The Ordinary for Oily Skin and Large Pores Treatment
Shiny T-zone by 10 AM? Makeup sliding off your face by lunchtime? Pores so visible you could see them from space? If you’re nodding your head, welcome to the oily skin club. The good news is that The Ordinary has some of the most effective, affordable solutions for controlling oil and minimizing the appearance of large pores.
In this guide, you’ll discover which products actually work for oily, pore-prone skin and how to use them to achieve that matte, smooth, poreless look you’ve been dreaming of.
Why Oily Skin Gets Large Pores
Let’s start with the science. Your pores produce sebum (oil) to keep your skin healthy. When you have oily skin, your sebaceous glands are overactive and produce too much oil. This excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and gets trapped in your pores, stretching them out and making them appear larger.
Add in factors like genetics, sun damage, aging, and loss of skin elasticity, and you’ve got the perfect storm for visible pores that seem to get bigger every year.
The solution? Control oil production, keep pores clear, and improve skin texture. The Ordinary has products that tackle all three.
The Best The Ordinary Products for Oily Skin and Large Pores
1. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (The Oil Control Champion)
Price: Around $6-7
This is THE product for oily skin. One bottle sells every 3 seconds worldwide, and for good reason.
How it works:
- Regulates sebum production (less oil means less stretched pores)
- Reduces the appearance of pores by up to 30%
- Minimizes shine throughout the day
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Fades post-acne marks
How to use: Apply 2-4 drops to clean skin morning and evening before moisturizer. Results visible in 2-4 weeks.
Why it’s essential: This single product addresses both root causes, excess oil and visible pores. It’s non-negotiable for oily skin.
2. Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (The Pore Cleaner)
Price: Around $5-6
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate INTO your pores and clean them from the inside out.
How it works:
- Dissolves the oil and debris clogging pores
- Exfoliates inside pores to prevent stretching
- Reduces blackheads and whiteheads
- Prevents breakouts
- Smooths skin texture
- Makes pores appear smaller
How to use: Apply to clean skin in the evening, focusing on oily areas and large pores. Start 2-3 times per week, then increase to nightly if tolerated.
Why it’s essential: Surface treatments can’t clean inside pores. Salicylic acid can.
3. AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (The Pore Refiner)
Price: Around $8-10
This intense 10-minute treatment is a game-changer for pore size and skin texture.
How it works:
- Deeply exfoliates surface dead skin cells
- Unclogs pores completely
- Tightens pore appearance
- Removes excess oil buildup
- Smooths rough texture
- Creates a matte, refined finish
How to use: Once or twice weekly maximum. Apply to clean, dry skin for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Never use with other actives on the same day.
Why it’s essential: Weekly deep exfoliation prevents pore-clogging buildup and keeps pores looking tight and refined.
4. Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (The Daily Exfoliator)
Price: Around $9-10
This cult-favorite toner provides gentle daily exfoliation to keep pores clear and minimize their appearance.
How it works:
- Removes dead skin cells that clog pores
- Improves skin texture and smoothness
- Reduces pore visibility
- Evens out skin tone
- Enhances product absorption
- Controls oil buildup
How to use: After cleansing in the evening, apply with a cotton pad. Start 2-3 times per week, build up to nightly use.
Why it’s essential: Daily exfoliation prevents the buildup that stretches pores and creates that rough, bumpy texture.
5. Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (The All-Rounder)
Price: Around $10-12
Perfect for oily skin with both large pores and blemishes.
How it works:
- Reduces oil production
- Keeps pores clear
- Treats active breakouts
- Fades post-acne marks
- Evens skin texture
- Gentle enough for daily use
How to use: Apply a thin layer to clean skin once or twice daily. Can be used morning or evening.
Why it’s essential: Combines oil control with acne treatment and pore refinement in one product.
6. Matrixyl 10% + HA (The Pore Tightener)
Price: Around $13-15
This peptide serum helps tighten skin and reduce pore size from loss of elasticity.
How it works:
- Stimulates collagen production
- Improves skin firmness
- Tightens pore walls
- Reduces pore visibility from aging
- Smooths skin texture
How to use: Apply to clean skin morning and evening before oils and creams.
Why it’s essential: As we age, pores get larger due to loss of elasticity. Peptides help reverse this.
