Pores No Moreยฎ Pore Purifying Cleanser
Pores No Moreยฎ Pore Purifying Cleanser
Product Description
The Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No Moreยฎ Pore Purifying Cleanser is a non-drying gel-to-foam wash for combination and oily skin. Powered by oil-soluble salicylic acid (BHA), tea tree oil, and white willow bark, it dissolves excess sebum, debris, and buildup while gently exfoliating to refine the look of enlarged pores โ without stripping the skin's moisture.
โจ Texture & Feel
Refines Pores
Oil-soluble BHA penetrates pores to dissolve buildup and minimize the look of enlarged pores.
Non-Drying Lather
Rich gel foam removes excess sebum and debris without stripping the skin's moisture barrier.
Botanical Soothing
Tea tree oil and white willow bark add antibacterial and calming, anti-inflammatory support.
Clean-ish Formula
Free of parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, silicones, and harsh alcohols.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA) plus tea tree and rosemary essential oils. Topical BHA in a rinse-off cleanser is low-risk, but consult your OB/GYN first.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains esters and PEG stearates (PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glycol Stearate) that can feed malassezia.
Tea tree, rosemary, and geranium oils (with linalyl acetate) can irritate reactive skin. Patch test before regular use.
Formulated without parabens, silicones, or harsh alcohols, and verified reef safe โ a plus for the environmentally conscious.
As a low-strength BHA wash, it pairs well with most routines. Be cautious stacking with strong AHA/BHA or retinoids to avoid over-exfoliation.
Salicylic acid does not significantly increase sun sensitivity, but daily SPF is still recommended for any exfoliating routine.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
โ๏ธ Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5% Proven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid and the star active. It penetrates inside the pore lining to dissolve sebum and dead cells, exfoliating where blackheads form and helping refine pore appearance.
- FDA: Recognized as an OTC acne active at 0.5โ2% concentrations.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble, so it exfoliates inside pores unlike water-soluble AHAs.
- Bonus: Acts as a mild anti-inflammatory to calm blemish-prone skin.
๐ฟ Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) Low Promising
Derived from the tea tree plant, it brings antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that target acne-causing bacteria and help calm the skin.
- Research: Terpinen components help reduce Cutibacterium acnes (acne bacteria).
- Role here: Supports the BHA in keeping blemish-prone skin clear.
๐ณ White Willow Bark (Salix Alba) Low Promising
Often called salicylic acid's botanical cousin thanks to its salicin content. It contributes mild exfoliation plus antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits from flavonoids and polyphenols.
- Salicin: Has soothing, mildly exfoliating, antioxidant effects.
- History: Used for centuries; supports the cleanser's pore-refining claim.
๐งผ Cocamidopropyl Betaine High Proven
A gentle coconut-derived surfactant that does much of the actual cleansing. It lifts dirt, oil, and impurities while thickening the gel into a creamy lather, and is mild enough to keep the wash from feeling stripping.
- Source: Made from coconut oil, giving it mild, hydrating cleansing.
- Study: 2012 research cleared high-purity grades of earlier allergen concerns.
๐ง Glycerin Low Proven
A humectant that occurs naturally in skin. Even in a rinse-off wash it helps offset the tightness that exfoliating cleansers can cause, drawing moisture toward the skin's surface.
- 2016 study: Found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Barrier: Hydrated skin supports a healthier moisture barrier.
23 ingredients
Water, Disodium C12-14 Pareth-3 Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glycol Stearate, Hydroxypropyl Guar, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Laureth-10, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Glycerin, Stearamide Amp, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Linalyl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
This is your first step, used AM and PM. As an exfoliating BHA wash, oily skin can use it daily; sensitive or drier skin may prefer 3โ4 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
๐ How to Use
Dampen Skin
Apply to damp skin morning and/or evening. Avoid using on fully dry skin to prevent tugging.
Massage Into Lather
Work a small amount over the face in gentle circular motions until it forms a rich lather.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with warm water. Keep contact brief โ it's a wash-off, not a leave-on treatment.
Follow & Protect
Follow with serum and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with SPF.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with visible, enlarged pores
- You're prone to blackheads, shine, and mild congestion
- You want gentle daily exfoliation in a non-stripping wash
- You like botanical, herbal-scented formulas
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, sensitive, or essential-oil-reactive skin
- You follow a strict fungal-acne (malassezia) safe routine
- You need a high-strength acne treatment (this is low % BHA)
- You prefer a completely fragrance-free formula
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Designed for exactly this โ controls sebum, refines pores, and reduces shine without stripping.
