation. The core ingredient here is the fair trade Amazonian clay powder which helps to clarify any congestion and keep grease-prone complexions looking fresh and clear all while refining uneven texture. Take a small amount onto wet hands and gently apply onto damp skin to emulsify.
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
Caudalie's Vinopure range treats sore blemishes with velvet gloves, nixing spots without further upsetting the skin barrier. This salicylic acid-infused cleanser that promises to clarify congested skin while maintaining comfort thanks to soothing aloe vera and grape water. The minty scent is refreshingly pleasant, too.
Glossier Cleanser Concentrate
Glossier Cleanser Concentrate
This pore cleanser uses a team of gentle acid exfoliators to slough away dullness-causing dead skin whilst niacinamide visibly reduces the appearance of pores.
001 Skincare London Exfoliating & Conditioning Silk-Gel Cleanser
001 Skincare London Exfoliating & Conditioning Silk-Gel Cleanser
We can't recommend booking in for a session with acupuncturist and facialist Ada Ooi enough; her holistic treatments will leave you feeling lighter and looking significantly fresher). To prolong the glow, incorporate her thoughtfully-crafted skincare line into your routine. This lightweight cleanser uses a combination of lactic and salicylic acid to clear out clogged pores and encourage radiance.
Benefit The POREfessional Good Cleanup Foaming Cleanser
Benefit The POREfessional Good Cleanup Foaming Cleanser
Benefit prides itself on being the authority for all things brow and pore-related (hands up if your first primer was the Porefessional), so it's no surprise that its skincare line focuses on the health of your pores; that means keeping it clean, refined and sufficiently hydrated. Oily and combination skin types will love the Good Cleanup cleanser, which creates a satisfying lather without stripping the complexion.
Tatcha The Deep Cleanse
Tatcha The Deep Cleanse
Not all physical exfoliators are formulated alike. This one by Tatcha has just the slightest hint of grittiness to help refine pores without creating any micro-tears on the skin or causing any flare ups. The creamy, oil-free formula is perfect for sensitive and oily complexions, leaving it feeling clean and looking smoother than ever.
Sisley Gentle Cleansing Gel with Tropical Resins
Sisley Gentle Cleansing Gel with Tropical Resins
This gentle cleanser eradicates clogged pores and blackheads with extra care. It's an investment, but if you're prone to sensitivity, this does the job beautifully without compromising the skin's natural barrier. Washing your face never felt so fancy.
Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm
Any child of the nineties will be familiar with Clinique's classic Take The Day Off cleansing balm which makes light work of removing even the most stubborn mascara. This charcoal-infused version is a dream for oily and blemish-prone complexions as it offers a deeper cleanse to remove spot-causing impurities and minimise excess sebum.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Yes, this potent cleanser is well-loved in skincare circles for its ability to tackle dirt and prevent future breakouts (that's the salicylic acid for you). But beyond that, this gel cleanser also imparts an instant, lit-from-within luminosity thanks to vitamin C and glycolic acid.
Foreo Luna Mini 2 Dual-Sided Face Brush
Foreo Luna Mini 2 Dual-Sided Face Brush
If you're planning a vacation, don't forget to pop this portable silicone cleansing brush into your travel kit. It provides skin with a thorough cleanse and much-needed massage after a long day of adventures.
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Dewy cheekbones? Great! Excess grease by 12PM? Not so much. That's where this sebum-control cleanser comes in. It contains salicylic acid to keep blemishes at bay while generous amounts of glycerine and panthenol maintain skin softness and hydration. A great everyday face wash for oily types.
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