Large pores usually look worse for three reasons: oil stretching the opening, dead skin and sebum clogging it, and collagen loss around it from sun and age. You cannot rewrite genetics, but a short The Ordinary routine can make pores look smaller by tackling those three levers in order.
This page is the full AM/PM schedule. For a ranked shopping list of individual bottles, use The Ordinary pore minimizers. If blackheads are the dominant issue, use the blackheads regimen instead; that one centres salicylic acid more aggressively.
What this routine is trying to do
- Niacinamide for day-to-day oil and the look of congestion (Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%)
- One leave-on acid at night for clogging (salicylic acid for oily/clogged pores, or lactic acid if you are dry/sensitive)
- A retinoid a few nights a week for longer-term texture and firmness around the pore
- Moisturiser and SPF so the barrier holds and UV does not undo progress
Keep it to one acid path. Stacking glycolic, salicylic and retinol on the same face on the same week is how people end up with a shiny, irritated barrier and rebound oil.
Morning routine (large pores)
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Squalane Cleanser
Morning cleanse can be light. Remove overnight oil and residue without stripping. A pore full of leftover sebum looks bigger than a clean one. -
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Daily backbone. Helps regulate visible oil and supports the barrier. Apply a few drops on clean, dry skin. More on what niacinamide does and the product review. -
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Lock in hydration. Dehydrated skin often pumps out more oil, which stretches pores again by afternoon. -
SPF 30 or higher
Non-negotiable. UV breaks down the collagen that keeps pore walls looking taut. For oily skin, see best SPF for oily skin. -
Optional: High-Adherence Silicone Primer
Instant blur under makeup. Cosmetic only; it does not treat pores. Skip if you prefer bare skin.
Do not put Glycolic Acid 7% in the morning. AHAs raise sun sensitivity. Keep acids for night.
Evening routine (large pores)
Most nights (simple base)
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Squalane Cleanser
If you wore SPF or makeup, a thorough cleanse (or double cleanse) matters more than any serum. See how to double cleanse. -
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides) (optional)
Useful if acids dry you out. Apply on damp skin, then moisturiser.
Acid nights (2 to 3 evenings a week): pick one
Oily or clogged: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
BHA reaches inside the pore. Best match when large pores come with blackheads or a congested T-zone. Start twice weekly. Full notes in the Salicylic Acid 2% review.
Dry or sensitive: Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Gentler surface exfoliation for texture without hammering the barrier.
Texture-focused (not first-line for oil plugs): Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
PM only, max 2 to 3 times a week. Do not run glycolic and salicylic on the same night.
After the acid: wait until the skin is no longer wet, then moisturiser. On acid nights, skip retinol.
Retinol nights (2 to 3 evenings a week, alternate with acids)
Retinol in Squalane at a low strength first (0.2% or 0.5%); only move to 1% if you already tolerate retinoids well.
Retinol supports cell turnover and the look of firmness around pores over months. It does not "close" pores. Never layer strong vitamin C suspensions with retinol on the same night. Build slowly: 2 nights a week, moisturiser after, SPF next morning. More in what retinol does and the Retinol 1% review.
Optional seal for dry skin: 100% Plant-Derived Squalane after moisturiser.
A sample week
| Day | Morning | Evening | | --- | --- | --- | | Mon | Cleanse, niacinamide, moisturiser, SPF | Cleanse, salicylic acid, moisturiser | | Tue | Same | Cleanse, HA if needed, moisturiser | | Wed | Same | Cleanse, retinol, moisturiser | | Thu | Same | Cleanse, salicylic acid, moisturiser | | Fri | Same | Rest / moisturiser only | | Sat | Same | Cleanse, retinol, moisturiser | | Sun | Same | Rest / moisturiser only |
Adjust frequency if you sting, flake or feel tight. Barrier first; skin barrier repair if you overdid it.
Why older "pore routines" go wrong
Many roundups put glycolic toner every morning, vitamin C 23% and 1% retinol in the same week without rest nights. That is a lot of irritation for little extra gain. Collagen support from retinoids and SPF is slow. Oil control and unclogging show sooner. Split the jobs.
Niacinamide and salicylic acid work well when split AM/PM; details in niacinamide and salicylic acid. Broader clogging advice: how to unclog pores. Methods beyond The Ordinary: how to minimise large pores.
Timeline
- 2 to 4 weeks: less midday shine, less surface roughness if you are consistent with cleanse and niacinamide
- 4 to 8 weeks: clearer T-zone if BHA is in the mix
- 8 to 12 weeks: pores usually look meaningfully smaller because they are emptier and the surrounding skin looks smoother
Take a photo in the same light before you start. Progress is easier to see that way than in a bathroom mirror every morning.
Frequently asked questions
Can The Ordinary shrink large pores?
No product shrinks the genetic size of a pore. The Ordinary formulas can reduce oil, clear plugs and support texture so pores look smaller. That is the realistic goal.
Should I use Glycolic Acid every day for pores?
No. Two to three evenings a week is plenty for most. Daily AHA raises irritation and sun sensitivity without a clear extra benefit for pore appearance.
Niacinamide or salicylic acid first?
If you only buy one bottle: niacinamide for general oily, visible pores; salicylic acid if blackheads and congestion dominate. Many people end up using both on different parts of the day. Product ranking: pore minimizers guide.
Where does blackhead treatment fit?
Use this routine if "large pores" is the headline. Switch emphasis to BHA with The Ordinary regimen for blackheads when open comedones on the nose are the main complaint.