Introduction
Dermedic might already be a staple in dermatologists’ offices, yet it is still one of those quietly confident Polish pharmacy brands that some skincare aficionados only stumble upon after a deep dive through ingredient lists. What it lacks in flashy marketing it tends to make up for with formulas that feel thought out and surprisingly elegant.
With a name like Normacne Preventi Pore Minimising Serum, subtlety clearly was not the goal. Dermedic positions this serum as the overachiever your regular moisturiser can never quite be, promising a fast acting blend that hydrates, nourishes and even “fills” the pores for a smoother look. The brand hints at a lightweight texture that sinks in swiftly and a hypoallergenic profile fit for temperamental skin.
I spent a full two weeks letting this serum take centre stage in my routine, morning and night, to see whether those promises translate to real life results and, crucially, whether it justifies a spot in your budget.
What is Normacne Preventi Pore Minimising Serum?
At its core this is a water based serum designed to sit in the “pore treatment” category, a corner of skincare that targets enlarged or congested pores with higher levels of actives than you would usually find in a basic moisturiser. Pore treatments aim to keep sebum flow regulated, gently exfoliate built up dead cells and in turn help the pore opening appear smaller and less shadow-casting on the surface of the skin.
Dermedic has opted for a lightweight liquid texture so the formula can deliver its ingredients quickly. The blend pairs humectants such as glycerin with acids and plant extracts that address excess oil and mild roughness. Because it is officially positioned as hypoallergenic it is meant to slot into routines for skin that often pushes back against stronger treatments.
Usage is simple: apply a small amount to clean skin, pat it in, then follow with any other products your routine calls for. The serum is intended to complement rather than replace your regular moisturiser, functioning as an intensive step when your skin feels like it needs more than basic hydration alone.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious skincare science I benched my usual pore treatment for three full days before starting the trial, giving my skin a short breather so any changes could be pinned on the newcomer alone. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to observe real shifts without straying into placebo territory.
I used two pumps morning and night, pressing the liquid in after cleansing and before my moisturiser. The finish was comfortably weightless and sank in within a minute which meant no delays getting on with SPF or makeup. On day one I noticed a soft hit of hydration that left my cheeks feeling pleasantly springy, and there was a fleeting blurring effect around the nose by midday, though it faded once natural oils kicked in.
By the end of the first week the surface felt a touch smoother and midday shine stayed quieter than usual, particularly across my forehead. However the promise of visibly “filled” pores never truly materialised. Yes, the openings looked a little less shadowed right after application, but under bright bathroom lights they were still clearly mine. On the upside I experienced zero stinging or redness despite the inclusion of glycolic acid, and the serum played nicely with both lightweight sunscreens and heavier night creams.
Week two settled into a predictable rhythm: consistent hydration, modest oil control and no new breakouts. Blackheads stayed exactly where they were, neither better nor worse. The overall takeaway is that the formula does some of what it claims, mostly on the hydration and comfort front, but its pore minimising power sits in the temporary cosmetic realm rather than delivering structural change.
Would I slot it into my permanent rotation? Probably not when I already lean on stronger actives that give more decisive results, but for someone with fussy skin looking for a gentle, everyday serum this could be a pleasant addition. It behaved well, it never irritated, and it reminded me that sometimes incremental wins are still wins.
Main ingredients explained
A quick skim of the INCI list shows a water base supported by tried-and-true humectants, mild exfoliants and a small cast of botanical regulators. Glycerin sits right up top, drawing water into the upper layers so skin feels pleasantly elastic instead of stripped. Right behind it comes Lens esculenta (lentil) seed extract, a plant source of oligosaccharides said to curb excess sebum and reinforce pore walls for a smoother look. While studies on lentil extract are not as plentiful as those on niacinamide or salicylic acid, it is a gentle option for skin that balks at harsher actives.
