Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution Review

Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.8 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Diglycerin (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.8 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Sodium Salicylate (est. ≈0.3%),
     a sodium salt of salicylic acid, with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 30 participants (Merinville et al.). This study found that a cream containing 1% sodium salicylate reduced the average depth of periorbital wrinkles by 7% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without sodium salicylate).
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Pros & Cons of Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Rodan + Fields Pore Prep Solution to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Diglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Function:
Origin:
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Rhamnose
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polydextrose
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Amylopectin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Glucuronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Salicylate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.1
6
4
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.1 10
10.0
6
4
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.1 10
10
All humectants
17.1
6
4
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.3 2
2.5 /10 1 0.3 0.8
Total
2.8
Niacinamide
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Sodium Salicylate
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
All antioxidants 1.3 3 No
All antioxidants
1.3
Niacinamide
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
All soothing 1.6 5 No
All soothing
1.6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Diglycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
DiglycerinA powerful humectant that collects moisture, making skin feel hydrated and supple. Diglycerin is less sticky and a stronger humectant, but slower absorbing than standard glycerin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Niacinamide
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Rhamnose
Est. %1
Function
Origin
RhamnoseA naturally occurring deoxy sugar that replenishes water levels in the skin.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Polydextrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polydextrose
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
Amylopectin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amylopectin
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 CaprateA natural surfactant that softens the appearance of skin and forms oil and water mixtures.
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Glucuronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glucuronic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sodium Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Salicylate

A synthetic derivative of salicylic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.