Mary Kay Timewise Pore Minimizer for oily skin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glycerin
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Average
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- HighSafety
Works for oily skin; other serums fit it better.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Offers moderate pore minimizing for your oily skin, as Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer and Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract work to refine pore appearance, while Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract provides antioxidant activity.
- Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate offer general hydration supportive for oily skin, though they do not directly address the primary concern of reducing oily shine.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
How to apply
- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before applying the next product.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive and you want to target oily shine. This helps control excess oil throughout the night.
- Avoid the delicate eye area and do a patch test before using the serum for the very first time.
People Say
★4.5Overall rating based on 100+ reviewsBased on limited data, this pore minimizer is frequently praised for refining skin texture and reducing the appearance of pores, leading to a smoother complexion. Users also find it works well as a makeup primer and has a lightweight feel. Some users note that consistent use yields better results and that it is most effective when used with other products in the same line.
Highlights
Reduces pore appearance Often Mentioned
- “Significantly reduces the visible number of pores.”
- “My pores are very minimal.”
- “It makes my pores disappear.”
Refines skin texture Often Mentioned
- “See a visibly smoother, flawless-looking complexion.”
- “My skin immediately felt incredibly smooth – like baby skin.”
- “It makes my skin feel refined—smooth, clean.”
Non-greasy/Lightweight Sometimes Noted
- “This serum has a lightweight, silky texture.”
- “Leaves no sticky residue.”
- “It absorbed quickly, almost instantly.”
Works as primer Sometimes Noted
- “This stuff works great as a primer!”
- “Helps my makeup last!”
- “It was an ease applying my liquid foundation after that.”
Best as part of set Sometimes Noted
- “Best used together for best results.”
- “Perfect after-step to microdermabrasion.”
- “Combine the power of... [the] set.”
Requires consistent use Sometimes Noted
- “You may not see immediate results.”
- “After long-term use, I noticed a significant improvement.”
- “Results get better over time.”
Limited anti-aging Rarely Noted
- “Does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines.”
- “Actives are not the most effective.”
Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, marykay.com, spicysharon.com, lemon8-app.com, whatsinmyjar.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Mary Kay Pore Minimizer work for oily skin?
Mary Kay Timewise Pore Minimizer works moderately well for oily skin, helping to refine pore appearance and providing general hydration without causing irritation. Oily skin often needs a treatment with ingredients like niacinamide and zinc PCA to control excess oil and manage shine.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily skin?
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer and Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract help refine pore appearance for oily skin, while Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate provide general hydration. To be a better fit for oily skin, this type of product needs ingredients like niacinamide, ferulic acid, and zinc PCA to control excess oil and shine.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for oily skin?
Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
What does Glycerin do for oily skin?
Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008International Journal of Toxicology, 2019
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This treatment goes in the evening routine, as a step after cleansing and before moisturizing. Oily skin also benefits from oil-absorbing powders and pore-refining extracts to properly manage excess shine.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this treatment alongside retinol by applying it after your retinol product has fully absorbed into the skin. This helps keep your oily skin feeling comfortable and hydrated without adding extra irritation. Oily skin works best with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica powders and soothing plant extracts that target shine and refine pores.
How often should I use this serum?
You can use this treatment in the evening as part of your routine. Oily skin needs a product of this type that also controls excess shine and targets pores effectively.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This treatment is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has a safe profile with no harsh ingredients and includes soothing green tea extract. However, oily skin needs targeted ingredients like oil-absorbing powders and pore-clearing acids to properly control shine and keep pores clear.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012A biomimetic mixture of Evodia rutaecarpa extract components significantly inhibited UVB-induced PGE2 release in cultured keratinocytes and reduced methyl nicotinate-induced erythema in human skin compared to bisabolol.
Journal of Dermatological Science, 2006Rutaecarpine significantly suppressed ultraviolet A-induced expression, protein levels, and gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while decreasing reactive oxygen species generation in HaCaT human keratinocytes compared to irradiated cells without rutaecarpine.
European Journal of Pharmacology, 2004The purity of evodiamine and rutaecarpine does not significantly affect their transdermal permeation through porcine skin, but lipophilic enhancers promote their transdermal rate while topical cream produces a dose-dependent analgesic effect in mice pain models.
Fitoterapia, 2012Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022
Why other serums fit oily skin better
A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo.
BioMed Research International, 2022
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Betaine, Bis-Peg Ppg-16 16 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sea Whip Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Flour, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylacrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Mica, Isohexadecane, Ceteareth-33, Titanium Dioxide, Decylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 50, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Triethyl Citrate, Lavandula Angustifolia Stem Extract Flower Leaf Lavender Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Propanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Benzoate, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract Raspberry Fruit Extract, 2-Hexanediol, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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