Introduction
LAB.IT may not yet be a household name outside devoted K-beauty circles but the Seoul based lab has been quietly turning derm nerds into loyalists with a steady stream of science forward formulas. The brand calls its latest launch simply “Pore Serum” which sounds almost shy until you read the brochure promising instant tightening, four-dimensional pore reduction and a brighter, bouncier complexion to boot. In short, it is marketed as a triple threat: shrinker, hydrator and tone evener backed by niacinamide, adenosine and a pinch of tannin rich botanicals.
Claims that ambitious deserve scrutiny, so I cleared the rest of my routine and spent two full weeks putting this serum to the test, morning and night, noting every change in texture, clarity and oil balance. Here is what happened and whether it deserves a spot on your shelf or just a polite nod of recognition.
What is Pore Serum?
Pore Serum is a water based concentrate from Lab.It that sits in the broader category of pore treatments. Pore treatments are formulas meant to reduce the look of enlarged pores by balancing oil, improving skin elasticity and encouraging smoother surface texture. They are usually applied after cleansing and before moisturiser so their active ingredients can reach the skin unimpeded.
This particular serum focuses on what the brand calls the four dimensions of pore size: number, area, volume and depth. Lab.It claims that a single application delivers an instant tightening sensation while continued use creates a “perfect pore environment” that feels hydrated yet firm. The formula also promises to tackle leftover dark marks in the same step thanks to the inclusion of brightening agents.
Key functional ingredients include niacinamide for tone correction, adenosine for skin soothing and tannin rich botanical extracts for an astringent effect. The texture is advertised as fresh and lightweight which should in theory suit both oily and combination skin types looking to refine texture without heavy occlusion.
Did it work?
In the name of science I benched my usual pore treatment for three full days before starting Lab.It Pore Serum, a move that made me feel like I deserved my own lab coat. I figured 14 consecutive days was a fair window to see real change, so I used two pumps morning and night after cleansing and before moisturizer, keeping the rest of my routine bland and predictable.
Right out of the gate the serum sank in fast with a mild cooling sensation and a whisper of tightness around my T zone that faded after a minute. By day three my skin felt a touch smoother to the touch but I also noticed a hint of midday dryness around the corners of my nose, nothing a dab of cream could not solve.
The first genuine progress showed up around the one week mark when the pores beside my nostrils looked a little less craterlike under bathroom lighting. Oil breakthrough at lunch was still happening yet blotting sheets came away less shiny than usual. Post acne marks on my chin, however, remained virtually unchanged despite the niacinamide content.
During the second week the improvements plateaued. Texture stayed slightly refined and foundation sat more evenly but the promised four dimensional shrink was more like a gentle nudge. I measured no difference in pore count or depth on my magnifying mirror and the brightening claim was modest at best. On the upside I had zero irritation and no new congestion which is always a small victory.
So did it work? Partly. The serum delivered a mild tightening effect and kept my skin feeling comfortably balanced yet it stopped short of the dramatic refinement I had hoped for. I will finish the bottle but I am not rushing to slot it permanently into my collection. Still, for those seeking a light starter serum that behaves well under makeup this one has its charms.
Pore Serum’s main ingredients explained
Niacinamide sits at a generous third place on the label and drives most of the tone improving claims. At 4–5 percent it can fade superficial discoloration, strengthen barrier lipids and even calm redness which is why you will often see it in both brightening and acne control products. Complementing that is adenosine, a nucleotide that boosts surface smoothness by coaxing skin cells to produce a little more collagen. Together they make the formula feel equal parts soothing and firming rather than the strict astringent approach you get from alcohol heavy pore products.
The instant tightening sensation comes courtesy of tannin rich botanicals like tannic acid, persimmon leaf and green tea stem. Tannins bind to keratin in the outermost layer causing a quick but temporary contraction that leaves pores looking smaller. Chlorella extract, beta glucan and panthenol add a hydration cushion so the skin does not feel parched once that tightening effect wears off. Multiple sugars—xylitol, trehalose and fructooligosaccharides—function as humectants to keep water locked in while sodium hyaluronate rounds out the moisture support.
On the resurfacing front there is a mild one-two punch: salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation inside the pore and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, for surface smoothing with less sting than glycolic acid. Retinol also makes an appearance near the bottom of the list. It is likely included at a very low concentration yet still helps nudge cell turnover which can gradually refine pore edges over time. Because both salicylic acid and retinol are classified as category C for pregnancy, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should clear this serum with a healthcare professional before using it.
The base is predominantly water, light glycols and silicone elastomers like polymethylsilsesquioxane that blur texture without suffocating the skin. None of the ingredients are high on the comedogenic scale though hydrogenated polyisobutene and the silicones register around a 1–2 out of 5 which means they are unlikely to clog pores for most users but could be an issue for someone extremely prone to closed comedones (tiny clogged bumps).
The formula contains no animal derived components so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, and Lab.It keeps potential irritants minimal by leaving out added fragrance and drying alcohol. The inclusion of tocopherol (vitamin E) adds a bit of antioxidant support however there is no broad spectrum preservative like parabens or phenoxyethanol so be mindful of keeping the dropper tip clean to prevent contamination.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick breakdown of its strengths and potential drawbacks from my two week trial.
What works well:
- Fresh watery texture sinks in fast and sits comfortably under sunscreen or makeup without pilling
- Gives an immediate but gentle tightening sensation that softens the look of T zone pores for several hours
- Balanced formula with niacinamide, adenosine and tannins delivers mild refining without stinging or added fragrance
What to consider:
- Pore smoothing benefits plateau after the first week so expectations for dramatic shrinkage may need tempering
- Light astringency can leave drier areas craving extra moisturizer, especially in cooler climates
- Dark spot fading is subtle which could disappoint anyone counting on it as a primary brightening step
My final thoughts
After two weeks of daily use I can say Lab.It Pore Serum sits comfortably in the middle of the pore-care pack. It performs better than a simple hydrating essence yet falls short of the dramatic transformation suggested by its marketing copy. A mild tightening, smoother makeup application and zero irritation give it genuine merit, but the plateau after week one keeps my verdict at a measured 7/10. I would recommend it to combination or mildly oily skin types who want a fuss-free serum that plays nicely with the rest of a routine. If you are chasing visible pore shrinkage for a big event or need serious help with leftover blemish marks you may want something punchier.
For anyone weighing options, I have tried dozens of similar formulas and a few standouts deserve a mention. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that consistently refines texture across skin types without the slightest hint of dryness and does so at a fair price. Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum brings dependable decongestion plus a touch of antioxidant support, making it a smart pick for city dwellers. If you prefer a more treatment-focused approach Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum offers a balanced mix of acids and soothing agents that noticeably tighten over time. Finally, Some By Mi’s Super Matcha Pore Tightening Serum is a lightweight option rich in tea antioxidants that keeps mid-day shine at bay while lending a fresh finish.
Before you dive in a quick reality check: any pore treatment, including this one, works only as long as you keep using it and none can change the actual size of pores forever. Also please patch test first even if that makes me sound like an over protective parent. A dab behind the ear or on the jawline for two nights can save you from a fortnight of redness. Your skin will thank you and so will your future selfies.