Introduction
For K-beauty devotees A’pieu needs little fanfare, but if the name still rings faintly rather than loudly, think of it as the playful sibling in the Amorepacific family that consistently punches above its price point. The brand has built a reputation for turning pantry staples and gentle actives into skin-loving formulas that rarely disappoint.
Enter the Egg PHA Pore Serum, a title that sounds almost like brunch for the face. A’pieu promises a feather-light fluid that hydrates while polishing away rough patches with 5 percent PHA and egg white extract, all in the quest for that coveted “egg skin” finish. Quick absorption, zero stickiness and suitability for practically every skin mood—oily, dry, combination or temperamental—are part of the pitch, along with a reminder to pair daytime use with SPF.
I devoted a solid two weeks to daily trials, morning and night, to see whether this yolk-inspired concoction could truly blur pores and elevate radiance or if it would crack under pressure. The following sections break down what happened and whether it deserves a spot in your routine.
What is Egg Pha Pore Serum?
Egg PHA Pore Serum is a water based treatment formulated for anyone looking to refine the look of enlarged or congested pores. Products in the pore treatment category aim to keep the openings of hair follicles clear by dissolving buildup, lightly resurfacing the surface and balancing oil so that pores appear less noticeable over time.
This serum relies on 5 percent PHA, a gentle exfoliating acid that loosens the bonds of dead surface cells while drawing in moisture. Because PHAs have larger molecules than AHAs they work at a slower pace, which makes them suitable for skin that finds glycolic or lactic acid too aggressive. A supporting blend of niacinamide, egg white extract, glycerin and hyaluronic acid targets tone, texture and hydration so the formula can smooth rough patches without leaving skin tight. The result should be softer skin that looks a bit clearer and feels comfortable enough for twice daily use, provided a daytime sunscreen is added to limit sun sensitivity.
Did it work?
In the name of science I parked my usual pore treatment for three whole days before starting this test, a move that felt very lab-coat of me. Fourteen days struck me as a reasonable window to judge real results so I slotted the serum in both morning and night, pressing two drops over cleansed skin then sealing it with a lightweight moisturizer and, during the day, SPF.
The first few applications were uneventful in the best possible way. The fluid sank in before I could finish brushing my teeth, left no film and played nicely under sunscreen. Overnight my skin woke up comfortably hydrated and a touch smoother around the chin where tiny rough bumps like to gather. No redness, no tingling, no purge.
By the end of week one I noticed a modest payoff: midday shine on my forehead was dialed down and the grainy feel along my jaw had softened. Under a magnifying mirror the pores on my cheeks looked ever so slightly tighter, though my nose—always the holdout—remained its usual self. Makeup went on with fewer catch points which I credit to the PHA gently sweeping away clingy dead cells.
The second week told a similar story but plateaued. Texture continued to look refined and any flakes from retinol use stayed at bay, yet the dramatic pore blurring promised in the marketing copy never quite materialized. At best I would call the change a quiet 10 percent improvement, noticeable only to me and perhaps my most skincare-obsessed friend.
So did it work? Partly. It delivered steady hydration, mild exfoliation and a calmer T-zone without a whisper of irritation, ticking several boxes for everyday maintenance. What it did not do was transform pore visibility enough to earn a permanent spot in my lineup, especially with stronger acids already on hand. That said, I can see myself recommending it to beginners or anyone whose skin recoils at harsher formulas because, for gentle polish and comfort, it does its job well.
Egg Pha Pore Serum’s main ingredients explained
Front and center sits 5 percent gluconolactone, the polyhydroxy acid that does the gentle heavy lifting. Because its molecules are larger than those in most alpha hydroxy acids it stays closer to the skin surface, loosening the bonds between tired dead cells at a slower clip and pulling in water while it works. That double act is why dehydration rarely follows the mild polish you get here, making it a smart pick for easily upset complexions.
Niacinamide arrives in a useful mid-list slot and lends its usual multitasking edge. Over time the vitamin B3 derivative can encourage a more even tone, regulate extra oil and shore up the moisture barrier that acids sometimes compromise. Paired with glycerin and low weight hyaluronic acid, two humectants that blanket the outer layer in water, the serum keeps skin feeling plush instead of stripped.
