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Pores, which are tiny openings in the skin release sweat and oil from skin glands. However, since they are small, the chance of them getting clogged or becoming enlarged is highly likely. And let's be honest, both of those are anything less than desirable. If you notice that your pores are enlarged or often experience your pores clogging, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about clogged pores and how to clear them up. We’ll also recommend 20 Japanese skincare products ranging from cleansing oils, face washes, toners & lotions, exfoliators, pore strips, and face masks & packs that aid in unclogging pores.
How To Unclog Clogged Pores?
While many people may advise using special skincare gadgets targeted designed to minimize pores or harsh chemical products for pore care, they are likely to be unnecessary in most cases. Using the proper products, especially those that are meant for unclogging pores is the most important thing you should do.
Luckily, we’re going to list a variety of products that are helpful in unclogging and minimizing pores later in this article. However, it is important to use products that are gentle and do not irritate the skin. This may mean stepping away from chemical-type products.
It is also important to keep your skin clean. This means washing your face and applying skincare twice a day, in the morning and at night. When washing your face, it is important to wash it gently and avoid scrubbing it as this will lead to further skin irritation.
Finally, let your skin breathe once in a while. If you wear makeup such as foundation or powder on a daily basis, it may cause your pores to clog more often. Try taking breaks from wearing face makeup when possible or try to use products that contain skin-friendly ingredients.
It may be tempting to squeeze your pores to release any build-up, but we strongly advise against this. You may end up further damaging or irritating your skin.
What Kind Of Ingredients Clear Up Clogged Pores?
When shopping for pore-unclogging or minimizing skin care products, knowing what ingredients aid in pore care may be helpful. Look for skin-friendly ingredients such as:
- Salicylic Acid – effectively removes dead skin cells, which helps minimize enlarged pores.
- Charcoal/clay – removes excess dirt, sebum, and leftover makeup from the skin.
- Vitamin C derivatives – beauty essences that aid in removing dirt from pores while keeping the skin moisturized.
- Glycerin – a moisturizing and skin-nourishing ingredient that does not clog pores. It is also useful in shrinking the size of pores.
- Retinol – promotes skin turnover, which in turn aids in the unclogging of pores. Also helps with eliminating blackheads and whiteheads.
- Squalane – a lightweight oil that does not leave an oily residue on your skin and will not clog your pores.
How we decided
- EffectivenessAward-winning, best-sellers, or fan favorites in Japan, backed by positive user feedback
- Quality & ReputationProducts from trusted Japanese brands known for quality, safety, and consumer satisfaction
- ValuePrice, availability, and overall benefit relative to cost
- FormulationActive ingredients address specific skin concerns, ensuring reliable results
Cleansing Oils
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which is also an award-winning Japanese gentle cleansing oil contains many skin-loving ingredients like organic olive oil, which does not irritate the skin. This is a great product to use for thoroughly removing your makeup before washing your face. It only contains natural ingredients and does not contain any harsh chemicals.
Even though it is an oil, it has a water-soluble formula that thoroughly removes any makeup, even sunscreen and hard-to-remove water-proof makeup, without leaving an oily residue on your skin.
Pros
- Removes makeup thoroughly
- Gentle on all skin types
- Natural ingredients protect skin barrier
Cons
- Can feel oily on skin
- More expensive than other makeup remover
2. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil
Not only is this Mild Cleaning Oil from FANCL effective at removing makeup and unclogging pores, but it is also especially recommended for those with sensitive skin. The unique and gentle formula of this cleansing oil which contains Rose Hip and Squalane glides effortlessly across your skin to remove makeup and unwanted dirt without stripping natural oils from your skin.
Pros
- Smooth and easy application
- Very gentle on sensitive skin
- Removes dirt effectively without irritation
Cons
- Small bottle, expensive per use
- Not ideal for heavy makeup
3. Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Cleansing Oil
This premium Japanese cleansing oil contains 8 precious oils, including Tsubaki (camelia) oil which effortlessly removes makeup from your skin while keeping it hydrated and shrinking pores. Formulated with over 75% skin-friendly ingredients, this cleansing oil will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished while protecting it at the same time.
Pros
- Hydrates and nourishes skin deeply
- Luxurious soft texture feels amazing
- Shrinks visible pores
Cons
- Very pricey for regular use
- Not ideal for oily skin
Face Washes
4. Reihaku Hatomugi W Cleansing Foam
Reihaku Hatomugi W Cleansing foam is a natural cleanser that contains hatomugi or coix seed extract to cleanse your skin without stripping away its natural oils. It is a medicated face wash that has a dense lather to cleanse away excess makeup or unwanted dirt from your pores. Its medicated components prevent new acne breakouts from forming and other unwanted skin problems from occurring.
