
The beauty industry has gone through some major transformations in the last few years. In the effort to live greener, earth-friendlier lives and to be better to one’s skin and health, many women are opting for beauty and skincare products that are called “clean.”
What is Clean Beauty?
While “clean beauty” was once a niche market, it has now become mainstream, as reported by British Vogue. Victoria Buchanan, senior futures analyst at The Future Laboratory told British Vogue that today, there is an “obsession with wellness and detoxification, both in terms of diet and products” and it is driving a demand for “stripped-back, ‘clean’ ingredients.” More and more consumers are becoming aware about what goes into their makeup, cosmetics, and skincare products, and are also becoming conscious about what’s good for the environment and their skin. Sephora, one of the U.S.’ largest distributors and resellers of skincare and beauty products, has even come up with a Clean at Sephora seal of approval, which means that all products with the seal are guaranteed to be formulated without parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehyde, and more. In this list, we’ve curated some of the top rated pore-minimizing products at Sephora that all fall under the clean beauty category. Each of these products proudly wear the Clean at Sephora badge. Check out the list below.
Clean Beauty: Essential Pore-Minimizing Products at Sephora

1. YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner
Youth to the People addresses three major skincare concerns, including pores, dullness and uneven texture, and loss of firmness and elasticity with this one-of-a-kind formulated toner. It contains 8% lactic acid and 3% glycolic acid that brings back moisture to the skin to smoothen its texture and minimize the appearance of pores. It also contains Kombucha black tea ferment that works as a prebiotic that enhances the skin’s natural microbiome. Its Pichia lysate ferment firms the skin to help undo the signs of oxidative damage. This clean Power Toner is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars and has a recommendation rating of 97% at Sephora.
Promising review: “Game changer. This exfoliating toner is unlike anything I have ever used before. My pores are tiny after using it every other night for about 3 weeks. My breakouts are clearing up dramatically as well. I also love how my skin is not getting irritated even with the high amount of AHAs. I’m obsessed!” —Jessie
2. FARMACY Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids
We love a product that works overtime as we sleep, which is why the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum is a must-have for any night routine. This three-in-one night serum features a blend of AHA from lactic, glycolic, citric and fruit acids that gently exfoliates dead skin cells, boosts skin renewal, and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its BHA from willow bark is a natural salicylic acid that visibly diminishes pore size so skin appears clearer and smoother. Lastly, hyaluronic acid and a proprietary honey blend delivers intense hydration to keep skin healthy. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, with a 91% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I’ve been using this for about two weeks and my skin is unbelievably glowy. On top of the glow, my pores look nonexistent and my skin is smoother and softer than it’s ever been. I can’t believe how radiant and smooth and clear my skin is! This is a must buy!” —Jammdoze
3. ORIGINS Clear Improvement™ Pore Clearing Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid
Treat acne, moisturize, and diminish pore size with this all-in-one pore clearing moisturizer from Origins. It is a lightweight lotion that contains 1% salicylic acid to combat acne, gently exfoliating the skin to unclog pores and lessen the risk for acne growth. It also contains bamboo charcoal that effectively draws out impurities, leaving your skin clean and bacteria-free. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, with a 92% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I really do love this Origins clearing moisturizer. It’s everything I want in a moisturizer. It really hydrates and the salicylic acid keeps pimples at bay. It’s not too heavy, but it does leave skin hydrated. Love the smell, too. Highly recommend!” —Tonie M. Peyton
4. CAUDALIE Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum
If your clean beauty routine needs a pore minimizing boost, go for this Caudalie favorite, a gel serum that contains 100% natural salicylic acid that clears out blackheads, cleans out pores, and battles breakouts and excess oil. Its natural salicylic acid is oil soluble so it’s easily absorbed by pores. Its formula is also enriched with antioxidant grape seed polyphenols, as well as non-comedogenic essential oils for its antiseptic properties. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, with an 87% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I’ve been using this for a few months, and it just works! My skin is clearer and softer than ever. Smells nice, goes on easy. A keeper.” —Emmacatt
5. MOON JUICE Beauty Shroom™ Exfoliating Acid Potion
If you’re looking for a clean beauty product that works like magic, go for this Moon Juice potion! This exfoliating acid potion contains potent AHA and BHA five-acid complex with glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid that effectively boosts natural cellular turnover and unclogs pores to minimize its size. It also contains vitamin B3 nad adaptogenic reishi and tocotrienols to boost hydration and fight the signs of oxidative stress. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, with a 96% recommendation rating at Sephora.
