Searching for the best The Ordinary product for pores? Here's the honest starting point: nothing can shrink the physical size of your pores, but the right actives can keep them clear, control the oil that stretches them, and dramatically reduce how visible they look. The Ordinary makes several of the best (and cheapest) pore-minimizing products available, and this guide ranks them by concern and skin type.
The best The Ordinary products for pores, ranked
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (best overall pore minimizer)
The closest thing The Ordinary has to a dedicated "pore minimizing serum." Niacinamide (vitamin B3) regulates sebum production and strengthens the pore lining, so pores collect less oil and appear visibly smaller over 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Zinc adds oil control and calms redness.
- Best for: oily and combination skin, and the safest first pick for anyone
- How to use: AM and PM, on clean skin before moisturiser
- Get it here
2. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (best for blackheads and clogged pores)
If your concern is blackheads, this is the one. Salicylic acid is a BHA, meaning it's oil-soluble: it gets inside the pore and dissolves the mix of sebum and dead skin that forms blackheads and congestion. It also calms redness and helps prevent breakouts.
- Best for: acne-prone and oily skin, blackheads, congested nose and T-zone
- How to use: PM, start 3 nights a week; patch test first
- Get it here
3. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (best for texture and dullness)
This AHA toner exfoliates the surface layer of dead skin cells that makes pores look larger and skin look rough. Expect smoother texture and brighter tone within a few weeks. It pairs well with Niacinamide (use the toner first).
- Best for: dull, rough or congested skin; patch test if dry or sensitive
- How to use: PM only, 2–3 times a week to start. SPF every morning is non-negotiable with this one.
- Get it here
4. Lactic Acid 5% or 10% + HA (best for dry or sensitive skin)
Stronger acids can be too much for dry and sensitive skin. Lactic acid is the gentler AHA: it smooths texture and refines pore appearance with far less irritation, and the added hyaluronic acid buffers dryness. Start with the 5% version and move up only if needed.
- Best for: dry and sensitive skin that can't tolerate glycolic or salicylic acid
- How to use: PM, 2–3 times a week
- Get it here
5. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (best for redness-prone and rosacea-prone skin)
A creamy, gentle multi-tasker that brightens, evens out texture and tone, reduces redness and helps keep pores clear, while being one of the few actives that rosacea-prone skin generally tolerates well.
- Best for: acne-prone and rosacea-prone skin, post-blemish marks
- How to use: PM (or AM under SPF), daily once tolerated
- Get it here
Which one should you pick?
- Blackheads on your nose? Salicylic Acid 2%
- Oily all over with visible pores? Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% daily, add Salicylic Acid at night
- Rough, dull texture? Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Dry or sensitive with visible pores? Lactic Acid 5%
- Redness plus congestion? Azelaic Acid 10%
Don't stack multiple acids in one routine. Pick one exfoliating acid, keep Niacinamide as your daily backbone, and give the routine 8 weeks. For a full step-by-step regimen, see our guide: The Ordinary for Large Pores.
Tips to maximize results
- Double cleanse in the evening. An oil-based cleanser first, then your regular cleanser, clears the sebum and sunscreen buildup that makes pores look bigger.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydrated skin overproduces oil, which stretches pores. A hyaluronic acid serum or gel moisturiser helps.
- Be consistent. Pore appearance improves over weeks, not days. Take a photo before you start.
- Wear SPF every morning. Essential with exfoliating acids, and sun damage itself degrades the collagen that keeps pores tight. See our pick of the best SPF for oily skin.
Frequently asked questions
Which The Ordinary product is best for pores?
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is the best all-round pore minimizer for daily use. If blackheads and clogged pores are your specific concern, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the more targeted choice.
Does The Ordinary Niacinamide actually minimize pores?
It reduces the appearance of pores. Studies on niacinamide show reduced sebum production and improved skin elasticity with consistent use, both of which make pores look smaller. No product changes the physical number or size of your pores.
What does The Ordinary recommend for blackheads?
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is the key product: as a BHA it exfoliates inside the pore where blackheads form. Pairing it with Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (AM) covers both clearing and prevention.
How long does it take to see smaller-looking pores?
Expect early improvements in congestion within 2–4 weeks and visible improvement in pore appearance around 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
Can I use Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid together?
Yes, they complement each other well. The simplest approach: Niacinamide in the morning, Salicylic Acid in the evening.