Balances the oily T-zone while the non-drying base keeps drier cheeks comfortable.
BHA and tea tree help with blackheads and mild breakouts, though the low % suits maintenance more than active acne.
Less drying than most BHA washes, but exfoliating actives can still feel tight โ use sparingly.
Tea tree, rosemary, and geranium oils raise irritation potential. Patch test, or choose a fragrance-free option.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediately Cleaner Feel
Skin feels deeply clean, fresh, and free of excess oil โ without the squeaky, tight after-feel of harsher washes.
Most users noticedSmoother Texture
Regular BHA exfoliation begins to smooth the skin's surface and reduce the look of congestion around the nose.
~60% noticedRefined Pores & Less Shine
Pores look visibly less prominent and oily skin appears more balanced with continued daily use.
~50% noticedClearer, Refined Complexion
Cumulative results: fewer blackheads, more even texture, and a clearer overall complexion.
~45% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Genuinely non-drying for a salicylic acid cleanser
- Leaves skin clean, soft, and refreshed
- Helps control oil and reduce blackheads over time
- Gentle enough for daily use by many oily-skin users
- Clean formula: paraben-, silicone-, and fragrance-free
โ Criticized
- Expensive at $38 for a 3.5 oz / 105 ml bottle
- Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Low BHA % โ limited for active acne
- Some users saw no visible pore change
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Salicylic acid foaming gel with 0.5โ1% BHA plus ceramides and niacinamide. Fragrance-free and far cheaper per ounce, though it lacks the tea tree and willow bark botanicals.
A targeted acne gel cleanser with salicylic acid and a fragrance-free, sensitivity-conscious formula. Similar pore-clarifying goal with fewer potential irritants.
Combines bamboo charcoal with salicylic acid for a deep, detoxifying pore cleanse. More of a clarifying mask-wash hybrid, with a botanical feel like Dr. Brandt.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Dr. Brandt Pores No More (Featured)
$38.00CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
$15.97Paula's Choice CLEAR Cleanser
$22.00Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Cleanser
$42.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Replace cap after each use.
Squeeze tube with flip cap, 105 ml / 3.5 fl oz
Yes โ 105 ml is just over the 100 ml carry-on limit, so pack in checked luggage or decant.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. It contains salicylic acid (a BHA) plus tea tree and rosemary essential oils. Topical salicylic acid in a brief, rinse-off cleanser is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy, but because the formula also contains essential oils, it's best to check with your OB/GYN or dermatologist before using it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
No. It contains PEG stearates and ester ingredients โ including PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Glycol Stearate, and PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides โ that can feed malassezia yeast. If you're managing fungal acne, choose a fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead.
Generally yes โ as a wash-off, low-strength BHA cleanser it's mild and compatible with most routines. To avoid over-exfoliation or irritation, be cautious when also using strong leave-on AHA/BHA exfoliants or retinoids. Introduce one active at a time and listen to your skin.
It's formulated for combination and oily skin, especially those concerned with enlarged pores, shine, and mild congestion. Acne-prone skin also benefits. Very dry or sensitive skin โ particularly anyone reactive to essential oils โ may want a gentler, fragrance-free option.
Skin feels cleaner from the first wash. Smoother texture usually appears within 1โ2 weeks, and the look of refined pores and less shine builds over 3โ4 weeks of consistent daily use. Exfoliation benefits are cumulative, so the clearest results show after roughly 6โ8 weeks.
It's your first step. Use it on damp skin in the morning and/or evening to lather, then rinse before applying toner, serums, and moisturizer. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen.
It carries a low comedogenic rating (about 1/5). As a rinse-off cleanser built around pore-clearing salicylic acid, it's designed to unclog rather than clog pores, so it's unlikely to cause congestion for most users.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Use it within a year of first opening, keep the cap closed, and store it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight to preserve the active ingredients.
Verdict: The Dr. Brandt Skincare Pores No Moreยฎ Pore Purifying Cleanser is a reliably non-drying salicylic acid wash that genuinely earns its reputation among oily and combination skin types. The BHA, tea tree, and willow bark combo helps control oil, refine the look of pores, and keep blackheads in check โ all without the tight, stripped feeling of harsher acne washes. Its trade-offs are a premium price for a small bottle, the use of essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin, and a formula that isn't fungal-acne safe. If you have resilient, oily, pore-prone skin and like a botanical cleanse, it's a strong pick; sensitive or budget-focused shoppers will find capable, gentler alternatives for far less.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
|
|
|
| 4 |
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Sulfate
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Bulking Agent
|
|