Introduction
Lunar Glow might not yet share the household-name status of the big derm brands but among skincare enthusiasts it enjoys a growing reputation for science-led formulas that punch well above their price tag. The company has a knack for blending nature with lab smarts and that alone earns a respectful nod before the first drop hits skin.
Enter the ambitiously titled Pore Minimising Serum, a name that all but promises to grant our complexion tiny invisible portals. According to Lunar Glow the lightweight fluid relies on fermented reishi and shiitake mushroom extracts to tighten pores while giving tired cells a regenerative nudge. Zinc PCA is drafted in to keep excess oil and enlarged pores in check and a polysaccharide complex steps up to deliver moisture and some impressive sounding anti gong properties. Naturally the brand highlights what the serum leaves out too: alcohol, mineral oil, parabens and perfume are nowhere on the INCI list.
Armed with these claims I committed to a full two week trial, using the serum every morning and night after cleansing to see whether it could make a noticeable dent in my midsummer shine and those pesky pores that love to photobomb selfies. Here is how the test drive unfolded and whether the experience justifies your hard earned cash.
What is pore minimising serum?
Pore treatments are leave-on formulas designed to make enlarged pores look smaller by balancing oil production, giving the surrounding skin a firmer feel and keeping the surface well hydrated. Lunar Glow positions its Pore Minimising Serum squarely in that category. In practical terms it is a water-based liquid that goes on after cleanser and before any heavier creams, once in the morning and once at night.
The key components are fermented reishi and shiitake mushroom extracts, which the brand credits with tightening the pore walls while nudging along cell turnover. Zinc PCA is included to help moderate sebum output, a common contributor to visibly stretched pores, and a polysaccharide complex supplies light but steady moisture. The formula skips alcohol, mineral oil, parabens and added fragrance, so it should slot comfortably into routines that have to steer clear of those substances.
In short this serum is aimed at anyone whose main concerns are shine and prominent pores and who wants a straightforward, twice-daily step that tackles both without stripping the skin.
Did it work?
In the name of highly sophisticated science I pressed pause on my regular pore serum for three full days before the trial, giving my skin a blank canvas and making me feel briefly like a lab technician in fuzzy slippers. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to watch for real change, so I slotted the Lunar Glow drops in right after cleansing and before my moisturiser each morning and night.
Day one to three impressed mostly with texture: the liquid sank in quickly and left no tacky film, something my combination skin appreciates especially under SPF. By day five my T zone looked a touch less reflective come midday, which I credited to the zinc PCA doing its oil-tamÂing job. Pore visibility, however, stayed stubbornly familiar around my nose and inner cheeks.
The halfway point delivered the first measurable shift. Under bathroom lighting those pores seemed a little more refined, not erased but softened at the edges. Makeup sat more evenly too, skipping its usual tendency to gather in tiny craters. Encouraged, I kept to the twice-daily rhythm and resisted the urge to layer on extra.
Days ten through fourteen smoothed out the initial gains rather than compounding them. Sebum levels remained steadier than baseline and the mild plumping effect from the polysaccharides kept dehydration flakes at bay during a run of muggy weather. Still, the promise of dramatically tightened pores never quite materialised. Under a magnifying mirror the openings were marginally smaller yet still very much present, like party guests who refuse to take the hint.
So did it work? Partially. The serum curbed shine, offered light hydration and delivered a subtle refinement that looked pleasant under foundation. It stopped short of the transformative result its name suggests and for that reason I am unlikely to retire my usual heavy hitters. I would happily use up the bottle on no-makeup days though, grateful for the gentle balance it brings without any irritation.
Pore minimising serum’s main ingredients explained
Front and centre are the fermented mushroom extracts. Reishi and shiitake have a long-standing reputation in Asian skincare for their beta glucan content that helps reinforce the skin barrier while lending a gentle tightening feel. The fermentation step breaks the mushroom matter down into smaller fragments so the actives can penetrate more easily, which may explain the swift comfort I felt within minutes of application.
