Introduction
The Jojoba Company may not command the mainstream fanfare of the global giants yet anyone who has dipped a toe into its botanically driven formulas knows the brand deserves a place on the top shelf. The Australian label has built a loyal following by delivering plant powered skincare that actually lives up to its promises, so when its latest launch landed on my desk I paid attention.
Enter the Clarifying Pore Control Serum, a name that is about as subtle as a megaphone yet refreshingly transparent about its mission. The brand says this lightweight treatment pairs Miniporyl with willow bark to dial down visible pores in just 15 days, while amino acid rich Dendriclear and jojoba leaf extract keep oil, inflammation and texture in check. They even suggest mixing it with their Ultimate Serum or Probiotic Milk Serum for a bespoke boost.
I spent a full two weeks patting the formula over my face morning and night, gauging everything from feel to finish to long term payoff. The goal was simple: find out if this serum truly earns a spot in a routine and is worth your hard earned cash.
What is Clarifying Pore Control Serum?
Clarifying Pore Control Serum sits in the pore treatment category, meaning its main job is to make enlarged or clogged pores look less obvious while helping skin stay balanced. Pore treatments focus on two things: clearing debris that can stretch pores and regulating the oil that keeps them open. This formula tackles both tasks with a blend of plant based actives that aim to tighten pore walls, temper shine and smooth uneven texture.
At the heart of the serum is Miniporyl, a red clover extract that targets three common pore problems at once: size, slackness and excess sebum. White willow bark supplies salicin, a gentle exfoliating compound that can sweep away dead cells trapped inside pores while calming the redness that often travels with breakouts. Dendriclear, a lysine derived amino acid complex, works on the skin’s surface microbiome to curb the bacteria and oil spikes that trigger congestion. Finally jojoba leaf extract supports the barrier so skin stays hydrated rather than stripped. Used morning and night under a regular moisturiser, the formula promises smoother skin texture and noticeably smaller looking pores in about two weeks.
Did it work?
In the name of science I shelved my trusty pore gel for three days before starting this test run, a very controlled experiment if you ask me. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to see whether the Clarifying Pore Control Serum could strut its stuff, so every morning after cleansing and again before bed I pressed two pumps over my entire face, then followed with a light moisturiser.
The immediate payoff was a silky, almost primer-like finish that took the edge off midday shine without leaving any residue. Day three brought a mild tingling on my T-zone that subsided within minutes and never resurfaced, which I took as a sign the willow bark was doing its gentle exfoliating thing. By the end of week one I noticed fewer post-lunch touch-ups with blotting papers and the skin around my nose looked a bit less cratered when I caught a glimpse in harsh elevator lighting.
Week two delivered more visible shifts. Those stubborn pores on my cheeks looked slightly tightened and my makeup sat more evenly, a nice bonus I was not tracking but gladly accepted. The serum also played well with my vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, no pilling no flakiness. What I did not see was a dramatic 80 percent pore-vanishing miracle. The overall texture appeared smoother but the difference was subtle enough that my friends did not point it out unprompted.
So did it live up to its claims? Mostly. It tempered oil, refined texture and gave pores a modest nudge toward invisibility within the promised fortnight. Will I retire my current pore treatment for it? Probably not, though I would happily recommend it to someone looking for a gentle multi-tasker. It is a solid performer that nearly hits the bullseye even if it does not rewrite my routine.
Main ingredients explained
Four actives do the heavy lifting here and all of them are plant sourced, making the formula suitable for vegans and vegetarians. First on the roster is Miniporyl, a trademarked red clover extract that tackles pore size from three angles: it curbs excess sebum, firms the collagen that props up the pore wall and delivers a mild astringent effect so openings appear tighter almost on contact. Red clover is also rich in biochanin A, an isoflavone with documented anti inflammatory benefits, which may explain the gradual reduction in redness I noticed around my nose.
Willow bark extract is the serum’s built-in exfoliator. It contains salicin, a natural precursor to salicylic acid, but stays gentle because enzymes must convert salicin on the skin before the exfoliating action kicks in. That time release approach clears pore debris without the sting that synthetic beta hydroxy acids can bring. Willow bark also brings polyphenols that soothe irritation so it is a smart pairing with the oil reducing strategy of the formula.
The amino acid complex Dendriclear gets less spotlight yet deserves it. Derived from lysine, it acts like a bouncer for the skin’s microbiome, discouraging the overgrowth of acne-associated bacteria while leaving beneficial strains alone. By stopping the bacterial feast on sebum it indirectly keeps shine and breakouts in check. I suspect this ingredient is why my T zone felt balanced even on a humid afternoon.
Finally jojoba leaf extract supports the barrier. Unlike jojoba oil it carries no wax esters so the comedogenic risk is minimal. In fact none of the listed ingredients have high comedogenic ratings, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores although individual reactions always vary. If you have a history of reacting to botanical extracts patch test first.
The formula is free of added fragrance and essential oils which lowers irritation potential, yet pregnant users should still seek medical clearance before adding any new active product. While the ingredient deck looks benign pregnancy guidelines always err toward caution especially with botanicals that modulate hormones or inflammation.
One extra note for the label readers: the serum uses a water base rather than alcohol as its solvent so sensitive skins will appreciate the absence of that quick-evaporation tightness some clarifying products leave behind.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of steady use, here is the straightforward breakdown.
What works well:
- Delivers visible pore tightening and smoother texture within the promised fortnight
- Lightweight, primer-like finish tempers midday shine and sits comfortably under makeup and stronger actives
- Fragrance and alcohol free formula stayed gentle on my combination skin with no flaking or redness
What to consider:
- Improvements are subtle, so anyone chasing a dramatic pore-blur effect may feel underwhelmed
- Twice-daily application is key for upkeep which might not suit a minimalist routine
- Sits at the steeper end of the mid-price spectrum when compared with similar plant-based clarifiers
My final thoughts
Finding a pore treatment that lands the right balance between visible results and everyday comfort is a tall order, and after a fortnight with The Jojoba Company Clarifying Pore Control Serum I can confirm it gets impressively close. Oil regulation, smoother makeup laydown and a gentle nudge toward smaller looking pores all arrived on schedule, even if the dramatic 80 percent figure stayed on the brochure. I have rotated more pore minimisers through my routine than I care to admit, which is why the serum’s consistent performance still earns it a solid 8/10 in my book.
Who will appreciate it most? Combination or mildly oily skin that prefers plant derived actives and a fuss-free glide under SPF or foundation. If you are battling cystic breakouts or demanding instant photo filter pores this may feel too polite. The twice daily commitment is also non-negotiable, so minimalists might tap out early. I would recommend it to a friend who wants a reliable, low irritation option and is happy with steady rather than spectacular gains.
For anyone shopping around it helps to know what else works. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum remains my benchmark allrounder: fast acting, friendly to every skin type and kinder on the wallet. I have also had great luck with Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner when my T-zone needs extra shine control, StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum for quicker clarity in breakout season and Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-tight Toner when I want gentle exfoliation alongside pore care. They each bring a slightly different angle so matching benefits to skin mood is key.
Before you dive in a quick responsible note (apologies for sounding like an over-protective parent). Patch test behind the ear or along the jaw for a couple of nights first, especially if your skin is reactive. Remember that pore minimising is maintenance rather than a one-time fix; keep using the product or results will slowly fade back to baseline.