The Right Korean Skincare for Pore Care｜A Guide by Type: Clogged Pores and Sagging Pores

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•06/24/2026

The Right Korean Cosmetics for Pore Care

🔍 Recommended Guide by Type: Clogged or Sagging Pores

🎯 Simply “Trying Harder When Washing Your Face” Won’t Change Your Pores

One reason Korean cosmetics for pore care are attracting attention is the growing interest in “dermatologist cosmetics” based on dermatological theories.

Cleansing is an important foundation, but on its own, clogged pores and sagging pores are areas where it is difficult to notice any change.

Pore concerns are often caused not by “insufficient cleansing,” but by 『choosing the wrong ingredients』.
Identifying your type before choosing ingredients is the fastest way to get out of pore-care confusion.

🔍 Pore care starts with “identifying your type”

Pore concerns can broadly be divided into two types. If you mistake your type, it becomes difficult to notice changes even if you continue with your care routine.

✅ ① Clogged・dark pores (strawberry nose・rough texture)

This type feels rough to the touch. The causes are excess sebum, dead skin cells, and insufficient cleansing.

Key ingredients: BHA (salicylic acid)・LHA・next-generation retinol. The basic approach is to use care that dissolves sebum and promotes skin turnover.

✅ ② Sagging・vertically elongated pores (teardrop-shaped pores on the cheeks・foundation settling into pores)

This type is more common on the cheeks and appears to sag in a teardrop shape. The causes are decreased collagen and reduced skin elasticity (aging).

Ingredients to target: PDRN, collagen, peptides, and niacinamide. This type of care aims to push the skin up from within and tighten it.

🖤 Korean cosmetics for clogged pores

Here is a selection of items for clogged pores that have been gaining attention among Korean dermatologists and ranking highly at Olive Young.

✅ AESTURA（エストラ）レジェダーム365 ポアタイトニングカプセルセラム

This product is from Amorepacific's medical beauty brand and is said to be highly regarded by Korean dermatologists. Its capsule formula targets pore tightening and is designed to be easy to use even for sensitive skin that is prone to irritation from retinol or highly concentrated vitamin C.

✅ medicube（メディキューブ）ゼロ毛穴1DAYセラム

AHA, BHA, and PHA are blended in a well-balanced formula to gently dissolve sebum plugs. It is popular among people with oily or combination skin whose T-zone becomes greasy in the evening.

✅ Anua（アヌア）ドクダミポアコントロールクレンジングオイル

A staple item that has ranked highly at Olive Young. Its non-comedogenic formula lifts and removes blackheads. It is also praised for providing soothing care with heartleaf extract.

💎 Korean Cosmetics for Sagging Pores

Vertical pores on the cheeks are an area where it can be difficult to notice changes from cleansing or exfoliation. Ingredients that target elasticity are key.

✅ SUNGBOON EDITOR (ソンブーンエディター) Green Tomato Pore Lifting Ampoule+

This ampoule containing patented green tomato extract is gaining popularity at local Olive Young stores. It is chosen for elasticity care that helps the skin look plumper.

✅ VT COSMETICS Cica Reedle Shot 300

This natural microneedle product has become a hot topic as an at-home skincare item inspired by the concept of dermatological MTS treatments. However, if your skin is irritated or you are unsure, it is safer to consult a doctor (individual results may vary).

📋 Points to Check Before Incorporating

Some Korean cosmetics contain ingredients such as BHA and retinol that may cause irritation depending on your skin condition.

✅ Check Before Incorporating

・Determine whether your pores are more prone to “clogging” or “sagging”

・If you have sensitive or irritated skin, start with a gentle formula

・For devices such as microneedles, a doctor’s assessment may be necessary depending on your skin condition

・The way effects are experienced varies from person to person

✨ Summary

□ Think of pores as two types: “clogging and darkening” and “sagging and elongated vertically”

□ For clogged pores, choose BHA/LHA-based products (care that helps clear out sebum plugs)

□ For sagging, choose PDRN- and peptide-based products (firming care)

□ Estra, メディキューブ, and アヌア are the leading choices for clogged pores

□ For sagging pores, ソンブーンエディター is popular, while VTリードルショット is trending for at-home care

□ Before incorporating any products, first determine your own pore type

Products and ingredients on the shelves are completely different for “clogged pores” and “sagging pores.” Simply understanding this can help you escape the confusion of not knowing which pore-care products to choose.