Refining Serum 9
Refining Serum 9
Product Description
DR's Secret Refining Serum 9 is the brand's long-running bestselling pore serum β a lightweight, alcohol-free botanical treatment built around a concentrated blend of plant tannins (witch hazel, willow bark, chestnut shell, cinnamon bark and Rhus gall) and fermented yeast extract. It is designed to visibly tighten enlarged pores, refine skin texture and calm redness with a fresh, cooling finish, without the over-drying typical of alcohol-based astringents.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Plant Tannin Complex
Witch hazel, willow bark, chestnut shell, cinnamon bark and Rhus gall work as natural astringents to visibly tighten the look of pores.
Fermented Yeast Extract
A fermented botanical that delivers the serum's signature cooling sensation while helping refine and smooth skin texture.
Alcohol-Free Tightening
Achieves an astringent, pore-tightening effect without drying ethanol, so skin feels refreshed rather than stripped.
Soothing & Calming
Chamomile, beta-glucan, allantoin and licorice-derived dipotassium glycyrrhizate help calm visible redness and irritation.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains willow bark (a natural salicin source), fragrance and cinnamon bark. None are high-risk, but to be safe, check with your OB-GYN before use.
Includes yeast ferment extract, a fermented ingredient commonly flagged as a potential malassezia trigger. Not recommended for fungal-acne-prone skin.
Formulated with parfum plus aromatic botanicals (cinnamon, mint). Reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.
Delivers pore-tightening astringency without drying alcohol, so it is gentler than traditional alcohol-based toners and astringents.
Water-based and oil-free, built mainly on humectants and botanical extracts. Rated low (1/5) for clogging potential.
Generally pairs with most routines. When combining with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids, introduce gradually to avoid over-drying.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΏ Plant Tannin Complex β Witch Hazel, Willow Bark, Chestnut Shell, Cinnamon Bark & Rhus Gall High Proven
The hero of the formula. This synergistic group of tannin-rich botanicals acts as a natural astringent that constricts the skin surface, helping enlarged pores look visibly tighter and smoother β the brand markets the serum as using its highest concentration of these extracts.
- Witch hazel: Its tannins have a recognised astringent, skin-tightening effect, and its catechins offer anti-inflammatory activity.
- Willow bark: Contains salicin, a natural salicylate associated with gentle clarifying and smoothing benefits.
- Mechanism: Tannins temporarily contract proteins at the skin surface, reducing the visible appearance of pore openings.
𧬠Yeast Ferment Extract Key Promising
A fermented botanical extract that gives Refining Serum 9 its distinctive cooling, refreshing sensation. Ferments are naturally rich in amino acids, peptides and polysaccharides, and the brand credits this ingredient with helping cool the skin and refine its texture.
- Function: Fermentation breaks larger molecules into smaller, more bioavailable compounds that condition the skin.
- Sensory: Contributes to the immediate cooling, tightened-feel that users notice on application.
π‘οΈ Beta-Glucan Support Proven
A large polysaccharide sourced from yeast and cereals that is one of skincare's most reliable soothers. It balances the serum's astringent action by hydrating and calming, helping prevent the tight, uncomfortable feeling that astringents alone can cause.
- Research: Beta-glucan is documented as a skin-soothing humectant with skin-repairing and antioxidant properties.
- Role here: Offsets potential dryness from the tannin complex and supports skin comfort.
πΌ Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract Support Promising
A classic calming botanical used to soothe visible redness and irritation. It complements the serum's positioning as a pore refiner that also cools and calms reactive, congested skin.
- Traditional use: Chamomile extracts are widely used for their soothing, anti-irritant reputation.
- Pairing: Works alongside allantoin and licorice extract to reinforce the calming side of the formula.
π Allantoin & Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Calming Proven
A dependable soothing duo. Allantoin promotes a smooth, comfortable skin feel and supports surface recovery, while dipotassium glycyrrhizate (a licorice-root derivative) is a well-studied anti-inflammatory that helps quiet redness.