Pros
- Gentle and non-irritating foam
- Medicated for acne prevention
- Dense lather cleans thoroughly
Cons
- Slightly drying for some skin
- Not strong enough for makeup
5. Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Scrub Face Wash
The Keana Nadeshiko line from Japanese skincare brand Ishizawa Laboratories is a famous Japanese line of skincare products targeted at unclogging pores by using baking soda. This baking soda scrub-type face wash, in particular, is especially successful in removing blackheads.
Baking soda is known to lift blackheads effectively, soften and remove dead skin cells, and shrink pores without irritating the skin. It also melts easily in water and cleanses built-up keratin and sebum from the pores. It is said that this product has become popular among Japanese girls who often experience enlarged pores.
Pros
- Effectively removes blackheads
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Shrinks enlarged pores
Cons
- Can irritate sensitive skin
- Slightly abrasive on skin
6. FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Another Japanese Taste fan-favorite powder cleanser, but this time from FANCL. This face wash turns from powder to foam when activated with water to gently cleanse your face while adequately unclogging pores. A little goes a long way with this product, and since it is a powder cleanser, it is easy to take and use on the go.
Pros
- Easy to use on-the-go
- Gentle and non-stripping formula
- Powder activates into soft foam
Cons
- Slightly powdery texture
- Needs water to activate
7. Pluest Mannan Jelly Hydro Face Wash
If you often experience clogged pores but have dry or sensitive skin, this Jelly Hydro Face Wash may be especially suitable for you. Using advanced Japanese hydrogel technology, this jelly face wash works by penetrating into the inner layers of the skin to bring unwanted dirt and sebum out of the pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Studies have demonstrated that konjac, the notable ingredient in this face wash, gently removes impurities from the skin and unclogs pores without causing irritation. It’s no surprise that this face wash is a fan favorite of Japanese Taste customers!
Pros
- Moisturizes while cleansing gentl
- Deeply cleans pores effectively
- Soft gel texture spreads easily
Cons
- Slightly sticky texture
- Not foamy enough for some
Toners & Lotions
8. Dr.Ci:Labo Labo Labo Super Keana Pore Care Lotion
After cleansing your skin, it is important to follow up with a toner, which is also referred to as a lotion in Japan. In a pore-unclogging or minimizing skincare routine, is especially important not to skip this step. This is because toners and lotions allow moisturizers and creams to easily penetrate into the skin. They also aid in moisturizing the skin.
This Super Keana Pore Care Lotion targets blackheads and darkened skin spots that have formed because of clogged pores. It removes dead skin cells and reduces roughness of the skin’s texture with active ingredient royal jelly extract. It is also packed with hyaluronic acid, which is the skin’s best friend.
Pros
- Reduces blackheads efficiently
- Smooths and softens skin texture
- Moisturizes without heaviness
Cons
- Expensive compared to others
- Strong fragrance
9. Beauclair Pore Care Toner
If your goal is to tighten and shrink your pores, then this pore care toner from Beauclair is the perfect solution. Those with dry skin should particularly consider this toner, as it contains 6 hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients such as aloe and hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Functions as cleanser and toner
- Tightens pores; removes dead skin cells
- Brightens complexion
Cons
- Less hydrating than other toners
- May cause breakouts
10. Mizuhashi Hojudo Emulsion Remover Cleansing Lotion
Another fan favorite of Japanese Taste customers is the Mizuhashi Hojudo Emulsion Remover Cleansing Lotion, especially for pore care. This cleansing lotion cleanses and dissolves sebum, makeup, and any other unwanted dirt that remains in the pores.
Mizuhashi Hojudo believes that enlarged and clogged pores cannot be thoroughly unclogged with face wash alone, so they recommend following up with a pore-unclogging toner after washing your face. This toner can also be applied to other areas of your skin that have clogged pores such as on the scalp or back.
Pros
- Deep pore cleansing, oily, acne-prone skin
- Reducing darkened pores, excess sebum
- Gentle daily use without irritation
Cons
- Higher cost than basic cleansers
- Not a substitute for heavy makeup removal
Exfoliators
11. Cure Natural Aqua Gel Exfoliator
If you’re familiar with Japanese skincare products, then you might have come across this Aqua Gel Exfoliator from Cure before. This remarkable gel exfoliator uses activated hydrogen gel water and botanical ingredients to impressively remove old and dead skin cells.
This best-selling exfoliator is often referred to as ‘magic in a bottle’ because it is an impressive exfoliant that doesn’t contain chemicals or ingredients that will harm the skin. It is also extremely gentle on the skin, so it will not lead to skin irritation. Many Japanese Taste customers noted that including this exfoliator in their skincare routine left their skin feeling soft and gentle.