Promising review: “I am obsessed. This has not only kept breakouts at bay, but regular use of this has prevented me from getting these annoying little clogged pores that I recently could not shake. My pores are smaller, my dark spots have lightened, and my face is as smooth as a baby’s bottom.” —Krisko123
More Best-selling Pore-Minimizing Products at Sephora

1. TATA HARPER Purifying Pore & Blackhead Detox Mask
Busy women need clean beauty products that work quickly and effectively. If you’re one who wants a skin clearing product that works immediately, go for Tata Harper’s natural clay mask that effectively purges pores and fights free radicals so you can have a complete pollution detox right in the comfort of your own home. Its formula contains Star Aster that helps skin defend against oxidative damage and cell deterioration, white clay to absorb oil and dirt, and papaya enzymes that clean, clear, and minimize pores. Rated 4.3 at Sephora.
Promising review: “Just have to agree with some other people that for the price it is a very small amount. That being said, it works miracles. I have acne prone skin and are constantly exposed to pollution (city life) and have not broken out since using this twice a week. Worth the splurge!” —Jackieap411
2. DRUNK ELEPHANT JuJu Exfoliating Bar
The first step to any clean beauty routine is to deeply cleanse your skin to rid it of impurities. This Juju exfoliating bar from Drunk Elephant is an ultra-mild, three-in-one that provides a deep clean while gently exfoliating and detoxifying to reveal a clearer complexion. It features a unique formulation of thermal mud and bamboo powder that creates a lather which washes away pore-clogging surface debris and other impurities, while also minimizing the appearance of pores. The Juju Bar has an ideal pH-level of 6.3. Rated 4.5 at Sephora.
Promising review: “Hands down search no more! First time I feel like to stock up stuff for this as I’m very fickle and constantly searching for skincare that works. This does! After a few washes I see my complexion looks renewed! Pores are smaller and texture are finer. Very efficient exfoliation.” —Sophia
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3. REN CLEAN SKINCARE Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
Powered by a unique cocktail of four AHAs, this cult-favorite peel mask provides much-needed exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells and boosting natural collagen production. The result? Minimized pores and clearer looking skin. It contains glycolic acid from pineapple, lactic acid from passion fruit, citric acid from lemon, and tartaric acid from grapes, which together improves skin tone by reducing sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and old acne scars. Rated 4.4 at Sephora.
Promising review: “I have acne scars on my chin and they diminish more and more every time I use it. It helps with dark spots, freckles, wrinkles everything! I feels like air is blowing into my pores after I use it every single time! And when I found out in a magazine that Beyonce uses it…Well I had to buy it!” —Sephora Customer
4. HERBIVORE Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask
The secret behind this much-loved mask from Herbivore is blue tansy oil, which is naturally high in azulene, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory that soothes skin and reduces redness. It contains white willow bark, which is a natural beta hydroxyl (BHA) with high levels of salicylic acid, and natural alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) derived from papaya and pineapple. It effectively exfoliates and unclogs pores to reveal a healthier-looking complexion. Rated 4.4 at Sephora.
Promising review: “I bought this mask to help clarify my congested chin/mouth area and it works so well!! I have noticed a huge difference in my skin. It has a menthol/medicinal smell but is not too overpowering. It’s cooling and calming which is great for any active blemishes. I would recommend this to anyone with congested skin.” —Merey010
5. BOSCIA Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser
If you’re looking for clean beauty and skincare products that won’t break the bank, then this is for you. This Boscia warming cleanser is powered by a triad of ingredients that together addresses pores, dullness and uneven texture, and oiliness. It has activated charcoal that absorbs oil and impurities to detoxify skin, vitamin C for brightening the skin tone and protecting against free radical damage, and glycolic acid that accelerates the skin’s exfoliation process. Rated 4.3 at Sephora.
Promising review: “Been using this for about a week and I love it! The warming sensations at first is heavenly I instantly relax while it washes the day and the night away. Leaves my skin feeling clean and smooth. I also think it smells nice. Definitely might be my go to cleanser from now on!” —Sorix15
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