- Allantoin: Known for its softening, soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
- Licorice derivative: Glycyrrhizate compounds are valued for calming and brightening visible irritation.
πͺ Amino Acid Complex & Hydrolyzed Albumen (Conalbumin) Complex Promising
The serum supplies skin-identical amino acids β cysteine, cystine, glutamic acid, methionine, serine and valine β together with hydrolyzed albumen (conalbumin). The brand links this protein-and-amino-acid blend to its firming, lifted-look claims and to maintaining skin elasticity.
- Amino acids: Are natural building blocks of the skin's own moisturising factor and support a supple feel.
- Conalbumin: An egg-white-derived protein used to moisturise and condition for a firmer-looking finish.
π΅ Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) & Scutellaria Baicalensis Extracts Antioxidant Proven
An antioxidant pairing that helps defend skin against environmental free-radical stress. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, while Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) contributes baicalin, a flavonoid studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Green tea: Its catechin polyphenols are well-documented antioxidants that also help with oil-prone skin.
- Baikal skullcap: Baicalin is researched for protective antioxidant and soothing effects.
36 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Shell Extract, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Mentha Haplocalix Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Albumen, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Benzyl Glycol, Cysteine, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Methionine, Serine, Valine, Raspberry Ketone, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after cleansing and toning, concentrating on areas with enlarged pores, then seal with moisturizer. Use morning and evening, and always finish with sunscreen during the day.
π How to Use
Cleanse
Start with clean skin using your usual gentle cleanser to remove oil and impurities.
Tone
Follow with toner to rebalance the skin and prep it to absorb the serum.
Apply Refining Serum 9
Dispense a few drops (the brand suggests up to 3β4 pumps of the full-face amount). Smooth evenly over the face, concentrating on areas with enlarged pores.
Let It Absorb
Allow the serum to absorb fully, then pat skin gently. Layer your moisturizer on top.
Protect (AM)
In the morning, always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect refreshed skin.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have visibly enlarged pores, especially around the nose and cheeks
- Your skin is oily or combination and prone to shine
- You want pore-tightening without drying alcohol
- You like a cooling, refreshing serum that also calms redness
- You prefer botanical, paraben- and silicone-free formulas
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are managing fungal acne (malassezia)
- You are highly sensitive or react to fragrance, cinnamon or mint
- You want a fragrance-free formula
- You expect permanent pore-size reduction rather than a refined appearance
- You prefer a single high-percentage active over a botanical blend
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Astringent botanicals help control shine and refine the look of pores without an alcohol-dry finish.
Targets the oilier T-zone and enlarged pores while soothing the rest of the face.
A pleasant, refreshing texture-refiner; use mainly on areas where pores are most visible.
Soothing humectants help, but dry skin should always layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Calming botanicals are present, but fragrance, cinnamon and mint mean a patch test is essential.
Low comedogenic risk and oil-balancing astringency help, but fungal-acne-prone skin should skip it.
π Results Timeline
Cooling & Tightened Feel
Skin feels instantly cooled, fresh and momentarily tightened thanks to the plant tannins and fermented yeast extract.
Most users noticeSmoother, Calmer Surface
Skin texture starts to look smoother and less shiny, with reduced visible redness in reactive areas.
Early improvementMore Refined Pores
With consistent use, enlarged pores β particularly on the nose and cheeks β appear visibly more refined.
Typical milestoneFirmer, More Lifted Look
Long-term users frequently report firmer-looking, more lifted skin with a smoother overall complexion at around three months.
