Introduction
iNNBEAUTY Project might not have the same household recognition as some legacy skincare giants, yet among ingredient enthusiasts its formulas tend to inspire the kind of giddy excitement usually reserved for a new season finale. The brand prides itself on smart science, punchy names and a refreshing lack of fluff, so when a bottle labeled “Pore Refine Serum” landed on my desk I was instantly curious.
The name reads like a direct challenge to every enlarged pore and stubborn blackhead in sight, and the company backs it up with an impressive headline: an AHA and BHA treatment designed to smooth rough texture, de-gunk congestion and visibly tighten pores. A 19 percent actives complex, a promise of improved radiance and a non-comedogenic fragrance-free base all add to the hype. According to iNNBEAUTY Project the formula works immediately and keeps getting better with continued use, while being gentle enough to avoid the dreaded post-exfoliation dryness.
Armed with equal parts optimism and skepticism I committed to using Pore Refine Serum twice daily for a solid two weeks, giving it every chance to prove whether it deserves a spot in a crowded routine and, more importantly, whether it is worth your hard-earned cash. The results were revealing.
What is Pore Refine Serum?
Pore Refine Serum is a leave-on chemical exfoliant that sits firmly in the pore treatment category. Pore treatments are products designed to loosen the mixture of oil, dead cells and debris that can stretch a pore then help skin rebuild a tighter, smoother surface. Where traditional scrubs rely on physical grit, chemical formulas like this one use acids to do the heavy lifting so the process is even and less likely to cause micro-tears.
This particular serum combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) with beta hydroxy acid (BHA) at a total of 19 percent clinically tested actives. The AHAs, led by lactic and glycolic acids, dissolve the bonds holding dull surface cells while BHA, derived from willow bark, travels deeper into the pore lining to break down oil-based congestion. The formula is water based, fragrance free and non comedogenic, which means it is less likely to trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin. Peptides, squalane, sodium hyaluronate and a handful of soothing plant extracts round things out so the exfoliation happens without stripping away moisture.
In practical terms that means the serum is meant to be used after cleansing, morning and night, followed by a moisturizer and daytime sunscreen. Regular use is intended to reduce the look of enlarged pores, smooth rough patches and give skin a clearer more even tone.
Did it work?
In the spirit of high level skincare science I benched my usual pore treatment for three full days, leaving my complexion to fend for itself so I could give Pore Refine Serum a clean slate. Fourteen days felt like a fair trial window and my very official spreadsheet agreed.
I applied two pumps on clean, dry skin morning and night, waiting a minute before sealing it in with a lightweight moisturizer. Day one greeted me with a faint tingle that faded within seconds and a subtle but welcome glow the next morning. By day three my cheeks felt smoother to the touch though my nose remained its same congested self, clearly unconvinced by the serum’s résumé.
The first true shift arrived around day six. Those stubborn little black dots on my chin looked lighter and the surface texture along my jaw had lost that sandpaper feel. I also noticed zero dryness which was a pleasant surprise given the acid level. A couple of tiny whiteheads popped up around my temples, likely a brief purge, but they vanished as quickly as they came.
Heading into week two I started to see why the brand leans on its “de-gunk” claim. Post cleanse the gunk was simply less there, especially on my forehead where pores tend to trap sunscreen. Makeup also sat more evenly, needing less strategic powder to blur bumps. That said the headline promise of visibly tighter pores remained only partly fulfilled; the pores on my nose still looked like pores, maybe dialed down one notch but far from stealth mode.
On day fourteen I stared hard in the mirror under unforgiving bathroom lighting and called it: Pore Refine Serum delivers smoother texture and a modest clarity boost but falls short of the wow factor I want before shuffling my existing routine. I will finish the bottle and happily recommend it to friends who crave gentle daily exfoliation yet fear dryness. For my own shelf though, the search for a true pore-vanishing hero continues.
Pore Refine Serum’s main ingredients explained
The headline act is a pairing of lactic acid and glycolic acid, two alpha hydroxy acids that excel at dissolving the glue between dull surface cells so newer ones can shine through. Lactic acid has a slightly larger molecular size so it works a bit more slowly giving a gentle exfoliation while also attracting water to the skin. Glycolic acid is smaller, slips in faster and encourages fresh collagen over time which can soften the look of fine lines. Together they account for the bulk of the 19 percent active complex and are largely responsible for that smoother post-wash feel.
