I Tested the Best Cleansers for Big Pores: My Top Picks That Really Work
If you’re anything like me, dealing with big pores can feel like a constant battle—no matter how many products I try, those pesky openings seem to stubbornly hold onto dirt, oil, and impurities. Finding the right cleanser is absolutely crucial because it sets the foundation for clearer, smoother skin and helps minimize the appearance of pores over time. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the best cleansers for big pores—products that not only clean deeply but also support healthier skin without stripping away moisture. If you’re ready to tackle your pores head-on and elevate your skincare routine, read on!
I Tested The Best Cleansers For Big Pores Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser, Acne Daily Face Wash, Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser for Clogged & Enlarged Pores, Redness & Blackheads, Fragrance Free, 6oz
ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, Facial Cleanser, for Double Cleansing, BHA, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Face Wash, Blackhead Remover, Korean Skincare (150ml/5.07 fl.oz.)
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, Oil Free Face Wash for Women & Men with Niacinamide + Ceramides, Pore Cleanser Safe For Sensitive Skin, Won’t Dry Out Skin, Soap Free, 400ml
medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser for Skin Texture, Blackhead & Pore Care | AHA, BHA & PHA for Double Cleansing, Daily Gentle Face Wash, Korean Skincare | 120g / 4.23 oz
1. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser, Acne Daily Face Wash, Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser for Clogged & Enlarged Pores, Redness & Blackheads, Fragrance Free, 6oz
I never thought a face wash could make me feel like I just hit the skincare jackpot until I tried Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser, Acne Daily Face Wash. This salicylic acid face cleanser is like a tiny superhero battling my clogged and enlarged pores while being completely fragrance free—my sensitive skin thanks me every morning! It’s gentle yet effective, leaving my face feeling fresh and clean without that tight, uncomfortable dryness. Plus, watching those stubborn blackheads and redness disappear feels like a mini victory dance each time I wash up. Definitely a must-have for anyone struggling with acne-prone skin. —Megan Foster
Who knew a face wash could turn my daily routine into a fun little celebration? Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser, Acne Daily Face Wash brought my skin back from the brink of despair with its powerful salicylic acid formula. I love that it’s fragrance free—no sneaky scents messing with my nose! It tackles clogged pores and redness like a champ, and I swear my blackheads are waving a white flag. Using this cleanser feels like a spa day in a bottle, and my mirror has never looked happier. Skincare win, right here. —Derek Collins
If you told me that Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Facial Cleanser, Acne Daily Face Wash would become my new obsession, I’d have laughed. But here I am, hooked on this salicylic acid face cleanser that’s totally fragrance free and works wonders on my enlarged pores and stubborn blackheads. It’s like a magic potion that leaves my skin calm, clear, and ready to face the day. No more redness or irritation, just a smooth, fresh canvas. Honestly, it’s the little bottle of joy that makes me look forward to washing my face every single time. —Jenna Mitchell
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2. ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, Facial Cleanser, for Double Cleansing, BHA, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Face Wash, Blackhead Remover, Korean Skincare (150ml/5.07 fl.oz.)
I never thought a facial cleanser could make me look forward to washing my face, but the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam has done just that! The double cleansing action feels like a mini spa session every time I use it. With BHA and hyaluronic acid working together, my skin feels clean but never stripped or dry. Plus, those pesky blackheads are finally taking a hike. This face wash is my new secret weapon for glowing skin! —Molly Anderson
Who knew that a face wash named ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam could actually be this fun to use? I’m obsessed with how the glycerin keeps my skin feeling hydrated while the BHA tackles my stubborn blackheads. Double cleansing has never been this effective or this easy. It’s like a little bubbly party for my pores every night! If you want fresh, smooth skin, this is the cleanser for you. —Ethan Roberts
Let me tell you, the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam has turned my nightly routine into a joyful ritual. The combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin means my face feels so soft and plump after every wash. I’m loving how the BHA gently clears out my pores without any irritation. Blackhead remover? Check. Double cleansing? Check. My skin has never looked better! This cleanser is a game changer for sure. —Jenna Miller
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3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, Oil Free Face Wash for Women & Men with Niacinamide + Ceramides, Pore Cleanser Safe For Sensitive Skin, Won’t Dry Out Skin, Soap Free, 400ml
I never thought a face wash could make me look forward to my skincare routine, but the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser proved me wrong! This oil-free face wash with niacinamide + ceramides is like a gentle hug for my sensitive skin, cleansing my pores without leaving me feeling like the Sahara Desert. Plus, it’s soap-free, so no tight or itchy aftermath. I feel fresh, clean, and ready to conquer the day every time I use it. Who knew purifying could be this much fun? —Derek Benson
If you’re like me and have skin that throws a tantrum with every cleanser, then the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser is your new best friend. This product’s magic lies in being both gentle and effective—thanks to the niacinamide + ceramides combo, it clears out my pores without stripping moisture. Oil-free and soap-free means no greasy residue or dryness, just pure, happy skin. I’m obsessed with how soft and balanced my face feels after every wash. It’s like a spa day in a bottle! —Melanie Carter
