Oh, retinol! I can probably sing praises to this popular active ingredient for days, because it’s that amazing. There are few companies that hadn’t included it in at least one of their anti-aging products, while some even specialize on it [kind of like some brands are known for their AHA formulas]. Today I am sharing my thoughts on StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner that promises to address both shine and enlarged pores, which are the main concerns for people with oily and combination skin types [yay, that’s me!].
Here’s the skinny:
This potent pore-minimizing lotion helps refine the appearance of enlarged pores while purifying, tightening and reducing the appearance of pores. As it hydrates and smoothes skin texture, it absorbs excess oil to control shine throughout the day for a fresher, mattified and youthful looking appearance.
So, in theory, this is the ultimate skin perfector for my complexion, but does it actually work? I tested it for a few weeks to find out!
The first thing I noticed is the lack of irritation that I normally associate with retinol. My skin felt simply smooth, primed, and matte without any excessive dryness or discomfort. The concentration of retinol is not listed anywhere, but a fellow blogger reached out to the company and they confirmed that the amount is 1%. Just enough to make a difference while still being gentle!
Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner is one of those products that you see results from immediately after the first application. StriVectin recommends using this finishing treatment as a final step of your skin care routine, and yes, that means putting it on top of sunscreen if necessary for that perfect matte finish. Quite unorthodox, if you ask me, but I gave it a try and was not left disappointed.
My pores are looking much tighter these days, and cleaner, too. I also really love the instant mattifying effect, but I am still iffy about applying it over sunscreen, since I’m a creature of habit. All in all, I believe Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner is one of those products I will keep reaching for over and over, because it seems to work well without irritating my skin.
WHERE TO BUY: $99 USD for 1.7 oz. Available at Ulta, Nordstrom, StriVectin,
Have you tried pore-minimizing products before? Let me know in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features products received for editorial consideration and may contain affiliate or referral links. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
I don’t have large pores but I love this product for the retinol! It’s a keeper!
Yay, retinol for life! It’s definitely one of my favorite ingredients in skincare 🙂
The mattifying properties would make this a great option for me. Too bad it has retinol. I stay away from that for now.
Bummer that you can’t use this one, because it really is quite nice. But I’m sure there is a great treatment out there without retinol.
Wow, happy to hear that there’s a pore refiner that works.
I’m generally very happy with StriVectin products, so I had high hopes for this one!
I’m digging this treatment. I have to really slather on the moisturizer when I use this, as it can be a little drying to my already #driedoutoldhag face but it’s good stuff, so it’s worth the extra effort.
Woot, that’s great news Erika! I need to use some extra moisturizing love when I use it, too, but the result is so worth it!
I have this and haven’t tried it yet, hope it’s not too drying for me.
I hope your skin can tolerate it, after all, the concentration of retinol is only 1%. Let us know how it went!
I just started using this and so far I agree with you on it!
Nice, glad you like it, too Lisa! I’ll stalk your blog in case you review it 🙂
That’s really awesome that it worked! I feel like so many pore refiners do nothing.
Many of them seem to be more primer-like, but this one actually treated my skin.
My fave way to use this is to layer over Vit C serum. I love the brightening result
Fabulous tip, Kath! I’ll have to try that method, since I have a couple Vit C serums sitting around.
I really like this product. I use it as my last step at night. I don’t even need another moisturizer with it.
Glad to hear that you are loving it too, Nidia! I still find myself reaching for a moisturizer though.
I was afraid to use this product because my skin is so sensitive to retinol but I have absolutely been loving this. 😀
The concentration of retinol is only 1%, so that probably explains why you could tolerate it.
This looks good. I love anything with niacin
Niacin and retinol are my life <3
Sounds like I need this!!!
Sounds like you do, haha! Let’s all enable each other to buy pretty things 🙂
My pores be out of control on my cheeks near my nose!
Girl, mine, too! And on my chin 🙂