Ingredients To Look For When You Want To Reduce Your Pore Sizes Or Control Sebum

These can be ingredients that do not only help to reduce pore size but ingredients that control sebum production. Sebum is a naturally occurring oil in our bodies, and it protects our skin from the elements and prevents moisture loss.  Natural oils have become increasingly popular because of their ability to produce less shine (both on the face and hair), and they also have ingredients that assist in cell turnover (the skin sheds and renews itself approximately every 28 days).  Thus ingredients that help to control/decrease sebum production are important for us to watch out for because they let our pores breathe!

You can have an expensive product but if it doesn't contain the right ingredients then it will never be as effective as formulas found in cheaper brands with the ingredients we want to control our pore sizes and sebum production.

However, we must remember that ingredients alone do not make a product - it is the ingredients used in a formula that we need to look out for when deciding if these are the right products that will really help us.

So which ingredients should you look out for in your pore controlling products?  

Here is our list of the 7 ingredients we love to find to help reduce shine and minimize your pore appearance:

1. Squalene

Squalene is a great ingredient to look out for because it mimics the natural ingredients that our skin produces. It helps to reduce shine without drying, provides antioxidants, and nutrients to our skin.

2. Resveratrol 

Resveratrol is a substance found in certain berries, grapes, and red wine. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help with acne treatment. Also, resveratrol has many antioxidant properties that can strengthen your skin's resistance to the sun. Lastly, resveratrol can help reduce pore sizes or control sebum production.

3. Soybean

Soybean is a non-irritating ingredient which can help to smoothen and soften the skin, thus reducing shine! It also helps with oil production control because it is an astringent.

4. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Due to its chemical structure, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is an excellent skin lightener. In its original form, this ingredient can be found as a powder. It is composed of vitamin C and esters. In most skincare products, it is included for one primary reason: to reduce the look of large pores. When applied on a daily basis after cleansing, this ingredient will keep your pores small and clear. 

Moisturizing gel
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Moisturizing gel Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Sale price$20.00

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a type of B3 vitamin that has been shown to help treat skin conditions like rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, both of which cause redness on the face, neck, or chest area. Niacinamide works by helping to clear acne and reduce the inflammation, redness, and skin irritation caused by these conditions.

And one bonus tip: Niacinamide actually reduces the damage done to your skin and helps prevent wrinkles! You can think of it as a wrinkle-prevention vitamin B3! It also helps with pores because it has a tightening effect on your skin.

Chemical sunscreen
BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Chemical sunscreen BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Sale price$25.00

6. Green Tea 

Green tea is an antioxidant; it contains both anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It also has been known to reduce the body's inflammatory response, which may be useful in skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis. It also helps prevent premature aging of the skin by decreasing factors that lead to wrinkles (free radicals).

Bubble cleanser
Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser
Bubble cleanser Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser
Sale price$22.00
Physical exfoliator
Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling - Green Tea
Physical exfoliator Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling
Sale price$30.00

7. Chamomile

Chamomile helps with oil production control because it is an astringent and an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can be used to prevent acne formation and lessen inflammation from acne that has already formed.

And just because we love you here’s a BONUS ingredient to keep your eye on when evaluating ingredients to help with pore appearance in your skincare routine.

8. Licorice 

Licorice is an anti-inflammatory that will help to control sebum. Studies have shown it can reduce the size of pores and licorice is used as a skin brightener, which reduces damage caused by sun exposure.

Ingredients are the most important part of a product and must be considered when you want to purchase a new cosmetic product! Think ingredients not brand! 


Shop the collection of products that contain some of these ingredients here.

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