Backing them up is beta hydroxy acid delivered via willow bark extract. BHA is oil soluble so it travels into the pore lining to loosen the mix of sebum and dead cells that likes to park itself there. By keeping that traffic moving the serum helps reduce those shadowy dots that read as blackheads and keeps future congestion from setting up camp. A 7 percent pore refining complex rounds out the clarifying squad with mastic gum, mushroom and rice extracts all of which have data showing a temporary tightening effect on pore edges and a mild mattifying finish.
Exfoliation is only half the story so the formula leans on replenishing allies too. Plant-derived squalane mimics our own sebum giving a silky cushion that offsets potential sting. Peptides such as palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and a lab grown hexapeptide signal the skin to keep collagen production humming. Glycerin, sodium PCA, sodium hyaluronate and hydroxyethyl urea pull water into the skin then lock it there so that new glow does not come at the expense of comfort. Soothing extras like Centella asiatica, chamomile and Tasmanian pepper calm any redness that acids might provoke while antioxidant rosemary and rice bran extracts add a layer of environmental defense.
The ingredient list is free of animal derived compounds so it should satisfy vegans and vegetarians. Innbeauty also stamps the formula as non-comedogenic meaning it is tested to avoid clogging pores, though purists will note the presence of caprylic/capric triglyceride which can rank higher on comedogenic scales when used at high levels. In this lightweight serum the concentration feels balanced yet anyone extremely prone to closed comedones may want to patch test first. Regarding pregnancy safety the blend includes strong exfoliating acids so the prudent route is to skip it or obtain explicit medical clearance before use.
Other quick facts worth noting: the serum is fragrance free so any scent you detect comes only from the raw materials. The pH hovers in the mid-threes which is ideal for acid performance yet still friendly to the skin barrier when paired with a moisturizer. No added drying alcohols appear on the label and every preservative used has a solid safety record. The result is a thoughtfully built formula that tries to give maximum pore payoff with minimum fuss.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of steady use a few clear strengths and quirks revealed themselves.
What works well:
- Smooths rough patches quickly with minimal sting and zero post application dryness
- Fragrance free and non comedogenic formula suits sensitive and acne prone skin while still feeling lightweight
What to consider:
- Pore size looks somewhat refined but not dramatically smaller, especially on oilier zones
- Initial tingle and brief purge may deter very reactive users
- Twice daily usage adds another active step that may crowd an already full routine
My final thoughts
Finding a pore treatment that walks the line between visible results and daily tolerability is no small feat. After two weeks of consistent use I can say Pore Refine Serum earns a solid place in that middle ground: it softens rough patches, brightens tone and chips away at congestion without stripping moisture. Its biggest gap is the modest impact on truly enlarged pores, particularly in oilier zones where those tiny craters refuse to budge. Still, I have tried enough acids, peptides and clay cocktails to know that an 8/10 score is nothing to shrug at. I would recommend it to friends who want a dependable everyday exfoliant that will not scare sensitive skin yet still makes post cleanse skin look clearer and more even. If your main goal is an instant pore blurring effect you might need to layer it with other strategies or keep searching.
For anyone weighing options, I have had hands on experience with a few standout alternatives worth considering. Deascal’s Poreless Perfection Serum is an excellent all-rounder that consistently nudges pores toward invisibility and suits every skin type at a wallet friendly price. If you prefer a liquid step Paula’s Choice Pore-Reducing Toner pairs niacinamide with a mild BHA kick for a fuss free texture tune up. StriVectin’s Super Shrink Pore Minimizing Serum delivers a noticeable tightening lift in record time, perfect before events. Those chasing a gentle fruit acid glow may enjoy Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-tight Toner which keeps skin hydrated while quietly clearing debris. Each of these has earned a repeat purchase in my own routine so you are in good company whichever route you take.
Before you dive in a quick PSA from your temporarily over-protective reviewer: patch test new formulas, especially ones packed with acids, and introduce them gradually if you already use other actives. Remember results last only as long as you keep up the regimen so consistency is key. Happy refining.