Calamine Pore Control Capsule Serum
Calamine Pore Control Capsule Serum
Product Description
By AXIS-Y β a lightweight, fast-absorbing K-beauty serum that pairs calamine with a witch hazel & blue iris "Tannin Complex" and pineapple-derived bromelain to control excess sebum and refine the look of enlarged pores. Innovative moisture capsules help maintain the skin's oil-water balance, so skin stays calm and comfortable rather than stripped. Part of the AXIS-Y 611 line (6 base ingredients, 1 core active, 1 effective technology).
β¨ Texture & Feel
Calamine Sebum Control
Calamine (a zinc oxide & iron oxide blend) helps absorb excess oil and calm irritation, supporting a more refined, even-toned pore appearance.
Bromelain Enzyme Exfoliation
Pineapple-derived bromelain gently dissolves dull surface buildup to smooth texture β no harsh scrubbing or stinging acids.
Tannin Complexβ’
Witch hazel and blue iris astringents work together to tighten the look of pores and help manage sebum across the T-zone.
Moisture Capsules
Capsule technology delivers targeted hydration to maintain oil-water balance, keeping skin comfortable instead of tight or stripped.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, BHA/salicylic acid, or hydroquinone β generally considered low-risk. However, it includes witch hazel and bromelain, so confirm with your OB/GYN before use.
Contains palmitic acid, sorbitan isostearate and ester emollients that can feed malassezia. Not recommended if you are fungal-acne prone.
Formulated without added fragrance, essential oils or drying alcohols β a gentler choice for sensitive skin (patch test still advised).
Layers well with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and most gentle hydrators. Space out from strong acids or retinoids to avoid over-exfoliation.
The Tannin Complex includes witch hazel. While soothing for many, very reactive skin may find tannins drying β patch test first.
No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. Also reef safe and free of common allergens.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΈ Calamine Core Active Proven
The hero ingredient and namesake of this serum. Calamine is a naturally occurring blend of zinc oxide and iron oxide, long used in dermatology to soothe itching and irritation. Here it absorbs excess sebum and calms the skin to support a more refined, even-looking complexion.
- Function: Absorbent and skin-soothing agent that helps mattify and reduce visible shine.
- Tradition: Sometimes called "pink medicine," calamine is widely used for irritated, reactive skin.
π Bromelain Enzyme Promising
A proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple. Bromelain offers a gentle, enzymatic form of exfoliation, helping to break down dead surface cells so skin looks smoother and pores appear clearer β without the sting of acids.
- Function: Mild enzymatic exfoliant that supports cell turnover and smoother texture.
- Benefit: Gentler alternative to AHAs/BHAs for sensitive or acid-averse skin.
πΏ Witch Hazel + Blue Iris (Tannin Complex) Complex Promising
Hamamelis Virginiana (witch hazel) and Iris Versicolor (blue iris) form AXIS-Y's astringent Tannin Complex. The tannins help temporarily tighten the appearance of pores and regulate the look of excess oil for a more refined surface.
- Witch hazel: Tannins constrict the look of pores; also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Use note: Tannins can feel drying on very reactive skin β patch test recommended.
π± Centella Asiatica Extract Soothing Proven
A staple K-beauty botanical rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside. Centella ("cica") is well documented for calming inflammation, supporting the skin barrier and aiding the skin's natural repair processes β a perfect partner to gentle exfoliation.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory and barrier-supporting; soothes redness and irritation.
- Pairing: Balances the astringent Tannin Complex to keep the formula gentle.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free-radical damage and reinforces the lipid barrier. Vitamin E also helps stabilize the formula and supports overall skin resilience.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals and strengthens the skin's lipid barrier.
- Bonus: Works synergistically with other antioxidants in the botanical blend.
40 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Calamine, Bromelain, Iris Versicolor Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Sucrose, Mannitol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Dextrin, Palmitic Acid, Allantoin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, C12-16 Alcohols, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Tocopherol
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and/or evening after toner or essence, before heavier creams. For the full "pore-fect" duo, AXIS-Y recommends pairing it with the LHA Peel & Fill Pore Balancing Cream.
π How to Use
Start on Cleansed Skin
Apply to freshly cleansed skin, after your toner or essence step.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
Pump a pea-sized amount onto each cheek β a little goes a long way.
Pat & Focus on Pores
Spread evenly and gently pat in, concentrating on the "butterfly zone" (nose and inner cheeks) where pores are most visible.