Zinc PCA pulls double duty as an oil regulator and a mild antimicrobial. The zinc part tempers overactive sebaceous glands while the PCA (a salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) keeps hydration humming along. If midday shine is your nemesis this is the ingredient to watch and during my trial it delivered the most noticeable change.
Biosaccharide gum-1 is the serum’s moisture magnet. Think of it as a lightweight film that locks in water without suffocating the skin, leaving a softly plumped surface that helps pores appear less stretched. Betaine and glycerin back it up with humectant power, drawing water into the upper layers so there is no dryness rebound later in the day.
Lactic acid sits low on the INCI list yet is worth a mention. At modest concentrations it provides mild exfoliation that can smooth pore edges over time while staying friendlier than stronger acids. Still, anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should run any topical containing exfoliating acids past their healthcare provider first, an extra layer of caution that never hurts.
The texture owes much to pentylene glycol, glyceryl caprylate and xanthan gum which act as solvents, conditioners and thickeners so the formula feels weightless rather than watery. None of these rank high on the comedogenic scale, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores, a crucial point for anyone already battling congestion.
Collagen does appear on the roster and traditional collagen is sourced from animals, so strict vegans may wish to skip this serum unless Lunar Glow confirms a plant or yeast origin. For vegetarians it may still be acceptable depending on personal stance. Outside of that, the formula is alcohol free, mineral oil free and fragrance free which lowers the risk of irritation for sensitive skin.
No single ingredient here is a silver bullet but together they create a balanced cocktail of oil control, hydration and gentle surface renewal. If your goals revolve around keeping pores calm rather than staging a complete overhaul these actives line up nicely with that brief.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after two weeks of twice daily use.
What works well:
- Lightweight fluid absorbs fast and leaves a smooth, non tacky finish that layers cleanly under sunscreen and makeup
- Noticeable midday shine control particularly across the T zone without any drying side effects
- Fragrance free formula caused zero redness or stinging even on a reactive cheek area
What to consider:
- Pore size looks only mildly refined so those chasing dramatic tightening may feel underwhelmed
- Visible improvements plateau after the first week which could limit long term excitement
- Contains collagen of unspecified origin so strict vegans might prefer to skip
My final thoughts
Pore treatments can be fickle companions and after years of rotating through everything from acid toners to niacinamide cocktails I feel I gave Lunar Glow’s Pore Minimising Serum a fair shake. On balance it earns a solid 7/10: dependable oil control, a pleasant weightless feel and just enough pore blurring to notice in good lighting. If your goal is an everyday serum that reins in shine without provoking irritation this fits the bill. If you crave a fast track to near airbrushed skin you may want something punchier or to pair it with a resurfacing step.
Would I recommend it to a friend? I would, with caveats. My combo-skinned pals who dislike fragrance and need gentle maintenance would likely appreciate it. Friends hunting for dramatic pore shrinkage or already committed to a potent retinoid might find it underwhelming.
Of course one serum rarely has to shoulder the entire burden. For readers weighing options I have personally used and rated several strong alternatives. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that balances sebum, lightly resurfaces and plays nicely with every skin type I have tested it on, all at a wallet friendly price. Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum brings a touch more exfoliating power for those prone to congestion while still feeling gentle. Dr.Jart+ Pore Remedy PHA Exfoliating Serum offers a silky PHA based polish that can speed along texture refinement. Finally Biossance’s Squalane + BHA Pore Minimizing Toner doubles as a hydrating step and mild clarifier for anyone who likes the efficiency of a toner-serum hybrid. Any of these could serve as a worthy stand-in or rotation partner depending on skin mood and budget.
Before you rush off to stock your shelf a quick reality check. Patch test new formulas on a discreet spot first (yes I know, I sound like a fussy parent and I apologise). Keep expectations realistic, stick with consistent use and remember that pore size rebounds when you stop treating it. With that in mind may your selfies feature fewer uninvited guests and your T zone stay politely matte.