Is niacinamide or glycolic acid better for pores?

Author: Petra Torphy  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

Acne-Prone Skin: Glycolic acid exfoliates and prevents clogged pores, while niacinamide calms inflammation and regulates oil. Oily Skin: Niacinamide controls oil production, and glycolic acid smooths rough texture. Combination Skin: Use glycolic acid on areas with roughness and niacinamide for hydration and redness.

Which is better, glycolic acid or niacinamide?

Niacinamide is often considered gentler compared to glycolic acid. In order to help you decide, consider this summary: Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone could respond better to glycolic acid. For Redness and overall scar reduction: Niacinamide might be better.

Which acid is best for large pores?

Studies show salicylic acid can unclog pores. Some cleansers containing salicylic acid are gentle enough to use every day. If the salicylic acid dries or irritates your skin, try alternating cleansers. Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser when you wake up and the salicylic acid cleanser before bed.

Can niacinamide help shrink pores?

While it does not physically shrink pores, it addresses the underlying factors that contribute to their appearance. By regulating oil production, enhancing skin barrier function, and reducing inflammation, niacinamide creates a smoother skin texture, making pores appear smaller and less noticeable.

Can glycolic acid reduce pore size?

"Glycolic acid is one of the best options for minimizing pores. It helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can lead to a reduction in their size. Plus, it can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin." - Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist.

9 Glycolic Acid Hacks For The Best Skin Of Your Life | Dr. Idriss' Dermatologist Tips

Can you mix glycolic acid and niacinamide?

In order to answer how often you can combine glycolic acid and niacinamide, you'll need to pay close attention to how your skin reacts. The ingredients can be used together up to once or twice daily, as long as you don't experience any irritation.

What product is best for reducing pore size?

Best Pore Treatment: Peace Out Pore Minimizing Strips, $19. Best Toner: Perricone MD No:Rinse Intensive Pore Minimizing Toner, $49. Best Physical Exfoliant: Furtuna Skin Triple Active Exfoliator, $115. Best Chemical Exfoliant: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $35.

How long does it take for niacinamide to reduce pores?

You might anticipate smaller-looking pores, more even skin tone, a dramatic reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and an all-around healthier glow. Generally speaking, you should begin to experience effects 2-4 weeks after using it twice daily. Continuous use is necessary for improvement.

What is the best serum to minimize pores?

Pore-Minimizing Serums
  • Charlotte TilburyCharlotte's Magic Serum with Vitamin C. ...
  • SEPHORA COLLECTIONGentle Exfoliating Peeling Serum with Niacinamide + Lactic Acid. ...
  • The OrdinarySalicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution Pore Clearing Serum. ...
  • DieuxDeliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum For Calm & Even Skin.

Is retinol or niacinamide better for pores?

If you're looking for a gentle, everyday solution to improve hydration, calm redness, and brighten skin, niacinamide is your best bet. For anti-ageing, acne treatment, and significant skin renewal, retinol is the ideal choice.

What is the best ingredient for pore tightening?

Incorporating key ingredients like Niacinamide, Retinol, Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, and AHAs into your skincare routine is crucial for effectively treating enlarged pores. Explore our selection of effective skincare products designed to minimize large pores.

Which is better for large pores niacinamide or salicylic acid?

As you may know, salicylic acid is one of the most popular ingredients for addressing breakouts, while niacinamide can help target skin concerns like enlarged pores and discoloration. And while you can use them together, it's important to know how to do so correctly.

What are the pros and cons of glycolic acid?

It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging. However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.

Why do dermatologists recommend niacinamide?

Niacinamide prevents pigment from being transferred to the upper layers of skin where it becomes visible to the naked eye, says Dr. Maarouf. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and redness, leaving your skin as a smooth, even canvas. It regulates oil production.

What is better than glycolic acid?

But in general, salicylic acid is the most beneficial. Since salicylic acid is a BHA, it decreases the oils in the skin. This is an important step as these oils can clog pores, possibly leading to an acne breakout. Excess oils can also promote bacteria which is a common cause of acne.

What should you not mix glycolic acid with?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.

Which acid is best for pore tightening?

Another interesting thing is, that Salicylic acid for open pores is very effective as it helps in refining and clearing these pores. It is great to use salicylic acid for blackheads and whiteheads concern as well, as it reduces their occurrence and helps you have clearer skin.

How do Koreans minimize pores?

Approach clean pores:
  1. Clean the skin daily in the morning and evening.
  2. Double cleanse every evening first with an oil-based cleanser to keep the dirty, bad oils away.
  3. Always remove makeup before you go to bed.
  4. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.
  5. Avoid too heavy (oils in) products that may clog the pores.

What is proven to shrink pores?

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation is important for minimizing pores, especially on acne-prone skin, by removing dead cells and reducing bacteria buildup. Exfoliating products with ingredients like glycolic, salicylic, and azelaic acids can help clear pores and reduce inflammation.

What serum is good for large pores?

Look for serums with ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and alpha or beta-hydroxy acids. These ingredients help unclog, refine, and improve the appearance of pores. Always consult with a dermatology provider before incorporating new products into your routine.

Can too much niacinamide clog pores?

There is limited research on whether niacinamide can cause breakouts. However, you may experience skin purging when using this ingredient. In other words, your skin may start to look worse before it gets better.

Is 10% niacinamide too much?

For general skin tone correction, a niacinamide concentration between 4-5% is often effective and well-tolerated by most individuals. For those looking to tackle more pronounced hyperpigmentation, a higher concentration of 10% may be beneficial, though it's important to monitor the skin for any signs of irritation.

What do dermatologists recommend for pore minimizers?

Most dermatologists recommend skipping scrubs (they tend to be too harsh) and going the chemical exfoliation route, so using acids like AHAs, BHAs, and/or PHAs. These acids help dissolve the glue that holds together pore-clogging dead cells on the surface of the skin.

Does niacinamide shrink pores?

Also known as vitamin B3 and nicotinamide, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimize enlarged pores, tighten lax or stretched out pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened ...

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