Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum
Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum powered by 93% Matcha Water from Bosung, South Korea. This antioxidant-rich formula purifies and tightens pores while controlling excess sebum with patented Anti-Sebum P technology. Natural BHA from Willow Bark and gentle PHA work together to dissolve dead skin cells without irritation, leaving skin refreshed, balanced, and visibly refined.
93% Matcha Water
Premium Bosung matcha delivers powerful antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals while tightening and refining pore appearance.
Texture & feel
SENSORY93% Matcha Water
Premium Bosung matcha delivers powerful antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals while tightening and refining pore appearance.
Patented Sebum Control
Anti-Sebum P and Skinpore Controller technology absorbs excess oil and regulates sebum production for a lasting matte finish.
Natural BHA + PHA
Willow Bark Extract provides gentle BHA exfoliation while Lactobionic Acid (PHA) removes dead skin cells without irritation.
Soothing Complex
Centella Asiatica, Tea Tree, and Houttuynia Cordata calm irritated skin and reduce redness for a balanced complexion.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is FDA-approved as safe during pregnancy. No retinoids, hydroquinone, or high-concentration salicylic acid.
Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate and Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate which may feed malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Rated 1/5 on comedogenic scale. Water-based formula unlikely to clog pores when used correctly.
Contains added fragrance plus natural fragrance components (Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool). Patch test if sensitive to scents.
Completed irritation testing on sensitive skin. Gentle PHA exfoliation is milder than traditional AHAs.
No parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, artificial colors, or animal-derived ingredients (except fragrance components).
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMatcha Water (Camellia Sinensis) 93%Proven
Premium green tea extract from Bosung, South Korea, rich in catechins and EGCG antioxidants. Provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pore-tightening benefits while protecting against environmental damage.
- Research: Studies show green tea polyphenols reduce sebum production and have anti-acne properties
- Antioxidant Power: EGCG neutralizes free radicals that cause premature aging
- Soothing: Calms redness and irritation while improving skin tone
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2-4%Proven
Multi-functional powerhouse that regulates sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, brightens skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier. Works synergistically with other ingredients.
- Sebum Control: Clinical studies show 2-5% niacinamide reduces oil production
- Pore Minimizing: Visibly reduces pore size with consistent use
- Brightening: Helps fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone
Willow Bark Extract (Natural BHA) ListedPromising
Natural source of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid. Provides gentle exfoliation to unclog pores, remove blackheads, and smooth skin texture without the harshness of synthetic BHA.
- Natural Exfoliant: Contains 53-65% natural salicylates
- Anti-inflammatory: Soothes irritated, acne-prone skin
- Astringent: Helps tighten pores and refine skin texture
Lactobionic Acid (PHA) ListedProven
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin. Larger molecular size means slower penetration and less irritation compared to AHAs while still delivering results.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells without irritation
- Hydrating: Attracts water to upper skin layers as a humectant
- Antioxidant: Provides additional protection against free radicals
Centella Asiatica Complex ListedProven
Complete CICA complex including Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid. Known for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier strengthening properties.
- Healing: Promotes skin repair and regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritation
- Barrier Support: Strengthens skin's protective barrier
37 ingredients
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (93%), Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Glycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract, Chaenomeles Sinensis Fruit Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Madecassoside, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after toner while skin is still slightly damp. Use AM & PM. Always follow with sunscreen during the day as the product contains exfoliating acids.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb for optimal serum penetration.
Dispense 3-4 Drops
Press the pump 2-3 times to dispense the serum onto your fingertips or palm. A little goes a long way.
Apply & Pat
Spread evenly across face, focusing on T-zone and areas with enlarged pores. Gently pat until fully absorbed.
Layer & Protect
Follow with moisturizer. In the morning, always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ as the final step.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with enlarged pores
- You struggle with excess sebum and midday shine
- You want to minimize blackheads without harsh acids
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need pore care
- You prefer lightweight, non-sticky formulas
- You love K-beauty and natural ingredient focus
- You want antioxidant protection from matcha
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're extremely sensitive to fragrance
- You have very dry skin and need rich hydration
- You want aggressive BHA/AHA exfoliation
- You prefer fragrance-free products only
- You need heavy-duty anti-aging treatment
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match! Patented Anti-Sebum P controls oil production. Lightweight formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Best results reported by oily skin users.
Excellent for balancing T-zone oiliness while hydrating drier areas. Non-sticky finish works well across different face zones.
Works well for pore maintenance and texture refinement. Provides light hydration with hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
May not provide enough hydration alone. Layer with rich moisturizer. Best used only on areas with pore concerns rather than full face.
Passed sensitive skin irritation testing. Gentle PHA is milder than AHA. However, contains fragrance - patch test first if highly reactive.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Natural BHA and niacinamide help with breakouts. Note: NOT suitable for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8-12Immediate Refreshment
Skin feels instantly refreshed and less oily throughout the day. Non-sticky finish makes it easy to layer under makeup. Light matcha scent provides spa-like experience.
85% noticed fresher skin feelSebum Control Kicks In
Noticeable reduction in midday oiliness. T-zone appears more controlled. Early signs of pore refinement as BHA and PHA begin working. Skin texture starts to smooth.