Your Complete Oily Skin and Pore-Minimizing Routine
Morning Routine
- Cleanser: Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (cream cleanser that controls oil without stripping)
- Toner: Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (skip if using acids at night)
- Serum 1: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Serum 2: Matrixyl 10% + HA (optional, for aging concerns)
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (lightweight hydration)
- SPF 50+: Oil-free, mattifying sunscreen
Total time: 5-7 minutes Total cost: Under $40
Evening Routine
- Double Cleanse:
- First: Squalane Cleanser (removes SPF/makeup)
- Second: Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (deep clean)
- Treatment (rotate these):
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
- Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Sunday: Rest night or Niacinamide only
- Serum: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (if not using acids)
- Moisturizer: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (thin layer)
Total time: 7-10 minutes
Weekly Treatment
Once per week: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (replace your evening acids on this night)
Advanced Routine for Stubborn Oily Skin
If your skin is extremely oily and you’ve built tolerance to acids:
Morning
- Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
- Lightweight moisturizer
- Mattifying SPF
Evening
- Double cleanse
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (all over)
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (after salicylic acid dries)
- Lightweight moisturizer
Weekly
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
What to Expect (Realistic Timeline)
Week 1-2:
- Less midday shine
- Pores look slightly cleaner
- Skin feels smoother
Week 3-4:
- Visible reduction in oil production
- Pores appear noticeably smaller
- Fewer breakouts
- Smoother skin texture
Week 6-8:
- Significant oil control throughout the day
- Pores look refined and tight
- Clearer, more even complexion
- Makeup stays on better
Week 12+:
- Consistently matte, refined skin
- Minimal visible pores
- Rare breakouts
- Smooth, even texture
Pro Tips for Maximum Results
Stop Over-Cleansing
Stripping your skin with harsh cleansers triggers MORE oil production. Use gentle cleansers and cleanse only twice daily maximum.
Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Oily skin still needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer makes your skin produce even more oil to compensate. Use lightweight, oil-free options.
Blotting Papers Are Your Friend
Between treatments, use blotting papers to absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup or adding more product.
Ice Your Face
For special events, rub an ice cube over clean skin for 30 seconds. This temporarily tightens pores and reduces oil production.
Avoid Heavy Oils
Skip products like rosehip oil, argan oil, or marula oil. Stick to lightweight squalane if you need an oil.
Clay Masks Weekly
Add a clay mask once weekly to deeply absorb excess oil and tighten pores. The Ordinary doesn’t make one, but Aztec clay is affordable.
Keep Products in the Fridge
Cold products temporarily tighten pores on application, giving an instant smoothing effect.
Common Mistakes That Make Pores Worse
Mistake 1: Using pore strips. These stretch pores and damage skin. Use salicylic acid instead.
Mistake 2: Over-exfoliating. Too many acids damage your skin barrier, triggering more oil production.
Mistake 3: Using coconut oil or heavy oils. These clog pores and make them appear larger.
Mistake 4: Not removing makeup properly. Sleeping in makeup is the fastest way to stretch your pores.
Mistake 5: Picking at pores. This damages skin elasticity and makes pores permanently larger.
Mistake 6: Skipping SPF. Sun damage destroys collagen and elastin, making pores sag and appear huge.
Product Combinations for Different Concerns
Oily Skin + Large Pores:
- Morning: Niacinamide + Matrixyl
- Evening: Salicylic Acid
Oily Skin + Acne + Large Pores:
- Morning: Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid
- Evening: Salicylic Acid
Oily Skin + Aging + Large Pores:
- Morning: Niacinamide + Matrixyl
- Evening: Glycolic Acid OR Granactive Retinoid 2%
Extremely Oily Skin:
- Morning: Glycolic Acid + Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid
- Evening: Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide
Budget-Friendly Starter Kit
If you’re just starting out, get these three essentials:
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6-7)
- Salicylic Acid 2% Solution ($5-6)
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution ($8-10)
Total: Under $25 for a complete pore-minimizing system
Add others as your budget allows and your skin adapts.
What You Can’t Fix (But Can Improve)
Genetics: Pore size is partly genetic. You can minimize appearance but can’t change genetics.
Permanent stretching: Years of clogged pores can permanently stretch them. But consistent treatment prevents further stretching.
Ice pick scars: These aren’t pores but acne scars. They need professional treatment like microneedling or laser.
Be realistic about expectations. You can significantly reduce pore visibility and oil production, but you likely won’t achieve poreless, matte skin 24/7. That’s unrealistic for anyone with oily skin.
Additional Helpful Products
Buffet: Adds anti-aging peptides without oil or heaviness
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA: Perfect lightweight moisturizer for oily skin
Squalane Cleanser: Gentle oil cleanser that doesn’t clog pores
Granactive Retinoid 2%: Improves skin texture and pore appearance through increased cell turnover
The Bottom Line
Large pores and oily skin are frustrating, but they’re absolutely manageable with the right products. The Ordinary offers powerful, proven ingredients at prices that won’t drain your bank account.
The key is consistency and the right combination of oil control (niacinamide), pore cleansing (salicylic acid), and exfoliation (glycolic acid or the peeling solution).
Start with Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid. Add the Peeling Solution once weekly. Give it 8-12 weeks of consistent use. Your pores will thank you, your oil production will normalize, and you’ll finally achieve that smooth, refined, matte complexion you’ve been chasing.
Your clearest, most refined skin is just weeks away. You just need the right products and patience to let them work.
What’s your biggest struggle with oily skin and large pores? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! Remember, if you have severe acne or skin concerns that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, consult a dermatologist for personalized care.
