Dr. Brandt pores no more pore refiner primer

Dr. Brandt pores no more pore refiner primer

Efficacy68/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Exfoliation
Salicylic acid, Capryloyl salicylic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“This primer is shown to keep skin shine-free with pore-refining ingredients including red clover flower extract that works to shrink the look of pores and a soothing derivative of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates away dead skin cells and oil build-up for a smooth canvas.”
Source: Sephora

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid, salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~1.25–2.5%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: High~0.35–0.75%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Capryloyl salicylic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“pores no more pore refiner primer”
From product name

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~1.25–2.5%
Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.35–0.75%
Evens skin tone
Capryloyl salicylic acid, Salicylic acid
May help
What the product description says
“90% reported that the skin complexion looks more even** .”
Source: Dr. Brandt

This product might be able to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains salicylic acid. The effect, if any, is likely to be small. Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: capryloyl salicylic acid.

Capryloyl salicylic acidKey activeEffect: Medium~0.35–0.75%
Salicylic acidEffect: LowUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~1.25–2.5%
Anti-aging
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Helps shrink the look of pores over time by rebalancing skin conditions responsible for pore enlargement. .”
Source: Sephora

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~1.25–2.5%est.
Capryloyl salicylic acid—High~0.35–0.75%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Trifolium pratense flower extractRed clover flower extract. Can contain anti-oxidants but also potential irritant compoundsHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methiconeHelps oil and water mix together. It might be irritating for some peopleMedium~2.6–3.9%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Laureth-12Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~0.45–1.1%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Salicylic acid~1.25–2.5%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Cyclopentasiloxane~6.5–9.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Water~4.8–7.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Dimethicone crosspolymer~3.5–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone~2.6–3.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps oil and water mix together. It might be irritating for some people

More about Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone
Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer~2.4–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Helps thicken the product consistency

More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~1.7–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Polysilicone-11~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingMoisturizing

A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel

More about Polysilicone-11
Titanium dioxide~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ci 77891~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Dimethyl isosorbide~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide
Polymethyl methacrylate~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections

More about Polymethyl methacrylate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A silicone that mixes with water creating nice light-weight product texture

More about Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone
Isopentyldiol~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in a formulation

More about Isopentyldiol
Ethylhexyl palmitate~0.45–1.1%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Capryloyl salicylic acid~0.35–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin tone
More about Capryloyl salicylic acid
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Silica~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a silky product texture and add volume to products

More about Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer
Dimethyl oxobenzo dioxasilane~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Silica dimethyl silylate~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica dimethyl silylate
Trifolium pratense flower extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Red clover flower extract. Can contain anti-oxidants but also potential irritant compounds

More about Trifolium pratense flower extract
Laureth-12~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Laureth-12
Iron oxides~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Ci 77492~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant. Usually well-tolerated

More about Ci 77492
Ci 77491~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A red colorant made of iron oxide. Typically is not irritating

More about Ci 77491
Ci 77499~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

An iron oxide. Used as a colorant. Is usually well tolerated

More about Ci 77499
Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Lauryl peg/ppg-18/18 methicone, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11, Titanium dioxide, Ci 77891, Dimethyl isosorbide, Polymethyl methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, Isopentyldiol, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Capryloyl salicylic acid, Chlorphenesin, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hdi/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, Dimethyl oxobenzo dioxasilane, Silica dimethyl silylate, Trifolium pratense flower extract, Laureth-12, Iron oxides, Ci 77492, Ci 77491, Ci 77499

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/1 00:12 GMT
$48.00
Buy
Dr. Brandt
$48.00
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Dr. Brandtpores no more pore refiner primerYOUR PRODUCTSome By MiMiracle AC Clear Spot TreatmentAbibGreen LHA Pore Pad Clear TouchGarnierPure Active Intensive Blackhead Exfoliating Face Scrub
Match—80%79%79%
Price$48.00$11.32−$36.68$18.60−$29.40$5.33−$42.67
Shared key ingredients—3 of 82 of 82 of 8
Key difference—MadecassosideNiacinamideCopper Pca
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Kiehl's Breakout Control Acne Treatment Facial Lotioncelimax Ji Woo Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad (60 Pads)

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder
Dr. Brandt pores no more pore refiner primer
Dr. Brandtpores no more pore refiner primer

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.