Introduction
Midha may not yet enjoy the household recognition of the giants lining every beauty counter but among skincare devotees it has quietly built a reputation for formulas that punch well above their weight. I have always admired the brand’s knack for marrying traditional botanicals with modern actives and its latest launch, Pore Refining Serum, aims to keep that streak alive.
The name is refreshingly straightforward, almost like a direct promise scribbled on the bottle: pores, refined. According to Midha, this serum is designed to tighten the look of pores, sweep away debris, brighten a dull complexion and even calm the odd breakout thanks to a generous 88 percent rice water base plus gentle PHA and tannin rich kaki leaf extract. It is an impressive list of claims, to say the least.
Intrigued by the lofty promises I cleared space in my routine and spent a full two weeks putting Pore Refining Serum through its paces. The goal was simple: find out if this multitasker can truly deliver smoother clearer skin and prove itself worthy of your hard earned money.
What is Pore Refining Serum?
Pore Refining Serum is a leave-on treatment that sits in the pore treatment category, meaning it is designed to improve the look and function of pores rather than simply cleanse the surface. Pore treatments usually rely on gentle exfoliants or astringent botanicals to dissolve buildup inside pores, curb excess oil and lightly firm the surrounding skin so the openings appear smaller. They are useful for anyone who struggles with congestion, textural roughness or the stretched look that often follows years of oil production and environmental stress.
Midha’s take on this category hinges on a water-light formula that is 88 percent rice bran water. Rice water has long been valued in some Asian beauty traditions for its blend of amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins thought to promote clarity and a subtle brightening effect. Supporting that base is a mild polyhydroxy acid (PHA) called gluconolactone, chosen for its ability to whisk away dead cells without the sting that can come with stronger acids. The serum also leans on kaki leaf extract, naturally high in tannins, to give a gentle tightening sensation while tempering oil flow.
In short, this is not a spot treatment or a heavy peeling solution. It is a daily or near-daily serum meant to refine the skin’s texture over time, keep pores clear of debris that can trigger breakouts and lend a gradual radiance boost.
Did it work?
In the name of rigorous skincare science I benched my usual pore treatment for three days before starting Midha’s serum, a sacrifice my complexion did not take lightly but hey, peer review demands commitment. Fourteen days felt like a reasonable window to spot real change so I slotted two pumps after cleansing and before moisturizer every morning and night.
Day one brought a faint tingle that faded within seconds and left a pleasant veil of hydration rather than the tightness I half expected from anything labeled “refining.” By the third application my skin looked a touch brighter, though the stubborn blackheads on my nose still waved back at me in the mirror. I appreciated that there was zero flaking; the PHA clearly understood the assignment of “gentle.”
Midway through the trial a minor hormonal breakout threatened my chin. Normally I would reach for salicylic backups but I resisted so the serum could prove its mettle. The angry bumps shortened their usual lifespan by a day or two which impressed me, though I suspect the scant 0.001 percent salicylic acid just offered moral support while the rice water’s calming properties did the heavy lifting.
Texture is where I saw the most consistent payoff. By week two the sandpapery patches around my cheeks felt smoother and foundation stopped gathering in pores along my inner cheeks. Still, the “tightened” look was subtle; you would notice it in good bathroom lighting but probably not across a dim restaurant table.
So did it keep its promises? Partly. It brightened and softened, kept new clogs to a minimum and dialed down oil by midday yet it did not deliver the pore shrinking wizardry I secretly hoped for. I will finish the bottle but once empty I will likely return to my tried and tested acid serum. That said, anyone with sensitive skin chasing gentle refinement could find a lovely, drama free ally here.
Pore refining serum’s main ingredients explained
The star of the blend is 88% rice bran water, a nutrient rich base loaded with amino acids, vitamin B and trace minerals that give skin a gentle brightening push and help soothe the redness that often travels with active breakouts. Because rice water is naturally abundant in antioxidants it also lends a bit of environmental protection, a welcome bonus for anyone commuting through city smog.