The namesake egg white extract contributes albumen proteins that give skin a temporary tightening effect and a soft, plush finish. Because this ingredient is sourced from eggs the formula is not suitable for vegans though ovo-lacto vegetarians may feel comfortable using it. Everyone else will simply enjoy the quick blurring effect it lends.
Allantoin and betaine follow as calmers, stepping in to soothe any micro-irritation that can arise from exfoliation. A supporting cast of centella asiatica, houttuynia cordata and chestnut shell extracts add a light antioxidant nudge. Very low levels of salicylic acid are also present which may explain the small reduction in forehead shine I experienced.
On the potential downside there are a few oils with a medium comedogenic rating such as argan and sesame plus the emollient isononyl isononanoate. Comedogenic simply means an ingredient can clog pores in some people, usually those already prone to congestion. The risk is minimal here due to the lightweight texture but if you are extremely reactive patch testing is wise.
Bergamot oil appears near the middle of the list, a fragrant essential oil that can be sensitizing for some. Although the amount is tiny those with very sensitive skin might notice a faint citrus scent and should monitor for reactions.
Finally a pregnancy note: while PHA and the trace BHA are generally considered mild, many dermatologists still suggest avoiding exfoliating acids during pregnancy unless cleared by a healthcare professional. If you are expecting or breastfeeding ask your doctor before adding this serum to your routine.
No drying alcohols, parabens or silicones round out the positives, making the ingredient deck well balanced for daily upkeep without drama.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown of strengths and caveats.
What works well:
- Light watery texture absorbs almost instantly so it layers cleanly with the rest of a routine
- 5 percent PHA gives gentle, consistent exfoliation that smooths without irritation even on sensitive days
- Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid maintain a comfortable moisture cushion, keeping post-application tightness at bay
- Noticeable, if subtle, softening of fine bumps and midday shine over two weeks of use
What to consider:
- Pore size improvement is modest and may not satisfy those looking for a more dramatic blur
- Bergamot oil plus a few medium weight plant oils could pose issues for highly reactive or clog-prone skin
- Daily SPF is non-negotiable with exfoliating acids, adding an extra step some may not find worth the mild results
My final thoughts
After two weeks of twice daily use I land at a respectable 7/10 for Egg PHA Pore Serum. It is a pleasant, low drama pore treatment that earns points for comfort and ease but loses some for ambition; the brand whispers about glassy looking skin yet delivers more of a satin finish. If your complexion is easily rattled by glycolic or salicylic acid this serum feels like a welcoming on-ramp. If you are chasing a near airbrushed blur you may find yourself layering stronger actives on top, which rather defeats the purpose.
I have tested more exfoliating liquids and serums than I dare admit so I feel confident saying the formula sits in the gentle middle ground. Beginners or sensitive skin owners will appreciate its steady calm. Oilier skins can still benefit though might crave a stronger BHA for blackheads. Those already running a solid acid routine or using prescription retinoids will likely see limited extra payoff and should save their pennies.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but with the above footnotes attached. It is the kind of product I would pass along to someone tiptoeing into chemical exfoliation rather than a friend begging for an overnight pore vanisher.
If you decide this one is not quite the fit, a few alternatives I have rotated through may serve you better. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent allrounder that genuinely shrinks the look of pores across every skin type without costing a fortune. Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum offers a touch more punch for congestion while still keeping irritation in check. Dr.Jart+ Pore Remedy PHA Exfoliating Serum sits close to A’pieu in gentleness yet seems to brighten faster. Finally Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum doubles as a light hydrator so it can streamline a routine on busy mornings.
Before you slather anything new on your face please patch test on a discreet spot first (sorry for sounding like the overprotective parent at the skincare party). Remember that pore size is largely genetic and any smoothing you achieve needs consistent upkeep or it will quietly rewind itself. Steady use and sunscreen in daylight will give you the best odds of seeing the modest but worthwhile results Egg PHA Pore Serum can offer.