Rice Clove Pore Minimising Gel: Shrink Pores, Get Glass Skin

February 2, 2026 Written by GP Team

Enlarged facial pores usually result from excess oil, weakened collagen around the follicle wall, and chronic surface irritation. Traditional Asian beauty rituals turn to fermented rice water for its amino-acid-rich starches that create a subtle “shrink-wrap” effect on skin texture. Clove supplies eugenol, a natural antimicrobial phenol that calms breakout activity and lightly tightens pore rims. By replacing specialty witch-hazel distillate with widely available apple-cider vinegar (ACV), we add gentle alpha-hydroxy acids that balance pH, dissolve sebum plugs, and further refine pore appearance. Suspended in a lightweight rice-starch gel and cushioned with aloe, cucumber, green-tea antioxidants, and glycerin, this recipe delivers instant mattifying blur and a long-term path to that coveted glass-skin glow.

Ingredients Required (makes ≈ 120 g)

  • Rice starch – 2 Tbsp
  • Fermented rice water (24-hour soak, strained) – ¼ cup
  • Cloves, lightly crushed – 6 whole
  • Pure aloe-vera gel – 1 Tbsp
  • Fresh cucumber juice – 1 Tbsp
  • Green-tea extract (powder or liquid) – ½ tsp
  • Raw, unfiltered apple-cider vinegar (diluted 1 : 3 with cooled boiled water) – 1 tsp
  • Vegetable glycerin – 1 tsp

(Also have a sterile glass jar with lid, small saucepan, whisk, and fine strainer ready.)

Procedure

  1. Infuse the clove–rice concentrate
    • Gently simmer the crushed cloves in the fermented rice water for five minutes over very low heat.
    • Cover, remove from heat, and allow to steep for fifteen minutes. Strain out the solids and let the liquid cool.
  2. Cook the starch gel
    • In a clean saucepan, whisk the rice starch into three tablespoons of cool water until smooth.
    • Warm over low flame, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a glossy, translucent paste. Take it off the heat.
  3. Blend hydrators and actives
    • While the gel is still warm, whisk in aloe-vera gel, cucumber juice, and glycerin until homogeneous.
    • When the temperature drops below 40 °C, stir in green-tea extract.
  4. Finish with ACV and clove-rice concentrate
    • Slowly whisk the cooled clove-rice infusion into the gel, creating a silky, pourable consistency.
    • Fold in the pre-diluted apple-cider vinegar last to preserve its gentle acids.
  5. Package
    • Transfer the finished gel to a disinfected 120 g glass jar. Tap the base to release air bubbles, cap tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Use within ten days, as the formula contains no broad-spectrum preservative.

Instructions

  • Patch-test on the inner arm for 24 hours if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
  • After cleansing, apply a pea-sized amount onto damp face, concentrating on the T-zone and areas with visible pores.
  • Massage gently with upward strokes until fully absorbed. The starch film will set, leaving skin lightly tightened and matte.
  • Follow with a lightweight moisturiser or, during the day, sunscreen to keep skin protected.
  • Frequency: use twice daily for oily skin, or nightly for normal and combination types.
  • Weekly flash mask: spread a thicker layer, leave for ten minutes, then rinse off for an instant pore-blur glow before events.

Benefits of This DIY Gel

  • Instant optical blurring – Rice-starch film scatters light, camouflaging enlarged pores and fine lines.
  • Sebum regulation – Green-tea catechins inhibit overactive oil glands, preventing pores from stretching further.
  • Natural astringent tightening – Acetic and malic acids in ACV contract follicle rims and rebalance surface pH for a smooth, matte finish.
  • Antimicrobial defence – Clove eugenol and ACV together curb acne-causing bacteria, reducing congestion that exaggerates pore size.
  • Hydration without heaviness – Aloe mucopolysaccharides and glycerin draw water into the epidermis, keeping skin plump so pores appear smaller.
  • Anti-inflammatory calm – Cucumber flavonoids and rice-water antioxidants soothe redness, yielding an even, lit-from-within complexion.
  • Collagen support – Continuous exposure to rice peptides and clove phenols encourages firmer peripore skin over time, giving lasting refinement.

Tip: If the vinegar scent feels too sharp, steep a few mint leaves in the diluted ACV overnight before adding it to the gel—the fragrance softens while efficacy stays potent.

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