70% reported less oily T-zoneVisible Pore Improvement
Pores appear visibly smaller and less congested. Blackheads start to reduce. Skin tone looks brighter and more even thanks to niacinamide. Makeup applies smoother.
65% saw smaller-looking poresOptimal Results
Full benefits realized with consistent use. Skin barrier strengthened by Centella complex. Long-term oil balance achieved. Pores remain refined with continued use.
75% would repurchaseRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- High 93% matcha concentration for real results
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture
- Controls oiliness throughout the day
- Visibly minimizes pore appearance over time
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Pleasant, refreshing matcha scent
- Layers well under makeup
- Affordable for K-beauty quality
- Pump dispenser is hygienic and easy to use
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe
- Contains fragrance (not for fragrance-sensitive users)
- Small 50ml bottle runs out quickly
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin alone
- Results take 4-6 weeks to become visible
- Gentle formula may not satisfy those wanting aggressive exfoliation
- Some users experience mild tingling initially
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESHigher niacinamide concentration (10% vs ~2-4%) for stronger sebum control. Simpler formula without matcha antioxidants. No BHA/PHA exfoliation. Fragrance-free. Fungal acne safe.
Focuses on BHA exfoliation with 4% Betaine Salicylate. Better for active blackheads. Contains niacinamide but no matcha. Larger 100ml size. Different approach to pore care.
Stronger 2% salicylic acid for intensive exfoliation. Faster visible results. No antioxidant complex. More suitable for stubborn blackheads. May be too strong for sensitive skin.
Also tea-based but focuses on hydration rather than pore care. No BHA/PHA exfoliation. Better for normal-dry skin. Different mechanism of action.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Mark the date you opened it for reference.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required but can be stored cool for extra refreshing application.
Opaque plastic bottle with hygienic pump dispenser. Protects formula from light and air exposure.
Yes, 50ml is under 100ml TSA carry-on limit. Pump design prevents spills.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this serum is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The main active ingredients - niacinamide (Vitamin B3), matcha extract, and Centella Asiatica - are all approved for use during pregnancy. The formula does not contain retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, or hydroquinone which should be avoided. The natural BHA from Willow Bark is present in low concentrations and topical application poses minimal risk. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy.
No, this serum is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate and Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, which are emulsifiers that can potentially feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), consider alternatives like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% which is malassezia-safe while still offering sebum control and pore minimizing benefits.
This serum already contains gentle BHA (from Willow Bark) and PHA (Lactobionic Acid), so be cautious when layering with additional acids to avoid over-exfoliation. For retinol: Use in separate routines (serum in AM, retinol in PM) to minimize irritation. For Vitamin C: Can be used together - apply Vitamin C first, then this serum. Niacinamide and Vitamin C work well together despite old myths. For additional AHA/BHA products: Not recommended to use together. Choose one exfoliating product per routine to protect your skin barrier.
This serum is BEST for oily and combination skin types. The patented Anti-Sebum P technology and sebum-controlling formula specifically target excess oil production. It also works well for normal skin concerned with pore appearance and texture. It's MODERATE for sensitive skin (passed irritation testing but contains fragrance) and NOT IDEAL for dry skin alone - you'll need to layer with additional hydrating products. Not recommended if you have fungal acne.
Results timeline varies by individual, but generally: Week 1: Immediate refreshing feel and reduced surface oiliness. Weeks 2-3: Noticeable sebum control improvement, skin texture starts to smooth. Weeks 4-6: Visible pore minimization, reduced blackheads, brighter skin tone from niacinamide. Weeks 8-12: Optimal results with consistent twice-daily use. The gentle natural BHA takes longer than synthetic salicylic acid, so patience is key!
Apply this serum as Step 3 in your routine: 1) Cleanser → 2) Toner → 3) This Serum → 4) Essence/Ampoule (optional) → 5) Moisturizer → 6) Sunscreen (AM only). Apply to slightly damp skin after toner for better absorption. Use 3-4 drops and gently pat until absorbed. Can be used both morning and evening. Always follow with SPF during the day since the product contains exfoliating acids.
This serum has a LOW comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. The water-based, lightweight formula is designed specifically for pore care. Key ingredients like niacinamide and BHA actually help UNCLOG pores rather than block them. However, everyone's skin reacts differently - if you have extremely acne-prone skin, patch test first. The product is non-comedogenic but not suitable for fungal acne.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 50ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use (using 3-4 drops per application). The pump dispenser helps maintain hygiene and prevents contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Write the opening date on the bottle to track freshness. Discard if you notice any color changes, unusual smell, or texture separation.
Verdict: Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum is an excellent choice for oily and combination skin types seeking gentle yet effective pore care. The 93% matcha concentration delivers real antioxidant benefits, while the patented sebum control technology visibly reduces oiliness. The combination of natural BHA, PHA, and niacinamide works synergistically to refine pores without harsh irritation. While it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers and contains fragrance, the pregnancy-safe formula, lightweight texture, and affordable K-beauty pricing make it a solid addition to any pore-focused routine. Best results come with consistent use over 4-6 weeks.
Product Overview
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.
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
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 «promises» 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting, Tonic
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin Conditioning
|
|







