Last Updated: December 29, 2022

10 best pore cleansers to minimize pores.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 14 min read

It’s time to tell all that gunk in your pores to take a hike. Daily grime from pollution and sweat are determined to fill your pores, causing blackheads and whiteheads to pop up and ruin your day — but it doesn’t have to be that way. You might not be able to open or close your pores, but what you can do is clean them — and we’ve got solutions just for that.


We put all the best pore cleansers in one easy-to-shop list so you can draw out the grit and grime clogging up your mug. Detox masks? We got ‘em. Scrubs? Absolutely. Exfoliating acids? Duh! Find a new fav — or two — and never get blindsided by large pores again.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

1. Lavido Deep Detox Clay Mask

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This powerful detoxifying skin treatment helps clarify your complexion and is proven to reduce excess oil, banish breakouts, and soothe stressed skin. Clinically proven to reduce excess sebum by 24% after just 28 days!

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach …
(2)
3.38 oz
$49.99
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2. Beauty by Earth Superfruits & Chlorophyll Facial Scrub

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Stop blackheads, blemishes, and breakouts in their tracks with this 2-in-1 facial scrub. This Superfruit and Chlorophyll Facial Scrub, a perfectly balanced combination of chlorophyll, superfruit extracts, and hydrating ingredients, cleanses your face while gently exfoliating away dead skin. Use this facial scrub 2-3 times a week for a smooth, clear …
(53)
4 Oz
$24.99
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3. Alba Botanica Alba Botanica AcneDote Face & Body Scrub

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Facial acne is obviously annoying, but body acne can sometimes take the trophy for the most irritating and embarrassing skin condition. Luckily, you can treat acne (and bacne) with this 2-in-1 Alba Botanica AcneDote Face and Body Scrub, 8oz. Acne can be the result of various underlying conditions, but you can treat it topically with this …

(174)
8 Oz
$11.99
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4. Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser

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Sometimes life really is all rainbows and unicorns, especially when it comes to Acure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root Cleanser. This cream-to-foam cleaner works its magic using a special blend of amethyst, glycolic, lactic, and true unicorn root. Rose quartz and amethyst combine their superpowers to defeat dull skin, while hemp-seed oil and …

(55)
4 Oz
$13.99
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5. Yes To Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Spot Mud Mask

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Whether you’re at home or on the go, Yes To Detoxifying & Hydrating White Charcoal Spot Mud Mask keeps your skincare routine simple while you stay mess-free. Using the product’s built-in sponge applicator, you can spot-treat and target specific areas and keep the mask from muddying your hands. The lightweight formula dries fast, making daily …

(24)
2 oz
$18.99
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6. Terra Beauty Bars Volcanic Ash Dry Facial Clay Mask

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Create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home with this DIY facial mask experience. Terra Beauty Bars Volcanic Ash Dry Facial Clay Mask lets you treat yourself, and your skin, with 100% vegan ingredients that nourish and tighten your complexion. The waterless formula is most recommended for oily to combination skin.

Crafted with …

(16)
2 oz
$19.99
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7. Rooted Beauty Purifying Detox Scrub

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This super-fine scrub exfoliates skin and detoxes pores with walnut shell powder and provides a dose of antioxidants with the potent R7 complex, made up of nutrient-rich roots.

Rooted is proud to be recognized by  EWG VERIFIED™, a program that shares our commitment to ingredient transparency and safety. 
For more information, visit ewg.org …
(147)
4oz
$14.99
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8. Alba Botanica Facial Cleanser Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme

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Clogged pores got you feeling down? Then it's time to do an about face with Alba Botanica Facial Cleanser Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme. Pore-refining pineapple and skin-brightening papaya enzymes get down and dirty, washing away makeup, impurities, and, most importantly, dullness, to reveal a renewed and radiant complexion. Aloe, hibiscus, and …

(62)
8 Oz
$13.99
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9. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clean Towelettes 3-in-1

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Freshen up your face without washing up with these Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clean Towelettes 3-in-1. These Alba Botanica facial wipes are hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and Leaping Bunny–certified. Fruit enzymes break through oil, grime, and makeup for a deep clean, and aloe and awapuhi tone and balance your skin, too.

Get all of your …

(115)
25 Count
$9.49
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10. Andalou Naturals Clear Skin Willow Bark Pure Pore Toner

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Fruit stem cell complex with argan stem cells, kombucha probiotics, and aloe vera polysaccharides instantly hydrate with skin calming nutrients to soothe and gently balance pH as willow bark purifies pores for a clear, refreshed complexion.
(6)
6 fl oz
$14.99
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FAQs

Do pore cleansers work?

Pore cleansers are like Magic Erasers for your face. They employ a host of different ingredients to dig deep into your pores and pull out the icky nasties that cause the appearance of annoying blackheads and dastardly blemishes.


Some pore cleansers rely on chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid to slough away dead skin cells and reach under the surface layer of skin to remove the built-up gunk that’s getting between you and a clear complexion. Other cleansers use clay or activated charcoal to absorb the toxins, dirt, and excess oils that cause skin issues. The result is soft, clean skin that’s free from impurities.


Love natural skincare? You’re in good company. Check out our Health & Beauty articles for info on clean beauty, in-depth product reviews, PMS tips, and so much more!


Which cleanser is best for pores?

The best pore cleanser for you depends on what your skincare needs are. Do you have oily skin? Dry? Are you prone to acne? If you fall into oily or acne-prone territory, you’ll want a pore cleanser that has a beta-hydroxy acid, also known as BHA, like salicylic acid, or a clay mask that draws out impurities and sops up excess sebum (bonus points if the product contains both!).


For dry skin, you’ll want to go with cleansers that add a little moisture to your skin while they dig out dirt and debris. AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, PHAs like gluconolactone, or hydrating ingredients like aloe vera are better for skin that needs a deep-clean without stripping away too much moisture.


While it’s impossible to actually minimize your pores, you can reduce their appearance. The best cleansers to minimize pores are clay, charcoal, and exfoliating acids. They prevent your pores from getting clogged — and clogged pores look larger than clean pores.


How do you deep clean your pores?

There are a few methods you can use to deep clean your pores. Steam facials, face masks (especially charcoal), exfoliating acids, exfoliating scrubs, and nose strips are great for pulling up stubborn debris caught in your pores.


Always check with your doctor or dermatologist if you have skin concerns but generally, charcoal and clay masks shouldn’t be used more than 3x a week. To avoid over-exfoliating, stick to using exfoliating scrubs and acids about 2 to 3 times a week depending on your skin’s needs.


If you’re thirsty for knowledge, we’ve got just the thing for you. Read up on how to safely and naturally clean your pores for prevention tips, deep-cleaning tricks, and more pore cleansing product rec’s.


What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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