Pore Refining Skincare Recipes

Visible pores are a normal part of healthy skin and cannot be permanently closed. However, the right ingredients can help minimise their appearance by controlling excess oil, improving skin texture, and keeping pores clear.

DIY Pore Refining Toner (100ml)

Ingredients

92ml Deionized Water

3ml Glycerine

2g Niacinamide

2ml Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Extract

0.5g Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

0.5g Euxyl PE 9010, Euxyl K712 or Kemaben

Method

Sanitize all equipment and containers.

Add the deionized water to a beaker.

Add the glycerine and stir well.

Add the niacinamide and stir until completely dissolved.

Add the witch hazel extract and panthenol.

Add the preservative and mix thoroughly.

Check and adjust the pH to between 5.0 and 5.8 if necessary.

Pour into a clean toner or spray bottle.

Directions: Apply to cleansed skin morning and evening before applying your serum or moisturiser.

DIY Pore Refining Gel Serum (100g)

Ingredients

90g Deionized Water

3g Glycerine

5g Niacinamide

1g Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

0.5g Xanthan Gum

0.5g Euxyl PE 9010, Euxyl K712 or Kemaben

Method

Mix the glycerine and xanthan gum together to form a smooth slurry.

Slowly add the deionized water while stirring continuously until a smooth gel forms.

Add the niacinamide and stir until completely dissolved.

Add the panthenol and mix well.

Add the preservative and stir thoroughly.

Check and adjust the pH to between 5.0 and 5.8 if necessary.

Package in an airless pump bottle.

Directions: Apply a thin layer to clean skin morning and evening before your moisturiser.

DIY Clarifying Clay Mask (100g)

Ingredients

45g Kaolin Clay

20g Bentonite Clay

20g Aloe Vera Gel

10g Deionized Water

3g Glycerine

1g Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

1g Euxyl PE 9010, Euxyl K712 or Kemaben

Method

Combine the deionized water, aloe vera gel, glycerine and panthenol.

Slowly add the kaolin clay while stirring.

Add the bentonite clay and continue mixing until smooth and creamy.

Add the preservative and mix thoroughly.

Fill into a clean cosmetic jar.

Directions: Apply a thin layer to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Use once or twice a week.

Recommended Preservatives

For water-based skincare products, the following preservatives are recommended:

Euxyl PE 9010: 0.5–1.0% – Easy to use and suitable for most creams, lotions, toners, gels and serums.

Euxyl K712: 0.5–1.5% – Ideal for more natural formulations. Best used in products with a pH below 5.5.

Kemaben: Use according to the recommended usage rate. Suitable for creams, lotions, gels and liquid cleansers.

Tips for Enlarged Pores

Cleanse your skin twice daily.  Use products containing Niacinamide regularly. Exfoliate 1–2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.  Use a clay mask weekly to absorb excess oil.  Moisturise daily, even if you have oily skin.

 Wear sunscreen every day to help prevent collagen damage, which can make pores appear larger.