Introduction
Some By Mi has built a reputation as the chemist-next-door of K-beauty, whipping up formulas that somehow feel both playful and grounded in science. If the brand has slipped under your radar, let this be your friendly nudge: its products often punch above their weight in both concept and performance.
Enter the cheekily named Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum. The title reads like a superhero roll call and, true to form, the brand promises a matcha-powered formula that purifies, hydrates and reins in oil while coaxing pores into a neater silhouette. They spotlight a whopping 93% Bosung matcha water and a watery texture that sinks in fast, backing it with a simple three-step usage guide: cleanse, tone, serum then massage.
I spent a full two weeks using it morning and night, taking notes on hydration levels, shine control and overall skin clarity to see if this green elixir earns a place in your routine and, just as crucially, your budget.
What is Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum?
At its core this is a lightweight pore treatment, a type of skincare designed to keep pores clear, balanced and visually smaller by combining gentle exfoliation, oil regulation and hydration. Super Matcha leans on 93% matcha water from Bosung, positioning green tea as both the star humectant and the main source of antioxidants. The serum is water based so it sinks in quickly and leaves no greasy residue, a feature that will appeal to anyone fighting midday shine.
Beyond the matcha water the formula layers niacinamide for sebum control and tone evening, plus mild plant extracts like willow bark and tea tree water that quietly nudge away buildup. Used after toner and before moisturizer it slots into a routine as the active step that targets congestion while still supplying moisture. If your main concerns are visible pores or oiliness this sits in the corrective category rather than the basic cleanse-and-hydrate tier, acting as a focused treatment rather than an all purpose serum.
Did it work?
In the name of science I benched my usual pore treatment for three full days before opening the matcha bottle, a move that made me feel like a very low budget lab technician. Fourteen days seemed a fair trial window so I slotted two pumps into my routine every morning and night right after toner and before moisturizer.
Days 1 to 3 were all about texture and first impressions. The serum absorbed in seconds leaving a soft matte finish and a faint grassy scent that disappeared as soon as I layered sunscreen. Hydration felt immediate yet weightless which was a pleasant surprise as my T zone often floods with anything richer than essence strength.
By day 5 midday shine started showing up about an hour later than usual. Not a huge leap but enough that I noticed I could skip my lunchtime blotting sheet. The skin around my nose looked a touch clearer though pores still read as their normal size in the magnifying mirror. No stinging no redness and no surprise breakouts so the formula passed the sensitivity test.
Week two told the fuller story. Sebum control plateaued at “respectable” rather than “wow” and the texture around my cheeks looked a bit smoother though not airbrushed. Blackheads on the tip of my nose loosened enough that gentle exfoliation whisked them away more easily than before. However the promised pore tightening never quite materialized to the naked eye. On the hydration front my skin stayed balanced even after a cold windy commute which was a definite win.
Wrapping up the trial I can say Super Matcha delivered solid oil regulation and lightweight moisture with a side of mild clarifying but it did not give the dramatic shrink-wrap effect the name teases. I will probably return to my regular acid-based serum for deeper pore work yet I could see myself reaching for this in summer when I crave something fresh simple and non stripping.
Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum’s main ingredients explained
First up is the headline act: 93% Camellia sinensis (matcha) leaf extract sourced from Bosung. In practical terms that means a flood of polyphenols that scavenge free radicals while giving lightweight hydration similar to a toner. Unlike standard green tea water this extract carries natural caffeine and tannins that help constrict skin temporarily, which is why you may notice that softly tightened feel right after application.
Niacinamide sits in the supporting role at an undisclosed but likely mid-range percentage. Expect the usual multitasking: it tones down excess sebum, fades post-blemish marks and reinforces the skin barrier so water does not escape as quickly. If you are sensitive to high-dose niacinamide this formula stayed well behaved on my reactive cheeks, suggesting a moderate inclusion level.
A small fleet of gentle exfoliants keeps pores clearer without the sting of a true acid peel. Willow bark brings natural salicylates that slowly dissolve oil plugs while lactobionic acid, a PHA, loosens dead surface cells and attracts moisture at the same time. Both play nicely with sensitive or compromised skin, though results will be gradual rather than dramatic.
Centella asiatica, tea tree water and madecassoside form the calming committee. They tamp down low-grade inflammation that can exaggerate pore size and trigger extra oil production. Add in adenosine for a touch of wrinkle smoothing and sodium hyaluronate for water retention and you have a formula that multitasks beyond simple oil control.
On the emulsifying and texture front you will spot polyglyceryl-10 laurate and polyglyceryl-10 myristate plus a light acrylic polymer. None of these are known to clog pores and the overall ingredient list scores low on the comedogenic scale, meaning there is minimal risk of ingredients sitting in pores and prompting new breakouts. Fragrance, limonene and linalool do show up at the tail end so ultra-sensitive noses or skin conditions like rosacea should patch test first.
Everything here is either plant derived or synthetic so the serum is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As for pregnancy safety, common actives like niacinamide are generally considered low risk but essential oil constituents and trace salicylates warrant caution. Expecting or nursing users should clear any new topical with their healthcare provider before adding it to the routine.
No drying alcohols show up, the pH sits in the mildly acidic zone ideal for skin, and preservation relies on 1,2-hexanediol and ethylhexylglycerin rather than parabens. All in all the ingredient deck reads modern, gentle and purpose driven, even if its results land just shy of transformative.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of daily use here is where the serum excelled and where it may fall short depending on your skin goals.
What works well:
- Absorbs quickly leaving a soft matte finish that keeps midday shine in check
- Provides comfortable hydration that feels weightless even in humid weather
- Gentle blend of niacinamide, matcha and mild exfoliants suited to sensitive or beginner routines
What to consider:
- Pore size looks only slightly refined so those seeking a dramatic blurring effect may need stronger actives alongside it
- Oil control plateaus after the first week which may not satisfy very oily skin types year round
- Contains added fragrance that could bother reactive noses or compromised skin barriers
My final thoughts
After two weeks of twice-daily use I can comfortably land on a 7/10. Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum slots into a routine with zero fuss, offers dependable lightweight hydration and nudges oil production into a more polite range, yet it never quite graduates from good to essential. I have rotated through a small army of pore treatments over the years so I feel I gave this formula a fair shake. If your goal is a subtle improvement in clarity and a soft matte finish without risking irritation this is a pleasant option. If you crave a visibly airbrushed look or heavy-duty blackhead eviction you will likely want a stronger acid or retinoid working beside it.
I would recommend Super Matcha to friends with combination to mildly oily skin who prefer a gentle, antioxidant-rich approach and do not mind incremental results. Very oily or highly congested skin types may find the benefits taper off too soon to justify the commitment. Personally I will keep the bottle around for heat-wave days when my skin appreciates something feather-light yet calming, but it will not replace the more intensive serums in my lineup.
For readers shopping around, three alternatives I have used and rate highly deserve a mention. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that balances sebum, refines skin texture and plays nicely with every skin type at a wallet-friendly price. If you prefer a liquid step earlier in your routine the Pore-Reducing Toner by Paula’s Choice brings a mild BHA kick without sting. Those wanting an instant smoothing finish can look at Remescar’s Instant Pore Reducer which visibly blurs while delivering light treatment benefits underneath.
Before you rush out in search of smaller pores a quick word of caution (forgive the over-protective-parent vibe). Always patch test new products, especially when they contain active ingredients like niacinamide or natural salicylates. Consistency is key and results are not permanent so expect to keep up regular use to maintain the gains.