Introduction
Bioré has long been the high-street go-to for anyone who thinks unclogging pores should be quick, mildly satisfying and affordable, so I was surprised how many friends still confuse the brand with a French luxury label or skip it altogether in favor of pricey clay masks. That reputation for no-nonsense formulas is exactly why I was curious about its latest mouthful of a product, the Oil Control Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips—a name that sounds like it could double as the synopsis of the entire experience.
According to Bioré, these charcoal-infused nose strips behave like tiny magnets that latch onto oil and debris, lifting away weeks of buildup in a single 10-minute session and leaving the T-zone three times less shiny. The brand promises a papier mâché-style dry down, a satisfyingly crisp peel and visible proof of gunk removal under UV light. Armed with those claims and 14 calendar days, I committed to using the strips exactly as directed to see if they could earn a permanent spot in the weekly skincare lineup—or if they belong in the category of oddly pleasing yet ultimately disposable beauty gimmicks.
What is Oil Control Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips?
This is a pore treatment aimed specifically at the nose, the zone where most people gather excess oil and blackheads. Each strip is coated with a blend of adhesive polymers, silica and charcoal powder that adheres to the skin once moistened. As the strip dries it hardens, gripping sebum, dirt and oxidised keratin that sit inside enlarged pores. When you peel it away the congestion attached to the inner surface comes with it, leaving the pore temporarily clearer and the surrounding skin less shiny.
The formula relies on charcoal for its porous structure, which helps trap impurities, and a film forming polymer network that provides the physical “magnet” effect. Because the process is mechanical rather than chemical there is no need for high levels of exfoliating acids, making the strips suitable for anyone who finds liquid exfoliants too harsh. Use is limited to once every three days to prevent irritation since tugging the skin too often can compromise its barrier. In short, think of the strips as a quick reset button for clogged nasal pores rather than a comprehensive acne solution.
Did it work?
In the spirit of hard hitting investigative journalism I actually put my usual salicylic acid toner on pause for the first few days so any improvements could be pinned squarely on these little charcoal stickers. Very scientific, I know. Over the two week stretch I followed the brand’s every instruction: cleanse, leave my nose dripping wet, pat my hands dry, stick, wait 12 minutes, then perform the slow peel that feels equal parts dermal treatment and guilty pleasure.
The first application left me oddly impressed. The strip dried to that papier mâché rigidity right on schedule and the peel revealed a peppering of beige specks that proved something had definitely left my pores. My nose looked a touch brighter, the sides felt smoother and I clocked less sheen during the afternoon slump. The caveat: the area was also slightly pink for an hour, a reminder that physical extraction is still mild trauma.
By the fourth session (remember, every three days) the novelty of inspecting the strip under the bathroom light had worn off but the results remained mostly consistent. I never replicated that dramatic initial purge yet each use still yanked out a modest lineup of sebaceous filaments and kept midday shine to a level where blotting papers stayed in the drawer. What it did not do was shrink pores in any meaningful way or prevent new blackheads from showing up between uses. On days 10 to 14 the skin around my nostrils began to feel a tad tight so I dialed up my hydrating serum to keep flaking at bay.
So did it deliver? If the claim is a quick surface decongestion then absolutely. If you are hoping for a long term blackhead cure, probably not. I will reach for a strip when my T-zone decides to impersonate a high beam but I will stick to chemical exfoliants for routine maintenance. Consider me pleasantly satisfied yet not compelled to grant it permanent residency on the bathroom shelf.
Main ingredients explained
Charcoal powder is the headline act, prized for its porous structure that acts like a mini sponge for oil and impurity molecules. Because charcoal is chemically inert it rarely irritates skin and rinses away cleanly, although the gray tint can linger on your fingertips if you are not thorough at the sink. Partnering the charcoal is silica, a finely milled mineral that boosts the strip’s oil absorbency while lending that satisfyingly matte finish once the strip is off.
The grip comes from a network of film formers: polyquaternium-37 and styrene/stearyl methacrylate crosspolymer. Think of them as the glue that sets, hardens and ultimately pulls the debris free. They are water insoluble but rinse off skin residue without fuss and rate low on the comedogenic scale, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores on their own. Polysilicone-13 and PEG-12 dimethicone add flexibility so the strip molds to the nose contours without cracking. Silicones sometimes earn a bad rap yet they are non-comedogenic, which simply means they do not create additional blockages inside pores.
Glycerin shows up as the humectant, drawing a whisper of moisture into the top layer so that the adhesive can set without overdrying. Menthol supplies the fleeting cooling sensation that makes the peel feel fresher than it probably is. If your skin is reactive to essential oil derivatives keep an eye out for redness, though the concentration here felt mild. Iron oxides give the strip its deep charcoal-black hue, strictly cosmetic but undeniably helpful when you want to inspect the aftermath.
Preservation is handled by methylparaben. While parabens have been cleared for topical use at low levels many expectant parents still choose to avoid them, so anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run the ingredient list past a healthcare professional first. The formula contains no animal-derived materials so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No obvious acne triggers surface in the lineup yet, as always, patch testing is the cheapest insurance policy before committing nose first.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of on-again, off-again nose stripping, here is the straightforward rundown.
What works well:
- Peel reveals visible debris so you know it grabbed something every time
- Noticeably cuts mid-day shine and leaves skin feeling smoother without the sting of acids
- Simple three-step routine takes under 15 minutes and slots neatly into a Sunday reset
What to consider:
- Results are short-lived so blackheads will reappear unless paired with ongoing maintenance
- The peel can leave mild pinkness or tightness, especially on sensitive skin
- Only treats the nose area and cannot be used more than once every three days
My final thoughts
After a fortnight of deliberate, slightly obsessive use, I can say Bioré’s Oil Control Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips sit comfortably in that sweet spot between instant gratification and realistic expectations. They dislodge grime, temper midday shine and give you visual confirmation that something happened, yet they do not rewrite your pore size or abolish blackheads forever. If you have combination or oily skin, crave a quick reset before an event or simply enjoy the mildly cathartic peel, these strips are worth the occasional splurge. Drier or highly reactive skin types, and anyone hoping for a long term acne solution, will find gentler chemical exfoliants or retinoids more fruitful. On balance I land at a solid 8/10 and would happily recommend them to a friend who understands the difference between a weekend tidy-up and a renovation.
For those keen on broadening their pore care arsenal, I have had good luck with a few other formulas that tackle congestion from different angles. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an easy win: light, niacinamide-led and agreeable to every skin type I have tested it on, plus the price sits comfortably in the mid range. If you prefer a liquid step, Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner layers seamlessly under hydrators while keeping sebaceous filaments from staging a comeback. Some By Mi’s Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum offers a refreshing splash of matcha and PHA for anyone leaning toward K-beauty routines. Finally, Remescar’s Instant Pore Reducer acts almost like a soft-focus filter, blurring texture on contact and making makeup glide on without pilling. Each brings something slightly different to the table and has earned repeat appearances in my bathroom.
Before you sprint to the checkout, a quick reality check: all topical pore products require ongoing use to maintain results and none can permanently alter the diameter your genetics assigned you. Always patch test new formulas on a discreet spot for 24 hours first, even if that sounds like the lecture of an over-protective parent. Your skin will thank you and so will your peace of mind.