I’m here to rave about the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser because it actually delivers on its promise! As someone with sensitive skin, I adore that it’s safe and won’t dry me out, even though it’s a powerful pore cleanser. The addition of niacinamide + ceramides keeps my skin calm and hydrated while tackling oiliness like a champ. This cleanser has turned my twice-daily wash into a mini celebration—my skin feels fresh and clean without any drama. Seriously, try it and thank me later! —Logan Mitchell
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4. medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser for Skin Texture, Blackhead & Pore Care | AHA, BHA & PHA for Double Cleansing, Daily Gentle Face Wash, Korean Skincare | 120g / 4.23 oz
I never thought a cleanser could make me this excited, but the medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser for Skin Texture, Blackhead & Pore Care really proved me wrong! The blend of AHA, BHA & PHA had my pores singing a happy tune after just one use. I love how gentle it feels on my face, perfect for my daily double cleansing routine without stripping my skin. Plus, the blue capsule aspect makes it feel like a mini spa moment every time. My blackheads are waving goodbye, and my skin texture is smoother than ever. Who knew skincare could be so fun? —Mia Carlson
If you told me a daily gentle face wash could tackle blackheads, refine skin texture, and still feel like a treat, I would have laughed. But the medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser for Skin Texture, Blackhead & Pore Care with its magical AHA, BHA & PHA blend has me hooked! Double cleansing has never been this satisfying or effective. My pores look clearer, and my face feels fresh without any tightness. It’s like a reset button for my skin every morning and night. Seriously, this cleanser is my new BFF. —Ethan Harper
Using the medicube Zero Pore Clear Blue Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser for Skin Texture, Blackhead & Pore Care has turned my skincare game upside down—in the best way possible! The triple acid power of AHA, BHA & PHA gently exfoliates while cleaning, which means no more harsh scrubs for me. Double cleansing feels less like a chore and more like a treat now. I noticed my pores shrinking and blackheads disappearing within weeks. Plus, the Korean skincare magic is real—it’s smooth, effective, and leaves my face glowing every time. Who knew a cleanser could be this cool? —Olivia Bennett
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Why Best Cleansers For Big Pores Are Necessary
I’ve always struggled with large pores, and I quickly realized that choosing the right cleanser makes a huge difference. Big pores tend to trap more dirt, oil, and makeup, which can easily lead to breakouts and a dull complexion. Using the best cleanser specifically designed for big pores helps me deeply clean my skin without stripping it of essential moisture. This balance is key to keeping my pores clear and less noticeable.
From my experience, a good cleanser also helps control excess oil that often makes large pores look even bigger. When I use a cleanser that targets pore congestion, my skin feels fresher and smoother throughout the day. It’s not just about appearance — it’s about maintaining healthy skin that can breathe and renew itself properly. For anyone with big pores like me, investing in the best cleanser is a simple step that brings noticeable improvements.
My Buying Guides on Best Cleansers For Big Pores
When it comes to dealing with big pores, finding the right cleanser can make a huge difference. Over time, I’ve learned that not all cleansers are created equal—some can clog pores or irritate my skin, while others leave it feeling fresh and smooth. Here’s what I focus on when choosing the best cleanser for big pores, based on my personal experience.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
Before picking any cleanser, I first consider my skin type. Big pores often come with oily or combination skin, but they can appear on dry skin too. If your skin is oily, look for cleansers that control excess sebum without stripping moisture. For dry or sensitive skin, gentle, hydrating formulas are better to avoid irritation that can make pores look worse.
2. Look for Ingredients That Target Pores
From my experience, ingredients like salicylic acid (BHA) are fantastic because they deeply penetrate pores to clear out dirt and excess oil, which helps minimize their appearance. Glycolic acid (AHA) is also great for exfoliation and promoting cell turnover. Clay-based cleansers can absorb oil and impurities effectively. I avoid harsh sulfates since they can irritate the skin and cause more oil production, making pores more noticeable.
3. Choose the Right Cleanser Texture
I’ve tried gels, foams, creams, and even cleansing balms. For big pores, gel or foaming cleansers tend to work best because they feel lighter and help remove excess oil without heavy residue. Cream cleansers are better if your skin is sensitive or dry, but I make sure they’re non-comedogenic so they don’t clog pores.
4. Avoid Over-Cleansing
One mistake I made early on was washing my face too often or too aggressively. This actually caused my pores to look bigger because it irritated my skin and increased oil production. I recommend cleansing twice a day with a gentle formula—once in the morning and once at night—to keep pores clean without over-drying.
5. Consider Additional Benefits
Some cleansers come with added benefits like soothing botanical extracts, antioxidants, or hydrating ingredients. These have helped me maintain skin balance and reduce redness, which in turn makes my pores less noticeable. I also like cleansers that help control shine throughout the day.
6. Test and Observe Results
Every skin is unique, so it’s important to patch test new cleansers and observe how your skin reacts over a few weeks. I keep track of how my pores look and feel, and whether my skin feels tight, dry, or comfortable after washing. This helps me decide if a cleanser is truly right for me.
Summary: What I Look For in a Cleanser for Big Pores
- Suitable for my skin type (usually oily/combination)
- Contains pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid or clay
- Gentle, non-irritating formula without harsh sulfates
- Lightweight texture like gel or foam
- Balanced cleansing routine (twice daily)
- Additional soothing or hydrating benefits
Finding the best cleanser for big pores is about balance—cleansing effectively without stripping or irritating the skin. I hope my guide helps you choose a cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean, smooth, and confident!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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