The exfoliating work is handled by glycolic acid buffered with arginine. Because the formula does not disclose percentage, I suspect we are sitting below the 5 percent mark, enough to nudge away dull surface cells without the tell-tale sting of a peel. That mild level keeps irritation risk low yet also limits the hard-hitting decongestion someone with stubborn blackheads might crave.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid and oleanolic acid form a tandem often marketed as an “acnacidol” complex. In plain terms, nordihydroguaiaretic acid helps slow the conversion of lipids that bacteria feast on while oleanolic acid puts a brake on the enzyme that revs up oil production. The duo works quietly in the background, offering gradual balance rather than an overnight matte finish.
PEG-60 almond glycerides and caprylyl glycol serve as texture enhancers and secondary emollients. Because almond oil can register as mildly comedogenic for some, anyone extremely prone to clogged pores may want to patch test. Comedogenic simply means a substance has the potential to block pores and trigger breakouts, though actual reactions vary widely from person to person.
Preservation is handled by DMDM hydantoin and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate. Both keep microbial growth at bay but can raise eyebrows for those avoiding formaldehyde releasers or halogenated compounds. Fragrance and two synthetic dyes (CI 19140 and CI 42090) round things out, giving the serum its barely-there scent and tint. If your skin is easily offended by parfum this is worth noting, even though the overall formula is tagged hypoallergenic.
On the lifestyle front every ingredient here is either plant derived or lab synthesized, so the serum is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As for pregnancy safety, glycolic acid is commonly regarded as safe below 10 percent yet guidelines can differ and preservatives sometimes complicate things, so it is prudent to seek medical clearance before using any active serum while expecting or nursing.
No silicones or drying alcohols made the cut, a pleasant surprise in a lightweight product, and the pH sits in that mildly acidic sweet spot where skin barrier enzymes thrive. All in all the roster is concise, focused and surprisingly skin-friendly for something labeled “pore minimising,” even if it plays things a little safe on the punch-per-drop scale.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of daily use, a few clear highs and lows stood out.
What works well:
- Featherlight texture sinks in fast so layering sunscreen or makeup is fuss free
- Reliable hit of hydration keeps skin comfortable without tipping into shine
- Mild glycolic and the lentil extract offer gentle, steady oil control that never irritates
What to consider:
- Pore blurring effect is mostly cosmetic and short lived, so results may feel underwhelming if you want major change
- Includes fragrance and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives which some sensitive users prefer to avoid
- For the price bracket you can find serums with higher percentages of active acids or niacinamide that deliver stronger decongestion
My final thoughts
Two weeks with Dermedic’s Normacne Preventi left me feeling generally pleased, if not exactly bowled over. The serum is reliable hydration dressed up with a touch of gentle exfoliation that never once ruffled my reactive T-zone. On mornings when I needed something quick that would not clash with sunscreen it performed like a polite understudy: present, competent, rarely stealing the show. Its claims of visibly “filled” pores read more like optimistic marketing than malarkey, yet the effect sits firmly in the soft-focus, temporary camp. For someone craving a calm, everyday pore treatment that will not set off alarm bells the 8/10 score feels right. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but only the friend who values comfort and consistency over dramatic before-and-after selfies.
Those hunting for faster or more assertive results might prefer a few alternatives I have put through their paces. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is the all-rounder I reach for when I want balanced oil control, gentle resurfacing and a price that does not sting. Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner remains a trusty classic that pairs niacinamide with salicylic acid for pores that insist on being noticeable. StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum goes bolder on actives yet still manages to feel elegant, while Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-tight Toner offers a fruity, mildly exfoliating sweep that keeps congestion in check without dryness. Any of these could step in if Dermedic feels too subtle for your goals.
Before you slather anything new on your face please patch test first (apologies for sounding like an over-protective parent). Remember that pore size is largely genetic, topical products only tweak the appearance and those tweaks need steady upkeep. Consistency is less glamorous than a miracle claim yet it is still the most dependable path to skin that behaves.