Introduction
Make p:rem may not yet be a household name outside K-beauty circles, yet those who follow Korean skincare know the label consistently marries clever science with a skin-calming philosophy. The brand’s knack for pairing gentle formulations with tangible results has earned it a loyal if somewhat quiet fanbase, myself included.
Enter the rather grandly titled End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum. The name alone reads like a shopping list of ambitions and actives, which fits because the company promises plenty here: firmer pore walls, brighter tone, controlled sebum and a cooling hit of hydration, all courtesy of its hefty 10,000 ppm Vegetinol complex with bakuchiol, vegan collagen, green caffeine and a duo of B vitamins. Make p:rem also emphasizes that the formula sailed through hypoallergenic and irritation tests, positioning it as safe for the most finicky complexions.
Marketing claims are one thing, bathroom-mirror reality another, so I dedicated a full two weeks to daily use to see if this serum lives up to the chatter and merits a place in a carefully budgeted routine.
What is End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum?
End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum sits in the pore treatment category, a corner of skincare that targets the stretched openings created when excess oil, dead cells and reduced skin elasticity collide. Pore treatments aim to firm the pore walls, regulate sebum and, in the best cases, add a dose of brightness so the surface looks smoother overall.
This particular formula is a water based serum built around 10,000 ppm Vegetinol, the brand’s plant driven complex that pairs bakuchiol with vegan collagen and green caffeine. The trio works on two fronts: bakuchiol and collagen support elasticity so pores hold their shape while caffeine gives a mild tightening sensation. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) step in to curb oil flow and soften the dark plugs we label blackheads.
Although the ingredient list reads lengthy, the serum has cleared both hypoallergenic and irritation tests which signals it was designed with sensitive skin in mind. Make P:Rem promises a lightweight, refreshing finish that keeps the skin comfortably hydrated and pleasantly cool, positioning the product as a daily option for those who want clearer looking pores without the sting or dryness that often accompanies stronger actives.
Did it work?
In the spirit of high level dermatological research (read: me in my bathroom), I benched my usual pore treatment for three full days before starting End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum. Fourteen days felt like a fair test window and, yes, I reminded everyone in my house how incredibly scientific this sacrifice was.
I slotted the serum in twice daily after cleansing and before moisturizer. One full dropper covered face and neck easily and I patted until the faint minty coolness settled. Right off the bat the texture impressed me; it absorbed faster than most glycerin heavy formulas yet never left that dry tight film some matte finish products do.
Days 1 to 3: hydration was the star. My cheeks stayed comfortably plump even under office air conditioning and I noticed less midday shine across the T-zone. The “tightening” sensation was subtle, more of a gentle lift than a dramatic snapback, but it did make makeup sit a little smoother on my nose.
Days 4 to 7: the caffeine plus niacinamide combo began to show itself. Sebum production dialed down enough that blotting papers remained mostly untouched until late afternoon. Blackheads on the tip of my nose looked slightly lighter though pore size was unchanged when viewed in unforgiving bathroom lighting.
Days 8 to 14: results plateaued. Texture stayed refined and oil control held steady yet my pores never truly appeared smaller. On the bright side there was zero irritation, no flaking and no angry red flares along the jawline which often happen when I flirt with stronger actives. The gentle approach is real here.
So did it deliver? Partially. End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum kept my skin hydrated, calmed excess oil and gave a mild brightening lift to blackheads but it fell short of the firmer pore walls promised in the marketing copy. I appreciate the comfort first formula and would happily recommend it to anyone battling shine who also has reactive skin. For my own lineup, though, I will stick with stronger acid based treatments and keep this one filed under “pleasant fling I might revisit when my face needs a break.”