Next up is niacinamide at what feels like a mid range percentage judging by the quick improvement in tone during my test. This multitasker reinforces the skin barrier, tamps down excess oil and has a respectable track record for softening the look of enlarged pores when used over time. Working alongside it is gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that loosens dead surface cells while attracting water molecules. Unlike the stingier alpha hydroxy acids PHA molecules are larger, so they exfoliate without burrowing too deeply and upsetting sensitive skin.
Kaki leaf extract provides a hit of tannins that deliver the light tightening sensation I mentioned earlier. Think of it as the plant world’s version of a very polite astringent. To keep that firming action from tipping into dryness Midha added a buffet of hyaluronic acid weights plus glycerin, betaine and panthenol, all of which pull water into the upper layers for a plush hydrated feel.
The formula does contain a handful of supporting actives worth a quick nod. A whisper of salicylic acid (0.001%) offers oil soluble exfoliation, caffeine rich coffee seed extract perks up sluggish circulation and grape seed plus green tea extracts add antioxidant backup. PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil sits in the mix as a solubilizer; it carries a moderate comedogenic rating so if you are highly prone to clogs keep an eye on how your skin responds. A comedogenic ingredient is one that can potentially block pores and trigger breakouts in certain individuals.
Ingredient lists often raise lifestyle and safety questions so here are the need-to-knows. All components appear to be plant derived or lab synthesized with no animal byproducts, making the serum suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. There is no added fragrance or essential oil which bodes well for reactive skin types. On the pregnancy front the concentration of salicylic acid is extremely low yet many dermatologists still advise limiting even mild exfoliants while expecting or nursing. If that applies to you, get your doctor’s approval before joining the rice water party.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick rundown after two weeks.
What works well:
- Water light texture sinks in fast and layers easily with other serums and creams
- Gentle PHA and rice water combo smooths rough patches without triggering redness or flakes
- Noticeable oil control and subtle brightness make skin look fresher by midday
- Formula is fragrance free, vegan friendly and buffered with multiple hydrating agents so even reactive skin stayed calm
What to consider:
- Pore tightening effect is mild so anyone seeking dramatic blurring may feel underwhelmed
- PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil carries a moderate comedogenic rating and may not suit those who clog easily
- Results arrive gradually which could feel slow given the mid range price point
My final thoughts
After two weeks of twice daily use I can say Midha’s Pore Refining Serum earns its 8/10. It did enough smoothing and oil taming to stay in my rotation yet it stopped shy of the pore blurring magic the marketing teases. That is not a deal breaker because finding a pore treatment that refines without irritation is trickier than it sounds and this formula walks that tightrope gracefully. I have tested dozens of similar serums and toners over the years and gave this one a fair shake, sidelining my usual acids so it could take center stage. If your skin is on the reactive side or you simply want a gentle maintenance serum to keep texture in check this will likely delight you. If you crave instant glass skin or need a heavy hitter for stubborn blackheads you may want to pair it with something stronger or look elsewhere.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat that patience pays. Consistency rather than drama is its strong suit. For context, friends with combination or mildly oily skin will probably appreciate it most while those with very dry or very oily complexions might not see the same payoff.
If you decide Midha is not quite your match I have had solid results with a few other options. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent allrounder that balances hydration and pore control at a wallet friendly price. Caudalie’s Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimising Serum offers a stronger acne fighting edge without stripping. StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum delivers a noticeable tightening effect in about a week though it is pricier. Finally Fenty Skin’s Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum sits somewhere in the middle, giving lightweight hydration and mild exfoliation in one step. Having rotated through each of these I can vouch that they bring different strengths to the table so your choice should hinge on your skin type and tolerance.
Before you rush to checkout a quick PSA: any new active can surprise your skin so patch test behind the ear or along the jawline first (sorry to sound like an over protective parent). Remember results persist only as long as you do; once you stop usership the benefits slowly fade. Stick with whichever formula you pick, listen to your skin and refine responsibly.