Brand testimonial benchmarkβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Visibly refines and tightens the look of enlarged pores over time
- Pleasant cooling, refreshing sensation on application
- Alcohol-free astringency that doesn't strip the skin
- Soothes visible redness and calms reactive skin
- Lightweight, absorbs fast and layers well in a routine
- Free from parabens, silicones and sulfates
β Criticized
- Contains fragrance plus cinnamon and mint β not ideal for very sensitive skin
- Yeast ferment extract makes it unsuitable for fungal-acne-prone skin
- Pore-tightening is a temporary, appearance-based effect, not permanent
- Premium price, sold mainly via direct sales and distributors
- Standard 30ml size feels small relative to the cost
- Active concentrations are proprietary and not disclosed
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Shares the alcohol-free witch hazel astringency for pore tightening, but it's a toner rather than a serum and lacks the fermented yeast and full tannin complex.
A serum that targets pores and oil, but through high-strength niacinamide rather than botanical tannins. Fragrance-free and more fungal-acne friendly.
An extremely affordable pore-and-oil option, but the mechanism is niacinamide-based. It lacks the cooling botanicals and soothing extracts of Refining Serum 9.
π Comparison with Competitors
DR's Secret Refining Serum 9 (Featured)
~$50 / 30mlCOSRX 15% Niacinamide Face Serum
~$22 / 20mlPaula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
~$49 / 20mlClinique Pore Refining Solutions Serum
~$40 / 30mlπ¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening β check the PAO symbol on your packaging.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Slight colour variation is normal due to natural extracts.
Pump bottle, available in a 30ml standard size and a 90ml big bottle.
Yes β the 30ml size is well under the 100ml carry-on liquids limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The serum contains no retinoids, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, but it does include willow bark (a natural source of salicin/salicylate), fragrance and cinnamon bark. None of these are considered high-risk in a leave-on cosmetic, but because individual situations differ, we recommend checking with your OB-GYN or doctor before adding it to your routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No, it isn't ideal for fungal-acne-prone skin. The formula contains yeast ferment extract, a fermented ingredient commonly flagged as a potential trigger for malassezia (fungal acne). If you are actively managing fungal acne, choose a ferment-free, ester-free alternative instead.
Generally yes, with care. Because the serum already has an astringent action, stacking it with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids in the same routine can increase the chance of dryness or irritation. Introduce one active at a time, consider alternating them (for example actives at night and the serum at another time), and always follow with moisturizer and daytime SPF.
It performs best on oily and combination skin with visibly enlarged pores, where the alcohol-free astringency helps refine texture and control shine. It's also marketed as suitable for most skin types thanks to its soothing botanicals, though sensitive and fragrance-reactive skin should patch test, and dry skin should always layer a moisturizer on top.
The cooling, tightened sensation is immediate. Smoother, less shiny skin often appears within 1β2 weeks, more visibly refined pores around 4 weeks, and many long-term users report firmer, more lifted-looking skin at about three months of consistent use. Results vary by individual and routine.
Apply it after cleansing and toning (and after any prescribed treatment step), concentrating on areas with enlarged pores. Let it absorb fully, then layer your moisturizer over the top. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
It has a low comedogenic risk, rated around 1 out of 5. The formula is water-based and oil-free, built largely on humectants and botanical extracts rather than heavy oils, so it is unlikely to clog pores for most users.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening (always check the PAO symbol on your bottle). On daily use, one standard pack is designed to last roughly three months. Store it cool, dry and out of direct sunlight to keep the botanical formula fresh.
Verdict: DR's Secret Refining Serum 9 is a cult-favourite, alcohol-free pore serum that does its core job well β its plant-tannin and fermented-yeast blend genuinely refines the look of enlarged pores, controls shine and leaves a soothing, cooling finish that fans love. It loses points for containing fragrance plus cinnamon and mint (a drawback for very sensitive skin), for not being fungal-acne safe due to its yeast ferment, and for a premium price on a fairly small 30ml bottle sold mainly through authorized distributors. If you have oily or combination skin focused on pore refinement and don't mind a lightly scented botanical formula, it's a strong, well-rounded pick.
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
| 0 |
Castanea Sativa Shell Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Surfactant, Fragrance, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming
|
Redness
Irritation
|