Main ingredients explained
The headline act is Vegetinol which pairs bakuchiol with what the brand calls vegan collagen plus a dash of green caffeine. Bakuchiol has gained fame as a gentler retinol mimic that encourages cell turnover and boosts elasticity without the stinging or peeling that vitamin A often triggers. Its partner “vegan collagen” is produced through fermentation rather than animal tissue so vegetarians should be satisfied. Strict vegans may still want written confirmation because the INCI also lists generic collagen extract and soluble collagen, terms that can hide fish or bovine origins in other formulas.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) sits high on the list at a skin-loving 2-5 percent range. It helps regulate sebum, fades post-blemish marks and strengthens the barrier so the complexion stays calm instead of reactive. Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) rounds out the B-vitamin duo by supporting healthy skin metabolism while giving the serum its faint pink tint.
Caffeine occurs twice, once in its standard form and again embedded in the green coffee component of Vegetinol. Topically it acts as a mild vasoconstrictor to reduce redness and can temporarily tighten the look of pores. Paired with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, the serum avoids the evaporation-induced dryness that straight caffeine formulas sometimes cause.
A supporting cast of panthenol, beta-glucan and allantoin keeps irritation at bay. They cushion the exfoliative nudge from bakuchiol so even sensitive skin types should manage regular use. Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot and eucalyptus are present mainly for scent. They are used at low levels yet could bother fragrance-reactive users so patch testing is still wise.
As for breakout potential, the formula earns a fairly low comedogenic score. It is silicone-free and mineral-oil-free though cocoa extract and hydrogenated polyisobutene register a 2 on the 0-5 comedogenicity scale which means they can clog pores in very oily or acne-prone skin. “Comedogenic” simply refers to the likelihood of an ingredient to block pores and trigger comedones, the whiteheads and blackheads we all dread.
Pregnant or nursing readers should know that bakuchiol lacks the proven risks associated with retinoids yet data are still limited. The essential oil blend also belongs on the caution list. When in doubt defer to your physician before adding any new topical.
The serum is free of alcohol, parabens and artificial colorants, plus the pH sits in a skin-friendly 5.5-6.0 window which helps the actives stay effective without upsetting the acid mantle. Overall the ingredient deck balances science-backed performers with comfort-first soothers making it suitable for most skin types including sensitive ones.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after two weeks of steady use.
What works well:
- Light, cooling texture sinks in fast so it layers easily under sunscreen and makeup
- Noticeable oil control by day four with no dryness or tight afterfeel
- Gentle formula stayed kind to my reactive cheeks even with twice daily application
- Subtle brightening of blackheads makes pores look cleaner and makeup sit smoother
What to consider:
- Only mild visible tightening so those chasing dramatic pore shrinkage may prefer stronger actives
- Results plateaued after the first week which could feel underwhelming for seasoned skincare users
- Price per milliliter sits on the higher side for a mainly hydrating and balancing serum
My final thoughts
Pore treatments occupy that tricky space between instant gratification and long haul maintenance so I always give new contenders a fair shake. After two weeks of consistent use End Pore Vegetinol Tightening Serum earns a solid 8/10 in my notebook. It is dependable for moderating oil, lending a soft cooling effect and gently brightening congestion without provoking irritation. If your goals lean toward keeping shine in check while treating your skin kindly this is a smart pick. If however you are chasing dramatic pore shrinkage on a tight timeline you may crave something with heftier acids or retinoids.
I would recommend it to friends with combination or sensitive skin who dislike the dryness that often tags along with stronger formulas. Those already loyal to high-strength BHA or prescription retinoids may find it too mild for their tastes though they could still appreciate it as a calming intermission product.
For readers weighing options I have road tested plenty of similar formulas and a few standouts deserve mention. Poreless Perfection Serum by Deascal is an excellent allrounder that balances oil and visibly refines texture at a friendlier price. Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum brings a plant based AHA-BHA combo that nudges cell turnover a touch faster. Dr.Jart+ Pore Remedy PHA Exfoliating Serum offers a gentle chemical polish with added hydration making it ideal for beginners. Lastly Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore Minimizing Toner pairs salicylic acid with barrier loving squalane so you get clarifying benefits without the usual sting.
A quick reality check before you whip out the credit card: any pore product requires patience and ongoing use to maintain results. Always patch test first please – sorry to sound like an over-protective parent but a small dab behind the ear today can save a full face freak-out tomorrow. Consistency, not miracles, is the name of the game.