Lock It In
Follow with moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF 30+ to protect refined skin.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- Enlarged or congested-looking pores bother you
- You want oil control without a stripped, tight feeling
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
- You like lightweight, fast-absorbing textures
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are malassezia / fungal-acne prone
- You have very dry skin needing rich occlusives
- Your skin reacts to witch hazel or tannins
- You want a high-percentage clinical niacinamide
- You expect dramatic, instant pore shrinking
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Calamine and the Tannin Complex target excess sebum; the lightweight finish won't add shine.
Balances the oily T-zone while moisture capsules keep drier areas comfortable.
A gentle, refining everyday serum; pore benefits are subtler on already-balanced skin.
Hydrating capsules help, but very dry skin will likely need a richer moisturizer on top.
Fragrance-free with soothing centella and calamine, but witch hazel means a patch test is wise.
Low comedogenicity and oil control help, but it is not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe.
π Results Timeline
Soothing & Comfort
Skin feels calmer and less reactive; many notice reduced midday shine and a smoother surface.
60% noticedLess Shine, Smoother Texture
Gentle bromelain exfoliation and sebum control lead to visibly reduced surface oil and softer texture.
55% noticedRefined Pores
Pores look tighter and less congested, particularly across the T-zone and "butterfly zone."
45% noticedBalanced, Even Complexion
With consistent use, skin appears more balanced overall, with steadier oil levels and smoother tone.
40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Effective sebum and oil control for oily & combo skin
- Genuinely lightweight β absorbs fast with no greasy residue
- Soothing calamine + centella calm redness and irritation
- Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe
- Generous 50ml size versus the typical 30ml serum
β Criticized
- Mild herbal/medicinal scent that some users dislike
- Not fungal-acne safe (fatty acids & esters)
- Pore results are gradual rather than dramatic
- Can feel insufficient alone on very dry skin
- Witch hazel may not suit ultra-reactive skin
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Targets oil and the look of pores with niacinamide and zinc instead of calamine. Far cheaper, but lacks the soothing botanicals and moisture-capsule hydration; texture can feel slightly tacky.
Another K-beauty oil/blemish serum built on niacinamide and yuja (citrus) for pores and dark spots. More brightening focus, no calamine, and also not fungal-acne safe.
Uses bakuchiol to smooth pores and texture rather than calamine and astringent tannins. Gentler, more anti-aging leaning, with fewer sebum-control actives.
π Comparison with Competitors
AXIS-Y Calamine Pore Control Serum (Featured)
~$28The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
$6.50Paula's Choice CLINICAL 20% Niacinamide
$48Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Serum
$22π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Pump bottle (50ml / 1.69 fl oz)
Yes β 50ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
It contains no ingredients typically restricted in pregnancy such as retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, so it is generally considered low-risk. However, it does include witch hazel and bromelain. As with any skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding, confirm with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before adding it to your routine.
No. The formula contains palmitic acid, sorbitan isostearate and ester emollients (such as cetyl ethylhexanoate) that can feed malassezia yeast. If you are prone to fungal acne, this serum is best avoided.
Generally yes β it layers well with most actives. Because it contains gentle enzymatic exfoliation (bromelain) and astringent tannins, avoid using it in the same routine as strong acids or high-strength retinoids to prevent over-exfoliation. Many users apply it on its own or alternate it with stronger actives on separate days/times. Vitamin C and niacinamide pair well with it.
It performs best on oily and combination skin, where calamine and the Tannin Complex help manage sebum and refine the look of pores. Normal and sensitive skin can use it too, while very dry skin will likely need a richer moisturizer layered on top.
Soothing and reduced shine are often noticeable within the first week. Smoother texture typically appears within 2-4 weeks, and visibly more refined pores generally take 4-8 weeks or more of consistent daily use. Pore appearance is improved rather than permanently changed.
Apply it after cleansing and toner/essence, and before your moisturizer, in the morning and/or evening. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. For best results, AXIS-Y suggests pairing it with the LHA Peel & Fill Pore Balancing Cream.
It has a low comedogenic rating (around 2/5). Calamine itself is non-comedogenic and the texture is lightweight, so it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Note that "non-comedogenic" is not the same as "fungal-acne safe" β this serum is the former but not the latter.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and use it within a year of opening for best freshness and performance.
Verdict: A well-formulated, gentle pore-care serum that excels at sebum control and soothing for oily and combination skin, with a genuinely lightweight feel and a generous 50ml size. It won't dramatically shrink pores β results are gradual and appearance-focused β and the fatty acids and esters make it unsuitable for fungal-acne-prone skin. For calmer, more balanced, less-shiny skin without irritation, it's a strong, affordable everyday option from a reliable K-beauty brand.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|