I tried this $64 pore-minimizing serum, and it's worth every penny

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

If you speak the language of skincare, you know that oily skin and dehydration do not mix well. And while skin and beauty experts recommend following a strict nighttime skin regime to help with the many issues that come with this skin type, the idea of using 10 products at a time just doesn't resonate with me (hey, it’s not for everyone).

Because unless you’ve lived it, you can’t possibly understand the ever-changing struggles and discomfort of having tackling adult acne, oil-clogged pores and thirsty skin at the same time. And while I actively avoid heavy facial creams and lotions, there is one step that I am on board with: serum.

Regardless of whether serum doubles as moisturizer or not is up for debate, I am personally OK with finishing my skincare routine with a good ol’ hydrating serum. Serums are made up of smaller and powerful molecules that can deeply penetrate into the skin to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients, while cream formulas just sit on the surface of the skin, making serums the must-have product for targeting specific skin concerns and it’s lightweight enough for comfort. But the key here is to find the right formula for your skin. But because my oil control more than often changes with the weather, I’ve had my share of affairs with different formulas throughout my 20s. Retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C — you name it, I’ve tried it all.

With my acne and pores at their worse condition at age 26, I’ve had the hardest time committing to just one formula over the past few months to cater to my list of oily skin concerns. The biggest issue being waking up in the morning with a face drenched in excess sebum — believe me, it’s as ugly and greasy as it sounds. But I recently came across one serum that actually—for the first time ever—check off that box from my list. Enter Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum.

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Serum

Shop it: $64, Sephora

With a whopping 40,000 loves on Sephora’s website, this serum is powered by 100 per cent natural salicylic acid (an exfoliating compound) to diminish blackheads, breakouts, clogged pores and oil.

“Best. Serum. Ever! I have very sensitive, combination skin with persistent hormonal acne and large pores. Usually, the products offered for my skin type and concerns would cause burning and blotchy red skin, but not this one!,” raves one reviewer. “It smells SO good, absorbs into my skin quickly, and causes no sensitivity. Best part is waking up every day to see that my breakouts are clearing up so nicely.”

Want more proof that this is basically a magic product? Take a look at my Instagram Story I posted a few weeks ago.

@alyjtria
@alyjtria

Formulated with a high concentration of salicylic acid, grape seed and organic essential oils, this formula helps to tighten and safely detoxify pores and reduces the appearance of imperfections, while rosewater works to hydrate the skin and enhance the skin’s radiance. Not only do I wake up with clean, matte skin, but since I started using this in the morning, it has drastically reduced the oiliness on my forehead and nose throughout the day. On top of making my skin look healthy, instantly after applying, the formula melts into the skin and works to hydrate.

If you asked me three weeks ago if I thought 30 ml is worth the high price tag, I would have said never. But unlike all the “oil and acne-controlling serums” I’ve tried in the past, this one fulfilled its promises after just one use. I can’t deny that the price is steep, but since using this product, I’ve cut back the use of blotting papers and powders.

My one complaint? I wish Caudalie could package this game-changing serum in a bigger bottle. I would buy a year’s supply.

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