Pros
- Removes dead skin cells gently
- Non-irritating for sensitive skin
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
Cons
- Expensive for some users
- Not suitable daily
12. Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Moist Peeling Gel
This Peeling Gel from Ishizawa Laboratories uses baking soda as an active ingredient to gently peel away dead skin cells and dirt away from your skin. Even though it is a peeling gel, it contains skin-hydrating ingredients like glycerin to prevent the skin barrier from drying out.
Pros
- Removes blackheads gently
- Hydrates skin while exfoliating
- Softens and smooths pores
Cons
- Limited usage per week
- Baking soda smell
Pore Strips
13. Kose Cosmeport Softymo Black Nose Strips
Clogged and enlarged pores commonly appear on the nose, so pore strips have become a common skincare product to get rid of them. If you don’t have a lot of time to implement a multi-step skincare regimen into your daily routine but still want to target clogged pores around your nose, consider using these nose strips from Kosé.
These Softymo Black Nose Strips effectively remove all impurities, blackheads, and any other dirt from pores. They also unclog, clean, and shrink them. Keep a pack of these and use them anytime you want to minimize your pores.
Pros
- Removes blackheads effectively
- Convenient for quick use
- Shrinks pores temporarily
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
- For nose-only
14. Kao Bioré Charcoal Nose Strips Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
These particular pore strips from Kao Bioré contain charcoal, particularly bamboo charcoal, which is extremely powerful in unclogging pores. These nose strips work to unclog, clean, and shrink pores. Bamboo charcoal is specifically known for absorbing sebum, one of the main substances that clog pores.
If pores around your nose area are of special concern to you, keep a pack of these charcoal nose strips on hand and they’ll work in a jiffy.
Pros
- Effectively removes blackheads and dirt
- Shrinks pores and cleans thoroughly
- Menthol cools and refreshes skin
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Can irritate if peeled too quickly
Face Masks & Packs
15. Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Japanese Rice Face Mask
Face masks, especially in the form of sheet masks, are one of the most popular ways to reduce and unclog pores. This sheet mask from Ishizawa Laboratories, uses rice serum, an original Japanese ingredient proven to shrink pores, and is also effective in anti-aging and moisturizing the skin. There is also a Men’s version available.
Pros
- Anti-aging benefits
- Moisturizes skin deeply
- Shrinks pores effectively
Cons
- Serum-rich sheet can feel heavy or sticky
- Potential for irritation
16. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Micro Clay Wash 130g
This clay wash from Kanebo is a Japanese facial cleanser with two types of clay to deeply remove sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities while locking in moisture. Enriched with Moroccan lava clay and apricot juice, it smooths pores without drying.
Pros
- Absorbs sebum, dead skin cells, impurities
- Can be used as a rinse-off mask
- Leaves skin smooth without dryess
Cons
- Clay texture can feel gritty
- Mint fragrance may be strong for sensitive noses
17. Kose Clear Turn Japanese Rice Sheet Mask EX (Pore Tightening Face Mask)
This is another great face mask option, especially for those who are searching for a product that can perform multiple functions at once. Not only does this sheet mask act as a toner, serum, emulsion, cream, face pack, and eye mask all in one, but it also effectively tightens pores. Just plop it onto your face for 5 to 10 minutes after washing your face and you’ll be good to go!
Pros
- Tightens pores
- 6-in-1 formula
- Hydrates and softens skin
Cons
- Fragrance may irritate
- May feel heavy on oily skin
18. IPSA Luminizing Clay Mask
If you’re looking for a non-sheet face mask option, then this Luminizing Clay Mask from IPSA is a great choice. Clay is a popular skincare ingredient for thoroughly cleansing the skin, especially unwanted dirt from pores.
If your skin is more on the oily side, then this clay mask is especially recommended for you. You only need to implement this mask once or twice a week into your skincare routine to see positive results.
Pros
- Deep cleans pores
- Clay-based detox
- Reduces excess oil
Cons
- Can dry skin
- Weekly use only
19. Ishizawa Lab Keana Rice Pack
Face packs, which are slightly different from face masks, only need to be applied to areas of concern on the face. This rice pack from Ishizawa Laboratories aims to minimize enlarged pores while improving skin texture. Therefore, you can kill two birds with one stone by using this face pack!
Pros
- Targets problem areas
- Improves skin texture
- Shrinks pores effectively
Cons
- Limited coverage
- Needs rinsing
20. BCL Tsururi Ghassoul Mineral Clay Facial Pack
This facial pack from BCL is formulated with Moroccan clay to remove and cleanse impurities from your skin, which in turn minimizes enlarged pores. You can use this product as a face pack and only apply it to specific areas of concern on your face or even use it as a face mask if you like.
Pros
- Removes impurities thoroughly
- Clay-based detox
- Targets problem areas
Cons
- Slightly drying
- Can be messy
